Hanukkah on Ice Brings Community Together

Salt Lake City, UT — Skating around the oval at the Gallivan Center on Sunday, Jews, Christians, agnostics and people of other faiths celebrated Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights.

Rabbi Benny Zippel of Chabad Lubavitch expected up to 200 people to attend the Hanukkah on Ice event, although about half that showed up for free skating and festivities, probably because of the snowstorm.

This is the second year he organized the event and this time he hired an ice sculptor to create a 7-foot menorah that was placed on the rink.

“We came out to expose our kids to cultural diversity and see what Hanukkah is all about,” said Rachel Paul of Sandy, who was with her two sons, 3 and 7. “There’s not a lot of diversity in Utah.”

Paul, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wasn’t the only gentile participating.

Warming up by a fire pit, Mary Flower of Bluffdale said she is studying the Torah and learning to speak Hebrew.

“I’m a Christian, and I’m interested in the Jewish religion,” she said. “I’d like to go to Israel some day but I think it’s too dangerous to fly.”

Hanukkah marks the success of a Jewish revolt after Judaism was effectively outlawed around 180 B.C.

The holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the victory of light over darkness,“ Zippel said. ”It is a very important holiday and requires a celebration with the rest of the world.“

Hanukkah began Friday. It is celebrated for eight days, and a candle is lit in a menorah each night to symbolize spreading light. The menorah is supposed to be placed by a window to let the outside world know about the holiday.

Zippel wants to educate people about Judaism and Hanukkah.

The event is meant ”to foster community spirit and cohesiveness,“ he said.

Originally from Texas, Rita Skolnick of Salt Lake City moved to Utah years ago. Although small, ”There’s a great Jewish community here,“ she said.

She goes to Kol Ami (”All my People“) synagogue in Salt Lake City.

Richard Feldman also is a member of that congregation. Putting on his skates, he was preparing to join his three daughters, ages 5, 15 and 16, on the ice.

”I enjoy Hanukkah and enjoy spending time with my kids,“ he said. ”I want to see the menorah and think this is a great tradition.”