Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the eternal flame that burned for eight days with only enough oil for one. During this joyous holiday, gifts are exchanged in celebration of the miracle of light.
The eight nights of Hanukkah are celebrated with the giving of small gifts, or gelt. Traditional gelt includes chocolate coins wrapped in gold, silver, and blue foil – a nod to the coins the Maccabees used to pay for the oil that lighted the lanterns. It is also customary to give books, art, food, toys, clothing, and games. As the gelt is passed out, it is typically accompanied with the phrase “Chag Urim Sameach,” which translates to “Happy Festival of Lights.”Table of Contents
What Are the Most Common Hanukkah Gifts?
Chocolate coins and Gelt
Gelt (the Yiddish word for “money”) are traditional Hanukkah gifts. This is usually in the form of foil-wrapped chocolate coins. Chocolate is popular during Hanukkah as it is associated with special foods served for the festival, such as potatoes that are fried in oil.
Dreidels
A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top embossed with the Hebrew letters nun, gimel, hay, and shin. In the story of Hanukkah, the dreidel is meant to represent the spinning top that was played with by children in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Today, it is a popular pastime, with gelt being used as currency for wagers.
Menorah
A menorah is a 9-branched candelabra and a major symbol of Hanukkah. The menorah is lit using olive oil and a wick, and each night an extra candle is added. A Hanukkah menorah gift is something that will be a sentimental and meaningful presence in a person’s home for years to come.
Games and toys
Games and toys bring a fun atmosphere to a Hanukkah celebration. Popular gifts include cards, puzzles, board games, building blocks, stuffed toys, and dolls. During the festive season, it is customary to exchange little presents with friends, family and neighbors.
Clothing
As a form of dress is an important custom, clothing is one of the best gifts for Hanukkah. A nice item of clothing is something to be appreciated and enjoyed. Jewish clothing is usually accompanied by blessings or enlightening verses such as verses from Psalms.
Hanukkah is a time of rejoicing, and a great way to show your appreciation and joy is by giving gifts. Whether it be a chocolate coin, a dreidel, a menorah, a toy, or a piece of clothing, the giving of gifts during Hanukkah is a great way to bring joy to your friends, family, and neighbors. As part of the tradition, it is essential to remember the true spirit and message of the holiday, which is to rededicate oneself to a commitment of faith in God and to show appreciation for the miracle that happened in rededicating the temple.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.