Chabad of Markham celebrates Chanukah

By JENNIFER M. MACLEOD
Special to The CJN

TORONTO - Skating Maccabees aren’t an everyday sight at public arenas in Markham, but thanks to strong bonds Chabad-Lubavitch of Markham, Ont., has forged within its community over the last two decades, they’re not entirely unexpected.

“Twenty years ago in Markham, it was a big deal” to see a public Chanukah celebration, said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti at Fire on Ice, Chabad’s annual skating party held at Clatworthy Arena last Saturday.

With more than 50 per cent of its residents born outside Canada, Markham has become one of Canada’s most diverse communities, and Scarpitti called the giant outdoor menorah that now stands at Bayview Avenue and John Street “a symbol of peace and light for everyone.”

The evening began with a Havdalah ceremony led by Chabad Rabbi Avraham Plotkin, followed by a menorah-lighting ceremony, Chanukah ice capades featuring demonstrations by two former Olympic skaters, and – last but not least – a public skate with the “skating Maccabee,” who roamed the ice, bravely stopping once in a while to help fallen kids or pose for a photo.

MP Susan Kadis as well as regional councillor Jack Heath also joined the celebration, bringing official recognition for Chabad and for the holiday. “I come every year,” said Heath. “Jews on ice – how Canadian can you get?” He also admitted: “I come for the latkes. I’ve already had four.”

Latkes scored high for a number of young participants, like Ori Epstein, 3, who sat on his mother’s lap happily watching the skaters, his face shiny with cotton candy. Ori also looked forward to being home to light candles in the new menorah he made at Chabad’s Torah Tots preschool.

“Chocolate,” said Eli Romi-Babanyi, a Grade 5 student at Netivot HaTorah, that’s his number one Chanukah treat, along with a chance to light the menorah, not to mention next week’s big Florida trip during his school vacation. Other kids said they loved dreidel games and were also enjoying the Chanukah-themed carnival in the arena’s lobby.

Chanukah is the festival most closely associated with the Chabad-Lubavitch chassidic movement worldwide, with eager young shiluchim travelling the world to bring a message not just of fun but also of pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle.

Through public menorahs, car menorahs and countless inexpensive menorahs given out free, shiluchim like Rabbi Plotkin have worked to spread word of God’s miracles for the Jewish people, and spur Jewish pride in places that may not encounter many Jews.

“This is a great opportunity,” Scarpitti said, “for young children and families to gather to celebrate faith, celebrate community, during this very special time.”

Rabbi Plotkin credits Chabad’s success to allies like Scarpitti, who was elected around the same time that Rabbi Plotkin came to Markham. “We’re very lucky to have the mayor as a friend.”

Chabad has opened its arms to Scarpitti at most of its public celebrations, including welcoming him to a “l’chaim” in its sukkah. Scarpitti enjoys every chance to participate with the Jewish community, but calls Chanukah a “wonderful opportunity,” a deeper lesson of peace overcoming persecution.