The Story of Hanukkah
What is the miracle of Hanukkah?
That the oil burned for eight days instead of just one!
What is the "helper candle" called?
The Shamash!
Which letter on the dreidel means that you get to take the whole pot?
Gimel - ג
What is the name of the traditional potato pancake we eat on Hanukkah?
Latkes!
When do we light the Menorah each night?
At sunset!
Who was the king of Syria who forbid the practice of Judaism?
Antiochus!
In which direction are new candles added to the menorah?
(Right to left, or left to right)
Candles are added from right to left! (But they are lit from left to right)
Which letter on the dreidel means that the spinner gets to claim half the pot?
Hey - ה
What food is usually wagered in a game of dreidel?
How are the candles on the menorah lit?
By using the shamash - "helper candle" - which is lit first.
Who led the Maccabees?
Judah!
How is the Hanukiah (the Menorah we light for Hanukkah) different from the Menorahs we see year-round in synagogue?
The Hanukiah has 9 total branches and candles. Those we usually see have 7 - one for each day of the week.
What is the Hebrew word for "dreidel"?
Sevivon!
What are two common latke toppings?
Apple sauce and sour cream!
Name two Hanukkah songs! (Multiple answers)
"Ma'oz Tzur," "I Have a Little Dreidel," "Hannukah Oh Hannukah," etc.
Practicing Shabbat, having a bris, keeping kosher, studying Torah
How many candles does a single menorah use over the course of Hanukkah?
44 candles!
What phrase do the letters on the dreidel (nun, gimel, hey, shin) stand for?
"Nes gadol haya sham" - "A great miracle happened there!"
What is the name of the jelly donuts we eat on Hanukkah?
Sufganiyot!
Where is the menorah traditionally placed within a house?
In the window!
What game did the Maccabees pretend to play when soldiers came to see if they were studying Torah in the caves?
Dreidel!
When Hanukkah and Shabbat fall on the same night, which candles do you light first?
The Hanukkah candles!
How are dreidels made in Israel different from those made in other countries?
Israeli dreidels have a pey (פ) instead of a shin (ש).
How are most Hanukkah foods cooked?
By being fried in oil!
What prayer do we say only when lighting candles on the first night?
The Shehechiyanu!