Hanukkah is one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, filled with symbolic traditions that honor the liberation of Jerusalem’s Second Temple. As with many holidays, there is a long tradition of giving gifts as part of the celebrations. What are the traditional Hanukkah gifts?
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Gelt
What Is It?
Gelt is the Yiddish term for money and has become a traditional gift for Hanukkah. Usually, coins or chocolate coins are given as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.
Who Gives It?
Gelt can be given by parents to their children, from young children to adults. It is also often given from adults to their children or to their grandchildren.
Oil
What Is It?
Oil was also a symbol of the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks. A traditional Hanukkah gift is a small, decorative bottle of oil with a special blessing for the recipient. The bottle can be kept as a memento or used during a Hanukkah celebration.
Who Gives It?
Oil is usually given as a gift from adults to their children or grandchildren. It is also often given to honor a special occasion, such as a wedding or a Bar Mitzvah.
Books
What Is It?
Books are a traditional Hanukkah gift that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. A book can be anything from a traditional Jewish text to a work of fiction or non-fiction.
Who Gives It?
Books are usually given by adults to their children or grandchildren as a way to expand their horizons and knowledge. Books can also be given among family and friends to celebrate the holiday.
Dreidels and Menorahs
What Are They?
Dreidels are spinning tops that are traditionally used as part of the Hanukkah celebration. Menorahs are special candles with nine holders, one for traditional Hanukkah candles and eight for the unusual miracle oil that lasted for eight days during the Maccabean revolt.
Who Gives Them?
Dreidels and menorahs are usually given as gifts from adults to their children or grandchildren or among family and friends.
Gifts are a special part of celebrating Hanukkah. Whether it is chocolate coins, oil, books, dreidels or menorahs, traditional Hanukkah gifts are both symbolic and meaningful and remind us of the rich history and tradition that is part of the holiday.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.