From an Emailed newsletter
PIP – Purim is Pashut
We are happy to publicize the following program instituted by Rabbi Ron Yitzchok Eisenman of Congregation Ahavas Israel, Passaic, NJ:
Rabbi Eisenman writes, “One of the particular areas of concern for me on Purim is the problem of the proliferation of mishloach manos. The issue is disconcerting for many reasons.
1. The Rambam (Hilchos Megillah 2:17) writes that when given the choice, one should opt for giving more matanos l’evyonim and have a smaller seudah and give less mishloach manos. Therefore, from a purely halachik view, the emphasis of the day should be on helping those who need our help and not on sending out mounds and mounds of unwanted nosh to people who do not need our food. Indeed, the Rambam says the greatest fulfillment of simcha is when we make those of us who are less fortunate- happy. Therefore, by cutting back on our mishloach manos we can hopefully give more money to matanos l’evyonim.
2. The fact that each year people have longer and longer lists of families and individuals who they must send to (as well as reciprocity) is creating an almost impossible financial burden on many families.
3. Most of us cannot, do not, and certainly should not be consuming all of this unneeded, unwanted junk food which fill our homes on Purim. The amount which pours into the nooks and crannies of all Jewish homes – one month before Pesach – is totally superfluous and often (at best) winds up in the garbage bin, or (at worse) in the ever growing midsection of an already overweight individual.
Therefore, because of these issues and others, I have instituted in my kehilla the following program, PIP – Purim is Pashut (Purim is simple).
1. Send out the minimal amount of mishloach manos to two or three people, those who really could use it. Find someone who is not on everyone’s list, perhaps an older person or a single person as opposed to those established families who ‘everyone’ sends to.
2. A sign stating “I do PIP” is hung on the door indicating to all that this house observes PIP and one should not expect a mishloach manos in return. There is no problem of not knowing what the sign means for by someone asking, “What is PIP?” the program becomes publicized and you have the opportunity to explain why you are not returning the mishloach manos you have just received.
3. Whoever joins PIP does not expect (or even want) everyone to give them mishloach manos.
4. Those families who want to express their artistic talents through mishloach manos can be given an exception from the normal limit.
5. Children who would like to give to their moros and rebbeim are certainly encouraged to do so. However, even children are encouraged to scale down the number they want to distribute.
The day of Purim is a day of simcha and one can modify PIP to suit their particular needs. In the constant battle of attempting to alleviate some financial stress from all of us, and in the ongoing struggle to keep our lifestyles within manageable boundaries, PIP has proven to be very successful in my kehilla. You will not lose out and the rewards both spiritually and gastronomically are well worth the effort.”