History
Food & Drink
Fun and Games
Traditions
Huh, Who Knew?
100
What was the name of the small group of Jewish soldiers who defeated the much larger Greek army to regain control of their temple in the 2nd century bce?
The Maccabees
Judah and the Maccabees were ultimately victorious over Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes' (reigned 175–164 bce) army, however, the temple was already decimated.
100
Why is so much fried food eaten while celebrating Hanukkah? (Besides tasting DELICIOUS!!!)
Cooking foods in oil reminds us of the miracle of the oil burning for 8 nights.
100
What is a small spinning top that children use to play a game.
A dreidel
100
What is the name of the "helper" candle that is used to light all the other candles on a menorah?
Shamash
The shamash, which can be made of beeswax, is set apart and higher than the other candles. As the "attendant" to the other candles. (In Judaic teachings, the lesson being that though Shamash has the most important job and stands above the the others, the role of the leader is not about standing above and suppress all others, but to keep watch and nurture others so they can burn brightly and elevate themselves.
100
True or False?
According to the historical Oxford English Dictionary, there are 24 different ways to spell Hanukkah.
True; However, Google only identifies 16 spelling variations.
200
In which month (according to the Hebrew calendar) does Hanukkah take place?
(a) Kislev (b) Adar (c) Tevet
A. Kislev
Hanukkah always falls on the 25th of Kislev. Hanukkah ALMOST always falls within the months of November and December for us.
200
What is the name of the chocolate coins often given to children as treats during Hanukkah, and are also used to play games.
Gelt
200
In what city and country can you find the world's largest menorah?
New York City (USA)
The menorah is located at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in Manhattan near Central Park. It is 32 feet tall.
200
True or False?
A menorah is only used during Hanukkah?
False.
Menorah simply means "lamp" in Hebrew. 7-branched candelabras are the most common menorahs. However, a 9-branched menorah is ONLY used for Hanukkah, and is called a hanukkiah / hanukiah / chanukiah ...
200
Which word(s) BEST fills in the blank for the statement?
_______ of the dreidels in the world have the same Hebrew letters on them.
(a) About half (b) All (c) Most
C. Most of the dreidels in the world have the same Hebrew letters: נ (Nun), ג (Gimel), ה (Hei), and ש (Shin) , for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham meaning "A Great Miracle Happened There"
The dreidels in Israel replace Shin with פ (Pe) so the letters stand for "A Great Miracle Happened Here"
300
Why does Hanukkah last 8 nights?
According to the story, when the Hebrews regained control of the temple, there was only enough "cruise" oil remaining for the eternal flame to burn for 1 night. But that amount of oil lasted the full 8 days and nights it took to properly produce and purify additional oil needed to keep the flame lit.
300
Why are potato latkes commonly eaten with applesauce and sour cream?
Because it is tradition and it tastes good. Duh!
To be more specific, the tradition's roots go back to eastern Eastern European countries where potatoes and sour cream are common and inexpensive. Applesauce became popular a little later both as a healthier / less heavy option, and as a kosher option in case brisket or another meat was served at dinner.
300
Which of the following is the world record for the longest dreidel spin?
(a) 01:29.93 (b) 00:35.80 (c) 00:49.65
(a) 01:29.93
The current record was set on 1/2/2020 by Aaron Page in Charlottesville Virginia. This world record was recorded and recognized Record Setter and followed required guidelines, including, dreidel had to be spun by hand and without any motor or additional assistance.
300
By what phrase is Hanukkah commonly referred?
"The Festival of Lights"
300
True or False?
Hanukkah is among the top 4 most sacred and important holidays in the Jewish faith.
False.
Hanukkah is a pretty minor holiday. In fact, Hanukkah is not even found in the oldest forms of the Jewish Bible / Old Testament. Torah, Tanakh...but NOT the Talmud
Hanukkah seems like a major holiday because of it's proximity to Christmas. Thus, it's risen in popularity with the holiday season.