Guide Note

A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top that is popular with children during the holiday of Hanukkah.

Fast Facts

1. Name derives from the Yiddish word dreyen which means "to turn"
2. Traditionally played with Hanukkah Gelt
3. Four symbols on the dreidel—Nun, Gimel, Hey, Shin stand for—Nothing, All, Half, and Put In

Each player starts out with Hanukkah Gelt which is 10 or more coins or pieces of candy. Each player places one piece into the center or what is called the "pot". The first player spins the dreidel and when the dreidel falls on its side, whichever marking it lands on is what the the player must do. There are four markings.

1. Nun which means "nothing" and the next player spins
2. Gimel which means "all" and the player takes the entire pot
3. Hey which means "half" and the player takes half of the pot
4. Shin which means "put in" and the player must put a piece of his gelt into the pot