Forgot why...there was some controversy, no?

The majority of residents in Springfield are Jewish . I'm not, but I would support a symbol in town hall that represents their faith

The Nativity and Menorah should both be displayed since they represent the nation's Judeo-Christian foundation of this country. Thanks for respecting.

This year let the Menorah shine and remind us of the light we were all missing during the Hurricane and its aftermath. The Menorah is a symbol of the triumph of the spirit over the physical world. It is a fitting symbol for Springfield this year and in years to come to remind us of how we came together to help one another during the storm.

The Menorah, a symbol of Judaism and the very minor holiday of Hanukkah, flies on the coat tails of Christmas, a major holiday, given up mostly (and sadly) to the retail aspect. Interestingly, there is a very large metal Menorah (correctly called a Hanukiah) in Springfield. It was supposed to be rotated through the synagogues annually, to be displayed and lit appropriately on the eight days/nights of Hanukkah. Guess it was mothballed, have not seen it in years. Anyone in the synagogues know where it is and want to display it??? If the township feels it important to include a Hanukkah salute along with the Christmas display, so be it. Just want to wish all a good, happy, healthy holiday season and new year.

Everyone mistakes a tree decorated with lights a religous symbol for the the birth of Jesus, Christmas. For many, many years it has been called a Christmas tree, but has no religous significance whatsoever. When I attended Caldwell school as a child we were taught the meaning of both the Jewish(Hanukkah) and Christian(Birth of Jesus in a Manger). God forbid that happens today! I am Catholic and when I was 8 I wanted my parents to put up a Menorah along side our Christmas tree. It was later when I learned the difference. A Menorah is a religous symbol where a Christmas tree decorated with lights is a decoration for the season as is Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman and Elves. If the town wants to put up a Menorah alongside a Manger with baby Jesus, Mary & the 3 Wisemen, then I don't see there would be any problem with it. It wouldn't be fair to have a religous symbol displayed next to a holiday symbol!

As Princess Valiant notes, the Menorah is a symbol of Judaism, a religion. As such, if the Menorah is displayed, then a Nativity scene should also be displayed to represent the Christian religions of Springfield's residents. To Christian believers holiday light displays are a secular symbol that is often misunderstood as being a symbol of the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. As someone who is a resident of Springfield by default of marriage, my perception is one of a lack of equal representation of all residents, at one time or another, based on religious beliefs. Since it is the holiday season of peace and goodwill, the more the merrier. Display all the symbols that represent the season. Unfortunately, the ongoing attacks on both Christianity and Judaism by those who apparently do not share a vision of world peace and inclusion, may exclude the display of the Menorah and the Navtivity during the holiday season.

It surprises me that the lights are considered secular. Mostly they are called Christmas Lights and it is a Christmas Tree. They are here for Christmas time. At the tree lighting they have a Santa for the children who celebrate Christmas.

It does not bother me, as a Jewish person, to see the white lights on Town Hall, as they are beautiful. I also love driving around looking at everyone's lights outside their homes. It just seems odd, though, to make it seem secular.

I do understand that the lights and tree are not a true representation of the meaning of Christmas and I certainly do not intend to cause any controversy with this post.

Back in February Zachary Sandman wrote (in response to an earlier article)....
The "holiday" lights in front of town hall are a nice way for the town to celebrate the holiday season in a beautiful and meaningful way (although, in my opinion, they don't necessarily need to shine all through the night). The holiday lights are just that: holiday lights. Even if they are more closely associated with Christmas than Chanukah, they are by no means an explicit religious symbol. The same can absolutely not be said about a Menorah. A Menorah is a ritual object which is lit each night of Chanukah by Jews in fulfillment of a religious obligation. To put a Menorah on the lawn of Town Hall would be inappropriate unless overt symbols of other religions were placed there as well, such as a nativity scene. If I may suggest, as an alternative to the Menorah, perhaps a (giant) dreidel be placed on Town Hall, as a dreidel reflects Jewish culture and heritage without being a religious expression, much the same was that the holiday lights suggest a celebration of Christmas rather than an actual religious observance.

I AGREE...
A great idea by Mr. Sandman, it puts just the right "Spin" on this issue....
A Dreidel (or two) would be the appropriate balance to the other holiday lights and none religious symbols (Christmas trees and wreaths) without being a "Religious" symbol (like a Menorah or Nativity scene). The Dreidel would be one more holiday reminder without crossing the line to religion.

Hannukah is a festival. It has no religious signficance and merely commemorates an historical event. It has as much signficance as a decorated evergreen tree. Frankly, there's no reason why the town shouldn't invite and welcome displays from any group that wants to celebrate the season. What's so bad about displaying a creche, a menorah, a tree, a kwanzaa candle. I remember back in 1980s the town had lots of holiday symbols on the town hall lawn and on the building. Did it hurt anything? I think it brought the whole community together. For a couple of weeks a year what's the big deal?

I can't even believe this is up for debate. Of course there should be a Menorah.

...and there should be a Nativity Scene as well. And symbols for Kwanzaa, and any other symbol of celebration and blessings during this season, this one time of year when people -- at least "on paper" -- are supposed to forgo differences and be thankful for the gift of humanity and life and what we have in common rather than what we don't. Instead, towns across the entire nation discuss this issue ad nauseum. This political correctness is getting old. I understand that many people don't want religion forced upon them. Ok, so don't look at the Town Hall during the few weeks you see these symbols. God forbid people allow themselves to feel a little put upon, once a year.

Do you know what most 9 year old children probably think? They probably think to themselves, "Why are the adults arguing over this? Why not just let everybody in town be allowed to put up things that make them happy? Why not let everybody be happy? Isn't that what the true spirit of Christmas is about?" To coin a phrase I often hear from young people: "Duh."

I agree with Zach, if the town feels obligated to do something, a dreidel would be a festive addition. Frankly, I would prefer if the town used the same funds to restore the baskets in the basketball courts. And by the way, Channukah is a religious festival albeit a minor one.

In that case there should be a nativity scene as well possibly on the opposite side of the Menorah.

Today, Nov 26th, The Township of Clark through the Recreation Department recently held it’s 9th Annual Winter Festival, Tree Lighting and Menorah Ceremony.
More than 1.500 residents attended the event which featured rides, food, music, animals, Santa and more.
The event was funded by the generous donations of town businesses and organizations.

Wow - what a great idea!! A tree lighting and menorah ceremony.
What do we get a: tree lighting ceremony, christmas carolers, and santa coming down the roof. All paid or sponsored with tax dollars.

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HANUKKAH - JEWISH STARS SHOULD BE UP!!!!

As one who was born/raised as part of the Hebrew/Jewish faith I too still voted no because government and religion need NEVER cross paths in my opinion.
But again, no Jewish (or Hindu, or Buddhist, Jehovah's Witness, or Scientology or....) symbols need to be referenced on that lawn AS LONG AS AND ONLY IF WHAT 'IS' PUT UP THERE ALSO REMAINS TRULY NON-DENOMINATIONAL!
Lights, trees, snowflakes are ALL very beautiful and I do enjoy seeing it all lit up every year. 8-)
But once the crosses, mangers and nativity scenes starting going up, well, you get the idea LOL. ;-)

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