Naperville recently celebrated Hanukkah but this year with a cool twist.
Master ice sculptor Dan Rehbolz brought his chainsaw, blowtorch, and carving skills to the Naperville riverwalk amphitheater for a special first night of Hanukkah.
“I brought about a block and a half of clear ice,” said Rehbolz. “Those three different pieces I cut up beforehand at the shop because I didn’t want to be out here too long in the cold. And then just kind of put it all together here on the spot.”
Members of the Chabad Jewish Center of Naperville gathered to celebrate the start of the eight-night holiday and watch the cool carving of an ice menorah.
“It’s different from everyone else’s menorah,” said 15-year-old Ben, a sculpting spectator.
“Yeah and it’s cool how the guy was shaping it in the beginning,” said 14-year-old Ari, another spectator.
Once sculpting was complete, the ice menorah was lit for the first night of Hanukkah.
“Ice has its own magical quality, and people are just attracted to it,” explained Rehbolz.
For the rest of Hanukkah, the Ice Menorah was moved to the front of the Chabad Jewish Center of Naperville.
Bringing light to dark winter nights with a unique icy twist.
Naperville News 17’s Christine Lena reports.
