A huge crowd cheered “Happy Chanukah!” and dozens in their cars honked their horns as Chabad of Greater Hartford’s 14th annual “Fire on Ice” Chanukah celebration got under way on Sunday evening, Nov. 28.

More than 1,000 attended the in-person and drive-in event held on the first night of the eight-day Festival of Lights in the parking lot of West Hartford’s Town Hall.

“It is extra special to be gathered here, all of us as one community, especially after so much separation over the last 18 months…to celebrate the power of light, the power of warmth, the theme of Chanukah, which is that we can all spread light, warmth and goodness in our environment,” said Rabbi Shaya Gopin, organizer of the event, who thanked the Town of West Hartford, the West Hartford Police and Fire Departments and the West Hartford Public Works Department for helping to make this year’s event possible. 

A giant LED screen allowed everyone to see and “be a part of” all of the on-stage activities, including the carving of the giant ice menorah.

After Chabad’s youth and Hebrew school director Rabbi Yehuda Matusof warmed up the crowed with a fun and fast-paced Chanukah Game Show, David Waren, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford spoke, thanking Chabad for “illuminating our community with the light of Torah and mitzvah (good deeds).”

The lighting of the first candle of the ice menorah by community member Jeffrey Hoffman was followed by a performance by singer Yoni Z, who rocked the crowd.

In addition to refreshments and family Chanukah activities, children of all ages collected Chanukah gelt and other treats sprinkled down from the top of a fire trick ladder by the West Hartford Fire Department during the annual “Great Chanukah Gift Drop.”

“Chanukah is a very special holiday — a holiday that can bring light to our life,” said Rabbi Joseph Gopin, director of Chabad of Greater Hartford. “Chanukah is a reminder, an inspiration and an empowerment, [telling us] we have the power to make this world full of light, happiness and joy and health. We can do it. Let’s do it!”

Main Photo: Jeffrey Hoffman lit the first Chanukah candle on the Fire on Ice menorah. (Credit: Nick Caito)