It almost defies the laws of physics, it is hot and cold, frozen and fiery, stationary and sizzling all at the same time. What is it? It’s a Chanukah Menorah carved out of ice, kindled with giant candles and calculated to warm the Jewish soul of even the coldest cynic.
A project of Chabad Lubavitch , the ephemeral ice sculpture Menorah, most often carved at an ice skating rink, has captured the imagination of both children and adults in cities across the world. Rabbi Yossel Kranz,director of Chabad Lubavitch of the Virginias brought the ‘Chanukah on Ice’ theme to Richmond for the first time last year and had an encore event this Chanukah.
U.S. Congressman Eric Cantor, the Chief Deputy Majority Whip, lit the ice Menorah last Sunday to a record crowd. “The idea captivated the community,” said Kranz. “It brought Jews from every synagogue and every walk of life together. It was the largest Chanukah event ever in Richmond. The ice menorah is the ultimate message of Chanuka- that the warmth of Yiddishkeit will always melt the cold of apathy and assimilation.”
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