Children spun their dreidels like tops and counted their chocolate coins, while others squeezed between the crowd to get a peek of the menorah.

The 9-foot candelabrum was made entirely of donuts, stacked and kosher.

“I want to eat it,” said 15-year-old Hannah Stulberg with a laugh.

Some were attracted to the Hannukah lighting ceremony for the spectacle of the thing, but most of the kippah-topped crowd had gathered for community.

Although Hannukah is a fairly minor holiday for Jews, over 300 people packed Blakely Hall in Issaquah. It was the largest menorah lighting in the area.

For Howard Kapustein, celebrating Hannukah satisfied his kids, who are attracted to holiday gift giving.

He also hoped to teach his kids about the culture and connect with the community.

At the event, parents sat everywhere, even the floors, and snacked on potato pancakes, called latkes. Children focused on the chocolate donuts.

Rabbi Berry Farkash decided to make a menorah out of donuts, because eating fried foods is symbolic for the holiday.

Farkash, who founded Chabad of the Central Cascades, comes up with a creative theme for menorahs each year. Next year he hopes to do an ice sculpture menorah.

“People love it, and they come out just for that,” he said. “It’s a beautiful event.”

Hannukah celebrates the rededication of Israel’s temple after a successful revolt against the oppressive Greek Empire. The Jews only had enough oil to keep the lamps in the temple lit for one day, but it lasted for eight days.

“The one holiday Jewish people celebrate undivided is Hannukah,” Farkash said. “It’s a real profound celebration.”

Eager to share the message of the holiday, which has traditionally been very public, Farkash setup three 9-foot menorahs outside.

First lighting a menorah on Front Street seven years ago, he now also has one setup in the Issaquah Highlands and in front of Sammamish City Hall.

“The commandment of lighting the menorah is advertising the miracle,” said Farkash, who started the Chabad of the Central Cascades. “The miracle was not just one the Jewish people celebrate, but it’s for the whole world.”

Mother Sarina Ziv also feels its important her kids see the menorah publicly displayed during the holidays, she said. “There isn’t just Christmas trees.”