While most students were obsessing over spring break plans, Shana Reich, a high school sophomore from Philadelphia, was busy planning her first charity fashion show for her community. When her friends were picking hotels, Shana was picking models and clothes; when they were booking tickets, Shana was booking a caterer and DJ.

For most Jewish teenagers, eight nights of Hanukkah translates into eight nights of gifts galore. For eight nights, we cross our fingers and pray to receive “big” items, such as Guitar Hero or the new iPod touch. But what if this year, instead of receiving gifts, we give them?

When it comes to Jewish Law, giving to charity is more of an expectation that an act of generosity. Here’s what else you should know.

Remember putting change in the tzedakah box at synagogue or selling candy in school to raise money for needy causes? Remember thinking how generous you were? Remember feeling benevolent, perhaps even noble? Well, you were wrong.