Important Terms Associated with
Hanukkah and Their Definitions

As you begin observing Hanukkah, you may read stories about this important time to your children. You may also come upon certain terms associated with Hanukkah which you may want to explain to your children. Here are some of the more important terms used.

Chanukah or Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights. It is commemorated by lighting a Menorah or candelabra which has eight branches or candleholders. In addition, it also has a Shamash or the master light with which you light the other eight.

The Dreidel is a four-sided spinning toy which has distinct Hebrew letters on each side symbolizing the sentence “Nes Gadol Haya Po” which translated means “A great miracle has happened here.” The Dreidel is used to play a game in which each player spins and depending upon the letter that is displayed on the Dreidel, they add to, take half, take all or take nothing from the center of the table. These may include candies and coins which each player contributes before the start of each game.

The Torah is composed of the five books of Moses. Due to the fact that Jews were prohibited from studying the Torah under the rule of Antiochus, they would use the Dreidle as a ruse whenever the Greeks happened to pass by. Thus, the Greeks would think a game was being played as the Torah was always hidden from them.

The Menorah is lit on the first night of Hanukkah in commemoration of the miracle of the oil. It symbolizes the time when the Maccabees fought Antiochus’ army and were victorious. After which, they restored the Holy Temple and though they only had enough oil to light the Menorah for one night, it remained lit for eight days.

The Mezuzah or more commonly known as door post is usually seen outside the front door of a home and attached to the right side of the doorway. It is a small case which houses the first two sections of the Shema inside of it. It is a reverent prayer which affirms one’s Jewish faith. This prayer is said every morning and evening by religious Jews.