Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The Hanukkah Dreidel Game
The story of Hanukkah, the Hanukkah menorah, Hanukkah gift giving and Hanukkah games are all a part of the Hanukkah holiday experience.
One of the best known Hanukkah games is the Dreidel. The winner would often receive money (Hanukkah gelt). Over time, the gambling terms were reinterpreted to stand for the Hebrew phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, “A great miracle happened there.” Even an ordinary game of chance was invested with Jewish values and served to remind Jews of the important message of Hanukkah.
Today, Jewish children throughout the world continue to enjoy the game of dreidel at Hanukkah parties and at home.
One of the best known Hanukkah games is the Dreidel. The winner would often receive money (Hanukkah gelt). Over time, the gambling terms were reinterpreted to stand for the Hebrew phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, “A great miracle happened there.” Even an ordinary game of chance was invested with Jewish values and served to remind Jews of the important message of Hanukkah.
Today, Jewish children throughout the world continue to enjoy the game of dreidel at Hanukkah parties and at home.
