Question: What is the source of the dreidel?

 

Answer: A dreidel (also spelled dreidl or draydel) is a four sided spinning top with a different Hebrew letter on each side. The game of dreidel is traditionally played during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

 

The Ancient Connection

Some people maintain that the dreidel game goes back to the time of the Greek-Syrians, and thus is integrally connected to the Hanukkah holiday. Since the Greek-Syrians prohibited the Jews from studying Torah, the Jews needed a way to hide their Torah learning. They used the dreidel as a decoy. When they saw the Greek-Syrians coming, the Jews would hide their books, take out their dreidels, and trick the Syrians into thinking they were just playing a game.

 

After lighting the Hanukkah menorah, you can play this traditional Hanukkah game with your family. All members of the household, from toddlers to senior citizens, can play this simple and fun game together. Playing dreidel is the perfect fun way to celebrate the holiday, create family memories, and strengthen your children’s Jewish identities.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 20-40 minutes

Here's How:

 

Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah (also called the Hanukkiah) is the essential observance of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Hanukkah candles are lit to commemorate the the miracle of the Maccabees' victory and the miracle of the oil that burnt for eight days in the Temple.

 

Answer: This book was written by an anonymous Jewish historian who lived in the land of Judea in the second century BCE. The book describes the uprising of a small group of Maccabees, led by Judah, against the pagan armies of the Syrian King. The Maccabees won back the right of the Jews to practice Judaism thereby preserving monotheism in the world. The Maccabees also reestablished the political independence of the Jewish people and rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem. This book is one of the Apocrypha or "Outside Books" - ancient writings which were not included in the Bible.