Dreidls meaning

Dreidls are spinning tops traditionally used in a Hanukkah game of chance.


Dreidls definitions

Word backwards sldierd
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division drei-dls
Plural The plural of dreidls is dreidels.
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) e,i
Consonants (4) d,r,l,s

Dreidls are ancient spinning tops that are traditionally used to play a game during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. These four-sided tops typically have a Hebrew letter on each side, which together form an acronym for "A great miracle happened here" in Israel or "A great miracle happened there" outside of Israel.

Symbolism and Meaning

The dreidl represents the miracle of Hanukkah when a small amount of oil lasted for eight days in the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Each Hebrew letter on the dreidl - Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin - stands for the Yiddish words Nit (nothing), Gants (all), Halb (half), and Shtel (put), which dictate the game rules.

Game Rules

Players begin the game by putting a chocolate coin or another small item into a communal pot. They take turns spinning the dreidl and follow the rules based on which letter faces up after a spin. The game continues until one player has won everything in the pot, with each letter representing a command to do nothing, take it all, take half, or add to the pot.

Modern-Day Customization

In addition to the traditional Hebrew letters, modern dreidls may feature alternate letters or symbols, such as the Star of David. Furthermore, some dreidls now have a built-in light to illuminate the spinning action, adding a fun twist to the game.

Overall, dreidls have remained a cherished part of Hanukkah celebrations for centuries, bringing joy and excitement to players of all ages.


Dreidls Examples

  1. During Hanukkah, children play with dreidels as part of the festivities.
  2. The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side.
  3. In Jewish tradition, dreidels are used in a game of chance involving chocolate coins.
  4. Some dreidels are ornately decorated with intricate designs and patterns.
  5. Dreidels can be made from various materials such as wood, plastic, or metal.
  6. During Hanukkah celebrations, families often sing songs while spinning dreidels.
  7. The game played with dreidels involves players taking turns spinning the top and following the instructions based on where it lands.
  8. Dreidels are a symbol of Jewish culture and are commonly associated with Hanukkah celebrations.
  9. Some people collect dreidels as a hobby, seeking out unique and rare designs.
  10. Crafting homemade dreidels can be a fun activity for families during Hanukkah.


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  • Updated 10/07/2024 - 16:06:27