Ancient History
What is the name of the Jewish rebelion group in the story of Hannukah?
The Maccabees.
What does the word "Maccabee" mean?
Possible answers: Hammer, extinguisher, acronym for "Who is like G-d" or "G-d's glory"
Is Hannukah a biblical or rabbinic holiday?
A rabbinic holiday
In which direction are the Hannukah candles lit?
Left to right.
What was the name of the group and army attempting to forbid Judaism in the Hannukah story?
Accepted: Greeks, Syrans, Babylonians.
What do the letters on the driedel stand for?
A great miracle happened there (or here if in Israel).
Who were Chanah and her children and what is their story?
Chanah and her children were Jews during the time of the Antiochus's ban on Judaism. Chanah and her children were brought before the king and ordered to abandon Torah or die. Chanah and all seven of her children became martyrs.
Where is the menorah recommended to be placed in a home?
Behind the window or outside to the left of the door. (Just outside is also okay as an answer).
What was the name of the king who issued the decree forbidding Judaism in the Hannukah story?
King Antiochus.
What does the word Hannukah mean?
Dedication. (Or rededication).
In what book of Jewish literature can the story of Hannukah be found?
The Book of Maccabees
If Hannukah falls on Shabbat are the Hannukah or Shabbat candles lit first?
The Hannukah candles.
Around what time period did Hannukah take place?
Around 164BCE - 167BCE.
What does the word shamash mean?
(Hint: The Shamash is the middle candle)
Helper or attendant.
Who was Yehudit and what did she do?
Yehudit was the daughter of the high priest Yochanan who assassinated the Syrian-Greek general Holofernes to save her besieged and starving city during the Maccabean revolt.
For at least how long should the Hannukah candles burn for?
Thirty minutes.
What was the name of the father of Judah Maccabee?
Mattityahu.
What does the word gelt mean?
(Hint: It is in Yiddish)
Money or gold.
Where is Hannukah mentioned in the books of Jewish law?
In the Talmud and Gemara.
What actions are forbidden on Hannukah?
Mourning, fasting, and using the Hannukah candles for practical means. (Any one of three).