Mishloach Manot By Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld

On my neighbor’s doorstep
I left a brown paper bag.
In it, I put two hamentaschen,
a clementine,
some chocolate pretzels,
and a small box of raisins.
To increase peace, love, and
friendship in the world,
obviously.
And then I walked away
feeling lighter,
unburdened,
the weight of endless obligation
lifted
for a moment.

You are permitted
to give and then walk away.
There are limits.
You may close your door,
your hand, your heart.
You can do all these things and
you will.
You must, actually.
But you may not bless
The closed door.
You may not turn your back
and say amen.