Ma'ot Chittin
Question
What is Ma'ot Chittin?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
The custom of “ma’ot chittim” also known as “kincha d’pischa” is ancient as it can be found in the pages of the Talmud. It is a special charity collection intended to help the poor prepare for Pesach. Actually, the two terms for this charity specifically refer to matza (“ma’ot chittim” means “money for wheat” and “kimcha d’pischa” means “flour for Pesach”) though all forms of assistance in both money and food are included in the mitzva.
Indeed, it is actually an obligation for everyone in the city to contribute money to the poor people of the city. (Shaar Hatziun 429:7). The ma’ot chittim collection begins 30 days before Pesach, or in other words, immediately after Purim.
There is no set minimum amount that one is required to give towards “ma’ot chittim” though one should give at least 10 shekels. This minimum amount may not be from ma’aser money but amounts above this may be taken from ma’aser money.