מעות חיטים

As Pesach approaches, we are meant to fulfill the Mitzva of מעות חיטים, literally, money for wheat. It is also referred to as קמחא דפסחא, which is Aramaic, and means, flour for Pesach. This was a special Mitzva instituted to help the poor prepare for Pesach. It is considered a Mitzva that is separate from our obligation to give Tzedaka. The money is used to purchase flour, wine, meat, and fish. The idea of מעות חיטים was very much connected with the concept of freedom. We were to be aware that we could not truly enjoy our Pesach Seder, knowing that we haven’t done our share to help the poor. This is very much in line with the prayer that we say before the מה נשתנה at our Seder, titled, הא לחמא עניא, this is the bread of affliction. Therefore, מעות חיטים is not only a commandment to give money, but it is teaching us to be considerate of others.