Learn to Play Dreidel!
You will need:
1 dreidel
2-6 players
An equal number of tokens (coins, gelt, or other small objects) per player
How to play:
At the beginning, each player puts an equal number tokens into the pot.
Starting with the youngest player and then proceeding clockwise, each player takes a turn spinning the dreidel like a top. The letter that is facing up when the dreidel stops spinning tells the player what to do. See the guide below.
When a player loses all of his tokens, he is “out” of the game. The last player remaining in the game is the winner.
Dreidel symbol key:
Gimmel: “Get;” Take everything from the pot in the center. Each player places two more tokens in the pot to replace the pot loot.
Shin: “Share;” Put two of your tokens into the pot in the middle.
Hay: “Half;” Take half of the tokens from the pot. If there is an odd number, decide on a solution, and use this rule throughout the game.
Nun: “Nothing;” You do not give or receive any tokens. You simply lose this turn, and the dreidel moves to the next player.
Instructions adapted from Scholastic’s How to Play Dreidel.
A Dragon for Hanukkah by Sarah Mlynowski
On the first night of Hanukkah, my parents gave me a dragon...
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with Hannah as she receives eight magical presents—one for each night. There's a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, some rowdy unicorns... and more. But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, she'll discover the true magic of Hanukkah.