History of Hanukkah
What empire did the Maccabees fight against?
The Seleucid Empire (Greek-Syrian Empire)
What is the menorah used during Hanukkah called?
Hanukkiah
What do we call the chocolate coins given out at Hanukkah?
Gelt
Nes Gadol Haya Sham (A great miracle happened there)
What is the most popular Hanukkah song?
I have a little Dreidel
How many days does Hanukkah last?
Eight days
What do we light each night of Hanukkah?
Candles (or oil lamps)
What is the traditional fried potato dish served during Hanukkah?
Latkes
What is the Hebrew name for the dreidel?
Sevivon
What is Hanukkah sometimes called?
The festival of lights
Who was the leader of the Maccabees?
Judah Maccabee
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִידְשָׁנו בְּמִצוֹתָיו וְצִיוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חַנֻכָה
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָּנוּ, וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיָּענוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch atah adonai elohenu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh
Why do we eat fried foods on Hanukkah?
To commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting eight days
What miracle does Hanukkah celebrate?
The small Maccabee army defeated the larger Greek-Syrian Army.
True or False: Hanukkah is mentioned in the Torah.
False, it happened after the Torah was written
What does the word "Hanukkah" mean?
Dedication
What game is commonly played during Hanukkah?
Dreidel
What is often used to top latkes?
Applesauce or sour cream
What does the menorah symbolize?
The 8 days that the oil lasted and the light of freedom and hope
In what country did the dreidel game originate?
Germany (adapted from a gambling game)
In what year (approx.) did the Hanukkah story take place?
Around 164 BCE
What is the name of the ninth candle on the Hanukkiah?
Shamash
What fried food is popular in Israel during Hanukkah?
Sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts)
What is the significance of the shamash?
It is used to light the other candles and is not counted among the eight.
Which U.S. President first lit a menorah at the White House?
President Jimmy Carter