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What does Hanukkah primarily commemorate?
The rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) empire and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.
What is the extra candle on the hanukkiah, used to light the others, called?
The shamash.
What is the spinning top used in Hanukkah games called?
A dreidel (sevivon in Hebrew).
Name a traditional Hanukkah song.
“Maoz Tzur” (“Rock of Ages”) or “I Have a Little Dreidel.”
How long was that single jar of oil supposed to last?
One day.
How many days is Hanukkah celebrated?
Eight days.
How many candles are lit on the last night of Hanukkah, including the shamash?
Nine (eight candles plus the shamash).
What do the four Hebrew letters on a traditional dreidel stand for?
“Nes Gadol Haya Sham” – “A great miracle happened there.”
What is a common custom for children on Hanukkah involving money?
Receiving Hanukkah gelt (money or chocolate coins).
According to tradition, where should the hanukkiah ideally be placed to publicize the miracle?
By a window or doorway facing the public.
What does the word “Hanukkah” mean in Hebrew?
Dedication
In what month of the Hebrew calendar does Hanukkah begin?
Kislev.
Name one popular fried food eaten on Hanukkah.
Latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).
In which direction are the Hanukkah candles lit each night?
From left to right (newest candle first).
Is it permitted to use the Hanukkah lights for practical purposes, like reading?
No; they are only to be looked at, not used for work or practical light.
In which ancient empire’s rule did the Hanukkah story take place?
The Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) Empire.
Which Jewish group led the revolt that Hanukkah commemorates?
The Maccabees.
Where did the Hanukkah story mainly take place geographically?
In the Land of Israel, especially Jerusalem.
In Israel, one of the dreidel letters is different. What phrase do those letters stand for?
“Nes Gadol Haya Po” – “A great miracle happened here.”
Which Jewish group led the revolt that Hanukkah commemorates?
The Maccabees.
What is the special nine-branched candelabrum used on Hanukkah called?
A hanukkiah (often called a menorah in casual speech).
Which Jewish prayer addition is traditionally recited on Hanukkah to thank God for miracles?
Al HaNissim.
What did the Maccabees find when they entered the Temple that led to the oil miracle?
One small sealed jar of pure oil.
What did the Maccabees find when they entered the Temple that led to the oil miracle?
One small sealed jar of pure oil.
What does the word “Hanukkah” mean in Hebrew?
Dedication.