During the eight days of Chanukah, families come together to honour past miracles and bask in the comforting glow of the menorah lighting. While Chanukah may not hold the same religious prominence as the other Jewish holidays, it stands out as a time when the spirit of giving takes centre stage. Regardless of the level of religious observance, whether in a secular or Orthodox Jewish community, Chanukah sees an overwhelming surge in the act of giving presents, far surpassing any other time of the year in terms of the sheer volume of gifts exchanged. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the significance of giving gifts on Chanukah, and also provide several thoughtful gift ideas for her, him, and the children in your life.
Where exactly does this custom come from, and has it always been around?
Initially, the tradition involved gifting Chanukah gelt (ie money), which held greater significance than lavish presents. This custom originated for several reasons including:
1) Chanukah is a time when we celebrate Torah learning as the Greeks forbade Torah study. Thus, the custom developed to reward children for excelling in their studies and as an incentive to continue learning.
2) We read in the Talmud that the Chanukah lights are sacred and may not be used for any other purpose. The example given there is that one may not count money by the candlelight. Giving out Chanukah money and not counting it near the menorah is a reminder of the primacy of Torah, which is more precious than gold and silver.
3) The Maimonides writes: The Greeks didn’t physically destroy the oil; instead, they defiled it as part of their broader attempt of their aim to attempt to defile the Jewish nation. In the same vein, they attempted to infuse their possessions with Greek ideals, so that they be used for egotistical and ungodly purposes, rather than for holy pursuits. Chanukah gelt celebrates the freedom and mandate to channel material wealth toward spiritual ends. This is why we give our children Chanukah gelt; to empower them to use the monies they receive, to do acts of charity and to spend on other kosher, wholesome purposes, aligning with the values of a meaningful and righteous life.
As mass production of chocolate exploded in the 20th century, many Jewish families started to give treats of chocolate coins instead of actual money – and these foil-wrapped chocolates go by the name of Chocolate Gelt.
At around the same time, the practice of giving other kinds of special presents to kids besides money or chocolate also became common, and eventually extended to giving Chanukah gifts to adult friends and loved ones as well.
For many Jews around the world today, Chanukah means presents! This custom makes it one of the more fun and exciting holidays in the Jewish calendar. While some families give gifts just once or twice throughout the eight-day holiday, some give every night, and others have a mix of gifts and giving to charity. Some exchange presents on the first night of Hanukkah, while there’s also a specific custom of giving Chanukah gelt specifically on the 5th night – because with the way the Hebrew calendar works, the 5th night will never overlap with Shabbat, so traditional prohibitions against touching money doesn’t apply.
Now that we understand the background of gift-giving during Chanukah, let’s explore some thoughtful gift ideas for everyone in your life. Choose your favourite’s, and Sabeny will ensure they are delivered to the recipient’s doorstep anywhere across the UK!
Whether you’re shopping for your wife, mom, sister, or any special woman in your life, make her smile with thoughtful gifts that showcase your appreciation. A hand-crafted Flowering Tree of Life Menorah for a touch of elegance, a Chanukah Baking Set in a collectible tin for culinary pleasures, Chanukah Decorative Nail Art to show festive enthusiasm, or a Dreidel Earrings & Menorah Necklace Set wrapped securely in a gift box are among the many options. Click on the link below to discover more Chanukah gift ideas that will make her celebration truly memorable.
Surprise the special men in your life with gifts that reflect their unique style and interests this Chanukah. From cozy Menorahs Design Adult Crew Chanukah Socks to the Chanukah 3 Adult Socks Gift Box offering both comfort and style, there are options to keep them looking sharp. For those who appreciate tradition, the Gold Tone Chanukah Menorah is an excellent choice. And if you want to add a touch of festive flair, the Dreidels and Menorahs Faux Silk Chanukah Tie is perfect. Explore more thoughtful gift ideas by clicking here.
This Chanukah, surprise the young ones with creative and educational gifts that perfectly reflect the spirit of the holiday. There are countless ways to have fun, from the 4 Chanukah Racing Dreidels to the Chanukah Sticker Book. With the Chanukah Sing-Along Microphone, they can sing along to festive songs while sharpening their memory with the Chanukah Memory Game. Click on the link below to check out these and more fun gift ideas for kids.
Experience the convenience with our specially curated Chanukah gift boxes. Whether you’re treating yourself or your loved ones, Sabeny offers a variety of options. The Chanukah Nosh Box is a flavourful selection of delicious snacks and treats. For the little ones, the Chanu-Kids Hamper brings playful surprises to make their holiday memorable. Stay warm and snug with our Cosy Chanukah Snuggle Bundle, perfect for a cozy celebration. And for those looking to elevate the festivities, our Wine ‘n’ Dine Hamper offers a touch of elegance.
Explore our Chanukah Gift Hampers collection now and make this holiday season truly special.
Whether you prefer classic presents or seek something one-of-a-kind and deeply personal, the act of giving gifts during Chanukah brings forth not only happiness but also a profound sense of love and togetherness, making this season truly special. We invite you to explore our carefully curated selection of Chanukah gifts and necessities. Let’s make the Chanukah of 2023 an unforgettable celebration filled with warmth and cherished moments.
Don’t wait! Order now while stocks last and enjoy prompt delivery anywhere in the United Kingdom. Make this Chanukah truly special with Sabeny.
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