When I say the word “gelt,” people do one of two things: give me a weird look, or assume I’m talking about those beloved chocolate coins. But to me, the word has a different meaning: change.
The Ashkenazi tradition of gelt involves gifting real money, or more commonly, chocolate coins, to children. Most kids eat their chocolate, or use it while playing dreidel. The other half of the tradition encourages children to give a portion to charity, practicing Tzedakah, which translates to “righteous” or “justice.” It is a core Jewish belief and ethical obligation to provide financial aid to those in need. It is considered a justice, to empower others, not just generosity.
My grandparents brought this tradition to life within my family. Once you turn 6 years old, you pick a cause to give all of your gelt every year for Hanukkah. Looking back, I realize that the causes and organizations I selected to support have become fundamental pillars of my childhood. They have served as points of reflection and markers of my personal growth.
Middleton Public Library: 2016
The first year I could donate gelt was also the year the Chicago Cubs won the World Series — 2016 was a memorable year for young Shayna.
Growing up in Middleton, Wis., I quickly discovered that my public library offered much more than rentable DVD’s and computers for downloading Minecraft. I found a brand new escape: reading.
I was obsessed. From the entirety of Raina Telgemeier’s graphic-novel collection — with “Sisters” standing out as my favorite — to young-reader classics like the “Harry Potter” series and “Matilda” by Roald Dahl, I was completely immersed and entirely enamored. The idea that all these worlds and characters existed beyond my imagination fascinated me.
When I was not at school or playing with friends, I would sit on the couch with my dog and a blanket and explore the world that text in front of me built. My favorite part was exploring someone else’s imagination, a world that existed in their head before it existed in mine.
Reading became a way for me to learn and understand more about the world around me and how it was changing. It did not just entertain me; it offered perspectives on how the world was growing and evolving, just as I was. But more importantly, books showed me ways the world could be.
So, naturally, when my grandma asked, “What’s something important to you?” my first thought was the sanctuary carrying little pockets into people’s brains: my local library.
Although the $36 might not have made a large-scale change, it planted this seed: my thoughts and ideas mattered, and I could make an impact on causes I cared about.
Frosty’s Foster Animal Rescues: 2019
Growing up as the youngest of three, my dog Sushi was the “sibling” closest to my age. Spending my childhood bonding with Sushi fostered a special place in my heart for animals. When my neighbor introduced me to the foster organization she worked for, I was inspired to donate my gelt in hopes that I could help more animals find permanent homes.
My passion for animals grew, and I shared with everyone my dream of becoming a veterinarian to help animals in need. I began researching animal health and education, learning how to support animals effectively. I realized that addressing broader social issues, such as poverty and lack of resources, is crucial in preventing animal neglect.
I am grateful this experience inspired me to consider a career in animal welfare or wildlife preservation, and although those are not paths I would follow now, they are still passions of mine that remain close to my heart. I learned that compassion can turn into action, whether it is donating to shelters or making dog beds out of old t-shirts; every small effort counts in making a difference for animals and our community. Today, I continue to support animal organizations however I can, which has profoundly influenced my values and compassion for others.
Brett Silberman Scholarship: 2021
My uncle, Brett Silberman, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in December of 2020. He had such a memorable laugh, and he never once failed to make me smile, even when I was a toddler throwing a dramatic tantrum. He was also caring, kind and an amazing uncle and father. The hardest part was being separated thousands of miles away from my family because of COVID-19 flight restrictions.
As I reflect on 2021, I find myself grappling with the impact that loss has on personal growth. The absence of Uncle Brett left a void that seemed to overshadow my life, making the world a little duller and more confusing. Yet, amidst the haze of quarantine and isolation, donating to the scholarship fund established in his honor became a way for me to reach out and help when it felt like I could not.
The fund is not just a heartfelt tribute; it is also a testament to how love and grief can inspire action. Although 2021 was full of hardship, it taught me to transform experiences into monuments of resilience and action towards purposes I value.
Planned Parenthood: 2025
The decision to support Planned Parenthood was a culmination of various factors that weighed heavily on my mind during that time. For one, I was scared for the people losing their rights and healthcare services. For another, my donation parallels my apprehension regarding society’s progression. I watched as conversations about reproductive rights became increasingly heated and polarized.
For many women with reproductive needs, including my peers, I felt the need to take action, even if it was in a seemingly insignificant way. It was less about the dollar amount and more about the principle of the matter. It was about solidarity, about showing I valued the right to make choices about one’s own body.
The engagement that came with this donation also educated me further about the myriad services that Planned Parenthood provides, from wellness exams to education programs about sexual health. In a time where misinformation runs rampant, it taught me to further appreciate organizations that prioritize accurate information and compassionate care.
As Hanukkah rolled around in 2025, I remembered the importance of advocacy and that giving gelt has taught me empathy above all else. Each choice I made reflected not just a passing interest, but a continued commitment to my community.
In many ways, my journey through these various causes — from libraries to animal rescues to reproductive rights — showed me the interconnectedness of community. Each decision helped shape my identity, ignited my passions and motivated me to pursue a path of compassion and understanding.
Going forward, I hope to continue embracing change, both in my own life and in the world around me. I learned that even small actions ripple outwards and create waves of impact. My journey of giving gelt is not over yet, and I plan to continue holding the values of Tzedek to uplift causes that resonate with me, like protecting our immigrant communities and the environment.
I realized that change is not just a distant goal. It is a continued practice rooted in our choices and actions. I look forward to the causes that will inspire me in the years to come, my growth alongside them and the legacies I will leave through my own journey of giving.
