Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-night festival commemorating the rededication of the second Temple in Jerusalem. This holiday is observed by Jews worldwide, typically beginning on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Here are some fun Hanukkah trivia questions to test your knowledge of this festive holiday.
trivia questions
1. How many nights does Hanukkah last?
Hanukkah lasts for eight nights.
2. How many candles are lit during a menorah?
A menorah typically holds nine candles.
3. What is the name of the candle in the menorah that is used to light all the others?
The Shamash candle is used to light all the other candles.
4. When should the menorah be lit each day?
The menorah should be lit after sunset.
5. Why are Hanukkah dishes often fried?
People fry their food in oil for Hanukkah to symbolize the miracle oil that burned for eight nights straight.
6. Who was the first president to acknowledge Hanukkah at the White House?
Jimmy Carter was the first president to recognize Hanukkah with a menorah lighting in 1979.
7. How many sides does a dreidel have?
A dreidel has four sides.
8. What is the name of the jelly doughnuts typically served during Hanukakah?
Sufganiyah.
9. What actor-comedian sang a Hanukkah song during a 1994 Saturday Night Live sketch?
Adam Sandler sang a Hanukkah song during a 1994 Saturday Night Live sketch.
10. Where is the world's largest menorah located?
The world's largest menorah is located in New York City near Central Park.
11. Does Hanukkah begin on the same date every year?
No, Hanukkah begins on a different date each year as the Hebrew calendar (the one we use right now) and the Gregorian calendar don't match up.
12. How are Hanukkah candles lit?
The Hanukkah candles are usually lit from right to left.
13. What is the informal name for money that is given as a present during Hanukkah?Gelt.
14. How many blessings are said during the first night of Hanukkah?Three.
15. How many blessings are said during the remaining seven nights?Two.
16. What are the four Hebrew letters featured on each side of the dreidel?
Nun, Gimel, Hey or Chai, and Shin.
additional trivia questions for adults
17. How does the legend of the menorah relate to the holiday?
The legend of the menorah goes back to the story of Hanukkah's miraculous oil supply, which burned for eight days straight to commemorate the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks.
18. How has the meaning of Hanukkah changed over time?
Originally, Hanukkah was celebrated for two or three days, but over time it has become a major holiday with traditions such as lighting a menorah, eating Hanukkah dishes, and playing dreidel games.
19. What is the significance of the Dreidel game?
The Dreidel game is believed to have originated in Germany during the late 19th century. It has since become a popular game played during Hanukkah, often with gelt as the pot and the four Hebrew letters on the dreidel as the pieces.
20. How has Hanukkah influenced mainstream American culture?
Hanukkah has become more mainstream in recent years, with businesses such as Target, Macy's, and Amazon selling Hanukkah products. Additionally, celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres have hosted Hanukkah-themed episodes of her talk show and singers like Justin Bieber have recorded Hanukkah songs.
##Hanukkah is a joyous holiday that remembers the triumph of the Jewish people over religious persecution. Through Hanukkah trivia and activities, we can learn more about this historic holiday and enjoy the festive spirit it brings.
