Gift Giving

Giving gifts on HanukkahThe holiday which celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its conquest by the Syrians in 165 BCE. The holiday is celebrated by lighting candles in a hanukiyah oon each of eight nights. Other customs include the eating of fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts), playing dreidl (a gambling game with a spinning top), and, in present day America, gift giving. has become common practice for many American Jews, especially those with children in their households. Many of us struggle with how to do this well—we want to give generously and joyfully, but we don’t want Hanukkah to lose its deeper meaning to the rampant materialism that haunts America’s holiday season. In this section we offer ways to give with an open hand and a heart full of intention.