Hanukkah History
What city was home to the desecrated Temple that the Maccabees rededicated?
Jerusalem
Kislev
In Yemenite Jewish tradition, what type of oil was historically used to light the menorah?
Sesame Oil
What letter does a dreidel have on it in Israel that differs from dreidels elsewhere?
Peh
How many sons of Matisyahu (Mattathias) fought against the Greeks?
5 sons
The letters on a dreidel stand for "Nes Gadol Haya Sham." What does this mean in English?
A Great Miracle Happened There
In Italy, Hanukkah is celebrated with fried foods such as doughnuts filled with what ingredient
Ricotta
What is the maximum number of candles used during Hanukkah?
44
What Greek ruler outlawed Jewish religious practices, sparking the Maccabean revolt?
Antiochus IV Epiphanes
The menorah is placed in a window to fulfill the principle of this mitzvah
What is pirsumei nisa, or publicizing the miracle?
In this South American country, fried plantains are a popular Hanukkah treat alongside traditional latkes
Colombia
What is the Hebrew name for chocolate coins given during Hanukkah?
Gelt
What Jewish historian from the 1st century CE documented the Hanukkah story?
Josephus
In which direction are the Hanukkah candles placed in the menorah?
From right to left
In this region of the world, it is customary to hang the menorah on a hook beside the mezuzah in the doorway.
North Africa
How many times is Hanukkah mentioned in the Torah?
What year (approximately) did the events of Hanukkah take place
167-160 BCE
What is the traditional number of branches on a menorah used in the ancient Temple?
7
Jews in this country would scrape out potatoes, filling each potato space with oil and a wick to serve as the menorah. While the origin of this custom is unclear, it likely came about due to economic struggles.
Romania
What does the word "Hanukkah" mean in Hebrew?
Dedication