Chanukah History
Who were the Maccabees fighting against?
The Greeks
How many days did the oil actually last?
8
How many candles are lit in total over all 8 nights (including the shamash)?
44
Why does the dreidel in Israel have different letters?
Because the miracle happened “here” - פֹּה
When do we light the Chanukah candles?
At night
Where did the Maccabees want to serve Hashem again after winning the war?
The Beit HaMikdash
How long was the oil supposed to last?
1
Why is the shamash needed?
To light the other candles
What other holiday do we say על הנסים?
Purim
Where is the best place to put a Chanukah menorah?
By a window or doorway where others can see it
The Greeks tried to stop Jews from keeping mitzvot. Name one mitzvah they tried to stop.
Shabbat / Brit Milah / Learning Torah
What made the oil special besides lasting eight days?
It was pure by being sealed with the Kohen Gadol’s stamp.
Why do many families light their menorah near a window?
פַּרְסוֹמֵי נִיסָּא - To show the miracle
What does “Chanukah” mean?
Dedication
What is the minimum amount of time chanukah candles should burn for?
Chanukah candles should burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall
Why was finding pure oil such a big problem after the war?
The Beit HaMikdash was destroyed and the oil was made impure
Why didn’t the Jews just use impure oil?
They wanted to serve Hashem in the best way and follow Halacha.
What makes a Chanukiah different from the Menorah in the Beit HaMikdash?
A Chanukiah has 8 lights plus a shamash while the Menorah in the Beit HaMikdash had 7
True or False: You can skip saying Al HaNisim in Birkat Hamazon if you already said it in davening.
False – it should be said in both places
Who is supposed to do the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles?
Every Jewish person, both men and women
Why is Chanukah not mentioned in the Torah?
It happened after the Torah was already written.
Which miracle do we celebrate more today, the war or the oil, and how do we show that?
We celebrate the oil more by lighting the Menorah.
Why can’t we use the Chanukah candles for light to read or work?
They are only for remembering the miracle
During Chanukah, where do we add the prayer על הנסים?
In the עמידה and in ברכת המזון.
What should you do if a candle goes out?
Relight it without saying a new Bracha.