Hanukkah gelt

Hanukkah gelt is a special tradition during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The word "gelt" comes from the German word for money, and it refers to the gifts of money that are often given to children and sometimes to teachers. These gifts are usually given during the happy celebration of Hanukkah.

Traditionally, Hanukkah gelt was real money, but in the 20th century, candy companies began making chocolate coins wrapped in gold or silver foil. These chocolate coins are now a popular substitute or addition to real money gifts, making the tradition even more fun for children.

One popular activity that often goes along with Hanukkah gelt is playing the game of Dreidel. This simple game with a four-sided spinning top is a fun way for families to enjoy their Hanukkah gifts together. Hanukkah gelt adds an extra layer of joy and excitement to this wonderful holiday.

History

The tradition of giving money, called Hanukkah gelt, to children dates back many years. It began in the 1600s among Polish Jews who gave money to children to share with their teachers. Over time, children kept some of the money for themselves, and even teenage boys started receiving gifts. Rabbis supported this custom because it helped spread the story of the Hanukkah miracle.

In more recent times, chocolate coins have become popular as Hanukkah gifts. In the 1920s, an American candy company named Loft’s created the first chocolate gelt, wrapping it in gold or silver foil to look like real coins. Today, many chocolate Hanukkah coins come from companies in the Netherlands and Israel, with special gourmet versions made around the world.

Main article: Chocolate coin

Customs

During Hanukkah, parents often give children chocolate coins called gelt to enjoy and play with, especially with the dreidel game. Besides chocolate, some families give actual money as Hanukkah gifts, with many parents in Israel doing this. In Hasidic communities, special leaders called Rebbes give out small coins to visitors as a blessing for good luck.

Since Jewish law says money cannot be handled on the Sabbath, the timing for giving Hanukkah gelt can vary depending on the day of the week.