In the 16th century, the term "gelt" (Yiddish for money) connected Hanukkah and currency. Teachers, valuing virtue overpayment, traveled to educate underprivileged Jews. The tradition signifies a historical link between Hanukkah and the concept of monetary value.
By the end of the nineteenth century, the famed author Sholem Aleichem was writing about gelt as a well-established tradition. In fact, he depicts a pair of Jewish brothers walking from house to house collecting Hanukkah gelt, much like current American children do for candies on Halloween.
In 2023, Hanukkah commences and concludes at sundown and runs from December 7 to December 15. The gelts, or chocolate gelts, are one of the most unique and exciting aspects of Hanukkah. Hanukkah gels are chocolate coins distributed to youngsters throughout the holiday season.
During Hanukkah, instructors received gelt, symbolizing modest compensation for dedicated Jewish education. This play on Hebrew words connected education and the holiday. Notably, chocolate, as a beverage, made its way to Europe from the Western Hemisphere during this period.