You may have heard of a synagogue with a sanctuary, a social hall, maybe even a basketball court. But for one synagogue in the winter wonderland of Minnesota, they became the Shul with the Ice-Skating Rink!
Temple of Aaron in Saint Paul may be the first synagogue with its very own ice-skating rink. Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein, co-rabbi at Temple of Aaron, first approached his lay leaders with this out-of-the-box idea earlier this year.
“Temple of Aaron is all about building community,” Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein said. “With everything we do, our goal is to connect our community members to God, Judaism, our community, and to one another. An ice-skating rink seemed like the perfect thing to bring our community together in the long, cold Minnesota winter. They don’t call us the Frozen Chosen for nothing!”
With the full support of his board and community, the dream of a Temple of Aaron Ice-Skating Rink became a reality. The Temple of Aaron ice-skating rink was built by its own members, and spearheaded by member Joel Paper. Temple of Aaron members have volunteered to serve as “Ice Captains”, helping to maintain the rink, clear it of snow, and help run the open-skate sessions.
“This has really been a project of our whole community,” Rabbi Marcus said.
Temple of Aaron members will have the opportunity to skate all winter long (weather permitting). The rink will be open for special Shabbat afternoon skating, game nights, and community nights. Plus, the Temple of Aaron ice-skating rink will host a performance of Klezmer on Ice, the Twin Cities’ Yiddish and Klezmer music festival on Feb. 2 open to the entire Twin Cities community.
