Email from Benjamin Levin:
Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I’ve heard about a game called Dreidel associated with Hanukkah, but I’m not entirely sure what it is or how to play it. Could you please explain?
Thanks,
Benjamin Levin

What is Dreidel?

Dear Benjamin,

The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, each side engraved with a Hebrew letter. These letters are Nun (נ), Gimel (ג), Hei (ה), and Shin (ש), an acronym for “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” which means “A great miracle happened there.” In Israel, the Shin is replaced with a Pei (פ), which changes the acronym to “Nes Gadol Haya Po,” meaning “A great miracle happened here,” in reference to the miracle of Hanukkah that occurred in the land of Israel.

How to Play Dreidel

Basic Rules:

• Each player begins with an equal number of game pieces (e.g., chocolates, pennies, nuts, etc.).
• At the beginning of each round, every player puts one game piece into the central “pot.”
• Additionally, whenever the pot is empty or has only one game piece left, every player should put one in the pot.
• Players then take turns to spin the dreidel once. The side that comes up when the dreidel falls determines the player’s move:
  • Nun (נ) – The player does nothing.
  • Gimel (ג) – The player gets everything in the pot.
  • Hei (ה) – The player gets half of the pieces in the pot. If there’s an odd number of pieces, the player rounds up.
  • Shin (ש) or Pei (פ) – The player adds one of their pieces to the pot.
• When only one player has remaining pieces, that player is the winner and the game ends.

Playing Dreidel: Dreidel is a simple, enjoyable game that combines an element of chance with the celebration of Hanukkah. It is traditionally played to remind us of the Hanukkah miracle and the importance of Jewish resilience.

Educational Aspect: Dreidel is not only fun but can also be educational, especially for children, as it teaches them about the Hanukkah story in an interactive and engaging way.

In conclusion, Benjamin, dreidel is a traditional game that brings joy and festive spirit to the Hanukkah season. It is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday and the miracles that are central to its history. Enjoy spinning the dreidel and may you have a joyous Hanukkah!

With blessings and joy,
Rabbi Joshua

Email from Sarah Green:
Dear Rabbi Joshua,
With Shavuot approaching, I was wondering about the proper way to greet someone for the holiday. Is it okay to say “Happy Shavuot” or is there a more traditional greeting?
Thanks,
Sarah Green

Traditional and Contemporary Shavuot Greetings

Dear Sarah,

Your thoughtfulness in wanting to use the appropriate greeting for Shavuot is commendable. Let’s explore both traditional and contemporary ways to wish someone well for this joyous holiday.

Traditional Greetings: In Hebrew, a traditional greeting for Shavuot is “Chag Shavuot Sameach” (חג שבועות שמח), which translates to “Happy Shavuot Festival.” This greeting emphasizes both the joy of the holiday and its status as a chag, or festival, in the Jewish calendar.

Contemporary Greetings: Saying “Happy Shavuot” in English is perfectly acceptable and is a wonderful way to express your good wishes for the holiday. It’s a straightforward, warm, and friendly greeting that is easily understood by everyone, regardless of their level of observance or familiarity with Hebrew.

The Meaning of Shavuot: Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and is also linked to the harvest season in ancient Israel. It’s a time of gratitude, reflection, and joy. Any greeting that conveys these themes of happiness, renewal, and celebration is appropriate for the occasion.

Inclusiveness in Greetings: When greeting someone for Shavuot, it’s also considerate to be mindful of their background and observance level. A simple “Happy Shavuot” is inclusive and fitting for both those deeply familiar with the holiday and those who may be learning about it for the first time.

In conclusion, Sarah, whether you choose to use the traditional Hebrew greeting “Chag Shavuot Sameach” or the more contemporary “Happy Shavuot,” your intention to share joy and celebrate the holiday is what truly matters. Both greetings are appropriate and convey warm wishes for this special time.

With blessings and joy for the upcoming Shavuot,
Rabbi Joshua

Dear Rabbi Joshua,
With Passover approaching, I’m trying to understand the different traditions associated with the holiday. I’ve heard about something called a Seder Plate but I’m not sure what each item represents. Could you explain the significance of the Seder Plate and its components?
– Anthony Russo

The Essence of the Seder Plate

Dear Anthony,

The Seder Plate, or ‘Ke’arah’ in Hebrew, is the focal point of the Passover Seder table. Each item on the plate holds profound symbolic meaning and is a key component of the Seder narrative, which tells the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their journey from slavery to freedom.

Components of the Seder Plate

The Seder Plate traditionally holds six items, each representing a unique element of the Passover story:

• Maror and Chazeret: Bitter herbs, usually horseradish and romaine lettuce, symbolize the bitterness and harshness of the slavery which the Israelites endured in Egypt.
• Charoset: A sweet, brown mixture made of fruits, nuts, wine, and spices, represents the mortar used by the Israelite slaves to build the storehouses of Egypt.
• Karpas: A vegetable like parsley or celery is dipped into salt water at the beginning of the Seder. The vegetable represents hope and redemption; the salt water symbolizes the tears shed during the period of enslavement.
• Z’roa: A roasted lamb shank bone, symbolizing the korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) that was offered in the Temple in Jerusalem.
• Beitzah: A roasted egg, symbolizing the korban Chagigah (festival sacrifice) offered in the Temple and also a sign of mourning for the destruction of the Temple (since the egg is a traditional food of mourners).

Deepening Our Understanding

Each item on the Seder Plate is not merely a symbol but an invitation to delve deeper into the Passover story and the Jewish experience. Through the rituals of the Seder night, we are not just retelling a tale of the past; we are encouraged to place ourselves in the story, to feel the bitterness of slavery and the sweetness of freedom, thus renewing our appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and our commitment to bringing freedom to those who are still oppressed.

Conclusion

The Seder Plate is a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people and the enduring relevance of our liberation story. As you prepare your own Seder Plate, may you find personal meaning in these symbols, and may your Seder be a night of reflection, education, and inspiration.

Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday),
Rabbi Joshua