Chanukah Gelt, It's that Time of Year!

Chanukah Gelt is one of the most anticipated gifts given to children during Chanukah. Gelt in Yiddish stands for money and for this reason you will usually see the stories flooded with tiny purses of gold foil wrapped chocolates to be distributed to Jewish children during the eight days of Chanukah. Chocolate coins are even used to replace money in dreidel games. While these coins are usually given out by family members, it is also a nice gift that many Rabbis bestow on the children at their synagogues. Yes, this is a great time of year for Jewish children, but what about Jewish adults? Where are their coins?

Today chocolatiers make Gelt for adults, as well as, children. Who doesn't want to dive into a pile of chocolate gold during the holidays? From chocolate truffles to chocolate covered mandelbrot, Chanukah can be a delicious time for adults with a little creativity. 

Chanukah chocolate gift baskets are great gifts during this season. Because everyone has a different chocolate preference, you may wish to find a basket with a wide variety of choosing. Dark chocolates, white chocolates, and milk chocolates can all be combined within a basket. Perhaps a basket of traditional Cholov Yisroel truffles for your loved ones, or a basket of chocolate covered fruit for the office? 

Our Chanukah baskets are great sellers this time of year. From the Chocolate Menorah Lights for a smaller group basket to the large Chocolate Chanukah Celebration baskets which are great for parties we provide as much chocolate and fun as any family or community group can handle. Kids will love the chocolate dreidels of the Chanukah Dreidel Chocolate Favorite collection while the adults in your group can enjoy the truffles and chocolate dipped biscotti, and  for a more personalized holiday gift try a Carly Q Creations box.

This Chanukah think outside the gold foil and get your family some gold they'll really enjoy. Traditions last because people constantly change and adopt new ones with new memories. Find your own tradition at Le Chocolatier.

Chanukah Chocolates and History

Chanukah Gelt is one of the most beloved traditional Jewish holiday centerpieces. Historically, this “Gelt” or “Gold” has been everything from real gold to tiny personal items. This tradition began perhaps with Maimonides who wrote: “The Greeks laid their hands upon the possessions of Israel.” The Greeks stole and defiled the possessions of the Jewish people, and in doing so, they attempted to impose their culture and possessions upon us. The gold and coins were used in an ungodly manner to enslave. What Chanukah Gelt celebrates is our freedom to channel and decide what we do with wealth and to put that wealth (gold) to spiritual pursuits. This history lecture may explain the practice of giving “gelt” but how does it explain the chocolate?

One could say that one man's treasure (gold coin) is one woman's chocolate. Over the last 80 years, Gelt became something far more tasty and enjoyable – chocolate coins! In the 1920's, American candy manufacturers introduced the gold foil wrapped “coins” into the market and a new tradition began. Within a few decades, these coins became synonymous with Gelt and are a part of most American's Hannukah traditions. Now each holiday season kids and adults alike smack their lips in anticipation. Who doesn't love getting their Chanukah Gelt? 

There is always a good reason to eat chocolate. During Chanukah, there are eight good reasons to celebrate chocolate. Make each day of the holiday a different day of chocolate. Gold coins are traditional, but there are other kosher chocolates that can be a treasure to be shared. These days we've moved a little further along to create a more stylized and tastier version of the traditional gold foil wrapped Gelt. How about dark chocolate with a hint of chipotle or sea salt? Maybe even a basket of molded chocolates designed for the holiday? Be creative. Our store sells multiple holiday gift baskets for your table or as gifts to be passed along this season. 

This Chanukah, bring a little bit of variety to your treasure by giving baskets that are as colorful and variable as the people in your life.