A dreidel, also known as a sevivon, is more than just a children’s toy. It has deep cultural and religious significance for the Jewish people. But where did this unusual toy come from? And what is the meaning behind those letters? Let’s take a closer look at this fun Hanukkah game!
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What is a dreidel?
A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top traditionally used during the Hanukkah celebration.
What do the symbols on a dreidel mean?
The dreidel’s four sides are inscribed with the Hebrew letters nun, gimel, hay, and shin, which are also the first letters of the phrase “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham” meaning “a great miracle happened there.”
These words refer to the miracle of the oil burning for eight days in the Temple menorah commemorating Hanukkah.
The miracle of the oil is also represented by another common Hanukkah symbol, The Menorah. The menorah is a nine-branched candelabra that is lit during the holiday.
The dreidel is primarily used as a game piece in the traditional Hanukkah game. This game is typically played with friends or family and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
How to play the Hanukkah dreidel game?
What You Need
All you need to play dreidel is a dreidel and something to use as currency. The most common currency is candy, but you can also use pennies, nuts, or other small objects.
Playtime
The game starts with everyone putting an equal amount of currency into the pot in center stage. Players then take turns spinning the dreidel. The letter that the dreidel lands on determines what the player does:
Nun – Nothing happens. The player does not get any currency from the pot.
Gimel – The player gets all of the currency in the pot.
Hay – The player gets half of the currency in the pot.
Shin – The player puts one piece of currency into the pot.
If the pot is empty, players can either agree to end the game or put more currency into the pot so that it can continue.
The game ends when one player has all the currency and is declared the winner.
The game of dreidel is believed to have originated in Germany, although the exact origins are not known. It is thought that the game was created as a way for Jewish people to study the Torah (the Jewish holy book) in secret during times when it was illegal to do so.
By spinning the dreidel, players could determine how much time they had to study before stopping and hiding their books.
To see our wide variety with our entire collection of Silver dreidels
What are some other ways the dreidel can be used?
The dreidel can also be used as a toy outside of the game. It can be spun on a table, floor, or any other flat surface. Some people use it as a form of divination, similar to how a person might use a crystal ball. The letters on the dreidel can also be used to spell out words or phrases.
The dreidel is a versatile and fun toy that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you are playing the game or spinning it for fun, the dreidel will surely bring you some enjoyment.
Make your own dreidel.
You can make a dreidel out of paper or clay. It’s a short process, and you don’t need many materials.
How to make a dreidel out of paper?
What You’ll Need
To make a dreidel out of paper, you’ll need a sheet of paper, scissors, glue, and a pencil. You can use any paper, but construction paper or cardstock will be the easiest to work with.
Fold the Paper in Half
Start by folding your sheet of paper in half lengthwise. Then, unfold the paper and fold it in half widthwise. Once the paper is folded in half twice, you should have four equal quarters.
Cut Out the Dreidel Shape
Next, use your scissors to cut out a dreidel shape from one of the corners of the paper. The dreidel should be about 2 inches wide and 3 inches tall.
Unfold the Paper
Once you’ve cut out the dreidel shape, unfold the paper so that it is flat again.
Fold the Corners Inward
Fold each of the four corners inward, so they meet in the center of the paper. Then, use your glue to attach the corners.
Decorate Your Dreidel
Now it’s time to decorate your dreidel! You can use markers, crayons, stickers, or anything else to make your dreidel unique.
How to make a dreidel out of clay
Now that we know how to make a dreidel out of paper let’s try making one out of clay!
For this project, you’ll need a piece of air-dry clay, a pencil, a knife or clay cutter, and some paint or markers (optional).
Start with a Ball of Clay
Start by rolling your piece of clay into a ball. Then, use your pencil to make a slight indentation in the center of the ball. This will be the top of your dreidel.
Cut Out the Dreidel Shape
Next, use your knife or clay cutter to cut out the dreidel shape from the clay ball. The dreidel should be about 2 inches wide and 3 inches tall.
Let the Clay Dry
Once you’ve cut out the dreidel shape, set it aside to dry for 24 hours.
Paint or Decorate Your Dreidel
Once the clay is dry, you can paint or decorate your dreidel however you like!
What material is dreidel made of?
Hanukkah Dreidels can be made from any material, but wood is the most common type. Dreidels can also be made out of plastic, metal, or glass.
Wood
Wooden dreidels are the most traditional type, and they are often hand-painted with bright colors and patterns.
Silver
Silver dreidels are less common, but they are stunning. They are often decorated with engravings or colorful enamel designs.
Plastic
Some people prefer plastic dreidels because they come in a variety of vibrant colors. These colorful dreidels can add a fun pop of color to any Hanukkah celebration. Plastic dreidels are often more affordable and durable than wooden or silver ones.
Aluminum
Aluminum dreidels In a variety of colors for your choice to add color to your home.
Interesting facts about dreidels
-Today, the dreidel is a popular holiday toy, but it has a long and exciting history. The word “dreidel” comes from the German word “drehen,” which means “to turn.”
-When Antiochus banned the public study of Jewish law, righteous Jews found a way to continue teaching their children by hiding their books and bringing out dreidels to pretend they were playing a game. This action led to the dreidel becoming a symbol of defiance against oppression.
-Each year, top players compete for awards and prizes at Major League Dreidel’s tournaments, held in New York City. The winner is crowned champion for achieving the longest continuous spin.
Jewish organizations have also attempted to set the Guinness World Record for simultaneous dreidel spinning.
Where to buy dreidels?
You can find various dreidels online from The Israeli Center Of Judaica. You will find traditional and modern dreidels made from different materials such as wood, aluminum, silver, or even handmade ones!
The Dreidels made in Israel are of the highest quality and craftsmanship. You can also find a wide variety of Hanukkah gifts, games, and decorations to complete your holiday celebration.
When shopping for dreidels, it is essential to consider the material they are made from and the design. Some dreidels are simple and traditional, while others are more modern and decorative.
Happy Hanukkah!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the dreidel and how to make your own! The dreidel is a fun and festive way to celebrate Hanukkah with friends and family. Hag sameach! (Happy Hanukkah!)
To see our wide variety with our entire collection of Silver dreidels
To see our wide variety with our entire collection of Hanukkah gifts
Dreidels are a traditional part of Hanukkah celebrations. There are many different games that can be played with them.
The first game is to spin the dreidel and then do what the letter on top tells you to do. For example, if the letter on top is “Nun”, you would take all of the gelt out of the pot and put it in your own pile. If it was “Gimmel”, then you would give all of your gelt to someone else in the game.
There are four symbols on a dreidel: nun, gimel, hay, and shin. These symbols are abbreviations for the Hebrew phrase “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” which means “a great miracle happened there.”
Hanukkah lasts 8 nights because that is how long it took the Jews to find enough oil to light the menorah in the Temple.
A Little About The Site's Founder:
Benny Abraham
Hello, my name is Benny Abraham and I am the Founder of The Israeli Center of Judaica. I created this boutique marketplace website out of love and a strong desire to help small and medium-sized Israeli artists who don't have much exposure and who mainly want to focus on their art creation.
We offer unique art and Judaica made with passion and love to bring the beauty of Israeli and Jewish art to your homes. We focus on producing various unique products and use and combine materials and designs not seen elsewhere.
In the past, I worked as a silversmith specializing in sterling silver judaica. After many years working as a silversmith, I decided to follow my dream of opening a marketplace for all things Israeli Judaica and founded the Israeli Center of Judaica.
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Large Silver Saxophonist Dreidel with Turquoise Gem
The dreidel can also be used as a toy outside of the game. It can be spun on a table, floor, or any other flat surface. Some people use it as a form of divination, similar to how a person might use a crystal ball. The letters on the dreidel can also be used to spell out words or phrases.
You can find various dreidels online from The Israeli Center Of Judaica. You will find traditional and modern dreidels made from different materials such as wood, aluminum, silver, or even handmade ones!
