Mishloach manot (Hebrew: משלוח מנות, pronounce "mish-LOH-ach mah-NOTE," literally, "sending of portions"; also spelled mishloach manos and sometimes shortened to shalach manos), are gifts of food or drink that are sent to friends, relatives, neighbors, teachers, business associates, and any other acquaintances on Purim day. The mitzvah of giving mishloach manot derives from the Book of Esther. It is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast held later in the day, and to increase love and friendship among Jews as a counter to Haman's assertion that the Jewish people are characterized by strife and disunity.