Temple finds ‘cool way’ to celebrate

Ice sculptor Mark Mckenzie had never before carved a menorah larger than 10 feet, but the one he made for Temple Israel of South Merrick went to 11.

Temple Israel decided to turn its community Hanukkah party up a notch from last year, when the temple built a 10-foot menorah out of Lego pieces, explained organizer and congregant Curtis Izen. “We wanted to come up with something unique again that would be attractive to kids and to adults as well,” he said.

The party took place last Sunday and embraced Hanukkah and winter as its themes. Central to both was the ice menorah, which Mckenzie — who makes a living creating ice sculptures — carved using power and hand tools during the two-hour celebration. The menorah was expected to last eight to nine hours before melting.

Inside the temple, children watched the popular Disney movie “Frozen,” interacted with costumed characters, danced the limbo, and enjoyed treats like latkes and hot chocolate. The temple also raffled off Hanukkah gift baskets.

Mckenzie, who is based in Queens, maintains a website, www.coolwayice.com, which advertises his work for numerous occasions.