24 Interesting Hanukkah Trivia and answers

Reviewed by Stefanie Zaldarriaga, Author·Updated Mar 2025·3 min read

1What does the Hebrew word "Hanukkah" mean?
2How many candles are on a traditional Hanukkah menorah, including the shamash?
3Which Jewish text details the story of Hanukkah?
4What is the significance of eating foods fried in oil during Hanukkah?
5What is the purpose of the shamash candle on the menorah?
6What does each letter on the dreidel represent?
7What is the traditional game played during Hanukkah?
8What is the name of the fried potato pancakes traditionally eaten during Hanukkah?
9What is the name of the jelly-filled doughnuts eaten during Hanukkah?
10Which U.S. President was the first to celebrate Hanukkah at the White House?
11Which Jewish historian from the 1st century CE documented the events of the Maccabean Revolt?
12What is the alternative name for Hanukkah, emphasizing its significance as a festival of lights?
13Which Jewish text, not included in the Hebrew Bible, provides an account of the Hanukkah story?
14What is the Hebrew term for the special candelabrum used during Hanukkah?
15Which Jewish group led the revolt against the Seleucid Empire, resulting in the events commemorated by Hanukkah?
16What is the significance of the 25th day of Kislev in the Jewish calendar?
17Which U.S. President was the first to host a Hanukkah party at the White House?
18What is the traditional game played with a spinning top during Hanukkah?
19What is the primary theme celebrated during Hanukkah?
20Which Jewish festival is known for its emphasis on light and illumination?
21What is the traditional fried food eaten during Hanukkah, symbolizing the miracle of the oil?
22Which ancient empire did the Jewish people revolt against, leading to the events of Hanukkah?
23What is the Hebrew term for the "helper" candle used to light the other candles on the Hanukkiah?
24Which Jewish holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem?