Connecticut Jews Resolve

December Dilemma

WOODBURY — This December 25, hundreds of Jews from all over the tri-state area are expected to converge on the Woodbury Ski area to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah at the “Hanukkah on the Slopes.”

Jewish revelers of all ages will come from 1 to 6 pm to enjoy skiing, tubing, snowboarding, a giant ice menorah lighting, Jewish music, Hanukkah movies, entertainers, kosher food, Hanukkah crafts for kids, and an olive press workshop in which participants can squeeze their own olive oil out of olives.

Every year at this time, the decorations go up, the Santas come out, and the presents are bought. The Christmas season begins and for many Jews the “December dilemma” arrives: How do you retain you and your children’s unique Jewish identity in the pervasive holiday season. For others it is hard to escape the feeling of exclusion from a national holiday that is fundamentally Christian.

On Christmas itself the issues become more practical. What to do while the rest of the world is celebrating a holiday that you don’t? Where to go if all the stores are closed. Some people decide on the movies, or eat out in Chinese restaurants, while others hibernate at home.

This year the Chabad-Lubavitch of the Northwest Corner is offering a fun-filled and exciting and educational alternative: The “Hanukkah on the Slopes” at Woodbury ski area. Chabad-Lubavitch, an organization dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity and pride, has been creating Hanukkah activities and programs for years; The Hanukkah House, Olive Press workshops, traveling Hanukkah theater, and giant public Menorah lightings.

“The fact that Hanukkah and Christmas coincide this year gives us an opportunity to reach more people and at the same time perform a valuable service for the entire community,” explains Rabbi Joseph T. Eisenbach, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of the Northwest Corner. “The essence of Hanukkah is public displays of Jewish pride and dedication to our heritage,” says Rabbi Eisenbach, “What better way to accomplish this than a huge Hanukkah event at Woodbury Ski area.”

“Hanukkah on the Slopes” will be held at Woodbury Ski Area (woodburyskiarea.com) on Route 47 in Woodbury. Hours are 1 to 10 pm. Admission is free. There are separate charges for the snow sports, food, and crafts. For more information call Chabad-Lubavitch of the Northwest Corner, 800-297-6864.

Chabad-Lubavitch is the largest Jewish educational and outreach organization in the world with more than 2,000 branches. Chabad-Lubavitch seeks to connect Jews of all ages with their heritage through innovative programming, holiday celebrations, education projects, and communal events held throughout the year. (www.chabad.org)