Meltzer Family. Courtesy Frances Meltzer

With every Hanukkah candle comes a chance to gather around the menorah for meaningful conversations about your family’s values. Engaging children and grandchildren in charitable giving can be a powerful way to share these values. 

When giving and volunteering are a family affair, every generation is engaged and connected in tzedakah (justice and giving), chesed (kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Read on for helpful conversation tips rooted in the holiday spirit. 

Begin with values, not dollars. Which Jewish values guide you the most, and why?  How do we live those values together as a family? If you could fix one thing in the world, what would it be? 

Invite every generation to participate. Ask older family members to talk about their giving traditions and experiences. Stories are personal and powerful, connecting both hearts and minds. Encouraging children to share what they care about can spark their passion and commitment to helping others.

Explore different ways to give. Ask everyone how they can contribute. Donations are just one option. Lemonade stands, supply drives, special talent, and volunteering can be just as meaningful, especially for children.

Make it fun and make it ongoing. Explore causes and get hands-on together. Use one night of Hanukkah to create a family tzedakah jar and let each person have a turn deciding where to give on a regular basis.

It’s never too early or too late to make philanthropy a part of your family life.

Shalom Austin Jewish Foundation offers a variety of services to help individuals and families manage their giving, from Donor Advised Funds which operate like charitable checking accounts to philanthropic advising consultations.

For a list of holiday conversation starters to include family members of all ages, visit shalomaustin.org/foundation