What is Hanukkah commonly known as?

The festival of lights Click to see the answer

What does Hanukkah commemorate?

The Maccabean revolt against the Syrian-Greek army

How many nights does Hanukkah last?

8 nights

What does the word "Hanukkah" mean?

Dedication

What is Hanukkah celebration about?

The triumph of the Maccabees in reclaiming their temple after it was desecrated by Syrian-Greeks.

What is the most common spelling of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah

Who was the Maccabean revolt against?

The Syrian-Greek army Click to see the answer

What is the most well-known tradition of Hanukkah?

Lighting of the menorah

What is the significance of the center candle in the menorah?

It is used to light all the other candles

How many candles are in a menorah?

9 candles

What is the significance of lighting one candle each day of Hanukkah?

To celebrate each day of the holiday

In what country is Hanukkah a national holiday?

Israel

What is the significance of the darkest time of the year during Hanukkah?

To celebrate the return of light

How does Rabbi Leonard Gordon describe Hanukkah?

A frightening celebration

How many nights did the miracle oil burn for?

Eight nights

What was the main reason for the menorah being moved from its original placement during Mishnaic times?

The harsh realities of the diaspora Click to see the answer

What is the significance of the mezuzah and the menorah being placed on either side of the doorway during Hanukkah?

To surround a person with holiness

How did the mezuzah and the menorah surround a person with holiness in ancient times?

By placing the mezuzah on one side and the menorah on the other side of the doorway

Where are menorahs displayed during Hanukkah in contemporary Israel?

On prominent buildings such as the Knesset

What is the significance of the Western Wall in the Hanukkah story?

It is the last remnant of the Temple

Who hands the torch to the chief rabbi during the relay in contemporary Israel?

The final torchbearer

What is the destination of the relay during Hanukkah in contemporary Israel?

The Western Wall in Jerusalem

What was the original placement of the menorah during Mishnaic times?

Outside, on the left side of the door leading in from the street

What activities do students participate in during Hanukkah in contemporary Israel?

Plays, songs, parties Click to see the answer

From where does the relay begin during Hanukkah in contemporary Israel?

Modiʿin

Where is the menorah usually placed during Hanukkah?

In a window or a doorway

What is the significance of the lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah?

A symbol of hope and light during the darkest time

What is the significance of the shamash in the menorah?

The center candle that sits higher than the others

What material is typically used to make the dreidel, a spinning top played with during Hanukkah?

Wood

Who were the Maccabees?

Jewish rebels

Who did the Maccabees defeat to reclaim the holy temple in Jerusalem?

Egyptian slaves

What metal is traditionally used to make the menorah used during Hanukkah?

Brass

What type of oil is used to light the candles in the menorah during Hanukkah?

Olive Oil

Why is food fried during Hanukkah?

As a symbol of the miracle oil that burned for eight nights

What does the miracle oil symbolize in Hanukkah?

The oil that burned for eight nights

What is the significance of the holy temple in Jerusalem in the Hanukkah story?

It was defiled by the Syrian-Greeks and reclaimed by the Maccabees Click to see the answer

According to tradition, what will be followed when Moshiach comes regarding the lighting of the menorah on Hanukkah? The rulings of the House of Shammai

The placement of the menorah outside, on the left side of the door

Why do Jews play the dreidel game during Hanukkah?

For fun

What custom is commonly followed (outside of Israel) regarding the placement of the menorah during Hanukkah?

Light the menorah at a window

How is the dreidel related to Hanukkah?

Based on a German gambling game, European Jews adopted it and replaced the letters with Hebrew ones to engage with scripture. Now it is used throughout the holiday.

Where did the dreidel originally come from?

Germany and England

What letters are on the sides of the dreidel?

Hebrew

What type of food is traditionally fried during Hanukkah?

Any type of food

What does the chief rabbi use the torch for during Hanukkah in contemporary Israel?

To light the first candle of a giant menorah

What is the highlight of the Hanukkah festival in contemporary Israel?

The annual relay from Modiʿin to Jerusalem

What is the origin of the annual relay during Hanukkah in contemporary Israel?

Contemporary Israel

Why was the menorah placed to the left of the door?

Because the mezuzah is placed on the right side

Who taught to add another candle each night of Hanukkah?

The traditional custom of lighting at a window

12. Why do some communities prefer to light the menorah in a doorway rather than a windowsill during Hanukkah?

To surround themselves with the mitzvahs of mezuzah and the menorah, just as in ancient times

Who maintained that eight lights be lit on the first night of Hanukkah?

The House of Shammai