<html>
<body>
Apparently not everyone agrees with what Hakhel sent out today about
giving gifts on Chanukah, namely,<br><br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""><font size=3><b>GIFTS?
</b>HaRav Ezriel Erlanger, Shlita, points out that one of the greatest
lessons Yaakov Avinu taught us in his encounter with Eisav was to avoid
Eisav and that which he represents to the greatest extent possible.
Yaakov did not seek to be hurt by Eisav, nor did he seek his
friendship. HaRav Erlanger continued that while <i>Chanukah Gelt
</i>is a holy minhag, the concept of Chanukah gifts is one that is taken
from Eisav--and one that we must avoid. </font></blockquote><br>
The following is from
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/ar67szt" eudora="autourl">
http://tinyurl.com/ar67szt</a><br><br>
<font size=3><b>Question:<br>
</b> <br>
<b>Where is the makor in minhagim seforim or even Halacha to give gifts
on Chanuka? <br>
<br>
I strongly believe it is none other than chukas hagoyim one hundred
percent. <br>
<br>
Chanukah gelt perhaps has a source, however, this business of giving
gifts? Where does that originate from?<br><br>
I am hoping that perhaps you can change my
opinion.<a name="LETTER.BLOCK6"></a><br><br>
Answer:<br>
<br>
The Poskim discuss this and conclude that it isn't a problem of Chukas
HaGoyim, as in all likelihood the Goyim's minhag of giving gifts on their
holidays was taken from us and not vice versa. (See Emes L'Yaakov from
HaRav Yaakov Kamenetsky Zatzal Siman 670 in the footnote.)<br><br>
The Ponovezh Rav, Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman Zatzal said that after the
Greeks forbade the Jewish children from learning Torah, their parents had
to "bribe" them with gifts to get them to learn once again.
<br><br>
Giving gifts on Chanukah commemorates that aspect of the Chanukah
miracle. Indeed, children should be told when receiving gifts that it is
for this reason and that they are expected to increase their Torah
learning because of the gifts. (See Sifsei Chaim from Rav Chaim
Friedlander Zatzal; Moadim Vol. 2 page 134)<br><br>
See also Shu"t Avnei Yashfeh Vol. 1 Siman 129:2 and Sha'arei Halacha
U'Minhag Vol. 2 page 283<br>
</font></b></body>
<br>
</html>