Lighting of the ice

Deepa Bharath

It wasn’t quite snowing in Fashion Island. But it was probably the

closest kids in Newport Beach could get to 350 pounds of ice.

Children and adults alike watched wide-eyed as a man carved out a

7-foot menorah from three giant blocks of ice. Little boys and girls

jumped around the carving in progress and caught ice chips as they

flew off the block.

The fun and excitement was part of the annual Hanukkah celebration

at Fashion Island on Friday, put together by the Chabad Jewish

Center. More than 100 people packed the area in front of

Bloomingdale’s, munching doughnuts and spending time with family and

friends. Lilting Hanukkah melodies from a violin, clarinet and

accordion trio wove a backdrop for the sculpture.

The menorah, once carved, was lighted by Newport Beach Mayor Tod

Ridgeway.

This is the first time Chabad has tried to create an ice menorah,

Rabbi Reuven Mintz said.

“Every year, we try to do something different and interesting,” he

said. “We just thought this may be something innovative and creative

and something that would add to the significance of this joyous

holiday.”

Hanukkah began at dusk Friday. For eight days, Jews all over the

world will celebrate this festival of lights, which recalls the

miraculous victory 2,100 years ago of a small Jewish army over the

mighty forces of a ruthless enemy.

The light is not just external, but also signifies the

illumination of one’s soul, Mintz said.

“Each of us has a flame sparkling in our soul,” he said. “That

light will push away the darkness. Darkness is not chased away with

brooms and sticks, but by illumination.”

The menorah lighting ceremony is an annual tradition that has

become a favorite with the community, said Shayne Voorheis, marketing

director for Fashion Island.

“It’s neat,” she said about the ice menorah. “It’s something new

and fun for the community.”

Another menorah will be lighted outside Robinson’s May for the

remaining days of Hanukkah, Voorheis said.

Paul Singer said he came from Anaheim Hills to see the ice

menorah. Singer enjoyed the festivities as he held his wife’s and

granddaughter’s hands in an attempt to teach them the hora, a

traditional Jewish dance.

“Typically, you dance the hora in a circle,” he said, moving

naturally to the Hanukkah music. “This takes me back to my childhood

days in Czechoslovakia. It’s beautiful.”