Spin a dreidel

How to play dreidel ?

• First off, the number of players that can play this game is not limited by a specific amount. Meaning that any number of people can play this game.
• Next, you’ll need a type of currency that can be in the form of chocolates, nickels, or pennies. Remember, each player must start with an equal number of currencies so that they don’t have an unfair advantage.
• Each of the players will spin the dreidel to decide who gets the turn. The highest spin, which is the nun, gets to initiate the game. If there is a tie, the players shall spin again.
• Now, to begin the game, all the players will chip in their currency into the pot.
• The player that gets the nun starts the game. This is followed by the rest of the players in a clockwise direction.
• During a player’s turn, he or she will spin the dreidel and will either chip in more currency or win the pot, depending upon the side which the dreidel lands on.

Alternative to Google Dreidel

we offer a virtual dreidel spinner that replicates the traditional Hanukkah game, complete with the four Hebrew letters—Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin—each carrying its customary meaning and role in gameplay.

Dreidel symbols

The dreidel has four sides with different symbols written in Hebrew. They all have different meanings. We explain them below.

• SHIN
• GIMEL
• HEI
• NUN

Shin stands for ‘shtel’ which means put in.

In Israel, shin is often replaced by pe, which also has the same meaning.

Gimel stands for ‘gantz’ which translates as everything.

Hey stands for ‘halb’ which also translates as half.

Sometimes hey is also written as hei.

Nun stands for ‘nisht’ which translates as nothing.

Facts about dreidel

• Contrary to popular misconceptions, the dreidel was actually developed from traditional tops, which were used in Britain and Ireland.
• The most common material used for making a dreidel is wood.
• Dreidels are also known as Sivivonim in Israel. This word comes from the term ‘sov,’ which means to spin.
• The symbols of dreidel – nun, gimmel, hey, and shin stands for Nes Gadol Haya Sham, which means ‘A miracle happened there.’
• The numerical value of the dreidel’s symbol adds up to 358, which is the numerical value of Mashiach.