I just don't get it. This is a no-brainier. Very difficult to understand why a town with such a strong Jewish presence should not have any holiday representation. They have Menorahs in many other surrounding towns, what's the real issue here? I say VOTE AGAIN.

One things should be clarified, the TC has discussed this many times over the years, and I personally also thought the presence of a menorah would be appropriate. However, in 2008 while serving on the TC, we asked the local religious leaders their opinions (the rabbi's from the various synagogues), and they asked that a menorah not be placed in front of town hall. Given that position, the subsequent vote failed. So while I don't know the specifics about what occurred this year, I'd have to assume the same situation exists and the resulting vote reflected the same opinions by the religious leaders.

Oh, brother!

I don't want to hear the TC complain that the town is running out of money, when they spend time and money on any decorations, whether they are holiday, Christmas or Hanukkah.

All of this talk about Christmas decorations at townhall. All I see are lights on a tree, in bushes and on the building. Like the snowflakes on the telephone poles, these are not religious symbols of Christmas or any other religious holiday. A Menorah, on the other hand, is a distinctive religious symbol of Hanukkah. I am not opposed to the inclusion of one and I am sure no one will complain about the inclusion of a Navity Scene and a Kinara.

Quite simply, the lights at townhall are nothing more than an attempt to put people in the spirit of the holiday season. That season includes Hanukka, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Can't we all just sit back and enjoy the beauty and not have to make it an us against them battle?

As a Catholic Christian resident of Springfield, I have no objection to the placing of a menorah on the lawn outside townhall. Why can't we, not just tolerate, but respect, appreciate and honor the beliefs of all members of the community?

A menorah is a candle holder used during Hanuka and is not anymore a religious symbol then a Christmas tree. As a matter of fact, Hanuka is not even a holiday, it is considered a festival (the festival of lights). If a cross or star of David were to be placed on municipal property, that in my opinion, would be a religious symbol, because both are always found in their respective houses of worship, the entire year. A tree or menorah on the other hand are basically ornaments used to represent the celebtrations of these occassions.

I was having a discussion with some people from the community and many of the orthodox people who are opposed to it are not opposed to because of the religious aspect it. They are opposed to Chabad, the group who will be ultimitely be handling it. Apperently the older orthdodox people from the community are threatened by Chabad that it will take away members (err funds) from the only orthodox shul in Springfield.

Philly, according to Wikipedia there are 2 principal meanings for menorah. A seven-branched lampstand used in ancient Tabernacle in the desert and temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and the emblem of the modern state of Israel. Also, a nine-branched candelabrum used during Hanukkah (I'm using their spelling here).

So we are both correct, but since we were discussing Hanukkah, I'll stand by my definition of a candleholder or more properly a candelbrum.

On the one hand, the menorah is symbolic of one of the least religious holidays in the jewish culture, on the other, admitting as much would admit that Hanukkah is not a terribly important holiday, as opposed to Christmas, which is in the Christian faith. Hanukkah celebrations were ramped up largely to compete with Christmas celebrations. Let's be painfully honest here.

Can we all stop bashing religions here. I would love to see a menorah and a creche [ nativity scene] and any others on the lawn of the municipal building. I grew up in this town when they had a menorah and creche on the lawn. It was the rabbis that wanted them removed, so during the season of peace and happiness let's not make fun of each other. I say Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all.

"Can't we all just get along"
-Rodney King

This is one of those topics you don't bring up at a holiday party. But, wow, what a discussion. Thanks for sharing this story with everyone, Adam.

A 'Hanukkiah' is the 9 branch light (candle, oil, electric) holder specifically for the Festival of Hanukkah. A 'Menorah' is the 7 branch light holder. Symbols both, but not ritual objects. Also, where is the huge Hanukkiah owned and displayed by the synagogues in town. It originally was to be passed through the synagogues on an annual basis. Probably lost in some storage space forever. Happily, I note that the young family who bought the house at the corner of South Springfield and Hillside has their Hanukkiah out. Looks great, cannot wait to see it lit. Wishing all peace and good health.

if adam sandler can make a song about it why not just try and get along and enjoy all of the holidays!

Maybe the Tree in front of Town Hall should be called a Holiday tree, instead of Christmas Tree, and that would probably solve the problem!

It's a Christmas tree not a holiday tree .... but they are only lights folks everybody CALM DOWN!!! As a Jew I don't feel the need to be neutral about what to call the tree it looks beautiful and festive .. let's not take something that's supposed to bring joy and turn it into something political.