How to Play the Dreidel Game:
To begin the game, each player should have 15 objects to use as prize tokens. Players can use nickels, raisins, nuts, or chocolate coins in gold wrappers (Chanukah gelt) as tokens. Each person puts one object in the middle. Then each person takes a turn at spinning the dreidel. What letter is face up when it is finished spinning determines what each person must do.
Nun stands for nicht or nothing.
If the dreidel lands on nun, you do nothing.
And the next person spins the dreidel.
Gimel stands for gantz or all.
If the dreidel lands on gimel, take everything in the middle.
Everyone adds another coin in the middle to continue the game.
And the next person spins the dreidel.
Hey stands for halb or half.
If the dreidel lands on hey, take half of what's in the middle.
And the next person spins the dreidel.
Shin stands for shtel or put in.
If the dreidel lands on shin, put two objects into the middle.
And the next person spins the dreidel.
The game ends when one player has all the objects!
If you would like to learn more about the dreidel game and other Chanukah traditions, please visit your local or school library for more detailed books. Happy Holidays!
