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All rabbinical commentators agree that the light of Hanukkah candles can not be used to our advantage – we are not even allowed to use the light of the flames for reading in a dark room.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
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Preschool celebrations in Hanukkah, handmade menorahs against fire hazards, brought home by young children who still have candle holders much larger than the size of a candle. For some of us, it is as if Chanukah had already begun. For me, the official start was when my office manager brought a box of sufganiot; that the calorie count begins!
Because of its importance and the few requests I have received from parent coaches, I will repeat a theme that I write each year and this is the best way to use Hanukkah to teach children the habits of responsible money.
Last week, consumers around the world were blitzed with Black Friday and cyber Monday commercials. Last week, my column focused on the financial disadvantages of Black Friday. It is clear that Israel has adopted this principle and that everywhere you have turned, there were black Friday sales. We were asked to take out our plastic and start shopping because, well, everything is on sale. Do you need the article? Can you afford it? It's okay it's a black Friday door and you can still pay with a debt!
The proximity of this shopping trip with Hanukkah can remind us that we need to educate our children (perhaps also ourselves) about money. After all, what kind of message does it send to our kids when the pinnacle of the year for their parents, when they manifest the most enthusiasm and pbadion, is for shopping? Of course, it's not just Black Friday. Children are confronted with very negative messages about money. Spend money, buy things and you will have happiness. We are continually being sold the fantasy that more and more things bring happiness. But that's just not true. After all, how many of us have cupboards filled with toys that our kids "needed to have" before finding them sitting covered with dust.
We must fight the current culture of fiscal irresponsibility and teach our children the proper role of money. I understand that it is not easy, after all, from the government, to spend money has become a global pastime.
Start teaching using the message found in Hanukkah Gelt!
Qu & # 39; he teaches?
There are many opinions on the reason for being Hanukkah. According to the Avram Magen, the custom of giving a gelt to Chanukah allowed the poor to obtain the money needed to buy candles without feeling ashamed.
Why Hanukkah Gelt?
I have another answer. The concept of giving a gelt to Hanukkah is explained in a pbadage of the Jewish Code of Law (Shulhan Aruch), in which it is written: "It is forbidden to profit from the lights of the Hanukkah menorah … even from using light counts your money. "
We can ask why the phrase "count your money" is used here specifically. The reason is found in the word Hanukkah, which is the root of the Hebrew word chinuch, education. Chanukah is a time when we celebrate the Jewish people who prevail over the Greek Hellenists, who sought to destroy the Jewish people spiritually. Today, this culture is based on consumerism and instant physical gratification. It poses a threat to our existence today, like Hellenism for the Jewish people at the time. The symbol of this culture is money.
A child needs to know where the money comes from. For a child, it seems that money is always available. When their parents run out of money, they just put a small machine in the wall, give some numbers and take out more. It's magical.
For this reason, the first thing to say to our children when they receive Hanukkah gelt is to show charity. Then we should talk to them about savings. Ask your child why she would like to use her money. If she wants to buy an X-box or a bike, explain to her that she should save her money. Children need to understand that money is earned through honest and hard work. With older children, one can discuss long-term savings. The money earned while babysitting or waiting can be invested.
For this reason, we give Hanukkah a gelt to educate our children on the importance of showing charity and doing well. They must learn that this money should be used for constructive purposes and that looking for money on its own behalf is not the purpose of our existence. On the contrary, the reason we have earned money is to use it for positive purposes that will benefit other people.
Teaching our children good financial habits is a good way to repel the forces of modern Hellenists and to integrate Hanukkah's message.
The information contained in this article reflects the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or any of its affiliates.
Aaron Katsman is the author of Retirement GPS: How to Navigate to a Secure Financial Future with Global Investing. www.gpsinvestor.com; [email protected].
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