Rabbi Shaya Gopin held the microphone while eight-year-old Eric Samuels read his “How Can I Spread Light?” essay that won the annual Chanukah essay contest sponsored by Chabad.

A light drizzle did not deter hundreds of spirited Hartford area residents from turning out on Sunday, Dec 2 to kick off the holiday Chanukah at “Fire on Ice,” the annual celebration of the Festival of Lights held at Blue Back Square in West Hartford. Hosted by Chabad of Greater Hartford, the festive event features a master ice-carver sculpting a giant menorah from a raw block of ice, and other events and activities, including a performance by the award-winning Jewish a capella group Six13 and a Chocolate Chanukah Gelt Drop presented with the help of the West Hartford Fire Department. A special “Tree of Life,” created in honor of the 11 victims of the Pittsburgh massacre, was also unveiled.

“Chanukah is a holiday of light and freedom, where few overcame the many, and light triumphed over darkness,” said Rabbi Shaya Gopin, Chabad educational director. “Especially after the terrible tragedy in Pittsburgh, we need to strengthen our Jewish pride and spread light and goodness to combat this darkness.”

CAP: The crowd looks up at Chocolate Chanukah Gelt falling from the sky, with the help of the West Hartford Fire Department.