Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Chanukah is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays in the United States. But that doesn't mean there is nothing new to learn about this eight-day festival. From the mysterious origins of gelt to an Apocryphal beheading to Marilyn Monroe, we've compiled an item for each candle (don't forget the shammash!) on the Chanukah menorah.

1. Gelt as we know it is a relatively new tradition - and no one knows who invented it.

While coins - "gelt," is Yiddish for coins, or money - have been part of Chanukah observance for centuries, chocolate gelt is considerably younger. In her bookÂ...