I want to clarify for Rabbi Stern’s benefit that I don’t mean to be the Grinch who stole Hanukkah.
Gift-giving is a fun part of the holiday, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with having some fun. The point is also well taken that a thoughtful present, generously offered, can be a truly touching expression of one’s feelings.
The difficulty can come–as it did for the parents in my office–when the emphasis is much more on the receiving than the giving–some kids relate to Hanukkah primarily as a time to grab as much loot as they can, forgetting both the giving and any other lessons of the holiday.
One suggestion that was raised is for children who receive multiple gifts to put a few aside to be donated to organizations such as Toys for Tots, so they can benefit someone less fortunate. That way, the child can have the pleasure of receiving and perhaps come to learn the deeper joy of giving as well.
'Tis Better to Give...
Wednesday December 13, 2006
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About Virtual Talmud
This blog is no longer updated and is closed for comments. We welcome your comments about Judaism in our Judaism forums.
Brad Hirschfield currently blogs on Windows and Doors.
Author, radio and TV talk show host, and President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Brad Hirschfield is the author of You Don’t Have To Be Wrong For Me To Be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanaticism. Listed as one of the nation’s 50 most influential rabbis in Newsweek, and a regular commentator on Court TV, he is the creator of the popular series, Building Bridges, airing on Bridges TV, and the co-host of the weekly radio show, Hirschfield and Kula.
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I agree with children being taught to share and be charitable to others but I don't agree that they should be compelled or shamed into giving their own gifts away to charity.
Family values: is the pipe line that leads you towords moral,respects and balance of life. Teaching of almighty rules From the period of MOses to Mohammad(peace be upon them) are the only commands for humanbeing. Whao are not followers of Holy books, they are self made being (excluding those,who were never expose to the commanment of almighty G-D)With due respect.