Holmdel’s First Ice Menorah Lighting

HOLMDEL, NJ [CHI] — In about 90 minutes, sculptor Kim Phoung transformed 600 pounds of ice into an elegant menorah that was used for the Chabad Jewish Center’s Chanukah celebration Sunday afternoon.

Phoung of Ice Illusions in Philadelphia, worked quickly with a chain saw and other power tools while a large crowd watched as Phoung cut into the frozen slabs, creating a glistened symbol of eternal hope

“Rabbi Shmaya Galperin, executive director of the center, explained that Jewish law instructs us to steadily increase the Chanukah lights from night to night until we achieve the number eight. One of the great lessons of this custom and law: Chanukah is educating us to steadily intensify the positive impact we impart to our family, community and the world. We are told not to be satisfied with yesterday’s accomplishments. The world today needs more light, more wisdom, more precepts, goodness and kindness”.

According to the Talmud, there was only enough consecrated oil left to fuel the eternal flame in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem for one day after its desecration by the Syrian-Greeks. The oil burned miraculously for eight days. The Chanulah Menorah therefore has eight main branches, plus a ninth branch set apart for the Shamash, or servant, candle that is used to light the other candles.