Chanukah on Ice - A Fun Ice Skating Event:
Chanukah on Ice is an event that caters to Jewish families. It a part of Hanukkah events sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch in more then 11,000 locations around the world.
About Hanukkah:
Hanukkah is a time that is celebrated by the Jewish nation for the victory of freedom of religion over religious oppression. Many customs are related to the miracles that transpired there. Among them is having oily foods, lighting an eight branch candelabra and playing Dreidel.
Jewish Customs Celebrated on Ice:
Many of these Chanukah customs are reflected at the Chanukah on Ice events.
Food:
The foods served at these events are donuts fried in oil and latkes.
Music:
Lots of Hanukkah songs are played on the rink's loudspeakers.
Games Played on the Ice:
Many Chanuakah on Ice events have a dreidel race on the actual ice: the winner is the person who can spin the dreidel for the longest time on the ice.
Menorah Lighting:
The Menorah lighting is always a part of the event, either on the ice or off.
Menorahs Made Out of Ice:
Many Chanukah on Ice events have a Menorah sculptured out of ice in the actual rink. This was started in 1998 by Chabad-Lubavitch of New Hampshire’s Co-director Rabbi Levi Krinsky.
"Judah the Macabee" on Ice Skates :
Judah the Macabee will also many times be a part of the fun on the ice. He may be seen skating with the children or playing games with the skaters.
History of Chanukah on Ice:
The very first Chanukah on Ice was brainstormed by Rabbi Pinny and Mrs. Gitty Andrusier of Chabad of Southwest Broward, Florida in 1997. In the first year more then 3,000 attended the grand event in the area's two rinks.
About Chabad-Lubavitch:
Chabad-Lubavitch is on the forefront to make Judaism, what it should be, fun and immensely enjoyable for the entire family.
In 2006, ninety-two Chanukah on Ice events took place in the United States. Many Chabad Houses in certain cities gathered together to create one central event.
