Natasha 53 is a Serbian Christian nun serving in the Russian monastery on the Mount of Olives. Natasha decided to give up her career as a pharmacist and her passion for karate and karaoke to join the monastery at the age of 41. Jerusalem, Israel, 2012.

It is a positive rabbinic precept to give two gifts for gifts to two poor people on Purim, one gift to each poor person. Even a poor person who himself subsists on charity is obligated in this requirement. This obligation can be fulfilled through any type of gift: money, food, drink, or clothing. Optimally, the gift should be substantial. If the gift is money, the amount should enable the poor person to purchase bread sufficient for at least one meal. The gifts should be given during the day of Purim rather than at night. It is proper to give them after the reading of the Megillah. One should not give these gifts from money which has been set aside for donating to charity. However, one may add a small amount to the money which was set aside and then give the larger amount to the poor so as to fulfill the obligation. Money which one has designated for giving to the poor on Purim may not be given to another charity. The obligation of giving gifts to the poor on Purim does not free a person from his general obligation to give charity. Even poor people are required to give charity at least once a year aside from their obligation to give gifts to the poor on Purim. Boy awaits a donation during the festival of Purim. Jerusalem, Israel, 2012.

Jewish man at a cafe in the Jewish Quarter of old Jerusalem. Israel, 2012.