Last night, members of the Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck joined with local government officials and the public in celebrating the first night of Hanukkah outside with the lighting of an ice carved menorah.

The “Fire on Ice” menorah lighting featured a 200 pound block of solid ice that had been skillfully crafted by ice sculpture artist Mark McKenzie of Queens-based Cool Way Ice, Inc.

A few dozen patrons stood outside of the Chabad Center (currently dubbed the Dreidel House for the season) and watched as a 200 pound block of ice was transformed into a three foot high by three foot wide piece of art.

“I enjoy it when the real art comes out, after the silhouette is made, when I can put in dimensions and depth," said McKenzie.

Larchmont resident Reuben Rosenbaum along with his 6-year-old daughter Sophia watched in awe as McKenzie used chainsaws, drills and warm aluminum for 45 minutes to sculpt the menorah.

“It’s cold and also cool,” said Sophia.

Reuben grew up in Israel, “so it means more to me that it means to my daughter. Hanukkah reminds me of good childhood memories. And this menorah made out of ice is something that I have never seen before. I like the concept.”

Rabbi Mendel Silberstein led the lighting, reminding the patrons that Hanukkah “represents the fun part of Judaism.”

Sharon Moseson of Mamaroneck was reminded by her parents as a young girl that, “it is nowhere else but America where we could stand outside and celebrate any religion.”

Her great-grandparents did not have freedom of religion when they lived in Eastern Europe, she said.

Nancy Levine of Mamaroneck brought her family to see the sculpture before heading home to light her own menorah, open presents and relax.

“We haven’t been to a lighting like this before,” she said. “It’s different.”

Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norm Rosenblum joined the Rabbi in lighting the menorah. Departing Town of Mamaroneck Supervisor Valerie O’Keeffe also spoke, and was happy that the Chabad “landed in a nice spot. They have been bouncing around from space to space."

The center will serve as a place for Jews to celebrate, no matter their depth of religion or financial burden. Although the organization has been in the area since 2006, they were not able to call one place their own until this past September.

The Chabad Center is located at 921 W. Boston Post Rd. in Mamaroneck.