what would be a suprising chanukah gift from someone non jewish to someone jewish?

Question

what would be a good small chanukah gift for a jewish friend. like something he wouldn't expect a non jewish person would not know to get :] i already got him a great gift but it would be awesome if there would be some jewish things that would suprise him

Answer 1

Traditionally, a dreidel, menorah/chanukiah, shamesh, gelt and candles are all Chanukah related. But I'm sure you've thought of all that already, so...

If you wanted to do something special/significant, you could always get an oil burner representative of the oil burning in the temple (that would be much more unexpected).

Or, you could decorate something using the hebrew letters nun, gimmel, hey and shin (representing the phrase "nes gadol haya sham" found on the four sides of a dreidel which means "a miracle happened THERE [being Israel]"). If they lived in Israel, you would put the letters nun, gimmel, hey and pey (meaning "nes gadol haya poh" or "a miracle happened HERE"). That would be something very Chanukah-specific, and shows you made an effort.

They don't have to cost a whole lot of money to make and would be a nice sentiment to say that you respect their holiday and have made an effort to understand it. I know if someone made something like that for me, I'd be really touched :)

Try checking out the Jewish area where you live as a lot of the chain stores often have a lot of Chanukah-related stuff there. Especially if on the outside it says something like "Kosher market" that's always a good indication.

Answer 2

After reading some very good answers (and a couple that ticked me off) I figured I'd throw in my thoughts. The holiday of Chanukah is a celebration of a miracle of light as well as the celebration of religious freedom.

Because of the story of the miracle of the oil lasting 8 days, traditional foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and other fried foods. In Israel, jelly donuts are traditional. Believe it or not, some donuts are a thoughtful gift.

If you wish to stay away from food, there are many religious books that would be appropriate and interesting. Harold Kushner has written some excellent books that are thought provoking.

Jewish stores can be helpful. Personally, I collect menorahs so don't think if your friend has one, he's done. There are beautiful unique designs to consider.

Of course, anything you come up with that has good intentions behind it will be valued I"m sure.

Answer 3

I agree with some of the responders above - don't go out of your way to buy something "jewish." The most surprising part of your Chanukkah gift would be - wrap it in Chanukkah appropriate paper, insert a Chanukkah card, and give it to your Jewish friend during Chanukkah (you have until Friday 12/22/06 on the gregorian calendar). That alone, from a non-Jewish person, would be surprise enough (smiling).

Answer 4

Unless they are overly religious, just get them something that fits their personality and forget about religion.
I have Jewish and Christian friends and NEVER consider that unless they are devoutly religious then I think of that ONLY when I cannot come up with something that 'fits' their personality.

I would NOT go with the yamukah idea others suggested, people are particular and if they ARE religious, well then they already have one! Same thing with a menorah...very personal choices go into those, so don't even go there, again they will already have one!

Go with the personality of your friend or co-worker, or whoever it is. If its a secret giving thing and you don't know them, then go gift certificate for the movies or something of that nature.

Good luck :)
Kel

Answer 5

I'm not sure what you mean. It's really not approprite to buy personal jewish items. That would be like him buying you a cross or a nativity scene. I got my my daughter a CD she wanted and my other daughter a game. Gifts do not have to say "I'm a Jewish item"

Answer 6

Is there a store in your area that sells Jewish religious items? If so pay them a visit, if you have trouble finding something your friend might like ask a salesperson for help.Good luck!!

Answer 7

I think that the book "Eight Nights of Light, Eight Gifts for the Soul" would make a perfect gift for him. Any Jew of an background would appreciate it.
http://leviathanpress.com/details.cfm?Group_ID=-7&Product_ID=41

Answer 8

Lots of good ideas at this site:
http://www.zionjudaica.com/

Happy Chanukah!

Answer 9

Debbie Friedman live at Carnage Hall CD.

Answer 10

Chocolate gelt, a chanukkia, or a dreidl would be good Jewish hanukkah gifts