Like many who live on Long Island, former Melville resident Carolyn Greenwald and her family celebrate Hanukkah.
Hearing her kids talk about how much fun their friends where having with the Elf on the Shelf, she set out to bring the same fun to her own family; but when she went looking for something similar for Hanukkah, she found nothing on the market at the time….so this mom of three decided to write it herself!
Introducing: The Gelt Giving Golem, which tells the tale of a friendly little golem who leaves chocolate gelt for well-behaved children during each day of Hanukkah.
In Jewish folklore, the golem was created out of clay on the first night of Hanukkah. Traditional golems can be a bit scary, so she worked with her friend and partner Suzy Hill to create a friendly and cuddly doll that kids would love to play with! He has posable arms and legs and Velcro pads on his hands and feet—so you might find him hanging from the chandelier or reading a book! And similar to the Elf on the Shelf, if the kids find their golem in the morning, they know they’ve been good.
Carolyn says that the big takeaway really applies to everyone and is “do good and be good“.
She goes on to say “the golem is helping to teach kids about charity and acts of kindness during the holidays, and all throughout the year.”
Of course, a little chocolate reward is a bonus and the book also helps to keep her own kids on their best behavior during Hanukkah, which she says is, “immensely helpful!” …and every mom can appreciate that!
The book is for sale online at geltgivinggolem.com and on Amazon as well.
PLUS on Long Island you can find The Gelt Giving Golem at:
- Zion Lion in Roslyn
- Temple Beth Shalom gift store in Roslyn
- Judaica Plus in Cedarhurst
- Yosef’s in Merrick
- Judaica of Great Neck
- Dolphin Book Store in Port Washington
- Woodbury Jewish Center Gift Shop
- North Shore Synagogue Gift Shop
- Dix Hills Jewish Center Gift Shop
- Gerwin Gift Shop in Commack
And don’t forget, Hanukkah starts December 16th, so why not start a new tradition in your house!
For your chance at your own copy of The Gelt Giving Golem, simply tell us who you would read it to and why you think they would enjoy it. One lucky reader will receive a copy of the book just in time for Hanukkah!
Happy Hanukkah!
