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DreidelA dreidel is a four-sided spinning top played during Chanukah. Each side of
the dreidel has a letter of the Hebrew alphabet: נ (Nun), ג (Each side of
the dreidel bears a Hebrew letter: נ (Nun), ג (Gimel), ה (Hei), ש (Shin),
forming the acronym for "נס גדול היה שם" (Nes Gadol Hayah Sham – "a great
miracle happened there"). These letters also form the rules of the dreidel
game: Nun stands for the Yiddish word nite ("nothing"), Hei stands for halb
("half"), Gimel for gants ("all"), and Shin for shteln ("put"). But in
Israel, the fourth side of most dreidels is inscribed with the letter פ
(Pei), making the acronym, נס גדול היה פה, Nes Gadol Hayah Po—"A great
miracle happened here" referring to the miracle occurring in the land of
Israel.
Traditionally, children play the Dreidel game during Chanukah with “gelt” or
Chanukah “money”, namely chocolate coins but it can be played with raisins,
pennies or just about anything. However, it has actually become a
competitive sport in North America. Founded in New York City in 2007, Major
League Dreidel (MLD) hosts dreidel tournaments during the holiday of
Hanukkah and variations of the game (like Texas Hold ‘em) have come out as
well.
Dreidels are available in different sizes and styles and many people have a
beautiful glass dreidel, silver dreidel or ceramic dreidel just to add a
decorative touch during Hanukkah. Rotem Online (www.rotem.net) sells both
functional and decorative dreidels
Among their collection are hand-painted wooden dreidels
by Yair Emanuel, ceramic dreidels by Eran Grebler, a sterling silver dreidel
by Garshi, artistic metal dreidels by Adi Sidler, and even a beautiful Chess
Set by Eran Grebler. You’re sure to find the dreidel style you’re looking
for at Rotem Online (www.rotem.net)! |
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