What is HANUKKAH

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The dreidel is a four-sided top and is used to play a simple gambling game.  Each side of the top features as different character: nun, gimel, hey and shin.  Each player starts with whatever tokens will be used—pennies, candies or some other token—places on in the collective pot, and then takes turns spinning the dreidel.  When the dreidel stops spinning, the character tells the player what to do: nothing, take all, take half, or add a few to the pot.  Many Hanukkah songs reference this fun game.

Giving gelt, real or chocolate money, is also a Hanukkah tradition.  In recent years, this has evolved to giving a small Hanukkah gift for each night of the eight-day celebration.