Hanukkah History
The group of Jewish warriors who fought to take back the Temple?
Who were the Maccabees?
What fried food made of potatoes is a popular treat during Hanukkah?
What are Latkes.
The name of the nine-branched candelabrum used during Canukah.
What is a Hanukkiah? (Or menorah with 9 branches)
After lighting the candles, a traditional hymn is sung thanking God for deliverance. What is its common name in English?
What is “Maoz Tzur” or “Rock of Ages"?
Hanukkah often takes place in December, but can sometimes start in late November. Why does the date shift each year?
What is that it follows the Hebrew lunar calendar, which does not align exactly with the Gregorian calendar?
The number of days does Hanukkah lasts.
What is 8?
The sweet jelly-filled treat is often eaten during Hanukkah.
What are Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts)?
This is the special candle in the middle of the menorah.
What is the Shamash?
The blessings over the candles are traditionally chanted in Hebrew. How many blessings are typically recited on the first night?
What are three blessings on the first night.
(And two on subsequent nights.).
The word Hanukkah can be spelled in many ways in English. Approximately how many common English spellings of Hanukkah exist?
What is over a dozen?
The miracle is celebrated during Hanukkah.
What is the oil lasted for eight days instead of one?
The reason fried foods are eaten during Hanukkah.
What is to remember or commemorate the miracle of the oil in the Second Temple of Jerusalem that burned for eight days instead of one?
This is a special spinning top is played with during Hanukkah.
What is the dreidel?
“Maoz Tzur” mentions events from Jewish history besides Hanukkah. Name one other historical event mentioned.
What is the Exodus from Egypt?
Hanukkah is often considered a “minor” Jewish holiday, meaning it is not mentioned in the Torah and does not have the same restrictions as major holidays. In fact, it is not even of how many holidays work is forbidden.
What is 13?
Hanukkah marks the struggle of a small Jewish community against a larger empire’s culture and religion. Name the empire that ruled over Judea at the time.
What was the Seleucid Empire (under King Antiochus IV).
The sweet condiment that some people dip their latkes into.
What is applesauce?
To publicly share the miracle of Hanukkah and spread the light
What is place the menorah is near a window?
One of the blessings recited includes the phrase “Shehecheyanu.” What does this blessing give thanks for?
What is for keeping us alive, sustaining us, and allowing us to reach this season?
In modern times, some families exchange gifts each night. Historically, children received this instead of large gifts. Name it.
After the Maccabees’ victory, they needed to restore and rededicate the Temple. The festival of Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of this specific holy place. The Hebrew word for “dedication” is “Hanukkah,” but which part of the Temple was rededicated first?
What is the alter?
A dairy condiment that goes great with laktes...as long as you are not also eating brisket.
What is sour cream?
Hanukkah lights should ideally burn for at least half an hour after nightfall. What Jewish legal code guides these specifics for lighting the menorah?
What is the Talmud?
The special prayer “Al Hanissim” added to the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon during Hanukkah thanks God for miracles “in those days, at this time.” Which historical figure mentioned in “Al Hanissim” led the Jews to victory?
Who are Matityahu (Mattathias) and his sons, most notably Judah Maccabee?
Beyond the home celebrations, Hanukkah menorahs are sometimes displayed in public spaces. Name one reason why public menorah lightings have become popular in recent decades.
What is...
To celebrate Jewish identity
increase visibility of Jewish culture
promote religious freedom and pride in communities.