Hanukkah is a special holiday celebrated by Jewish people around the world. It usually falls in late November to late December and lasts for eight nights. This festival is also known as the Festival of Lights, and it commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the rededicated Second Temple of Jerusalem. Families celebrate by lighting the menorah, playing games, and enjoying delicious foods like latkes and sufganiyot.
Today, we have some fun and interesting multiple-choice trivia questions about Hanukkah! Whether you know a lot about the holiday or are just learning, these questions will test your knowledge and maybe teach you something new. From the history of Hanukkah to its customs and traditions, each question offers a chance to think, learn, and have some fun. Get ready to challenge yourself or play with friends and family. Let’s see how much you really know about this beautiful celebration!
Hanukkah Trivia Multiple Choice
The Bright Lights of Hanukkah
1. What does the menorah symbolize during Hanukkah? (Answer: The miracle of the oil)
2. How many candles are typically in a Hanukkah menorah? (Answer: Nine)
3. What is the name of the special candle used to light the other candles? (Answer: Shamash)
4. What is the main theme celebrated during Hanukkah? (Answer: The victory of light over darkness)
5. Which Jewish holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights? (Answer: Hanukkah)
6. What does each candle on the menorah represent? (Answer: Each night of Hanukkah)
7. When is the first night of Hanukkah usually celebrated? (Answer: 25th of Kislev)
8. What is the Hebrew word for “dedication”, which is the meaning of Hanukkah? (Answer: Chanukah)
9. During Hanukkah, what do families traditionally eat? (Answer: Fried foods)
10. What other name is given to the eight-day festival of Hanukkah? (Answer: Chanukah)
Festive Foods of Hanukkah
1. What traditional food is often served during Hanukkah made from potatoes? (Answer: Latkes)
2. What is the name of the jelly-filled doughnuts enjoyed during Hanukkah? (Answer: Sufganiyot)
3. Why are fried foods eaten during Hanukkah? (Answer: To commemorate the miracle of the oil)
4. What is a common dairy food eaten during Hanukkah in some traditions? (Answer: Cheese)
5. What sugary treat is often enjoyed in conjunction with Hanukkah games? (Answer: Chocolate gelt)
6. How are latkes traditionally served? (Answer: With applesauce or sour cream)
7. What is a popular candy often given as a gift during Hanukkah? (Answer: Dreidel chocolate coins)
8. Which food is avoided during Hanukkah due to its association with other holidays? (Answer: Cornbread)
9. What healthy alternative can be used to make latkes? (Answer: Zucchini)
10. What is a popular beverage enjoyed with Hanukkah meals? (Answer: Apple cider)
Dreidel Secrets and Fun
1. What game is commonly played with a dreidel during Hanukkah? (Answer: Dreidel game)
2. What do the letters on the dreidel stand for? (Answer: A great miracle happened there)
3. What is the Hebrew letter for “winning” on a dreidel? (Answer: Gimel)
4. What is the incorrect spelling of “dreidel” often used? (Answer: Dreidelh)
5. How many sides does a traditional dreidel have? (Answer: Four)
6. What is the dreidel typically made of? (Answer: Wood or plastic)
7. What do players spin for during the dreidel game? (Answer: Gelt or candies)
8. Where does the dreidel game originate from? (Answer: Europe)
9. During what historical period was the dreidel developed? (Answer: Under Greek rule)
10. What holiday is the dreidel game traditionally associated with? (Answer: Hanukkah)
The Meaning Behind the Miracle
1. What historical event does Hanukkah commemorate? (Answer: The rededication of the Second Temple)
2. Who were the Maccabees? (Answer: Jewish rebel warriors)
3. In which ancient civilization did the Hanukkah story take place? (Answer: Ancient Greece)
4. What does the miracle of the oil represent during Hanukkah? (Answer: Faith and divine intervention)
5. In what year did the Maccabean revolt begin? (Answer: 167 BCE)
6. How is faith a theme in the story of Hanukkah? (Answer: Belief in miracles and perseverance)
7. What type of oil was used that miraculously lasted eight days? (Answer: Olive oil)
8. What does the word “Hanukkah” mean in English? (Answer: Dedication)
9. Why is Hanukkah considered less significant than other Jewish holidays like Yom Kippur? (Answer: It is historical, not biblical)
10. How do Jewish families recall the miracle of Hanukkah? (Answer: Through prayers and rituals)
The Traditions of Hanukkah Celebrations
1. What is one way families decorate their homes during Hanukkah? (Answer: Hanging blue and white decorations)
2. What type of games do children typically play during Hanukkah? (Answer: Board games and dreidel)
3. Which prayers are recited during candle lighting? (Answer: Blessings)
4. What kind of songs do families sing during Hanukkah? (Answer: Hanukkah songs)
5. How many blessings are said on the first night when lighting the menorah? (Answer: Three)
6. What type of gifts do families often exchange during Hanukkah? (Answer: Small gifts or money)
7. Why do some people light their menorah in a window? (Answer: To publicize the miracle)
8. On what surface should the menorah be placed? (Answer: A stable surface)
9. How is the menorah arranged for the eighth night? (Answer: From right to left)
10. What is a common family activity during Hanukkah? (Answer: Gathering for meals)
Symbolic Activities During Hanukkah
1. What does spinning the dreidel symbolize? (Answer: The struggle against oppression)
2. Why are gifts exchanged towards the end of Hanukkah? (Answer: To celebrate the festival)
3. What special music style is often played during Hanukkah? (Answer: Traditional Jewish music)
4. What role do candle lighting ceremonies play? (Answer: They symbolize hope and faith)
5. What significance does the Shamash candle hold? (Answer: It is used to light others)
6. What kind of blessings do families say during meals? (Answer: Thanksgiving blessings)
7. What is commonly served as a festive drink? (Answer: Hot cocoa or apple cider)
8. How do children sometimes receive gifts during Hanukkah? (Answer: Every night of the holiday)
9. Why is storytelling an important activity during Hanukkah? (Answer: To share history and values)
10. How is oil featured in traditional meals? (Answer: As a cooking method)
The Joys of Hanukkah Around the World
1. In which country is a large menorah lit in New York City? (Answer: United States)
2. What is a unique Hanukkah custom in Israel? (Answer: Public celebrations)
3. Which festival is similar to Hanukkah and celebrated in other countries? (Answer: Diwali)
4. What traditional game is played in Israel during Hanukkah? (Answer: Dreidel)
5. How do Jews in Europe typically celebrate Hanukkah? (Answer: With family gatherings)
6. What does “Hanukkah in the park” refer to? (Answer: Community celebrations)
7. In what way is Hanukkah celebrated in South America? (Answer: Through music and dance)
8. What common greeting is exchanged during Hanukkah? (Answer: Happy Hanukkah)
9. What cultural aspect strongly influences Hanukkah celebrations in different countries? (Answer: Local traditions)
10. How do Jews around the world unite during Hanukkah? (Answer: Shared prayers and customs)
Final Thoughts
Hanukkah is a rich celebration filled with lessons, traditions, and customs that teach us about resilience and faith. Whether you are lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, or enjoying festive foods, every aspect of the holiday brings joy and meaning. We hope these Hanukkah trivia questions helped you learn something new and brighten your understanding of this beloved festival. For more exciting trivia on various topics, explore our Hanukkah trivia or dive into other fascinating subjects like Jewish trivia. Celebrate the spirit of learning!