Gateway to America Menorah, Maude Weisser. (NeedJudaica.com)

The great irony of Hanukkah in the United States is that a holiday that at its core is anti-assimilation became so Americanized. Though many of the traditions carried over from Eastern Europe, and even from before Europe, have remained, such as the dreidel game, the menorah, and the consumption of latkes, much has changed. The chief source of this change is the identification of the holiday with Christmas.

One significant change has been the magnitude of the holiday. In Eastern Europe, Hanukkah was a minor holiday. Here in the United States, it became one of the most well known Jewish holidays, both among the Jews and the general public. Many secularized Jews observe the celebration of Hanukkah and not much else. Celebrating Hanukkah rather than Christmas became almost a cultural symbol.

Another change was the giving of gifts rather than gelt. In the United States, many parents began giving their children presents to enhance their enjoyment of Hanukkah, much like gelt was given in Eastern Europe. Some cite the reason for this change as being a fear that their children might feel deprived at not celebrating Christmas, and desire to assimilate. Whatever the reason, this practice became widespread, and now is even practiced in many Orthodox Jewish circles. ((Wolfson, Ron. “The December Dilemma” MyJewishLearning.com))

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