The annual “Fire and Ice” Chanukah celebration, hosted by Chabad of Greater Hartford in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square, brought out hundreds of celebrants of all ages. The crowd watched a master ice carver sculpt a giant menorah from a block of ice, enjoyed musical entertainment by Israeli singer Gad Elbaz, feasted on Chanukah delectables and indulged in a host of fun activities, including a Chocolate Chanukah Gelt Drop presented with the help of the West Hartford Fire Department. 

“Chanukah is a holiday of light and freedom, where few overcame the many, and light triumphed over darkness,” said Rabbi Shaya Gopin, Chabad educational director. Given the recent spate in antisemitic attacks in New York and other communities around the country, he added, “we need to strengthen our Jewish pride and spread light and goodness to combat this darkness.”