Posted on 12/22/2005 12:24:25 PM PST by BenLurkin
CBS) PASADENA, Calif. Paseo Colorado, the open-air mall in Pasadena, has become the latest battlefield in the nation's culture wars, though this time, it's Jews -- not conservative Christians -- who are crying foul.
To the disappointment of local Jews, the management of Paseo Colorado is banishing an annual Hanukkah menorah display, saying religious symbols are not appropriate at the shopping center, the Pasadena Star-News reported Thursday.
But Paseo will continue to feature its towering Christmas tree, which the management says is not a religious symbol, according to the newspaper.
The mall has displayed the 13-foot-tall menorah for the past three years.
The symbol is sponsored by Chabad of Pasadena, a Hasidic Jewish congregation of about 300 people.
Colleen Dunn, regional general manager for Developers Diversified Realty, the company that manages Paseo, told the Star-News that the Christmas tree is "just holiday decor... Our focus is on Santa Claus, which has no religious affiliation."
Rabbi Chaim Hanoka, the leader of Chabad of Pasadena, expressed disappointment over the decision and bafflement over the notion that the Christmas tree is not religious.
Less orthodox Jews are rallying to his side. Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater of Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a conservative congregation, told the Star-News that the mall was making a "terrible decision." He said he would be discussing Paseo's decision with local rabbis out of concern that the Jewish community is being excluded.
Grater also disputed the argument that a Christmas tree is not a religious symbol, as did the Rev. Ed Bacon, rector of All Saints Church in Pasadena, the Star-News reported.
What's an XMas tree?
NO it makes sense.
If you are going to ban religious symbols the Nativity AND the Menorah go.
A Dreidel and a Christmas tree are equivalent non religious symbols.
What?!! No Holiday Candelabra?!
there's that Xmas tree thing again. What the..
Christians should strongly support Jews on this one.
Christmas is a religious holiday. Without Christmas, there would be no Christmas tree.
It sure is PC insanity. I'm not Jewish, but what could it hurt to put a Menorah up? I've never seen such a rush to offend people, and this does offend me even though I'm not Jewish.
All this PC activity is reportedly designed to prevent offending anyone who is not Christian (or in this case Jewish), but it's perfectly fine to offend Christians (or in this case Jews).
More than anything, this is just nonsensical.
A tree that has a large X on it.
I agree that a Christmas tree is a secular symbol, but gee whiz, can't we cut our Jewish friends a break? Besides, menorahs are nice.
X = Christ. Always has.
""A Dreidel and a Christmas tree are equivalent non religious symbols""
The tree is a symbol of Christmas, hence the name Christmas tree. It is symbolic of a religious construct, therefore it is a religious symbol. Do Bhuddists put up a Christmas tree? maybe, maybe not. If they do, they don't put it up in June, that's for sure...
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel. I made it out of clay. When it's dry and ready, my Dreidel I will play!!!!
And some of our posters are just as bad.
And without the Jews, there would be no Christmas.
What's an XMas Tree?
Correct. The "X" is actually the greek letter "chi" and is here short for "Christ".
It also doesnt have Stern...which is a good XMas tree.
Christmas is a religious holiday. Without Christmas, there would be no Christmas tree.
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