The traditional Hanukkah song Ha’ neiros Ha’ lalu (“These Lights”) includes the line “These lights are holy and we are not permitted to use them; rather, all we can do is look at them.”
It’s a reference both to the holiday’s origins when a day’s worth of consecrated oil somehow fueled the temple’s eternal flame for eight days instead of one, but also its reflective and celebratory connotations.
The missionary Hasidic chabad movement throughout Colorado parallels the increasing number of public displays acknowledging one of the world’s oldest faiths. Here are some upcoming Hanukkah ceremonies, including several that combine light and ice, that are open to all.
CENTENNIAL
“Chanukah On Ice,” 3 to 5 p.m. today, Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria St., $10 entrance fee
FORT COLLINS
Giant menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration with Mayor Doug Hutchinson and U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey, 4:30 p.m. today, Old Town Square (between Walnut Street and East Mountain Avenue)
EDWARDS
Giant ice menorah sculpting, lighting and Hanukkah party, 5 p.m. today, Inn at Riverwalk, 27 Main St.
ASPEN
“Chanukah on Ice” party with ice menorah and ice-skating to Israeli music, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, Aspen Recreation Center, 861 Maroon Creek Road.; $15 includes skate rental and dinner
LOVELAND
Giant menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration with Mayor Cecil Gutierrez, 5:30 p.m. Monday , Peters Park, 503 Lincoln Ave.
HIGHLANDS RANCH
Giant menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration, 5:30 p.m., Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 S. University Blvd.
BRECKENRIDGE
Grand menorah lighting, 5:30 p.m. Monday, Blue River Plaza at the Riverwalk
DENVER
Community menorah lighting ceremony, 5 p.m. Tuesday, 300 S. Dahlia St. (at Alameda Avenue)
GREELEY
Giant menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration with Mayor Tom Norton, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Lincoln Park (10th Avenue and Eighth Street)
FORT COLLINS (CSU)
First-ever giant menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Lory Student Center, just east of University Avenue at Meridian Avenue, Colorado State University campus
LIONSHEAD VILLAGE, VAIL
Grand ice menorah lighting, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Arrabelle stairway, Lionshead
COLORADO SPRINGS
Giant menorah lighting and klezmer music concert, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, food court at Chapel Hills Mall
TELLURIDE
Giant menorah lighting and klezmer music concert 6 p.m. Wednesday, Elks Club
