Why Do Kids Get Chocolate Coins on Religious Holidays?
You may have seen chocolate coins in bright gold and silver colored wrappers in the stores around mid-winter. Unless you’re Jewish, you might not have known what these coins were for. While they’re simply a tasty treat for the rest of us, these coins are a part of the Hanukkah celebration for Jews – they’re called gelt, which is Yiddish for money. Gelt is often given out to children to help them enjoy the holiday. Sometimes the gelt is in the form of real coins – the equivalent of stocking stuffers – and larger gifts of money from grandparents. Gelt given in Israel is called dmei Hanukkah. In addition, those who visit Hasidic Rebbes during the season may receive coins, as a blessing. However, there’s also chocolate gelt. Modern chocolate gelt can look like current coins or like antique ones. Each gold or silver wrapper is stamped to look like a coin, complete with a face side, tail side and writing. The chocolate beneath is similarly stamped. Little bags of these confections can be eas
