A1 Level – Elementary
1. How many nights does Hanukkah last?
2. What is the special candle holder called?
3. Do you like lighting candles?
4. What food is fried in oil for Hanukkah?
5. What small spinning toy is played with?
6. What special gift is given to children?
7. What is the date of Hanukkah this year?
8. Do you know a Hanukkah song?
9. What is a miracle?
10. Do you like cheese?
11. What is the most important part of the celebration?
12. What does the word “light” mean to you?
13. Do you celebrate with a lot of people?
14. What are the traditional colors of Hanukkah?
15. Is Hanukkah celebrated in winter?
A2 Level – Pre-Intermediate
1. What historical event does the festival of Hanukkah commemorate?
2. Explain the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.
3. How does the lighting of the Menorah (or Hanukkiah) work over eight nights?
4. What is the significance of the Shammash (helper candle)?
5. Describe the traditional foods eaten during Hanukkah, such as latkes and sufganiyot.
6. What are the rules for playing the game of Dreidel?
7. Why is it important for the Menorah to be placed in a window or doorway?
8. What is the difference between Hanukkah Gelt (money) and other gifts?
9. What prayers or blessings are recited while lighting the candles?
10. How do Hanukkah traditions differ between families or communities?
11. Why is the theme of ‘light overcoming darkness’ central to the holiday?
12. What specific roles do children play in the celebration?
13. How does Hanukkah typically fit into the non-Jewish holiday calendar?
14. What are the four letters (and their meaning) found on the sides of a Dreidel?
15. What is the significance of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem?
B1 Level – Intermediate
1. Discuss the historical conflict between the Maccabees and the Hellenistic Syrians.
2. How has the prominence of Hanukkah changed in modern Jewish culture, especially in the US?
3. What are the spiritual lessons that can be drawn from the story of the oil?
4. To what extent does the commercialization of Hanukkah affect its religious integrity?
5. Why are foods fried in oil such a crucial part of the culinary tradition?
6. Discuss the importance of publicly displaying the Menorah for ‘Pirsumei Nisa’ (publicizing the miracle).
7. How does the tradition of giving Gelt contribute to charitable giving or education?
8. What is the difference between the Menorah used in the Temple and the Hanukkiah used today?
9. How can Jewish families maintain the holiday’s focus amidst secular winter holiday pressures?
10. What role does storytelling and historical remembrance play during the eight nights?
11. Describe a unique family tradition you have heard of related to Hanukkah.
12. Discuss the difference between the celebration of Hanukkah and major Jewish holidays like Passover.
13. How do people sing “Maoz Tzur” (Rock of Ages) and what does the song mean?
14. What is the significance of the numerical growth of light over the eight nights?
15. How are the themes of religious freedom and identity reflected in the modern celebration?
B2 Level – Upper-Intermediate
1. Analyze the historical debate among Jewish scholars regarding the importance of Hanukkah relative to other festivals.
2. Evaluate the sociological pressure on Hanukkah to compete with the cultural dominance of Christmas.
3. Discuss the concept of Hellenization and its threat to ancient Jewish identity.
4. To what degree does the Hanukkah story resonate with modern struggles for self-determination and minority rights?
5. How does the diaspora influence the uniformity or diversity of Hanukkah observance globally?
6. Debate the claim: “Hanukkah is primarily a celebration of military victory, not just a miracle.”
7. What are the theological implications of a ‘minor’ miracle being celebrated so prominently?
8. Examine the historical evidence supporting the oil miracle versus the military success narrative.
9. How does the ritual of candle lighting instill values of perseverance and faith in children?
10. Discuss the ethics of gift-giving during Hanukkah—is it about competition or meaningful exchange?
11. What is the meaning of the Hebrew phrase, “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” written on the Dreidel?
12. How has modern Israeli culture adapted and reinterpreted the celebration of Hanukkah?
13. Analyze the symbolism of the olive oil in the ancient world and its significance during the festival.
14. What lessons about religious tolerance can non-Jewish people learn from the Hanukkah story?
15. How do various Jewish denominations (Orthodox, Reform, Conservative) approach Hanukkah observance?
C1 Level – Advanced
1. Analyze the political landscape of the 2nd century BCE that led to the Maccabean Revolt.
2. To what degree should the historical accuracy of the oil miracle affect the way the holiday is celebrated?
3. Discuss the philosophical differences between celebrating a divine miracle versus human resistance.
4. Evaluate the economic systems that developed around the production and distribution of Hanukkah ritual items and food.
5. How does the concept of ‘Hiddur Mitzvah’ (beautifying the commandment) apply to the Menorah?
6. Examine the role of Hanukkah in strengthening Jewish collective memory and resilience against persecution.
7. What are the varying liturgical traditions for the blessings recited during the candle lighting?
8. Discuss the influence of the Festival of Lights on other winter cultural or religious festivals.
9. How has the digital age changed the way Hanukkah stories and traditions are transmitted across generations?
10. Analyze the representation of Hanukkah in contemporary American and European literature and film.
11. What ethical challenges arise from the public display of religious symbols in secular public spaces?
12. Debate whether the focus on gifts has shifted the holiday’s primary goal away from its spiritual core.
13. How does the architectural design of a synagogue or home facilitate the public display of the Menorah?
14. Discuss the concept of ‘spiritual freedom’ versus ‘political freedom’ in the context of the Hanukkah narrative.
15. To what extent is the Hanukkah story a commentary on the dangers of assimilation versus isolation?
C2 Level – Proficiency
1. Deconstruct the scholarly debate regarding the historical dating and textual sources for the Hanukkah narrative.
2. Formulate a critique of the theological necessity of the ‘miracle’ given the clear historical reality of the military victory.
3. Analyze the intersection of Jewish nationalism and religious identity as expressed through the celebration of Hanukkah.
4. Discuss the philosophical distinction between ‘enduring’ religious identity (like Shabbat) and ‘celebrating’ it (like Hanukkah).
5. Critically evaluate the concept of ‘Tikkun Olam’ (repairing the world) as it might be applied to the Hanukkah observance.
6. Propose a new ritual or tradition for Hanukkah that addresses a contemporary challenge facing the Jewish community.
7. Examine the psychological function of light and fire rituals in the context of deep winter darkness across cultures.
8. How does the semiotics of the Menorah’s nine branches convey complex theological principles?
9. Discuss the ethical responsibilities of interfaith dialogue concerning the respectful sharing of Hanukkah traditions.
10. Analyze the role of historical memory in the modern Israeli revival of the Maccabee heroism narrative.
11. Articulate the inherent paradox between celebrating a successful revolt against Hellenism and engaging with modern Western culture.
12. Debate whether the enduring popularity of the Dreidel game symbolizes a deeper cultural preference for chance over certainty.
13. Assess the long-term impact of the gift-giving tradition on the perceived value of Hanukkah among younger generations.
14. Discuss the philosophical definition of ‘rededication’ as it relates to personal renewal and community commitment.
15. How might the themes of religious freedom and light be adapted to a universal, secular celebration of human rights?
