“Mensch on a Bench: A Decade of Spreading Hanukkah Cheer!”

It has been a decade since Ohio businessperson Neal Hoffman introduced more “funukkah,” as Adam Sandler would put it, to Hanukkah festivities for countless families.

Hoffman appeared on an episode of ABC’s “Shark Tank” in 2014 to present Mensch on a Bench — a Hanukkah-themed version of Elf on a Shelf that he developed after his son requested the holiday plush linked to Christmas.

“My son asked for an Elf on a Shelf, and I jokingly replied, well, we’re Jewish, so you can have a Mensch on a Bench,” Hoffman reminisced.

The proposal enchanted sharks Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec, who secured a 15% stake in the venture for $150,000. While the Jewish community in Cincinnati had already embraced the concept, it soared to new heights thanks to a national audience.

Now, the unsung champion of Hanukkah, Moshe the Mensch, can be discovered in homes nationwide.

“What I created is akin to the Forrest Gump of Judaism,” Hoffman explained. “We’re imparting good core values to children while incorporating fun.”

Moreover, Moshe has made some friends throughout his journey.

“Sales are fantastic this year,” stated Hoffman’s son, Alex, who is celebrating his bar mitzvah this year and already envisions managing the company after his father. “We introduced the new Jew-nicorn.”

That’s correct; our favorite mensch isn’t the only product Hoffman’s company offers. They have diversified to include a Snow Mensch, Mitzvah Moose, Dreidel Dog, and a Jewnicorn — along with a talking grandmother doll known as Ask Bubbe.

The ex-Hasbro toy executive shared that Moshe’s success has opened up even wilder opportunities, such as a collaboration with Catan through his tabletop gaming dice business.

“Mensch on a Bench has created opportunities,” he indicated. “I never intended to step away from toys … I lost my focus when I departed from Hasbro, but (Mensch on a Bench) has allowed me to regain it.”

This plush, a reminder to be a mensch, continues to brighten the Festival of Lights.

“Whenever I observe people engaging with these products, it energizes me,” said Hoffman.

This narrative was initially published by Andrew Rowan and Taylor Weiter at Scripps News Cincinnati.