I’m no financial expert or money maven; I'm happy if I just balance my checkbook. But here are some suggestions on how to best invest your Chanukah Gelt.

Long before the grand shopping glitz boxed in Chanukah gifting, we used to get real old fashioned ‘Gelt’ coins on Chanukah. Even today, the traditional Chanukah coin bag will add a nice Jewish touch to the biggest box. 
Chanukah Gelt used to be nickels and dimes, maybe even a quarter; half dollar was very generous. A shiny silver dollar was so novel, kids thought they minted it especially for Chanukah.

Over the years, inflation pushed Chanukah Gelt up from coins into dollar bills of various denominations. Chanukah Gelt won't pay your mortgage, but its good meaning and feeling won't give you a Gelt complex.  

Unlike sweater, pajama or game presents where the choice is already made for you, Chanukah Gelt offers you options. Choose the strategy that suits you best; or diversify your Chanukah portfolio by combining several plans.

1) Liquidity: Spend your Chanukah Gelt on Nosh and candy. Chocolate coins in your pocket give you liquidity, plus the trickle-down effect.

2) If you prefer something more enduring to lock in your holiday memories, you can encase your Chanukah Gelt in plastic as a desktop paperweight, or have it laminated for your wallet. This is an investment to watch.

3) If you like to see some growth, put it into a Savings account as it is written in the Chanukah liturgy: “Thou hast performed great savings for thy people.”

4) Some invest their Chanukah Gelt in CD's- better known as Chanukah Draydels. Whether you win or lose, a draydel game generates interest. The draydel is so versatile, that it can almost stand on its head and spit nickels.

A CD can double your investment, or win the whole pot, but there’s also a risk of losing everything. Whatever happens, a spinning Draydel guarantees returns.

5) Recycle -Take the Gelt you received, turn around and give it to someone else as Chanukah Gelt. Continue the beautiful custom by sharing the Chanukah spirit with more people. Gelt isn't everything, and it’s better to give than to receive.   

6) If you're looking for an investment with a future, put your money into a Pushka charity box. Better a pushka than a selfish Piggy Bank; besides, the offering of a pig triggered the Maccabean revolution.

A charitable contribution is of Mutual benefit to both receiver and giver, and carries with it a Life benefit, for “Charity saves from death.” 

7) Invest in a Spiritual Growth Fund by promoting Torah study or Jewish Outreach. 
Options 6 & 7 also offer unlimited long term benefits, as the Talmud states: “For these Mitzvos, a person enjoys the dividends in this world, while the principal remains intact for the world-to-come: Honoring father and mother, Granting free loans, Rising early to pray, Welcoming the stranger, Visiting the sick, Assisting a bride or attending a Funeral, Thoughtful prayer, Promoting peace among people, and between husband and wife, and Torah study surpasses them all.”(Quoted in the prayerbook)

8) Bonds: US Bonds: In contrast to the Syrian oppressors who forbade Judaism, the good ol' USA promotes Freedom of Religion, and its dollar bill proudly states: “In G-d We Trust.” Or invest in Israel Bonds to support development in Israel, including the town of Modin where the Maccabees and Chanukah started.

9) Stocks: The market has its ups and downs, but let's not forget that “A great Miracle happened there.” It should only happen to us, too.

10) Lottery Ticket: It's a long shot, and the odds are against you. But the odds were also against the Maccabbees and they won. Hey, you never know!

© 2003 RabbiIsrael Rubin