Chabad of Greater Hartford will hold its annual ‘Fire on Ice’ celebration of the first night of Chanukah on Sunday, Dec. 6 in Blue Back Square in West Hartford.

You can see the energy in the air at the “Fire on Ice” Chanukah celebration in Blue Back Square on December 21, 2014. Photo by Barbara Ricketts (We-Ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

The largest – and undeniably coolest – Chanukah celebration in the area will take place in Blue Back Square in West Hartford on Sunday, Dec. 6 as the first night of Chanukah kicks off with “Fire on Ice” hosted by Chabad of Greater Hartford.

A giant carved ice Menorah will scupted on site from a raw block of ice, and then lit to usher in Chanuakah, the Festival of Lights. Mr. David Gelles, president of the NEFCO Corporation and Chabad board member, will have the honor of lighting the Menorah this year.

Individuals from very different Jewish experiences will also participate in a human chain – “Passing the Torch of Jewish Continuity” – as part of the celebration.

The purpose of this event is to bring the community together for Chanukah, Rabbi Shaya Gopin, educational director at Chabad, said in a news release. “Chanukah is a holiday of light and freedom, where few overcame the many and light triumphed over darkness. This is a universal message that we can all relate to,” he said.

“Fire on Ice” Chanukah celebration in Blue Back Square on December 21, 2014. Photo by Joy Taylor (We-Ha.com file photo)

“Fire on Ice” begins at 4 p.m. in the courtyard of Blue Back Square.

Other activities will include the interactive construction of a giant dreidle made from Legos, live music including performances by students from the Hebrew Academy, 3D Menorah printing, a stilt walker, and a raffle.

The event is free and open to the public.

Food will be offered for sale by Yosi’s Kosher Catering, which will be set up inside a heated tent in the courtyard.

Gopin said that this is the “Year of Hakhel (Assembly)” according to the Jewish calendar. “When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem the entire nation would gather once in seven years to reconnect with one another. It was a display of unity and a statement of purpose to revitalize and refocus,” he said in the release. “In celebration of Hakhel this event is especially significant as it offers an opportunity for unity and gathering!”

For more information, call 860-232-1116 or visit www.ChabadHartford.com.

Submitted