500 Hanukkah Trivia Questions for Kids

Hanukkah is a special holiday to connect with family, reflect on the past, and carry forward traditions. Check out our collection of 500+ Hanukkah facts, trivia, FAQs, math quizzes and anecdotes. Enjoy.

• Where does the name of the holiday—Hanukkah, traditionally spelled Chanukah—come from?

  The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and the holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

• Why do we celebrate Hanukkah for eight nights?

  To commemorate the miracle of the oil—and perhaps as a nod to Sukkot.

• Why do we light just one candle of the menorah per night?

  To mirror our increasing happiness over the course of the holiday.

• What is the name of the ninth candle on the menorah?

  Shamash.

• True or false: Hanukkah falls on a different date every calendar year.

  True. This is because Hanukkah is always on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, based on the lunar cycle.

• What are the Hebrew letters on a dreidel?

  Nun, Gimel, Hey or Chai, and Shin. The letters form an acronym for the Hebrew saying Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, which can be translated to "a great miracle happened there," referring to the miracle which Hanukkah is centered around.

• Under what U.S. president did the lighting of the National Menorah begin?

  President Jimmy Carter in 1979.

• Why are traditional Hanukkah foods—like latkes and sufganiyot—fried?

  To commemorate the miracle of the oil.

• What are different names for Hanukkah?

  Hanukkah is also called The Festival of Lights or The Feast Of Dedication.

• For how many days is Hanukkah celebrated?

  Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days.

• Where is the world's largest Hanukkah menorah situated?

  It is situated at Grand Army Plaza in New York.

• Where does the word Hanukkah originate from?

  It originates from a Hebrew word 'Hinuch' meaning "to teach".

• Apart from Hanukkah, what are two other Jewish holidays?

  Other major Jewish holidays include: Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Purim, and Shavuot.

• Who was the first President to celebrate Hanukkah at the White House?

  In 1951, Harry Truman was gifted a menorah from David Ben Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel.

• True or false? There are sixteen ways to spell the word Hanukkah.

  True.

• True or false? Chanukah is a Hebrew word.

  True.

• What is the name of the fried potato pancakes that are often eaten during Hanukkah?

  Latkes.

• Why is Judith known as the Heroine of The Torah?

  Judith was a young Jewish widow who bravely killed the top General of the Assyrian army, Holofernes, and helped the Israeli army launch a surprise attack.

• What is the money given as presents during the festival of Chanukah referred to as?

  Chanukah Gelt is the money given as gifts or presents during Hanukkah.

• What is Shamash?

  It is the very first candle that is lit to light the other candles.

• What does the word 'shamash' mean?

  It means "helper", as the Shamash is used to light the other eight candles.

• A great miracle happened on the day of rededication. What was it?

  The amount of oil available to light the candle was very little. This amount could last only for a night and not eight nights. A great miracle happened when the oil lasted for eight nights.

• Name the round jelly doughnuts enjoyed especially during Chanukah.

  Sufganiyot.

• When does the Jewish festival of Hanukkah begin?

  The Jewish festival of Hanukkah begins on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar.

• True or false? Traditionally, the women of the house must rest until the flame of the candle burns out.

  True.

• What is a Hanukkah menorah?

  It is a nine branched candelabra lit during the eight day festival of Chanukah.

• Who developed the modern day chocolate gelt?

  The modern day chocolate gelt was developed by Americans.

• The first chocolate gelt was produced in which decade?

  The first chocolate gelt was produced in the '20s.

• Name two games similar to the dreidel.

  Christmastime and teetotum.

• Name a traditional game played during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

  The game of dreidel is a Jewish game played during Hanukkah.

• What is a dreidel?

  A dreidel is a spinning top with the Hebrew letters Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin inscribed on it.

• What do the letters Nun, Gimel, Hey and Shin stand for?

  The Hebrew letters Nun, Gimel, Hey and Shin stand for "Nes gadol haya sham".

• What does "Nes gadol haya sham" mean?

  It means "A miracle happened there". This refers to the miracle of one day's worth of oil lasting for eight days, which is why we celebrate Hanukkah today.

• When do Jews light the menorah?

  The first candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah.

• What is the order in which you light the candles on the menorah?

  The first candle is placed on the first branch on the right side, then each night a candle to the left of the most recently lit candle is lit.

• Which oil is traditionally used to light the menorah?

  Olive oil is used.

• True or false? According to the Jewish religion, eight candle holders should be of the same height and the far right candle holder should be placed higher than the rest?

  True.

• Which city hosts dreidel tournaments during Hanukkah?

  New York City hosts dreidel tournaments during the festival of Hanukkah.

• What is the biggest difference between the Israeli dreidel and other dreidels?

  The Hebrew letter Shin is replaced with the letter Po, on the Israeli dreidel, which translates into "a miracle happened here", instead of "a miracle happened there".

• How many candles are lit in a menorah during Hanukkah?

  Eight candles are lit in a menorah, with an additional light used to light these candles.

• What do Jewish children win by spinning the dreidel?

  Children win gelts by spinning the dreidel.

• How do Afghan Jews celebrate this Jewish holiday?

  Instead of lighting eight candles, they fill eight plates of olive oil and set them beside each other.

• Where do the Algerians place their menorahs?

  Algerians hang their menorahs on walls near their doorways.

• What do Australians do to celebrate this Jewish festival?

  They host large family gatherings and parties to light the candles, followed by a day of celebrations and festivities.

• When was the first Hanukkah celebrated by Canadians?

  The first Hanukkah was celebrated in Canada in the year 1760.

• How do Canadians celebrate Hanukkah?

  Canadians celebrate Chanukkah by exchanging gifts and eating traditional home-cooked food.

• Where did Jewish people first arrive in China?

  They first arrived in Kaifeng, China.

• What did Kaifeng Jews do to celebrate Hanukkah when they first arrived in China?

  They built a synagogue and hosted gatherings to celebrate Hanukkah.

• What do Colombian Jews eat during this Jewish holiday?

  Colombians eat fried plantains called patacones during this festival of lights.

• A huge menorah is lit up in England in this square that rhymes with Friedbulger…

  A huge menorah is lit up at London's Trafalgar Square during the eight day festival of Hanukkah.

• In which part of the world is a double decker menorah used?

  A double decker menorah is used in Alsace, a region in France.

• Why is the double decker menorah used?

  So that both the father and son can light a candle each day.

• True or false? A large menorah is lit in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate during Hanukkah.

  True.

• What is the name of the festival hosted in Budapest during Hanukkah?

  Quarter6 Quarter7 is a festival with concerts and great food. The name of the festival refers to the location of Jewish Communities, in District VI and VII.

• How many times is the festival Quarter6 Quarter7 held in Budapest?

  Quarter6Quarter7 is held twice a year, during Chanukkah and during Passover.

• How many synagogues are there in India?

  There are currently 33 synagogues in India.

• Which oil is used by the Indian Jewish community to light the menorah?

  Coconut oil is used by the Indian Jewish community to light the menorah.

• Name a sweet treat made especially in India during Chanukah?

  Barfi is a sweet treat made of milk and fruits, it is especially enjoyed during Chanukah. They are currently exploring re-branding for US markets.

• How tall is the menorah at the Piazza Barberini in Italy?

  Italians set up a 20 feet tall menorah at Piazza Barberini to celebrate Hanukkah.

• What do Italians traditionally dine on during Hanukkah?

  Frittelle de Chanukah (donut-like fritters) is one of the most traditional delicacies prepared by Italian Jews.

• Can you name the citrus flavored donuts made during the Jewish festival?

  Sfenj is a citrus flavored donut made from the famous Jaffa oranges.

• Where is Russia's largest menorah located?

  Russia's largest menorah is located at Revolution Square, Moscow.

• Can you name the unique song written in honor of Hanukkah by Turkish Jews?

  'Ocho Candelas' also known as 'Ocho Kandelikas' is a unique song written in honor of Hanukkah.

• 'Ocho Candelas' is written in which dialect?

  'Ocho Candelas' is written in the Ladino dialect.

• Burmelos is a delicacy from which country?

  Burmelos is a Turkish delicacy.

• True or false? Hannah and Judith are known as the Heroines of Torah Study.

  True.

• Sfenj is a delicacy from which country?

  Sfenj is a tasty delicacy from Morocco.

• According to the English lyrics of 'The Dreidel Song' which children sing at Hanukkah, out of what material is a dreidel made?

  Clay.

• Christmas is often associated with colors such as red and green, while Hanukkah is usually identified by blue and white. Which of these options does NOT offer a plausible explanation of why these two colors are used?

  Red and green were already taken, so the Jews used Plan B.

• Chanukah usually starts on the 25th of Kislev, a date that varies in the Gregorian calendar. Chanukah is also commonly known as the festival of what?

  Lights.

• How many sons of Matisyahu (also called Mattathias) fought the Greeks?

  5

• Outside of Israel, the four sides of a dreidel are inscribed with the letters Nun, Gimmel, Hey and Shin, mnemonics for the phrase 'Nes Gadol Hayah Sham', a reference to the origins of the Hanukkah celebrations. What is the usual translation of this phrase?

  A great miracle happened there.

• A bit of history is needed to understand Chanukah. Which Greek king, known for almost conquering Egypt, oppressed Jews, leading them to revolt and start the history of this holiday?

  Antiochus IV.

• Which of Matisyahu's sons was the leader?

  Yehuda.

• How many players are needed to play a game of dreidel?

  At least two.

• The Jews wanted to revolt against the king, knowing that it was the only way for them to freely practice their religion. The revolution was led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his famous son. Who is he?

  Judah Maccabee.

• What were the Maccabees also known as?

  Chashmonaim.

• The dreidel game starts with each player placing the same number of playing pieces in the pot (pool or kitty, located in the centre of play). While many different items can be used as playing pieces, by what name are they usually generically referred?

  Gelt.

• Known as "sufganiyot", these delicious jelly doughnuts have become a Hanukkah tradition. By which of the following are sufganiyot known within the Yiddish?

  Ponchkes.

• Oil is an essential part of Chanukah, this because it's actually what is celebrated! The Talmud says that when the temple was rededicated, very little oil was left to light the menorah, a candelabrum which was supposed to be lit every night. It appeared that it would only burn for one night, however, how long did the oil last?

  days.

• What modern day country were the 'Greeks' based in?

  Syria.

• The letters on the four faces of a dreidel not only remind players of the origin of the Hanukkah tradition, they also contain the instructions telling each player what to do after they have had their turn at spinning the dreidel. What will the spinner do if the letter Nun appears on the top face of the dreidel when it comes to rest?

  One hour of homework. Just kidding, nothing.

• Even though modern gift-giving is a rather "Christmassy" tradition that has been adopted in other celebrations like Hannukah, the act of giving comes from a long time ago, since children were given "gelt" (money) in each of the nights of Hanukkah. Why was this?

  To teach children about charity.

• What were the Maccabees looking for in the Temple that they needed to use right away?

  Oil.

• When the dreidel comes to rest with the side marked with the letter Gimmel facing up, what playing action is required of the spinner?

  Take everything in the pot.

• One of the most related items to Hanukkah are candles, since on each night of the holiday, one is lit to remember the miracle of oil that happened many years ago. Because of this, Hanukkah is often known as the festival of what?

  Lights.

• To celebrate the miracle of oil, it is important to cook with plenty of it. What is the main ingredient of latkes, which are traditionally eaten on Chanukah?

  Potatoes.

• How many nights does Chanukah last?

  8

• When the dreidel lands with the letter Hey facing up, the spinner is to take half of the pieces in the pot. What happens when this is an odd number?

  The player takes one-half a piece more than half the total.

• Hanukkah is usually related to Christmas because of the proximity of both holidays. However, while Christmas has a specific date in the Gregorian calendar, Hanukkah varies each year. In the Jewish calendar, though, the date never varies, as Hanukkah always starts on the 25th of which month?

  Kislev.

• Sufganiyot are delicious doughnuts eaten in Chanukah. They are deep fried in oil, this to remember the miracle Jews celebrate during this holiday. What is NOT a common ingredient used in sufganiyot?

  Matzah.

• On what day does Chanukah start?

  25th Kislev.

• A player who spins Shin (or Peh) on the dreidel is required to perform which of these actions?

  Add a piece to the pot.

• When children play with the dreidel in Hanukkah, they also gamble! Of course, they don't do this with real money, but with gelt made of what?

  Chocolate.

• Although modern-day Chanukah celebrations encourage present-giving, this was actually adopted from the Christian holiday of Christmas. The only gift perhaps traditionally given to children on Chanukah is a small amount of money, known in Yiddish as what?

  Gelt.

• How many lamps did the menorah in the Temple have?

  7

• When a player is required to add one or more pieces to the pot, and does not have sufficient pieces in their reserve, what can they do to avoid leaving the game?

  Ask another player for a loan.

• The holiday of Hanukkah lasts for eight days, and a candle is lit for every day. This means that in the second night, you would not only light one candle, but two. In the last night of the holiday, how many candles will be burning in the menorah?

  Nine.

• Both Chanukiahs and Menorahs are used by Jews all over the World to celebrate Chanukah, yet they're not the same thing. Both candelabra, however, are now used with candles. What is the name of the most important candle, which is located in the center of any of these candelabra?

  Shamash.

• In which direction do you light the menorah, once the candles have been placed?

  left to right.

• When does a game of dreidel officially end?

  When one player has acquired all the playing pieces.

• Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks, after the latter destroyed the Holy Temple. Based on the efforts of the Jews to re-build the temple, which word is generally given as the meaning of "hanukkah"?

  Dedication.

• What prayer is said during the lighting of the menorah?

  Haneiros Hallalu.

• Hanukkah is not mentioned within which book of Scripture?

  The Torah.

• In which Middle Eastern city is the Holy Temple located?

  Jerusalem.

• In which two months does Hanukkah occur?

  November and December.

• What is the name of the four-sided spinning top played during Hanukkah?

  Dreidel.

• What is the name of the Seleucid King who prohibited traditional Judaic practices?

  Antiochus IV.

• What is the name of the candelabrum that gets lit every night of Hanukkah?

  Menorah.

• What is another name that Hanukkah is known by?

  Chanukah.

• Who in the house is supposed to halt working until the flame on the Menorah has burned out?

  Women.

• What animals did the Syrians use in their war against the Maccabees?

  Elephants.

• New York City hosts what kind of tournament during Hanukkah?

  Dreidel tournaments.

• The Menorah is a commonly used symbol of what?

  Judaism.

• What is the traditional Hebrew song that is sung after the Menorah has been lit?

  Maoz Tsur.

• Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of which Jewish month?

  Kislev.

• What is the name of the temple that is a Jewish house of worship?

  Kislev.

• What is the name of the shredded potatoes that are fried in oil and traditionally eaten during Hanukkah?

  Latkes.

• In parts of what country is it traditional to use a Menorah with 16 candles?

  France.

• It is customary to place the lit Menorah where?

  In a doorway or window.

• Many people also refer to Hanukkah as the Festival of what?

  Lights.

• What is the name of the woman known as “The First Matriarch” in the Torah?

  Sarah.

• How many women in the Torah are recognized as co-founders of Israel?

  4

• Hanukkah is the celebration of whose victory over the Seleucids?

  Judah Maccabee's.

• When did Jewish people first start celebrating Hanukkah?

  2nd BCE.

• Who is the heroine who beheaded the Assyrian General Holofernes?

  Judith.

• What country in Western Asia hosts an annual relay race with torchbearers during Hanukkah?

  Israel.

• Who was the first U.S. President to celebrate Hanukkah in the White House?

  Harry Truman.

• What language, other than Hebrew, is commonly spoken by Jewish people around the world?

  Yiddish.

• What ideology was Antiochus trying to force onto Jewish people?

  Hellenism.

• State the count of Matisyahu's sons who fought Greeks.

  Yehuda.

• State the count of players needed to play the dreidel game.

  At least two.

• To which other reason Maccabees are also known as?

  Chashmonaim.

• Name the modern-day country in which Greeks are based in.

  Syria.

• State the count of nights to which Chanukah lasts.

  Eight.

• Which two foods are traditionally linked with Chanukah miracle?

  Dairy and Oil.

• Which type of oil is used for Menorah?

  Olive Oil.

• For how much time, Chanukah candles must be burned?

  At least half an hour after night has fallen.

• For how long. Chanukah lasts for?

  8 nights and 8 days

• What is the most important Chanukah observance?

  To light the Menorah.

• Name the 9th candle on Menorah (used to light the others).

  The Shammash means Helper.

• What is the starting and ending date of Hanukah?

  Between 27th Nov to 26th Dec.

• To whom the prayer of Al Hanissim offers thanks to?

  God.

• What is the special scroll called which is once read on Hanukah holiday?

  The Scroll of Antiochus.

• State the count of blessings said when lightening Hanukah.

  Two.

• Hanukkah is one of the Jewish holidays not mentioned in the Bible.

  False.

• According to Talmud, one should give how many gifts on Hanukkah?

  No Presents.

• What is the alternative name of Hanukkah?

  The Festival of Lights.

• Name the king that played the central role in the Hanukkah story.

  King Antiochus IV.

• How one should light candles on Hanukkah?

  Light from left to right.

• Over whom Jews got victory in the story of Hanukah?

  Syrian Greek.

• In which order, the candles are placed on Hanukkah?

  Right to Left side.

• What is the Shamash?

  Lead candle that lights all other candles.

• For what Maccabees, fought for?

  For the right to practice Judaism.

• By which way, it is best to light Menorah?

  Olive Oil.

• What kind of foods are eaten on Hanukkah?

  With Oil and Cheese.

• State the count of branches of Menorah in the holy temple.

  Seven.

• State the count of blessings Jews say on the first night.

  Three.

• During which month, is Hanukkah celebrated?

  December.

• What is the Hanukkah candelabrum called?

  Menorah.

• Name the Hebrew warrior commemorated during Hanukkah.

  Judas Maccabeus.

• Name the person who ordered the Hebrews' Second Temple destroyed.

  King Antiochus.

• What Hannukah game is based on games called totum and trundl?

  Dreidel.

• What traditional Hanukkah dish is the Jewish version of potato pancakes?

  Latkes.

• What is celebrated through eight nights of Hanukkah?

  Military victory and Miracle.

• Do the dates of Hanukkah change every year?

  Yes.

• What is sometimes given other than gifts rhymes with felt?

  Gelt (Money).

• Does the letter on a Dreidel form an acronym?

  Yes. The letters form an acronym for the Hebrew saying Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, which can be translated to "a great miracle happened there.”

• Is music a significant part of Hanukkah celebration?

  Yes. There are a number of hanukkah songs used to celebrate the holiday - Oy Chanukkah and I have a little dreidel are the most well known.

• What is Menorah also known as?

  Hanukiah.

• What are children encouraged to do on Hanukkah?

  To Study Torah.

• What is the Yiddish name for money?

  Gelt.

• What countries celebrate Hanukkah?

  Anywhere the Jewish faith and traditions are practiced.

• What is recited during eight of Hanukkah?

  The entire Hallel.

• Name the most famous song that children sing on Hannukkah.

  I Have a Little Dreidel.

• Name Jewish holiday that is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.

  Hanukkah.

• What are donuts called in Hebrew?

  Sufganiyot.

• In which Holy Book, is Hanukkah mentioned?

  In Bible.

• In which Bible chapter is Hanukkah written?

  John Chapter 10:22.

• In which book story of Hannukkah was it alluded to?

  First Book of Maccabees.

• What is the middle candle called on Menorah?

  Servant Candle.

• What is Hanukkah menorah called?

  Nine Branched Candelabra.

• In English, Chanukah has two names. The Festival of _______ and the Festival of _______.

  The Festival of Lights and the Festival of Dedication.

• What historical event does Chanukah commemorate?

  The Israelites' struggle for the religious freedom against the Syrion Greeks.

• Name the five sons of Mattathias. Which son led the fight against the Syrian army?

  Judah, Eliezer, Simon, Jonathan and Yohanan. Judah led the revolt.

• What was the battle cry of Mattathias?

  Mi I' Adonai Elay, "Whoever is on the side of God, follow me."

• In what community did the Jewish revolt begin?

  Modin.

• After the army recaptured Jerusalem and the Temple, what was Judah's first act?

  He cleansed and rededicated the Temple.

• What Hebrew letters are on the four sides of the dreibel? What do they mean in English?

  Nun, gimmel, hey and shin, meaning "A great miracle happened there."

• The letter "paye" on an Israeli dreidel replaces which letter on an American dreibel and why?

  Shin. The meaning becomes "A great miracle happened here."

• The letter "paye" on an Israeli dreidel replaces which letter on an American dreibel and why?

  Shin. The meaning becomes "A great miracle happened here."

• How many candles (including the shamash) do we need for all of Chanukah?

  44

• On the first night of Chanukah how many blessings are said before the lights are kindled?

  Three.

• The sixth day of Chanukah is the first day of which new Hebrew month?

  Tevet.

• In what year did the historical event of Chanukah take place?

  164 BCE.

• Why do we light Chanukah lights?

  To recall the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days when the Tempe was rededicated.

• The Jews of this South American country's largest Jewish community eat ice cream on Hanukkah which falls in the middle of their summer.

  Argentina.

• The dictator Idi Amin outlawed Judaism and destroyed the synagogue of the Abayudaya Jews of this country. Like the Maccabees, they were small in number, but determined to rebuild their synagogue.

  Uganda.

• The Kaifeng Jewish community in this country, founded in the 8th or 9th century by Persian and Iraqi Jewish traders along the Silk Road, are inspired by the story of the Maccabees.

  China.

• Jews from this country are called Romaniyot or Romans and celebrate Hanukkah by eating a fried doughnut with honey called Bunuelos.

  Greece.

• After lighting the candles, Jewish women from this country wear clothing decorated with bells and go out into the street and play music to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah.

  Yemen.

• In Yemen and North African countries like Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco, the seventh day of Hanukkah, called “Daughters Festival,” celebrates these heroines.

  Hannah and Judith.

• Separated from Israel and the Diaspora for more than 2,000 years, Jews from this country followed the Old Testament, which does not include the Hanukkah story.

  Ethiopia.

• In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue, the same year the Inquisition told Jews from which countries to convert or leave. These Anusim, a Hebrew term to describe descendants of forced converts, celebrated Hanukkah in secret.

  Spain and Portugal.

• Jewish pirates in this part of the world searched for opportunities to take revenge against Spanish and Portuguese ships.

  The Carribbean.

• The Bene Israel from this country celebrate Hanukkah with onion pakoras, coconut milk curries and sweet flattened rice pancakes.

  India.

• This country, the historic home of the Jewish people, was established in 1948 and borders Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria, celebrates Hanukkah with sufganiot.

  Mizrahi.

• This country, the historic home of the Jewish people, was established in 1948 and borders Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria, celebrates Hanukkah with sufganiot.

  Israel.

• The percentage of the 6 million Jews in the U.S. who are Black, Asian, Latino, mixed‐ race, Sephardic or Mizrahi.

  20%

• What colors are associated with Hanukkah?

  Blue, white, and sometimes silver.

• What type of cooking is traditionally used in preparing dishes for Hanukkah?

  Frying.

• What American holiday does Hanukkah sometimes overlap with?

  Thanksgiving.

• Which Hanukkah toy was said to be used as a decoy after learning the Torah was outlawed?

  The dreidel.

• True or False: Gift giving is a long-standing Hanukkah tradition.

  False.

• Which day of the week can Hanukkah NOT begin on?

  Tuesday.

• Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a traditional food served at Hanukkah. Before latkes were made of potatoes, what were they primarily made of?

  Cheese.

• How many different ways can "Hanukkah" be spelled?

  There are 16 variations on the spelling of Hanukkah.

• What does the word "Hanukkah" translate to?

  "Inauguration" in English and "Dedication" in Hebrew.

• Which act is prohibited during the eight nights of Hanukkah?

  Fasting.

• Who was the first U.S. president to light a menorah?

  Jimmy Carter.

• How many times is Hanukkah mentioned in the Torah?

  Zero.

• What is the name of the astronaut who celebrated Hanukkah in outer space?

  Jeff Hoffman.

• How tall is the national menorah in Washington DC?

  30 feet high.

• What is the actual name of the object Jewish people light on Hanukkah? (NOT a menorah!)

  A hanukkiah, a lamp with nine branches.

• Some speculate that the first Hanukkah was actually a delayed celebration for what other Jewish holiday?

  Sukkot.

• Hanukkah is known as The Festival of Lights. What other title is it sometimes referred to as?

  The Festival of Dedication.

• When did the Hanukkah take place?

  During the Second Temple era.

• What can people do with a “dreidel” during the Hanukkah?

  Play with it and sing about it.

• What is the most important observance during the Hanukkah?

  To light the candles.

• How long should the candles be lighted during the Hanukkah?

  At least 30 minutes after the night has fallen.

• What is the right direction to insert candles into the menorah?

  From right to left.

• What is the right way to light the candles in the Hanukkah?

  From left to right.

• What are inscribed on four sides of a dreidel?

  Hebrew letters.

• According to the Talmud, how many gifts should people give on the Hanukkah?

  No gifts are mandated.

• According to I Maccabees, who established the celebration of Hanukkah?

  Judas Maccabeus.

• During the Hanukkah in modern-day Israel, runners should carry burning torches from Modi'in through the streets until they arrive at which destination?

  The Western Wall.

• Where is the best place to light the candles during the Hanukkah?

  Outside the front door.

• What do children often receive as gifts during the Hanukkah?

  Small chocolate coins.

• Which of the following songs is not written on Hanukkah themes?

  Im Hashem Lo Yivneh Bayis.

• Which of the following features has been recently added to the celebration of Hanukkah?

  Hanukkah bushes.

• What is the name of Judah Macabee's father?

  Mutiyahu (He is given credit for sparking the Maccabean revolt).

• What is the meaning of the word 'Maccabee'?

  Hammer.

• What did the Maccabees fight for?

  For the right to practice Judaism.

• What is the right way to light the candles in the Hanukkah?

  Atiochus.

• What letter on the Dreidel is different on an Israeli Dreidel?

  Pey.

• Which letter is not on the sivivon (Dreidel)?

  Bet.

• In which city did the Maccabees lived?

  Modi'in.

• Special foods are eaten called Brisket and Latkes, what are they?

  Brisket is a cut of beef which is normally slow roasted and is served at many Jewish celebrations. They also eat Latkes which are delicious potato pancakes made from mash.

• Lots of the food is cooked in oil for a reason…why?

  Latkes, donuts and apple fritters are just some of the fried foods people eat during Hanukkah. Jewish people fry their food in oil as a symbol of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight nights.

• People give gifts and money to celebrate. true or false?

  True. It is a tradition to give money to one another for Hanukkah. Nowadays people also give gifts although that hasn’t always been traditional.

• Hanukkah is not the most important Jewish holiday.

  Hanukkah is an important Jewish celebration but religious celebrations like Passover and Rosh Hashanah are considered more important.

• Who celebrates Hanukkah?

  Jewish people around the world celebrate these holidays.

• What do people do to celebrate?

  There are a number of traditions and rituals associated with Hanukkah. Many families celebrate by exchanging gifts each night of the 8 day celebration.

• What is the menorah?

  The menorah is a special candelabrum with 9 candles. Each day an additional candle is lit. The ninth candle is called a shamash. This candle is generally in the middle and set higher from the other 8 candles to separate it from the rest. It is the only candle that is supposed to be used for light.

• What hymns are sung?

  There are Jewish songs and hymns that are special for Hanukkah. One of them is the Maoz Tzur which is sung each night after the menorah candles are lit.

• What is the Dreidel?

  The dreidel is a four sided top that children play with during Hanukkah. Each side has a letter that has special significance to the Hebrew religion.

• Are women obligated to light the Chanukah Menorah/Chanukiya?

  As a general rule, women are exempt from all time-bound positive commandments. Nevertheless, by Chanukah, since women were deeply involved in the miracle (as Yehudis, of the Chashmonean family, fed cheese and wine to a Greek governor and then killed him), they are also expected to participate in the celebration. Wives, however, are typically exempt from candle lighting because we consider a husband and a wife as one, and therefore the wife’s obligation is discharged when her husband lights. There are authorities that feel that girls, once their mother is not lighting, should not light as well out of respect for their mother. Traditions can vary depending on family customs and interpretation of the celebration.

• If one is not going to be at home when the time for lighting arrives, what should one do?

  When one works and comes home later than the best possible lighting time but before his family goes to sleep, it is best for him to light upon arriving home, with a blessing.

• Where does the custom of distribution of Chanukah “Gelt” (money) come from?

  This customs probably stems from the same source as the “draidel,” the Chanukah top. During the Greek persecution, children were prevented from studying the Torah. While the children were hiding and studying the Torah, it was said they kept a “dreidel” and money handy so, in the event they were discovered by the Greeks, it would appear as if they were only playing games.

• A reader remembered learning that the war for Israel lasted for some years after the Temple was dedicated. If that was the case, why do we celebrate the military victory on Chanukah?

  The purpose of the war was to achieve religious independence. This goal had been accomplished when the Temple was recaptured, and therefore victory was celebrated. The battles that continued after that time were defensive in nature, to prevent any relapse. Therefore, they are not celebrated.

• What is a proper greeting to use to a fellow Jew on Chanukah?

  Two traditional greetings are “Chag Sameyach” and “A freilichin Chanukah.”

• Why does it seem that Chanukah is not considered as one of the more important or significant holidays?

  The holidays mentioned in the Torah (Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, Pesach, and Shavu’os) are regarded as more important than those holidays which are Rabbinically prescribed, of which Chanukah is one.

• What do the letters on the Dreidel stand for?

  The letters will very depending on where you are. In the Diaspora, the letters are “nun” “gimel” “heh” “shin” which stands for “Nes gadol haya sham”- “A great miracle happened there.” In Israel, the “heh” is replaced with a “peh” which stands for “poh,” so that the sentence reads “A great miracle happened here.” Some say that the four sides represent the four great powers that subjugated Israel: Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome.

• What makes a Menorah/Chanukiya “kosher?”

  A Kosher Chanukah Menorah should have eight branches with the candle/oil holders on one level in a straight line. The Shamash, the candle used to light the others, should either be out of line or on a different level than the other eight candles. It is preferable for the Menorah to look nice (and therefore a Menorah made out of a material which soils and looks unpleasant after one use should preferably not be used) and the nicer the better!

• Why is there no Megillat Chanukah (in Navi) or a Mesechet Chanukah (in Talmud)?

  There is a Megillas Chashmonaim which tells about the story of Chanukah. However, the miracle of Chanukah occurred after the close of the era when books were still added to the Navi. There is discussion of Chanukah in the Talmud. However, it is so small that it would get lost. (It was for this same concern that T’rai Asar, the book in Navi which really consists of 12 small books, was grouped together.) Therefore, the discussion of Chanukah was placed in the tractate of Shabbos, in the chapter concerning the Shabbos “candles.”

• Does Chanukah end the night that we light eight candles?

  As with other “day” dependent observances, we say that night proceeds day. Therefore, on the last night on Chanukah, we light eight candles, and then the next day until sunset, we continue to celebrate Chanukah by saying Hallel in the morning services and saying the special “Al HaNissim” prayer in Grace after Meals and in the Shemoneh Esrai prayer.

• How was the Menorah lit in the Temple?

  The Menorah in the Temple had seven branches (lights). All lights were lit each time the Menorah was lit.

• While Hanukkah is acceptable, Chanukah is the true spelling of this Jewish holiday.

  False. Hebrew is transliterated rather than translated. The Hebrew alphabet is so unique you cannot do letter-for-letter translations. Therefore, there are many interpretations of the correct English spelling of Hebrew words. There is not one correct spelling. Other spellings include Hanukah, Hannukah, and Chanukkah.

• Hanukkah means “light” in English.

  False. “Dedication” is the closest English transliteration for the word Hanukkah.

• Hanukkah is not considered one of the major Jewish religious holidays.

  True. Hanukkah is not considered one of Judaism’s high holidays, or important religious holidays. Yom Kippur is the holiest Jewish holiday, followed by Rosh Hashanah.

• Currently, menorahs have holders for nine candles, but in ancient times, they held fewer candles.

  True. Ancient versions of menorahs have been excavated, but they have spaces for only four to seven lanterns or candles. Scholars are unsure about how and when the nine-part menorah was invented.

• The first day of Hanukkah can fall on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

  True. The first day of Hanukkah changes yearly and sometimes coincides with Thanksgiving or Christmas.

• Hanukkah is a celebration of the rededication of a Jewish temple that had been taken from the Jews and was being used to honor Zeus.

  True. The temple in the Hanukkah story was used to honor the god Zeus, who is not recognized in the Jewish tradition.

• The tradition of lighting a candle each night of Hanukkah is described in the New Testament of the Bible.

  False. The Hanukkah story is included in only some editions of the Bible. It is always in the Old Testament.

• Hanukkah is sometimes referred to as the “festival of darkest winter.”

  False. Hanukkah is often called the “festival of lights” because of the lighting of the menorah.

• Richard Nixon was the first U.S. president to officially recognize Hanukkah.

  False. In 1979, Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. president to officially recognize Hanukkah when he lit a public Hanukkah menorah and spoke in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House.

• George W. Bush was the president who established the tradition of a White House Hanukkah party.

  True. President George W. Bush held the first White House Hanukkah party in 2001.

• The four letters on the dreidel stand for the Hebrew phrase “light will conquer dark.”

  False. The four letters stand for a Hebrew phrase that means roughly “a great miracle happened there.”

• Gelt, or money, is a traditional Hanukkah gift.

  True. Gelt in the form of currency or chocolate coins is a traditional Hanukkah gift.

• Giving gifts on every night of Hanukkah is an ancient tradition.

  False. Giving gifts every day of Hanukkah is a modern adaptation of Hanukkah. Many people think that Hanukkah’s proximity to Christmas increased gift giving on Hanukkah.

• No oil is eaten during Hanukkah in remembrance of how little oil the Jews had when they were reclaiming their temple.

  False: Eating foods fried in oil like latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts (especially jelly doughnuts) is encouraged during Hanukkah.

• Blue and white are the colors of the Israeli flag.

  True. The Israeli flag is blue and white. Some people theorize that this is why Hanukkah decorations are often blue and white, but no one is certain how the blue-and-white color scheme became associated with Hanukkah.

• The candles in the Hanukkah menorah are allowed to burn for eight minutes each night of the holiday

  False. The candles lighted each night of Hanukkah stay lit until they go out or the candle is completely melted.

• You need 44 candles to keep a menorah lit for the eight nights of Hanukkah.

  True. Every day the burned candles from the night before are replaced and an additional candle is burnt. The total number of candles needed is 44.

• Dreidels were worn around the neck as a symbol of Jewish pride before they were used for gaming.

  False. Dreidels were used as decoys by Jews pretending to be playing a game when they were actually having a religious meeting.

• Hanukkah begins on a day in November or December at sunrise.

  False. All Jewish holidays start at sundown, because the Jewish calendar considers sundown, not sunrise, the beginning of each day

• The Maccabees, the group credited with leading the charge to take back the Jewish temple, which Hanukkah celebrates, were named for the Maccabee Valley outside of Jerusalem.

  False. Maccabee is the surname of the Jewish family that instigated and organized the surge to reclaim the Jewish temple.

• Olive oil is the oil most often associated with Hanukkah.

  True. Olive oil is the “official” Hanukkah oil.

• Menorahs must be made from a precious metal.

  False. Menorahs can be made from almost anything.

• The miracle of Hanukkah is that no lives were lost when the Jews reclaimed their temple.

  False. Reclaiming the temple was a military victory rather than a miracle, and there was bloodshed. The Hanukkah miracle is that a tiny amount of oil somehow lit the temple for eight nights.

• Not all Jewish people supported taking military action to reclaim their temple.

  True. Many Jews did not feel it was necessary to fight a battle to reclaim their temple.

• Menorahs are usually placed in windows where they can be seen easily from inside or outside.

  True. Menorahs are meant to be proudly displayed for all to see.

• What is the second name of the Hanukkah festival?

  Festivals of lights.

• How many years ago a miracle occurred and become a festival that people celebrate with the name of Hanukkah?

  2,000 years ago.

• Which Hebrew letters stand for ‘A great miracle happened there’?

  Dreidel’s.

• Children play games to win a pot of what?

  Hanukkah Gelt.

• Who celebrates the Hanukkah festival?

  Jewish.

• What is the first night of Hanukkah called?

  Chanukah.

• What does the word Menorah mean in Hebrew?

  The lamp having seven branches.

• Who created the Menorah?

  Ze’ev Raban.

• What are the colors used in Hanukkah celebrations

  Blue and White.

• Where has the Largest Menorah situated in the World?

  Grand Army Plaza in New York.

• How many jelly donuts are consumed in Israel throughout Hanukkah?

  Over 17.5 million.

• The word “Hanukkah” comes from which Hebrew word?

  “Hinch,” or “to teach.”

• A Menorah is a candelabra with how many candles?

  Nine candles.

• The famous dreidel, or four-sided spinning top, was invented as what?

  Distraction.

• Where the menorah prominently displays as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday?

  In the windows.

• What does the Hebrew word latke mean which is used in the festival?

  A type of potato pancake.

• In which books the story of Hanukkah is preserved?

  In First and Second Maccabees.

• Which prayer is recited on Hanukkah as an addition to the Amidah prayer, which was formalized in the late 1st century?

  The Al HaNissim prayer.

• Among whom the tendency is for every male member of the household to light a full set of lights each night?

  Ashkenazim.

• When should Hanukkah lights usually burn at least?

  Half an hour after it gets dark.

• Typically, how many blessings are recited during this eight-day festival when lighting the candles?

  Two.

• In the Ashkenazi tradition, each night after the lighting of the candles, which hymn is sung?

  Ma’oz Tzur.

• What does the last day of Hanukkah known?

  Zot Hanukkah.

• According to the Gregorian calendar on which date did Hanukkah start in 2018?

  On the evening of December 2.

• In the present time how many arms should a menorah have?

  Nine Arms.

• What is the reason for using blue and white colors in Hanukkah?

  Because of the Israeli flag color.

• Why does Hannukah’s date vary?

  It’s based on the Jewish calendar, not the Gregorian calendar.

• For the festival of lights, must it be candles?

  No.

• Why should there have fried food at the Hanukkah festival?

  Because the miracle happened by oil.

• What should you have to do if you cross the international dateline?

  The agent lights a Chanukkiah at their home.

• Are you tired of trivia yet?

  No.

• How tall is the world’s largest menorah?

  It stands at 32 feet.

• Who made the world’s largest menorah?

  Israeli artist Yaacov Agam.

• How long does Hanukkah last?

  Eight days and nights.

• What is the traditional way to greet someone on Hanukkah?

  Happy Hanukkah, “Chag Sameach”.

• The tradition of lighting a candle each night of Hanukkah is described in which Testament of the Bible?

  Old Testament.

• Where is the National Menorah lit every year?

  In Washington D.C.

• How much does the world’s biggest menorah weigh

  4000 pounds.

• When did Hanukkah begin and end in the year 2020?

  From December 10th to the 18th.

• Hanukkah means “light” in English.

  False.

• Hanukkah is not considered one of the major Jewish religious holidays.

  True.

• The tradition of lighting a candle each night of Hanukkah is described in the New Testament of the Bible.

  False.

• Blue and white are the colors of the Hanukkah festival.

  True.

• Hanukkah begins on a day in November or December at sunrise.

  True.

• In 2012, which channel produced its first film mentioning Hanukkah?

  Hallmark channel.

• Who wrote the song Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah?

  Mordkhe Riverman.

• The promotional artwork “A Rugrats Chanukah” was written by whom?

  David Stem.

• How many blessings are made before lighting candles?

  Three blessings the first night and two the other nights.

• During which of the “four exiles” did the miracle of Chanukah take place?

  The third exile under Hellenite oppression.

• Is it permissible to do work on Chanukah?

  Yes.

• The song “Puppy for Hanukkah is written by whom?

  Daveed Diggs.

• When did the Love, Lights, Hanukkah premier?

  On Dec 12, 2020.

• Why do Jews eat fried food on Hanukkah?

  To represent the miracle of oil.

• Which miracle do we celebrate with the lighting of candles?

  Miracle of oil.

• When is Hanukkah celebrated in 2022?

  December 18th to the 26th.

• What damage did the Hellenite do to the Beit Hamikdash?

  They made breaks in the walls and contaminated the sacred items.

• How did they know that the oil found was uncontaminated?

  Its container had the seal of the Kohen Gadol.

• Who led the battle against the Hellenic?

  Matityahu, the Kohen Gadol, and his sons

• What is the special reading of the Torah each day?

  The gifts of the Nevi’im.

• The ninth candle on the Menorah is called the ‘Shammash’, which means ___ .

  The attendant.

• At Hanukkah, Jewish people eat fried food because ___ .

  It reminds them of a miracle.

• Which of the following was not originally part of Hanukkah?

  Exchanging gifts.

• It is said that in ancient times, Jewish people used dreidels to ___ .

  Hide the fact they were studying the Torah.

• The symbols on a dreidel (nun, gimel, hey and shin) actually stand for ‘nes gadol haya sham’, which means ___ .

  A great miracle happened there.

• Name the Hebrew warrior commemorated during Hanukkah?

  Menorah.

• From which country was the King who ordered the destruction of the Second Temple?

  Syria.

• Other than gifts, what is typically exchanged during Hanukkah?

  Gelt (Money).

• Who lit the first National Menorah in the White House lawn?

  President Jimmy Carter.

• Is Hanukkah celebrated in January?

  No.

• Why is the practice of consuming fried foods followed on Hanukkah?

  In remembrance of the Sacred Oil.

• Which fried sweet food is mostly consumed on Hanukkah?

  Deep Fried Jelly Doughnuts called sufganiyot.

• Name Jewish holiday that is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.

  Hannukah.

• Are Jewish people encouraged not to work on Hanukkah?

  Yes.

• In which chapter of the first book of Maccabees is the story of Hanukkah mentioned?

  Chapter 4.

• Does Hanukkah ever coincide with Thanksgiving?

  Yes.

• When does Hanukkah coincide with Thanksgiving

  2013

• Which Christmas celebrations were incorporated by Jews in the late 19th century?

  Christmas Eve Balls and Decorating Trees.

• Name the rabbinic work that has the story about the oil being burned for eight days miraculously.

  Book of Daniel.

• In which times, Hanukkah song Ma’oz Tsur was composed?

  Medieval Times.

• Against which idea Maccabees were revolting

  Hellenism.

• Was learning the Torah prohibited by Antiochus?

  Yes.

• True or False? One of the Hanukkah delicacies is fried hamantaschen.

  False.

• True/False? The Maccabees fought courageously against the elephants.

  True

• Tue or False? Playing games on Hanukkah is a tradition.

  True.

• Did Jesus Celebrate Hanukkah?

  Jesus did celebrate Hanukkah.

• What should I pray about?

  The Hanukkah season is a wonderful time for us to take a step back from the busyness of our lives and reflect in prayer and meditation. It is also a great time for us to look back on the years we’ve had, think of the blessings we have received, and the struggles we have persevered through.

• What Bible Stories Mirror the Hanukkah Story?

  When we think about the miracle of oil, and that the Holy Spirit is likened to oil in the Bible, we can see how the Word depicts the miracle of Hanukkah through the parable of The Ten Virgins, and the story of Elijah and the Widow.

• Is it Candles or lamps?

  In Lashon Hakodesh the language the Torah is written in the word is Ner which means both.

• What if the Chanukah candles burn/go out?

  You just need to relight them if it has been less than 30 min so that they burn for the full 30 min.

• What is the latest time you can light the menorah?

  Daybreak/Dawn.

• What’s the earliest time to light?

  After Plag Hamincha.

• How Should the menorah be arranged?

  All evened height in a straight line with space between them so the flames don’t merge into a torch. They shouldn’t be uneven or curved or different heights etc. all the lights should be even.

• How do you set up the menorah for lighting each day?

  Put in the right one first then put in the next one to it’s left until you have all the candles or oil in for that number night of Chanukah.

• How do you light the menorah? Which candle do I/you begin with?

  You start with the one you added for tonight so the one on the left. And then continue to light the one’s to the right.

• Why do Jews play dreidel on Hanukkah?

  There are different explanations for this tradition, but historians believe the dreidel is an adaptation of another top-spinning game that Europeans played at Christmas time.

• Why is the first night of Hanukkah one day before the date listed on my calendar?

  While dates on the Gregorian calendar begin at midnight, dates on the Hebrew calendar begin at sundown — that means a holiday starts hours before the corresponding date on the Gregorian calendar. This difference is particularly noticeable on Hanukkah, since celebrations tend to take place at night rather than during the day. So while your calendar may say Hanukkah starts on Dec. 13, it actually begins the preceding evening.

• Do Jews traditionally go to synagogue on Hanukkah?

  Jewish law does not require Jews to observe Hanukkah anywhere outside the home. However, some special liturgy and readings are added to the daily and Shabbat prayer services that take place during Hanukkah.

• Why do Jews eat fried food on Hanukkah?

  It is traditional to eat fried foods, such as latkes and jelly doughnuts (called sufganiyot in Hebrew) as a way of commemorating the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. If you’re worried about the health (or waistline) implications, try baking your latkes — or consider celebrating the oil by dipping bread into a variety of gourmet olive oils.

• Is Hanukkah trivia awesome?

  Yes.

• “I Have A Little Dreidel” aka the Dreidel Song is associated with what holiday?

  Hanukkah.

• How many ways can Hanukkah be spelled?

  Many.

• In 2013, Hanukkah began the night before Thanksgiving. Prior to that, when was the last time Hanukkah coincided with Thanksgiving?

  1888.

• In how many years will Hanukkah overlap again with Thanksgiving?

  Based on the Jewish calendar, it will be more than 77,000 years from now (a while).

• Since Hanukkah celebrates the Miracle of Oil, fried foods are a big part of the festivities (no matter what the healthy food pyramid says). What is the name for these fried patties made from grated potato?

  Latkes.

• The shredded potatoes have been fried up, and are now being served. They may be served with many different toppings, but one of these is aligned with the traditions of Hanukkah. Which of these is it?

  Sour cream.

• These thin pancakes are cooked year-round, but at Hanukkah they are likely to be wrapped around a cheese filling. What is their name?

  Blintz.

• This treat is not consumed exclusively at Hanukkah, but the smear of cream cheese on it definitely qualifies it as an appropriately dairy-product laden selection for your breakfast. What is the name for this torus-shaped bread, which is traditionally boiled before it is baked?

  Bagel.

• This piscine treat is enjoyed year-round, but often features on holiday dinner tables. What dish is prepared by poaching the minced flesh of a fish, mixed with eggs, onion, bread crumbs and spices?

  Gefilte fish.

• Cupcakes are a favorite sweet treat with many, but not essentially a part of the Hanukkah tradition. To make them fit appropriately with the celebrations, what colors can be used to decorate them?

  Blue and white.

• These freshly-fried doughnuts are a popular Hanukkah treat, especially in Israel where they originated. What is the Hebrew name for one of these doughnuts, traditionally filled with jam and rolled in powdered sugar?

  Sufganiyah.

• This sweet treat is suitable for Hanukkah because of its dairy content, even though it is usually not fried. What is pictured here?

  Cheesecake.

• It's always fun to make holiday cookies in special shapes suitable for the occasion. If you want to make yours in the shape of a popular symbol of Hanukkah, which of these would be most appropriate?

  Dreidel.

• What is the name given to the chocolate coins traditionally distributed at Hanukkah, and often used by children in the traditional game of the season?

  Gelt.

• "Oh Chanukah" is a happy song about the holiday, though it is mostly popular only in English-speaking countries. Which isn't a line from the first verse of the Enlgish version of the tune?

  "Come spin the dreidel".

• One of my favorite Hannukah tunes is "Sevivon, Sov, Sov, Sov". The title, which translates as "Sevivon, Turn, Turn, Turn", refers to what famous Chanukah symbols?

  Dreidels.

• Samuel Grossman wrote which famous Hannukah song, one of the most famous of all time? The Yiddish version of this song is called "Ikh bin a Kleyner Dreydl".

  "I Have a Little Dreidel".

• "Ma'Oz Tzur" is another well-known Hannukah song that is often sung in Hebrew. What is the name of the approximated English version of this song?

  Rock of Ages.

• A classic Hannukah song contains the lines "Ohr Chaviv, Mi Saviv, Gil Li-Yeled Rach". What is the title of this song, that precedes the previous line and means approximately "Chanukah is a great holiday"?

  "Chanukah Chag Yafe".

• "The Chanukah Song" is partially found in "Eight Crazy Nights" and was written and sung by what Jewish-American actor?

  Adam Sandler.

• What makes Hanukkah special?

  It is a festival of Jewish people that is celebrated in the dedication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. During this festival, people light candles every day, for eight days.

• Why does Hanukkah have 44 candles?

  For eight days, a new candle is lit at this festival. On the first day, only one candle is lit, on the second day, two candles are lit, and so on. In this way, on the last night, 44 candles are lit in total.

• What kind of food is eaten during Hanukkah?

  At this festival, there is a popular tradition of eating fried potato pancakes that are also known as latkes, as well as jelly donuts.

• What language is spoken during Hanukkah?

  Hanukkah is a Hebrew festival, and that is why Hebrew is spoken on this day.

• What is the most important event in Hanukkah?

  The most important event during Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah. Without this, the festival of lights cannot commence.

• When is Hanukkah 2022?

  In 2022, Hanukkah begins in the evening on Sunday, December 18 and ends in the evening of Monday, December 26. Because the dates of the holiday correspond to the lunisolar calendar, they change each year. Typically, they fall in November or December.

• How is Hanukkah celebrated?

  Lighting the Menorah, Eating Fried foods, Playing Dreidel.

• How can you participate this year?

  Even if circumstances (including ongoing caution amid the pandemic) keep you away from celebrating with the larger community on a given year, there are still ways to get involved. “There’s a teaching in Judaism that tells us we should publicize the miracle of Hanukkah,” says Minnen. “This means lighting candles in front of a window to magnify the light for as many people as possible." And yes, if possible also "celebrating with big parties."

• Is Chanukah a major Jewish holiday?

  No and Yes. Nevertheless, Chanukah is of rabbinic origin, it is traditionally celebrated in a “major” and very public fashion. The requirement to position the Chanukah menorah at the door or window symbolizes our desire to give the Chanukah miracle a “high profile.”

• Where does the name “Maccabee” come from?

  The name Maccabee may come from the Hebrew word for hammer, or for hitting. It is also an acrostic for Mi Kamocha Ba-Elim Hashem! (Who is like You among the mighty, O G‑d!).

• What does “Dreidel” mean?

  Dreidel is a Yiddish word which comes from the word drei, which means to turn, or spin. The dreidel is a specially-designed spinning top used for Chanukah games.

• Is there any significance to the blue and white Chanukah candles?

  The colors of the Israeli flag.

• Is it okay to use an electric menorah?

  Electric menorahs are great for display purposes, and are a wonderful medium for publicizing the Chanukah miracle. But the Chanukah lights used to fulfill the mitzvah should be real flames fueled by wax or oil—like the flames in the Holy Temple.

• Is it OK to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas?

  Depends on who you ask. Many Jews strongly disapprove of Jews celebrating Christmas, which is a Christian holiday, and some feel alienated by the ubiquity of Christmas in American culture. However, others see Christmas as more a cultural celebration than religious holiday, and enjoy participating in Christmas celebrations with non-Jewish friends or non-Jewish family members.

• Why do we eat latkes on Hanukkah?

  A common explanation is that we eat latkes (potato pancakes) because they are cooked in oil and this remind us of the miracle that a single cruse of oil found in the Temple lasted for eight nights.

• What is the correct way to light the Hanukkah menorah?

  A menorah refers to a candelabrum, usually one with seven branches.

• What is the correct way to light the Hanukkah menorah?

  There are certain places that do not permit open flames, including hospitals, nursing homes, and dorm rooms.

• What do you do when you light the candles?

  Lighting the candles is a brief ceremony at sunset. A Hanukkah menorah is called a Hanukkiah. You light the Shamash (the helper candle) first and then use it to light a candle per night so that at the end of the holiday, the entire Hannukiah is filled with burning candles. There are three blessings to recite over the menorah, thanking God for the miracle of light (though many families only say one). Children are encouraged to be part of the candle-lighting and often have their own menorahs. The Hannukiah is supposed to be put in the window to celebrate the holiday.

• Will my Jewish friends be offended if I say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"?

  No. We understand Merry Christmas is a generic, seasonal greeting at this point. I would much rather you said Merry Christmas with intention than stumble over your words, get embarrassed and come out with a Happy HONukah. Happy Holidays is nice, too, and somewhat more inclusive.

• What should I get my Jewish friends for Hanukkah?

  Whatever you would give your friends who celebrate Christmas is a perfect Hanukkah gift too. But really, you shouldn’t have.

• Is there Hanukkah music?

  Although there are a few traditional Hebrew songs and prayers, there isn’t Hanukkah music the way there are Christmas carols. There is the classic Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah song. But this year there are acouple new songs that explain Hanukkah in a fun way are circulating. Check out “All About the Neis” by the accapella Maccabeats. And this one by Six13, which is a parody of Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off.

• Where to buy Hanukkah candles?

  If you still need to buy Hanukkah candles, don't fret! A lot of major chains and local stores sell Hanukkah supplies, you may just need to look around for them. There are also lots of options online for Hanukkah candles in case you strike out in stores.

• Which spelling do you prefer?

  Hanukkah 74% vs Chanukah 26%.

• Favorite Latke Toppings.

  Half of women say sour cream is their topping of choice; 54% of men prefer applesauce.

• Do you play Dreidel with Real Money? Or, do you use candy or tokens instead?

  36% play with actual money.

• Do you get presents all eight nights?

  68% get presents all eight nights.

• What is the story of Hanukkah?

  The story of Chanukah is how the Maccabees were able to defeat the Greek-Syrians and reclaim the Temple of Jurasalem as their own to practice Judaism.

• Why do we celebrate Hanukkah?

  We celebrate Hanukkah to remember and appreciate the battles the Maccabees levied against their oppressors and how they were able to win their religious freedom.

• What is the miracle of Chanukah?

  The miracle of Chanukah is how after winning the battle, the Maccabees had to rededicate the church but needed to light a candle for every day to do so. There was only enough oil for one day, yet it lasted eight – that’s the miracle.

• If Chanukah lasts for eight days, why are there nine candles on that candelabra?

  First, that candelabra is called a menorah. The taller candle in the middle (or often off to one side on more modern menorahs) is called the shamash, which means helper. The shamash is lit first, then you use that candle to light the others.

• Can you use something other than candles for the menorah?

  Some Jews continue to use pure olive oil for the hannukiah, like the Maccabees.

• Is Hanukkah mentioned in the Bible?

  Yes.

• What is the earliest and latest dates Hanukkah can fall?

  Technically, Hanukkah begins on the same day every year: the 25th day of Kislev (the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar). However, the lunar-based Hebrew months do not perfectly coincide with the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah usually begins in late November or December. However, in the year 3031, there will be no Hanukkah … and in the year 3032, there will be two: one in January and one in December.

• Is Hanukkah a major Jewish holiday?

  The high Jewish holy days occur in the fall, culminating with Yom Kippur and the Days of Awe. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday, but researchers say it has grown in significance in the West.

• What is the appropriate Hebrew greeting for Hanukkah?

  If you want to wish someone a blessed feast in Hebrew, you may say “Hanukkah sameach!” (“Happy Hanukkah!”), or “Chag urim sameach” (“Happy Festival of Lights”). Alternately, “Chag sameach!” (“Happy holiday!”) is an appropriate greeting for any joyful holiday.

• What does Hanukkah commemorate?

  The story is that in the second century BCE Judea was under the rule of the Seleucid Empire. The Empire began forcing Jews to convert to Greek culture and religion, resulting in the Maccabee Revolt. Eventually the Maccabees emerged victorious and needed to rededicate the Temple and light the menorah. But there was a problem: They could only find one jug of oil that was still pure, which was enough for one day. Miraculously the oil lasted for eight days, which was enough time to get new oil. But historians still debate certain parts, such as how much of the Maccabee revolt was over Hellenization versus a power struggle between different factions of Judaism, and even when the story of the oil appeared in the record.

• What happens on Shabbat?

  Since Hanukkah ranges over eight days, it will inevitably overlap with the Shabbat (sunset Friday to sunset Saturday), which has its own lighting tradition. In that situation, the Hanukkah candles should be lit first, as it is forbidden to light candles after the Shabbat candles are lit and the blessings said. But to ensure that the candles last at least half an hour after dark, special candles are recommended.

• How did cheese always end up on the menu?

  The 16th century Rabbi Moses Isserles wrote "There are those who say to eat cheese on Hanukkah because the miracle was done through milk, which Judith fed the enemy." The Judith in question was a beautiful widow in the town of Bethulia. As the town was under siege, the story goes, she went into the enemy camp and fed the enemy commander salty cheese to get him thirsty, then wine to get him drunk. After he got suitably drunk Judith cut off his head and ended the siege of the town.According to NPR, despite the events of the Judith story taking place centuries before Hanukkah, medieval Jews began conflating the two, turning Judith into a close relation of Judah Maccabee. Judith's close association with cheese made it a natural Hanukkah dish.

• How do astronauts celebrate Hannukkah?

  In 1993, astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman went up to help fix the Hubble Space Telescope. But he wasn't going to let that ruin the Hanukkah celebrations. The mission broadcast him playing with a dreidel as he attempted to "reinterpret the rules for space flight, since there's no up or down." He then broke out a small hanukkiah, although he refrained from lighting it.

• And how about in Antarctica?

  In 2015, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory published a blog post detailing how Hanukkah was celebrated at McMurdo Station. And there were problems. The first is that for safety reasons, open flames (like from a candle) are banned. Special dispensation had to be granted for the hanukkiah that required the fire marshal to be present and it be lit in the McMurdo galley. The other issue was lighting the candles at sunset—in the Antarctic summer, there is no sunset. According to blog author Jenna Kloosterman, one person argued that they should go with New Zealand sunset, another voted for Jerusalem time, and someone else suggested United States sunset. In the end, Kloosterman says, "we just had to go with the time that the fire marshal was available, which was 7:15 p.m."

• What’s Chrismukkah?

  Chrismukkah is a portmanteau of Christmas and Hanukkah introduced in 2003 on the TV show The O.C. But that wasn't the first time those two holidays were combined. In late 19th-century Germany, the term "Weihnukka" appeared, combining Hanukkah with Weihnachten, the German word for Christmas. But according to Cary Nathenson in the Journal of Jewish Identities, Weihnukka had little to do with celebrating the day, writing "The Christmas these Jews celebrated was less about the birth of Jesus Christ than it was about fitting in with neighbors. Christmas was widely seen as belonging to and defining of the German nation rather than a religious festival, and therefore celebrating the holiday was just something that 'real' Germans did, regardless of their religion."

• What’s the tallest hanukkiah in the world?

  The largest hanukkiah in the world is generally thought to be in New York City near Central Park, which stands at 36 feet high, weighs two tons, and has been a New York fixture since 1977.

  There's a reason that the hanukkiah is only 36 feet tall. That’s the generally agreed limit on how high above ground the candles are supposed to be placed, because any higher and people won't be able to look at the lights. This causes a problem for Jews living in a high floor of an apartment complex. According to New York's Lincoln Square Synagogue, people in this situation should place the hanukkiah by the front door as opposed to in the window. But they say some authorities maintain that if there are apartment buildings opposite that are clearly visible from your apartment, the window is an acceptable place for the hanukkiah.

• What’s the story behind the dreidel?

  The dreidel is a traditional spinning top game. The top has four sides each with a letter on it, and depending which side comes up after a spin, the player has to do nothing, put a piece into a pot, or get some or all of the pot. The traditional story is that the letters represent the phrase nes gadol haya sham or "a great miracle happened there," in reference to the Hanukkah miracle of the oil. Some versions go further, saying that the top was a tool persecuted Jews used to study the Torah. But modern historians tend to doubt this story, suggesting that it traces to a top game called teetotum or just totum. These tops traditionally had the letters of the action (Take all, take Half, Nothing, and Put) and when this was adapted for the Hebrew alphabet, the current dreidel appeared.

• Are the unnecessarily competitive dreidel leagues?

  You bet: Major League Dreidel. In 2008, NPR explained that the contest, which featured such athletes as Tasmanian Dreidel and Jewbacca, wasn't the same as the traditional game. Instead, "Spinners compete on how long their dreidel spins on progressively smaller surfaces." And the puns don't stop at the player names: their "court" is referred to as the "Spinagogue," also the name of their tabletop game. This year, the Major League Dreidel championship will be held in Austin, Texas on December 1, the night before Hanukkah begins.

• It was all started by rebels with a cause.

  The story of Hanukkah dates back to the second century BC. That’s when Jews rebelled against the Greek-Syrians — who had denied them the right to freely practice Judaism and had demanded that the Jews instead pray to Greek gods. The king’s son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, descended upon then-Judea, aka today’s Israel, and killed the Jews, destroying their temple and rubbing pigs’ blood, a most offensive symbol, on its walls.

• Our Hanukkah hero was the son of a preacher man.

  Judah Maccabee, the son of a Jewish priest, took up the cause — and in two years’ time, he led an army that defeated the Greeks and took back their temple and city. His army was known as the Maccabees.

• There were some magic lamps — but sadly, no genies — involved

  When it came time to rededicate the temple after winning it back from the Greeks, the Maccabees found only enough oil to light their lamps for one night. In what is widely known as “the miracle of Hanukkah,” the oil somehow lasted long enough for the lamp to burn for eight days and eight nights. That’s why we light the menorah with nine candles for eight nights (the ninth is known as a shamash, or “head candle,” and you use it to light the others).

• It’s on a different day every year — and you can blame the moon

  Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th in the month of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. Since the Hebrew calendar is lunar rather than solar, Hanukkah falls on a different day each year, anywhere from November to early January on the Roman calendar that most of us are familiar with. Sometimes Hanukkah falls closer to Thanksgiving than Christmas, and sometimes it overlaps with Christmas.

• Today, we eat our “magic oil” instead of lighting it

  While not at all a part of the original Hanukkah story or even a very old tradition, somewhere along the way, someone with a penchant for fried foods decided that making yummy stuff steeped in oil was a great way to honor the miraculous oil from the temple of olden days. And why not? The two foods most commonly associated with Hanukkah are latkes, or potato pancakes, and jelly doughnuts. So go ahead and enjoy some carb-on-carb action.

• Hanukkah is a time for putting your money where your mouth is — literally.

  The most common traditional Hanukkah gift can be easily found at your local drugstore: gold-colored foil-wrapped chocolate gelt, or money. It’s often given along with or in place of real money. It’s said that after the Maccabees were victorious against the Greeks, they started producing their own money for the first time. The tradition of actually giving kids coins on Hanukkah, though, started many centuries later: in Poland in the 1600s, when it was customary for schoolchildren to give their teachers money around Hanukkah. Those capitalistic kids, naturally, started to demand a handout for themselves as well, which led to the beginning of what is now a major tradition of gifting kids gelt (the kind that melts as well as the real stuff).

• You basically play poker, only without the cards.

  In addition to the admittedly more dull part of Hanukkah, when you say the Hebrew prayer for the lighting of the candle, there are several traditions that are a lot of fun for the whole family. The dreidel game is one of these, and you can easily play it with as many (or as few) people as you like. All you need is the dreidel, which is a spinning toy similar to a top, and a pile of pennies or candy — or whatever you’d like to put in the pot. The dreidel has four sides, each with one Hebrew letter on it that symbolizes an action. Spin the dreidel, and if it lands on the “nun,” you do nothing; on “shin” means you put one in; if you land on “he” you get half of what’s in the middle; and the “gimel” facing up means you get the whole pot. Whoever has the most loot when the pot runs dry wins.

  There are also easy songs the whole family can sing, including “Dreidel,” “Oh Hanukkah” or everyone’s favorite nontraditional ditty, “The Chanukah Song” by Adam Sandler.

  All said, there are plenty of fascinating references and quirky traditions that have emerged from thousands of years of honoring and celebrating Hanukkah — and you can pass them all down to your little ones if you like. So take a cue from the above facts and feel free to mix up contemporary customs with legendary historical drama for a Hanukkah kids will be talking about until, well, the next one.

• Who is the Greek-Syrian leader that took harsh steps to destroy Judaism?

  Antiochus Epiphanes.- After the death of Alexander the Great, the lands of the Middle East were divided among different rulers. In the north, Syria was ruled by Antiochus Epiphanies who eventually took over as ruler of the Israel.

  Antiochus added the title of Epiphanies to his name because it meant, "god made manifest." In other words, Antiochus didn't just think he was "God's gift to man," he thought he was god himself!

  The Greeks wanted the Jews to assimilate into Greek culture. When the Jews refused to change their ways, Antiochus embarked on a campaign to eradicate the spirit of the Jews ? outlawing circumcision, Shabbat, and Torah study. It was then that the Maccabees rose up in protest.

• On Friday afternoon, the menorah should stay lit for at least:

  48 minutes.- On Friday afternoon, the menorah should be lit at least 18 minutes before sundown, just prior to lighting the Shabbat candles. This is because we do not light any fire on Shabbat.

  Further, the menorah needs to burn for an additional 30 minutes into the night. Because of this, the candles used on Friday need to be bigger than the regular "colored candles" (which typically don't burn longer than a half-hour).

• What is the name of the courageous Jewish woman who defied the Greeks and killed one of their generals?

  Yehudit.- Jewish women have always risen to the challenge in times of peril. During our harsh slavery in Egypt, Jewish women maintained their belief in redemption. Devorah led the Jewish people when they battled the biblical Canaanites. And Queen Esther was integral to the salvation of the Jews in the times of Purim.

  Burdened by the harsh Greek decrees, the Jewish people were once again strengthened by the heroism of a great Jewish woman, Yehudit, the daughter of Yochanan the High Priest. Faced with the prospects of being defiled by a Greek soldier before her wedding, Yehudit fed the Greek general cheese and wine until he became intoxicated. She cut off his head, which was then hung on the walls of the city. The Greek army fled, and the Jewish people gained hope that they could eventually win the day.

  To commemorate this event, many people have the custom to eat cheese dishes on Chanukah.

• Jews who assimilated into Greek culture were called:

  Hellenists.- The Greeks were different from other empires. They didn't want your land, your resources or your riches. They wanted your mind. They wanted you to become enamored with Greek arts, beauty, and perfection of the physical.

  This was attractive to many Jews in urban centers, who became Hellenists and took on Greek names and fashions.

  This launched a war on two fronts: First, the Maccabees had to fight the invading Greek army. But the real foes of the loyal Jews were the Hellenists in their midst.

• Who is allowed to say a blessing on the lights of Chanukah?

  All of the above.- One of the major themes of Chanukah is the concept of "publicizing the miracle." Ideally, we light the menorah just outside our front door, or at least in a window facing the street.

  If someone did not light his own menorah, he should still say the blessing ("on the miracles that were done for our ancestors") upon seeing the candles burning in someone else's window. This gives each and every Jew the opportunity to connect to the spark of Jewish identity that he has inside.

• There is no "wrong" way to spell Hanukkah.

  You may have seen the holiday spelled like Hanukkah, Hannuka, or Chanukah... the list goes on. The most common version is Hanukkah, but all of the spellings are actually accurate. Because there is no correct way to directly translate the Hebrew sounds to English, it could be spelled a variety of different ways, each equally correct.

• What was the name of Matishyahu’s son?

  Yehuda.

• What are some popular Hanukkah songs?

  Some popular Hanukkah songs include "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel," "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah," and "I Have a Little Dreidel."

• Funny Hanukkah Songs.

  For those times when you just want to giggle with your kids press play on these funny Hanukkah songs that will have the whole family chuckling.

  • "How Do You Spell Channukkahh?" by The LeeVees
  • "Chanukah" (Shake It Off) by Six13
  • "The Chanukah Song" by Adam Sandler
  • "Hanukkah Blessings" by Barenaked Ladies
  • "I Want a Hippopotamus for Hanukkah" by The Jimmies

• Educational Hanukkah Song.

  Although Hanukkah is a lot of fun it also commemorates an important historical period and tells the story of the Jewish victory and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. These songs help to impart knowledge about this special festival of lights in an upbeat interesting way.

  • "Judah Maccabee, The Hammer" by Peter and Ellen Allard
  • "Chanukah Blessings" by Julie Silver
  • "Hanukkah With Veronica Monica" by Sesame Street
  • "Official Hanukkah Song" by Chanukah Jewish Rock of Ages

• Modern Hanukkah Songs.

  These contemporary songs will interest older kids as they sound more like modern pop or in some cases hip hop tunes rather than old-fashioned holiday music.

  • "8 Days" (Of Hanukkah) by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
  • "Pass the Candle" (From Left to Right) by Michelle Citrin
  • "Chanukah Bamba" by Shira Kline
  • "Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah" by Erran Baron Cohen

• Singalong and Action Hanukkah Songs

  Little kids will love these action songs that bring the story of Hanukkah alive through song and dance. They will probably learn them at preschool and will enjoy teaching mom and dad all the moves!

  • "I am a Little Dreidel" by Kiboomers
  • "Ocho Kandelikas" (Eight Little Candles) by Pink Martini
  • "Hanukkah is Here" by Jack Hartmann Kids
  • "Latkes Are Sizzling In The Pan" (to the tune of When Johnny Comes Marching Home)

• How to play Dreidel?

  • Every player begins with the same number of gelt– the Hebrew word for money (often chocolate coins in gold wrapping or another type of token are used) and puts one into a” pot” (the middle of the playing area).
  • Players take turns spinning the dreidel. If it lands on nun, do nothing. Landing on gimel means to take the whole pot. Hay means to take half the pot, and shin means to add one to the pot.
  • The game is over when one person wins all of the gelt or tokens.

• Hannukah books for kids.

  • Runaway Dreidel!
  • Goodnight Bubbala
  • The Golden Dreidel
  • Baby Loves Angular Momentum on Hanukkah
  • Celebrate Hanukkah with Light, Latkes, and Dreidels

• Which of these is NOT a traditional Hanukkah treat? (see answers below)

  • Jelly Donuts
  • Babka
  • Gelt
  • Fruit Jellies

• The most important tradition associated with Hanukkah is the kindling of the lights on the Menorah. The Hanukkah menorah is called a HANUKIYAH.

  True.

• Which Greek Empire conquered Judea starting the Hanukkah story?

  • The Attalids
  • The Ptolemaics
  • The Seleucids
  • The Antagonics

• What season is Hanukkah usually celebrated?

  Winter.

• Which of the following is NOT the preferred arrangement of the candles on a menorah?

  • All candles should be at the same height
  • All candles should be in a straight light
  • All candles should be at least 5 cm apart

• David began shredding potatoes for the latkas at 3:00. It took him a half hour to make the first batch of latkas. What time was he done?

  • 3:15
  • 3:30
  • 4:00
  • 4:30

• Aaron and his family were expecting their other family members to arrive to celebrate Hannukah in an hour. It is 4:00. What time should his family arrive?

  • 3:00
  • 5:00
  • 6:00
  • 4:40

• Adinah played dreidel for half an hour. She stopped playing at 8:30. What time did she start?

  • 9:00
  • 7:00
  • 7:30
  • 8:00

• Eva and her family sat to exchange gifts at 5:30. They were finished an hour later. What time were they finished?

  • 6:00
  • 6:30
  • 7:30
  • 7:00

• Mr. Stein started to decorate his house for Hanukkah at 11:30. He finished 3 hours later. What time was it when he was done?

  • 2:30
  • 3:00
  • 12:00
  • 1:30

• Jerod will light the menorah in a half an hour. It is 7:30. What time will he light it?

  • 6:00
  • 6:30
  • 8:00
  • 8:30

• The Klein family made 72 latkes for dinner. There were 8 people eating dinner. If everyone ate an equal amount, how many latkes did each person have?

  • 8
  • 6
  • 5
  • 9

• Benjamin had 27 dreidels. he gave an equal amount to his friends. If each friend received 3, how many friends did he give dreidels to?

  • 4
  • 9
  • 11
  • 7

• Evie was allowed to open 2 presents each night in Hannukah. If there are 8 nights in Hannukah and she opened 2 every night, how many presents did Evie receive during Hannukah?

  • 16
  • 32
  • 24
  • 28

• Mrs. Cohen’s store was having a special on customs menorahs. She received an order of 15 menorahs. She shipped them off but had to use three boxes. If each box had an equal amount in them, how many were in each box?

  • 8
  • 4
  • 5
  • 2

• There were 45 people gathered to celebrate and sing Hannukah songs. There were gathered into 5 equal groups. How many were in each group?

  • 7
  • 9
  • 3
  • 4

• Mariska had 108 pieces of chocolate. She put an equal amount into 9 boxes and planned to give them to her friends for Hannukah. How many pieces were in each box?

  • 14
  • 8
  • 7
  • 12

• What is the best app to capture Hannukah memories?

  Of course, LALO.

  Chanukah FAQs for Non-Jews by Rachel Kurland

• Oh, so this is like the Jewish Christmas?

  No, two words have ever created a stronger oxymoron. Although Chanukah and Christmas tend to fall in the same holiday season, that’s pretty much the only thing they have in common.

• Chanukah must be an important holiday for you.

  Actually, no. Chanukah has been built up to be some store-brand epic celebration because it happens to fall around Christmas. We don’t take off work or school. We don’t take an extra guilt trip to shul. We just eat.

• You don’t take off work for Chanukah?

  As much as I would love to spend eight days indulging in carbs to celebrate our people no longer being enslaved by the Hellenistic Greeks, the truth of the matter is that Chanukah is not as big a deal as people make it out to be. It’s an empowering story of overcoming religious persecution, but it’s not really in our Top 5 holidays required to do something outrageously Jewy.

• Is there a Jewish Santa?

  If you believe in Hanukkah Harry or Hershel the Hanukkah Goblin, then sure. Otherwise, no. There’s a reason Friends character Ross Geller dressed up as the pathetic mascot known as the Holiday Armadillo: because Chanukah doesn’t actually have a mascot. We don’t have fun characters like Santa or Rudolph. We have the real history of the Maccabees and the Greeks. Chanukah has been made into a big to-do when, really, it is not the most important holiday in the Jewish calendar.

• Where’s your Christmas tree? Do you at least have a Chanukah bush?

  I do not have a Christmas tree because I don’t celebrate Christmas. It’s that simple. As fun as it sounds to participate in this tradition of garnishing a plant in my living room, the idea of a Chanukah bush is a sad alternative to a Christmas tree, in my opinion. If any Jew wants to decorate a shrubbery with an angel and lights as a way to feel included in the Christmas hysteria, be my guest. But it is not a Chanukah tradition.

• Do you really go to the movies and eat Chinese food on Christmas?

  Honestly, yes. Now, not every Jew keeps this unofficial “tradition,” but it’s something that my family has always done simply because those are the only two interesting things open on that day … and we kind of think the stereotype is funny. Plus, you get to see all your friends in town in one place by “coincidence,” so it becomes a nice shindig.

• Why does Chanukah start on a different day each year?

  Chanukah follows the Jewish calendar and lasts for eight days. Because it is lunar-based, the days it falls on each year vary in the secular calendar. It’s just a coincidence that it falls around Christmas.

• You must love Adam Sandler.

  Yes, “The Chanukah Song” was funny in the ‘90s and Eight Crazy Nights was, well, it was tolerable. But just because he put out a few “Now That’s What I Call Chanukah” hits doesn’t mean he’s our golden calf.

• If Chanukah lasts for eight days, why are there nine candles on that candelabra?

  First, that candelabra is called a menorah. The taller candle in the middle (or often off to one side on more modern menorahs) is called the shamash, which means helper. The shamash is lit first, then you use that candle to light the others from right to left.

• How do you spell Chanukah?

  Two K’s? One N? No H? The phlegmy clear-your-throat “ch” instead of just H? There are dozens of ways to spell it phonetically in English. Just don’t ask me which one to use. I still don’t know.

• Does Christmas offend you?

  Not at all. Don’t get me wrong, though it seems like I am not full of Christmas cheer, I actually enjoy the Christmas season because just as much as most of the world, I view it as a fun holiday full of parties, ugly sweaters and candy canes. I can even name five out of nine reindeer and remember most of the lyrics to Jingle Bell Rock. However, from an outsider looking in, it’s unfortunate that the original celebration and religious purpose of Christmas itself is so far gone from our society today. We are so wrapped up with gift-giving and nog-drinking that some forget to reflect on the whole point, which is Jesus’ (half) birthday.

  And on another note, I’m not offended when I’m doing my regular shopping during, well basically the entire month of December, and cashiers wish me a “Merry Christmas” on my way out. It’s a polite gesture either way, and if this is the one time of year when people are actually nice to each other and relatively pleasant, I’ll take it.

  Santa office gift exchanges or wish me a happy holiday. It’s OK. Being overly sensitive about it is just as bad as being ignorant. I won’t spontaneously combust when I hear the word Christmas. That doesn’t offend me. But what does is assuming that Chanukah is some distant cousin of Christmas, when really they have no relation.

• Aren’t latkes basically hash browns?

  Now I’m offended.

• Answers From above:

  477: Fruit Jellies

  479: The Seleucids

  481: All candles should be at least 5 cm apart

  482. 3:30

  483. 5:00

  484. 8:00

  485. 6:30

  486. 2:30

  487. 8:00

  488. 9

  489. 9

  490. 16

  491. 5

  492. 9

  493. 12

  The End! I hope you enjoyed this collection of anecdotes, trivia, math, science, history, and jokes. As you celebrate the holidays don’t forget to download Lalo family media app to preserve all those special moments.