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Hanukkah

Get ready to light up your Hanukkah festivities with a Fun, Festive, and Enlightening Trivia Night!

Hanukkah

Questions

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  • What is Hanukkah also known as?A) The Festival of Lights

  • How many branches does a traditional Hanukkah menorah have?A) Nine

  • What game is commonly played during Hanukkah using a spinning top?A) Dreidel

  • What oil-based food is traditionally eaten during Hanukkah?A) Latkes

  • What does each candle on the menorah represent?A) Each night of Hanukkah

  • In which month does Hanukkah usually occur?A) Kislev

  • Which Hanukkah song includes the lyrics 'Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah, come light the menorah'?A) "Oh Hanukkah"

  • What are the chocolate coins given during Hanukkah called?A) Gelt

  • What is the name of the ninth candle used to light the other candles on a menorah?A) Shamash

  • Which Jewish hero is often associated with Hanukkah?A) Judah Maccabee

  • What does 'Hanukkah' mean in Hebrew?A) Dedication

  • Which vegetable is traditionally used to make latkes?A) Potatoes

  • How many nights does Hanukkah last?A) Eight

  • What type of oil is significant in the Hanukkah story?A) Olive oil

  • What is a common dairy food eaten during Hanukkah?A) Cheese

  • What does the dreidel's Hebrew letter 'Nun' stand for?A) Nes (Miracle)

  • In what country did Hanukkah originate?A) Israel

  • Which Hanukkah song was written by Adam Sandler?A) "The Hanukkah Song"

  • What is the central theme of Hanukkah?A) The miracle of the oil

  • What type of pastry is often eaten on Hanukkah in Israel?A) Sufganiyot (Jelly donuts)

  • What miracle is Hanukkah based on?A day's worth of oil lasting eight days.

  • In what year was the first White House Hanukkah Party?2001.

  • Which country started the tradition of eating jelly donuts during Hanukkah?Israel.

  • What is the Hebrew term for the Hanukkah menorah?Hanukkiah.

  • Who was the king that the Maccabees revolted against?Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

  • Which book of the Apocrypha tells the story of Hanukkah?The Book of Maccabees.

  • What is the significance of the number '36' in Hanukkah?Total number of candles lit during the eight nights (excluding the shamash).

  • What does the Hebrew letter 'Gimel' signify in a dreidel game?You get everything in the pot.

  • Which 2002 movie featured a Hanukkah celebration?"Eight Crazy Nights."

  • What is a modern addition to the menorah in some households?Electric lights.

  • Which city is famous for its large public menorah lighting?New York City.

  • What traditional game uses a top with Hebrew letters?Dreidel.

  • What does the Hebrew letter 'Hei' signify in a dreidel game?Take half of the pot.

  • What are the four Hebrew letters on a dreidel?Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin.

  • What is the traditional Hanukkah garment?Hanukkah gelt pouch.

  • What is unique about the candle arrangement on a menorah?The shamash is typically set apart or higher than the others.

  • What is a popular Hanukkah song that celebrates spinning the dreidel?"Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel."

  • Which two tribes are associated with the story of Hanukkah?The Maccabees and the Seleucids.

  • What is the name of the Jewish festival that occurs close to Hanukkah?Kislev.

  • What is the color of the wax often used for Hanukkah candles?Blue and white.

  • What is the traditional Hebrew song sung after lighting the menorah candles?"Ma'oz Tzur."

  • Which ancient Jewish historian wrote about Hanukkah?Flavius Josephus.

  • What is the name of the ancient fortress in Jerusalem associated with the Maccabees?Masada.

  • Which Hebrew letter is added to the dreidel in Israel?Pei (for 'Po', meaning 'here').

  • What is the specific prayer recited during Hanukkah candle lighting?"Hanerot Halalu."

  • What is the rare occasion when Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving called?Thanksgivukkah.

  • In which battle did Judah Maccabee reclaim Jerusalem?The Battle of Beth Zur.

  • What is the name of the special nine-branched menorah used during Hanukkah?Hanukkiah.

  • Which empire ruled over Judea during the Maccabean Revolt?The Seleucid Empire.

  • What is the traditional Hebrew term for the oil jug in the Hanukkah story?Pach Shemen.

  • What rare astronomical event occurred during Hanukkah in 2013?A Hanukkah comet (Comet ISON).

  • What is the specific term for the act of publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah?Pirsumei Nisa.

  • What is the rare calendar convergence of Hanukkah and Christmas called?Chrismukkah.

  • Which Jewish sage is credited with establishing the Hanukkah festival?Rabbi Hillel.

  • What is the Hebrew term for the dedication of the altar during Hanukkah?Chanukat Hamizbeach.

  • What ancient text contains the rules for playing dreidel?There is no ancient text; dreidel rules are passed down through tradition.

  • What is the name of the ancient Jewish military leader who is a symbol of Hanukkah?Judah Maccabee.

  • Which Jewish philosopher discussed the importance of Hanukkah lights?Maimonides.

  • What is the name of the special insert for Hanukkah prayers in the Amidah?Al Hanissim.

  • Which rare scriptural book is read in some traditions during Hanukkah?Scroll of Antiochus.

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