Question
What is “ma’os chittim” and why do we make this contribution before Passover?
Answer
Since God does not want you to enjoy the Passover without helping the poor enjoy it as well, the Rabbis created a custom that Jews should set aside money to help the poor of their community buy matzah, wine, and food for the week of Passover. If there are no poor in your community, money can be sent to the poor in Israel. This custom is mentioned in the the Jerusalem Talmud.
Rabbi Meir Goldberg