Ice menorah appeals to young Jews

Jed Carrol lights a candle on the ice menorah while his children, from left to right, Jake, Max, Harley and Emma, watch from behind at the Jewish Community Center on Dec. 4, the first night of Hanukkah. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Amherst has experienced rain, sleet, snow and ice, but who has witnessed an ice-sculptured menorah?

The Jewish Discovery Center has created such a sculpture for this year's Hanukkah celebration.

"We are always looking for new ideas to keep the kids excited," Rabbi Laizer Labkovski said.

The center held its annual Hanukkah party on Dec. 4 with the lighting of the first candle on the ice menorah. This year, the holiday is observed from Dec. 5-12.

"Children of all ages love ice. Who would turn down some ice cream or even ice pops? How about ice skating? We want Jewish kids to translate that love and pleasure with Jewish customs and holidays," Labkovski said.

He added that the light of Hanukkah symbolizes the victory over darkness.

"The lights radiate warmth and glow in the darkness. Lighting an ice-sculptured menorah signifies bringing spiritual warmth into our day-to-day life; a little light dispels much darkness," he said.

The Jewish Community Center, located at 757 Hopkins Road, has had unusual menorahs in the past. Last year, youth created a giant chocolate menorah, and the year prior it was created out of balloons.