Ice Menorah Destroyed in Santa Fe Plaza Day After Hanukkah Display

SANTA FE, N.M.  – The Jewish community in Santa Fe spent Thursday repairing their shattered menorah, an ice sculpture that had been created to celebrate Hanukkah. The sculpture, placed in the historic Santa Fe Plaza just two days prior, had been a highlight of the community’s holiday celebrations.

Earlier this week, the Santa Fe Jewish Center kicked off its Hanukkah festivities with the unveiling of the five-foot-tall ice menorah, crafted by an Albuquerque sculptor. The menorah was designed to be lit every night during the eight-day holiday, which runs until January 2. Rabbi Berel Levertov, head of the Santa Fe Jewish Center Chabad, oversaw the lighting of the menorah on the first night, surrounded by a crowd eager to witness the final touches being added by the sculptor.

However, the joy was short-lived. The next morning, the menorah was found broken, despite being covered by a tent intended to protect it from the sun. Rabbi Levertov expressed concern, noting that the damage appeared to be the result of the sculpture being pushed over, though he hoped it was an accident rather than an act of malice. “I don’t know who did it or why they would do it,” he said, hoping that someone may have inadvertently knocked it over while trying to touch it.

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The damage won’t stop the community from continuing its 26-year tradition. Rabbi Levertov said they would light their backup chili menorah while they work on creating a more secure ice sculpture. “It’s going to be bigger, bulkier, and placed further from the walkway,” he explained.

The center filed a police report, seeking any surveillance footage that might shed light on the incident. While the rabbi remains hopeful for an explanation, he is optimistic about the support of the community. “Santa Fe is a tolerant, welcoming place, and although there are places in the world where antisemitism exists, we haven’t experienced that here,” he said.

The Santa Fe Police Department is currently investigating the incident as criminal damage, though no suspects have been identified. They have confirmed that, aside from the broken menorah, there is no evidence of anti-Semitic intent.