Sen. Scott Brown at Chabads Menorah Lighting

MILFORD, MA — In a public celebration of unity, the Chabad Jewish Center held a special menorah lighting on the grounds of the Cedar Street center Sunday afternoon.

Cold temperatures accompanied by a brisk wind failed to dissuade an enthusiastic crowd from gathering to watch the center’s director, Rabbi Mendy Kivman, light a unique “ice sculpture” menorah on the fifth night of Hanukkah.

Families from a number of communities, along with local dignitaries, enjoyed an afternoon of socializing, accompanied by music and hot cocoa.

“I’ve been coming here for about 10 years,” noted Northbridge resident, Franklin Rosenburg. Accompanied by an admittedly “press-shy” companion, Rosenburg declared the event “a part of my holiday tradition.”

Warm-blooded nanny Amber Forget of Milford, attended her charges unburdened by a coat or hat. “I’m not cold,” she insisted. “I came here with the children and my boss, Hadassah Robeson.”

Merrell Mastin of Milford made a return trip to the event, even though, as she explained, “I’m not Jewish.” The fact that many other non-Jews were also in attendance highlighted the event’s theme of unity.

According to Kivman, Hanukkah “is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition. In ancient times, our ancestors rededicated the temple in Jerusalem with the menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”

Scattered throughout the crowd were several local dignitaries, including: Bill Buckley, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, and School Committee member William Kingkade. Police Chief Thomas O’Loughlin was invited to light the “Shamash,” which is used to light the eight other menorah candles.

Being the fifth night of Hanukkah, five candles were lit. “This is the point (lighting the fifth candle) where we now (symbolically) have more light than dark,” Kivman noted.

Also on hand for the ceremonies was U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, R-MA, who fit the event into a tight schedule. “I’m on my way to Worcester, for another menorah lighting,” he told the crowd. He joked that he might have been able to stay longer, had the rabbi “not waited until Wednesday to invite me.”

“Over the years, I’ve been to a lot of menorah lightings,” the senator said, “but this one is one of the most beautiful menorahs” he had ever seen. Brown congratulated the rabbi for “thinking outside the box.”

Brown relayed that after his election to office, he had the opportunity to visit Israel and Jordan. What he witnessed there underlined the fact that “we are (living) in troubled times. We need to be thankful,” for what we have, he said.

Thanking Brown for his attendance at “this joyous occasion,” Kivman presented him with a gift menorah, which he said would help him “to light up Congress.”

Just prior to the actual menorah lighting, Kivman offered a prayer for the people of Israel who have been affected by the raging wildfires in Haifa. Several children were invited to the stage to lead the gathering in prayer.

The magnificent 7-foot ice-sculptured menorah was created by Ice Effects of Rockland. On hand for the event were owner Steve Rose and assistant Matt Fallon. According to Fallon, the company produces a variety of ice sculptures for different venues, including Boston Garden and First Night festivities. “Whatever you can think of,” he offered, “we can do.”

The ice-sculptured menorah will remain on the grounds of the Chabad Jewish Center for the duration of Hanukkah, or “until it melts,” Kivman said.