Making Chanukah Gifts More Meaningful

We’re only one month away from spinning dreidels, eating sufganiyot, telling stories about the Maccabees and, of course, opening presents.

With the High Holidays behind us and Chanukah right around the corner, families around the world are thinking of the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Last year, Frozenmerchandise reigned supreme, with Annas and Elsas flying off the shelves. In 2010 it was the Apple iPad that topped the list and back in 2005, the Xbox grabbed the attention of children and adults alike, making its mark as a staple in many households.

These gifts are all amazing and innovative – but wouldn’t it be great to buy a gift that is both meaningful and connected to the spirit of Chanukkah? 

During Chanukkah, there is a principle of ma’alin b’kodesh, ascending in holiness. Each night of Chanukkah, we add another candle to the Menorah, until we conclude the festival with eight burning candles. The concept of ma’alin b’kodesh expresses that the Jewish people should always strive to improve themselves, attain a greater appreciation of God’s miracles, reach for even higher levels of spirituality and add light to the world.

Aside from lighting the Menorah and fulfilling the mitzvot of Chanukkah, how can an Average Avraham ascend in holiness? 

Engaging in acts of chesed (kindness), tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (social action) on a regular basis is a surefire way that we can actively participate in the principle of ma’alin b’kodesh. By bringing joy to others, we are not only raising the spirits of others, but we are also achieving a greater, personal level of holiness.

Areyvut, a non-profit organization whose mission is to spread the values of chesed, tzedakah and tikkun olam has published a 2016 AKindness a Day calendar. Beginning on January 1^st, each page of the calendar has a suggestion for an act of chesed that you can do each day of the year. Underneath each suggestion is the source from a traditional Jewish text where that action is inspired from. What can you do on February 28^th? Donate books to a school library or to children who don’t have books of their own. April 20^th? Share your mid-afternoon snack with a friend or colleague. With 366 (it’s a leap year!) ways to make a difference, the A Kindness a Day calendar inspires and motivates readers to make a difference.   

A Kindness a Day, being sold on the Areyvut website, is a gift that can help the Jewish community achieve these new levels of holiness. Not only is it meaningful, educational and fun, but it is also a helpful tool in ensuring that the Jewish people make a profound impact on the world. 

If you are interested in purchasing the “A Kindness a Day” calendar, visit www.areyvut.org/shop , email social@areyvut.org or call 201-244-6702. Each calendar is being sold for $12.95. Special discounts for bulk orders.