Is Hanukkah Gift Giving a Traditional Custom?

The Hanukkah gift giving is a new concept that has evolved out of the Hanukkah gelt giving tradition. In the past times, Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish for "money") was distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the Hanukkah holiday. (The amount given was usually in small coins, although grandparents or other relatives may give larger sums as an official Hanukkah gift. In Israel, Hanukkah gelt is known as dmei Hanukkah. Many Hasidic Rebbes distribute coins to those who visit them during Hanukkah. Hasidic Jews consider this to be an auspicious blessing from the Rebbe, and a segulah for success.)

Since Hanukkah falls on the same time as Christmas, it has led to the expansion of the gelt giving tradition to gift giving tradition. There are many different things that one can buy to present as Hanukkah gifts such as a Hanukkah menorah, Hanukkah decorations or just year round productss such as Jewish books or ordinary Judaica. You might also want to give an exquisite Hanukkah gift baskets.

Cold weather is coming along and this means Chanukah shopping is around the corner.

With the Succot holiday gone, one can only think of the next Jewish Holiday to seek some comfort in these cold days. As much as this warmth derived from holidays was needed in the past, this year with the economic turmoil and uncertainty it can be even called a life saver.

How I wait for the Chanukah days! For the days that I will be able to sit next to the Chanukah candles and mesmerize the ambiance radiating from these wonderful Menorah Candles.

What is so wonderful in the Hanukkah Candles that gets me and all other Jewish people feeling uplifted? I will do my research and write down my findings in the upcoming days. However, off-hand, it's the candles that symbolizes the victory of the Jewish people over the wicked Greek Empire that gets us in a high spirit. A spirit that can warm us even in these trying times.