Oy Vei - Another Driedel. Thanks Bubbe...
It’s Hannukah kids! You know what that means! Your gentile friends are three weeks away from getting an Xbox Kinect and you just got a wooden dreidel! Yeah Judaism! So you may be wondering, just why in the heck do I get a dreidel every year? Is this Hebrew law? Actually no. It’s not officially required to give dreidels at Hannukah. It is a long standing tradition though, so Bumble thought he would explain it as best he can. Keep in mind Bumble is first and foremost a cat, and secondly probably a Muslim. So this might not be entirely accurate. =)
Dreidels are a traditional gift given at Hannukah. The four sided wooden dreidel is marked on each side with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet (Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shun). Together they form an acronym for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham or translated “A great miracle happened there”.
The dreidel has a couple of purposes. One is to familiarize Jewish kids with the Hebrew traditions of the holiday season. The other is likely to distract them from their lack of an Xbox Kinect. Dreidels can also be used to gamble in a game of chance. Usually the game is played for chocolate gelts or coins. Now before you judge Judaism based on giving a gambling toy at Hannukah think about what you are getting your kids at Christmas. Are you getting them World of Warcraft, or Call of Duty Black Ops? Perhaps your nerdy gentile son plays Dungeons and Dragons. Is the dreidel any stranger than the 20 sided die used to deplete hit points, a matter of imaginary life and death in the most popular game played in parent’s basements throughout the US?
It’s a tradition to give dreidels at Hannukah, so if you are a Jewish child Bumble has a little advice. First, try to look surprised and happy when you get one. Your grandparents love you, really they do. Second, take advantage of the new toy and practice, practice, practice! Why? Because you could turn pro!
That’s right! in 2007 the MLD (Major League Dreidel was founded in New York City. They hold tournaments during Hannukah and you can win if you can keep your dreidel spinning longer than anyone else. MLD is played in what’s known as a spinagogue arena. Don’t believe Bumble? Bumble must be making this up? Ha, you wish.
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So don’t look at that dreidel as a cheap trinket as opposed to a cool gaming system. Look at it as an investment in your athletic future! Dreidel is now a sport! You could even be a Champ one day, if you work hard enough.Ok maybe calling MLD a sport is a stretch when you compare the champ to the UFC champ…
2009 MLD Champion Johnny Hei'z
Former UFC Champion Brock Lesnar
Remember your Bubbe loves you and that’s why you got a dreidel. If you really want an Xbox Kinect spin that dreidel, and go get some prize money in the MLD! One final piece of advice for all the dreidel spinners out there. While Johnny did win a nice trophy, its important to note that he did so in a spinagogue and not an octagon.
