Chanukah
History
History
How many days did the neis (miracle) of the pach shemen last?
7 days (because there was initially enough oil for 1 day)
Why do we light the menorah near a window or in a doorway?
To fulfill the mitzvah of Pirsumei Nisa (publicizing the miracle).
According to "The Dreidel Song" what material is the dreidel made from?
Clay
What are latkes traditionally served with?
Sour cream or applesauce.
What is the first stanza of "Oh Chanukah"?
"Oh Chanukah, Oh Chanukah
Come light the Menorah
Let's have a party
We'll all dance the Horah"
Who were the five sons of Matisyahu?
Elazar, Shimon, Yehuda, Yochanan, Yonatan
What is the purpose of the Shamash?
To ensure the ner Chanukah is not used for personal benefit, as we are forbidden to derive hana’ah (benefit) from it.
What do the letters on the dreidel stand for (in EY and Chutz La'aretz)?
Nes Gadol Haya Sham (A great miracle happened there).
Peh, meaning “Po” (A great miracle happened here)
Which food is traditionally eaten to remember the story of Yehudis?
Dairy dishes, such as cheese or milk-based foods.
Who sings "those were the nights (of Chanukah)"?
Yeshiva Boys Choir
What does the word “Chanukah” mean and what is its significance?
"rededication" of the Mizbeach after it was defiled by the Yevanim.
According to halacha, what is the shiur (measurement) for how long the Chanukah lights must burn?
At least a half-hour past nightfall (tzeis hakochavim).
Why is the dreidel spun specifically on Chanukah?
To remember how Yidden secretly learned Torah when the Yevanim forbade it, disguising their Torah study as games.
Why do we eat foods fried in oil on Chanukah?
To commemorate the miracle of the pach shemen that burned for eight days.
What is the significance of singing "Haneiros Halal" after lighting the menorah?
It reminds us of the purpose of the menorah lights: to publicize the miracle and honor Hashem
What mitzvos did the Yevanim specifically try to abolish?
Shabbos, Bris Milah, and Rosh Chodesh.
Why is olive oil considered the most mehudar (beautiful) option for lighting the menorah?
It is the pure oil used in the Beis Hamikdash for the menorah.
According to some meforshim, what do the letters Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin represent beyond the neis?
The four galuyos (exiles): Bavel, Madai, Yavan, and Edom.
What is the custom of giving "gelt" on Chanukah connected to?
It recalls the need to mint coins during the time of the Chasmonaim after they regained Jewish independence.
What is the deeper meaning of "Maoz Azur" as explained by many meforshim?
It reflects Hashem's salvation throughout Jewish history, from the times of Egypt to the neis of Chanukah, and expresses hope for the ultimate geulah.