Although it falls in the dead of winter, Hanukkah is well known as a holiday of light and of warmth. It is a time when families gather together to celebrate the brave Maccabee fighters’ long ago defeat of the Hellenist forces that wanted to destroy every trace of Jewish culture. Hanukkiahs (eight-branched menorahs) are lit for eight nights, with a candle added every night. Sometimes each family member lights his or her own individual Hanukkiah, to publicize the Maccabean victory. Traditional songs are joyfully sung. Everyone takes a whirl at the savivon, or dreidel – a small spinning top. The rotating Hebrew letters remind all present that “A great miracle happened there (or here, if you live in Israel).” After the excitement, it’s time to feast. Fried goodies, such as potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts, are generally served to commemorate the kosher oil in the Holy Temple’s menorah; a one day supply miraculously continued to burn for eight. Dairy foods and coins made of chocolate are customary as well. Many families make a practice of giving the children small gifts at Hanukkah time