A woman wrapped in a dark sweater served me a bagel and a soda.

'This is my last night at the Adiv,' I said. 'Tomorrow I fly back to the US.'

'Ah,' she replied, 'You leave on a special day--it is the start of the Hanukah. Tonight I make latkes.'

'What's that?' I asked.

'Latkes are a special pastry we prepare for the Hanukah celebration. They are like a donut filled with jelly. I will have some for you as well.'

I thanked her, but thought nothing of it afterwards. The next morning I made my last stop for a bagel and was served by the same woman. As I gobbled down my on-the-run breakfast, she handed me a small, brown paper bag.

'These are for you,' she said, 'May you have a blessed Hanukah.'

In the bag were several latkes. It was not only the day that was special--I felt special too.