Jews & Christmas in America
Jewish songwriter Johnny Marks wrote this famous hit about an animal whose nose had an unusual color
What is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”?
The miracle of Chanukah occurred when this holy object burned for eight days.
What is the menorah (or the oil of the Temple menorah)?
These fried potato pancakes are one of the most famous Chanukah foods.
What are latkes?
Adam Sandler wrote this famous comedic song listing Jewish celebrities.
What is “The Chanukah Song”?
This is the number of nights in Chanukah.
What is eight?
Many Jewish families eat at this type of restaurant on Christmas in the U.S.
What is a Chinese restaurant?
This leader of the Maccabees is known as “the Hammer.”
Who is Judah Maccabee?
These jelly-filled treats are especially popular during Chanukah.
What are sufganiyot?
This U.S. president started the tradition of lighting a public Chanukah menorah at the White House.
Who is Jimmy Carter?
We add this candle to the menorah to light the others.
What is the shamash?
This flirtatious holiday written by Jewish composers Joan Javits and Philip Springer in 1953 did not fully grow to popularity until Madonna sang a cover of it in 1987.
What is "Santa Baby"?
The holiday of Chanukah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over this empire.
What is the Seleucid (Greek-Syrian) Empire?
These chocolate coins, originally meant as actual money gifts for children, are now a classic Chanukah treat.
What is gelt?
The dreidel letters stand for “A great miracle happened there.” Name one letter.
What is Nun / Gimel / Hey / Shin.
This popular Christmas song, "White Christmas" was written by Jewish composer named...?
What is Irving Berlin?
The Maccabees rededicated this central Jewish site in Jerusalem.
What is the Second Temple?
This spice is traditionally added to some Sephardi Chanukah desserts, especially bimuelos, even though it’s not usually in Ashkenazi latke foods.
What is cinnamon?
This actor for Marvel's superhero Moon Knight, once portrayed a dreidel on TV as a child.
Who is Oscar Isaac?
This is the mitzvah associated with placing the menorah in a window or doorway.
What is publicizing the miracle (pirsumei nisa)?
This holiday song, which never actually mentions Christmas, was written by Jewish lyricist Sammy Cahn in collaboration with composer Jule Styne.
What is “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”?
This outlawed Jewish practice was one reason the Maccabees rebelled.
What is keeping Shabbat / studying Torah / practicing Judaism?
Common in the Shuks of Israel, this Moroccan donut is eaten by Jews on Channukah