Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the dedication of the Second Holy Temple. Also, it is a devotion to the Maccabean revolt fought against the Greeks.
Can you guess why Hanukkah has the custom of being celebrated for eight nights?
Time for the season of Hannukah holidays!
It is the best chance for you to impress your friends and family and engage everyone with the holiday sentiment of Hanukkah. This quiz will help you learn more about the festival.
Find out more about the Jewish holiday customs and celebrations through these Hanukkah trivia questions.
Hanukkah Trivia Questions for Kids
Que : What is the significance of the eight days of Hanukkah?
Answer : They commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Temple.
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Que : What is the name of the candelabrum used during Hanukkah?
Answer : Menorah
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Que : Which Jewish holiday is known as the Festival of Lights?
Answer : Hanukkah
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Que : What is the traditional game played with a four-sided spinning top during Hanukkah?
Answer : Dreidel
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Que : What type of food is commonly eaten during Hanukkah?
Answer : Foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot
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Que : How many candles are there in a Hanukkah menorah, including the shamash?
Answer : Nine
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Que : What is the shamash, and what is its purpose in the menorah?
Answer : The shamash is the “helper” candle used to light the other candles
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Que : Which Jewish month is Hanukkah celebrated in?
Answer : Kislev
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Que : What does the word “Hanukkah” mean in Hebrew?
Answer : Dedication
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Que : What type of oil was used to light the menorah in the Temple?
Answer : Olive oil
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Que : How many days was the oil in the Temple supposed to last originally?
Answer : One day
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Que : Which famous Jewish historian wrote about the events leading to Hanukkah?
Answer : Flavius Josephus
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Que : Which Jewish sect was responsible for the revolt that led to the first Hanukkah?
Answer : The Hasmoneans
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Que : In modern times, which country has the world’s largest menorah?
Answer : The United States (New York City).
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Que : What is the name of the traditional Hanukkah song often sung after lighting the menorah?
Answer : “Maoz Tzur” (Rock of Ages).
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Que : What miracle does Hanukkah commemorate?
Answer : The miracle of the oil lasting eight days
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Que : What was the name of the Greek ruler who defiled the Temple, leading to the Hanukkah story?
Answer : Antiochus IV Epiphanes
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Que : What does the dreidel game teach about Hanukkah?
Answer : It symbolizes the Jews’ resilience and ingenuity in maintaining their faith under oppression.
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Que : How do you win the game of dreidel?
Answer : By collecting all the gelt (coins or candy).
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Que : Which direction do you place the candles in the menorah?
Answer : Right to left
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Que : Which direction do you light the candles in the menorah?
Answer : Left to right
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Que : What are latkes traditionally made of?
Answer : Potatoes
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Que : What is the significance of eating foods fried in oil during Hanukkah?
Answer : It commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Temple.
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Que : What is gelt, and why is it associated with Hanukkah?
Answer : Gelt is money or chocolate coins given to children as a gift during Hanukkah, symbolizing the freedom and prosperity won by the Maccabees.
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Que : In which country did the tradition of giving gelt during Hanukkah originate?
Answer : Eastern Europe
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Que : How is Hanukkah referred to in English?
Answer : The Festival of Lights
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Que : How long did the Maccabean revolt last?
Answer : About three years
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Que : What does the name “Maccabee” mean?
Answer : Hammer
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Que : Which part of the Jewish liturgy includes special additions for Hanukkah?
Answer : The Amidah and the Al HaNissim prayer
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Que : What does the Al HaNissim prayer express gratitude for?
Answer : For the miracles, redemption, mighty deeds, and salvation during the time of the Maccabees.
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Que : What was the original purpose of the menorah in the ancient Temple?
Answer : To symbolize the eternal light of God’s presence
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Que : What is the significance of the Menorah’s central branch?
Answer : It holds the shamash, the helper candle
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Que : Who are the central figures in the story of Hanukkah?
Answer : Judah Maccabee and his brothers
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Que : What is the name of the Syrian-Greek empire that ruled over Judea during the time of Hanukkah?
Answer : The Seleucid Empire
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Que : What was prohibited by Antiochus IV that led to the Jewish revolt?
Answer : The practice of Judaism, including circumcision, Sabbath observance, and the study of Torah.
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Que : How did the Maccabees purify the Temple after recapturing it?
Answer : By removing the defiled altar and rebuilding it with new stones
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Que : Which Jewish text mentions the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah?
Answer : The Talmud
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Que : What is the Hebrew phrase that begins the Hanukkah blessings?
Answer : “Baruch Atah Adonai…”
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Que : How many blessings are recited on the first night of Hanukkah?
Answer : Three
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Que : How many blessings are recited on the subsequent nights of Hanukkah?
Answer : Two
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Que : What role did women play in the Hanukkah story?
Answer : Judith, a Jewish heroine, is celebrated for beheading an enemy general, which inspired the Jewish revolt.
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Que : What is a popular children’s song sung during Hanukkah?
Answer : “I Have a Little Dreidel.”
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Que : What is the significance of the letters on the dreidel in Israel?
Answer : They stand for “A great miracle happened here.”
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Que : Which U.S. president was the first to celebrate Hanukkah in the White House?
Answer : President Jimmy Carter
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Que : What is the tradition of the Hanukkah gelt meant to teach children?
Answer : The value of charity and the importance of giving.
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Que : Which book of the Christian Bible contains references to the Feast of Dedication, which is believed to be Hanukkah?
Answer : The Book of John
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Que : What is the typical greeting exchanged during Hanukkah?
Answer : “Chag Sameach!” or “Happy Hanukkah!”
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Que : Which Jewish philosopher and scholar wrote about the importance of publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah?
Answer : Maimonides
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Que : What is the Hebrew word for the candles used during Hanukkah?
Answer : Neirot
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Que : What is the purpose of the Hanukkah lights according to Jewish tradition?
Answer : To publicize the miracle of Hanukkah
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Que : What are the traditional colors associated with Hanukkah decorations?
Answer : Blue and white
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Que : How is Hanukkah typically celebrated in the United States?
Answer : With menorah lighting, dreidel games, and the exchange of gifts
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Que : What kind of cheese is often eaten during Hanukkah in remembrance of Judith?
Answer : Dairy cheese, often served in dishes like cheese latkes
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Que : How many years after the Hanukkah story did the Maccabean dynasty rule Judea?
Answer : About 100 years
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Que : What was the name of the fortress where the Maccabees took refuge during their revolt?
Answer : The fortress of Modi’in
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Que : What is the significance of the menorah being placed in a window during Hanukkah?
Answer : To share the miracle of Hanukkah with the outside world
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Que : How do you say “Happy Hanukkah” in Hebrew?
Answer : “Chag Urim Sameach!”
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Que : Which Jewish holiday is closest to Hanukkah on the calendar?
Answer : Yom Kippur
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Que : What modern-day country was the land of Judea located in during the Hanukkah story?
Answer : Israel
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Que : What was the first mitzvah (commandment) restored by the Maccabees after their victory?
Answer : Lighting the menorah
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Que : What is a popular Hanukkah treat made from dough and deep-fried?
Answer : Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts)
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Que : Which Jewish text was the first to mention the celebration of Hanukkah?
Answer : The Book of Maccabees
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Que : What does the phrase “Mi Yimalel” in the popular Hanukkah song mean?
Answer : “Who can retell the mighty deeds of Israel?”
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Que : How do Sephardic Jews traditionally celebrate Hanukkah?
Answer : With special foods like bimuelos (fried dough) and singing of Hanukkah songs
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Que : How did Hanukkah become widely celebrated in America?
Answer : It grew in popularity as a way for Jewish Americans to celebrate a holiday during the Christmas season
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Que : What is the traditional gift given to children during Hanukkah in many Jewish families?
Answer : Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins or money).
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Que : What is the name of the menorah that is specifically used during Hanukkah?
Answer : Hanukkiah
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Que : What was the first Hanukkah celebrated?
Answer : 164 BCE
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Que : How is Hanukkah different from other Jewish holidays like Passover or Yom Kippur?
Answer : Hanukkah is a minor holiday and does not involve restrictions on work or fasting.
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Que : What is the connection between Hanukkah and the winter solstice?
Answer : Hanukkah often falls near the winter solstice, and both celebrations involve light during the darkest time of the year
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Que : What does the name “Hanukkah” commemorate?
Answer : The rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem
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Que : What does spinning the dreidel symbolize?
Answer : It represents the struggle of the Jewish people to maintain their faith under foreign rule.
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Que : Which Jewish sect is traditionally credited with the authorship of the Books of Maccabees?
Answer : The Hasmoneans
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Que : What is the significance of the letter “Shin” on the dreidel in Israel?
Answer : In Israel, “Shin” is replaced with “Pey” for “A great miracle happened here.”
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Que : What is one reason Hanukkah has become more prominent in the Jewish-American culture?
Answer : Its proximity to Christmas has led to its increased significance in Jewish-American identity.
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Que : What is the traditional Hanukkah greeting in Yiddish?
Answer : “A freilichen Chanukah!”
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Que : What are the traditional colors of the candles in a Hanukkah menorah?
Answer : There are no prescribed colors; candles can be any color
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Que : Why are gifts exchanged during Hanukkah in modern times?
Answer : The custom evolved partly due to the influence of Christmas gift-giving practices.
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Que : What is the theme of many Hanukkah songs?
Answer : The triumph of light over darkness and good over evil
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Que : What is the Hebrew word for “miracle,” often associated with Hanukkah?
Answer : Nes
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Que : What is the historical significance of the Maccabees’ victory?
Answer : It preserved the Jewish religion and culture during a time of persecution
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Que : How is the story of Judith connected to Hanukkah?
Answer : Although not part of the Hanukkah story, Judith’s bravery is celebrated during the same period.
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Que : What Jewish calendar year was it when the first Hanukkah took place?
Answer : 3597
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Que : How do Jews in different parts of the world vary in their Hanukkah celebrations?
Answer : They incorporate local foods and customs into the celebration
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Que : What is one of the oldest known Hanukkah traditions?
Answer : Lighting the menorah
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Que : What is the name of the Hanukkah story as it is told in the Christian tradition?
Answer : The Feast of Dedication
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Que : How did Hanukkah become recognized as an important holiday in the U.S. military?
Answer : Jewish soldiers during World War II sought to maintain their traditions while serving overseas.
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Que : Which Jewish holiday is most similar to Hanukkah in terms of theme?
Answer : Purim, as both celebrate the survival of the Jewish people against great odds
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Que : What is a popular Hanukkah storybook for children?
Answer :
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Que : Which Jewish community is known for celebrating Hanukkah with special music and rituals?
Answer : The Sephardic Jewish community
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Que : What do children often receive in their Hanukkah gelt?
Answer : Chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil.
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Que : Why is Hanukkah sometimes referred to as the Jewish “Christmas”?
Answer : Due to its occurrence in December and the adoption of gift-giving traditions
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Que : What is the primary source of historical information about the events of Hanukkah?
Answer : The Books of Maccabees
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Que : How do Reform and Conservative Jewish communities typically observe Hanukkah?
Answer : With menorah lightings, prayers, songs, and family gatherings
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Que : What is one reason Hanukkah has become a time for social action in some Jewish communities?
Answer : It is seen as a time to rededicate oneself to justice and helping others
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Que : How is Hanukkah observed in Israel compared to the Diaspora?
Answer : It is a national holiday in Israel, with public menorah lightings and celebrations
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Que : What is a popular modern Hanukkah song in English?
Answer : “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah.”
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Que : What is one of the key lessons of Hanukkah that is taught to children?
Answer : The importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of great adversity.
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Que : What is a traditional Hanukkah activity for families?
Answer : Making and eating latkes together
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Que : Why is Hanukkah considered a “festival” rather than a “holy day”?
Answer : It is a celebration of a historical event rather than a biblically commanded holiday.
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Que : What was the original intent of Hanukkah according to Jewish tradition?
Answer : To celebrate the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil
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Que : What kind of decorations are commonly used for Hanukkah?
Answer : Blue and white streamers, stars of David, and menorah ornaments
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Que : What is one way that Jews around the world have adapted Hanukkah celebrations?
Answer : Incorporating local foods, music, and customs into the holiday
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Que : How is Hanukkah a time of spiritual reflection for many Jews?
Answer : It is a time to remember the resilience of the Jewish people and the importance of faith.
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Hanukkah is a celebration rich in history, tradition, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
Through these trivia questions, we hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for this beloved holiday.
Whether you’re playing with friends or reflecting on the festival’s significance, Hanukkah offers a beautiful reminder of the miracles in our lives.
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)
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