News briefs from Southern California [No more menorah, but Christmas tree stays.]

Associated Press by way of Dateline Alabama ^ | Associated Press

[familyop]

In an effort to eliminate all religious symbols from the shopping center, management of Paseo Colorado is ending an annual Hanukkah menorah display.

But the mall's towering Christmas tree stays: Paseo Colorado managers said the tree isn't a religious symbol.

The shopping center has displayed the 13-foot-tall menorah - sponsored by Chabad of Pasadena, a Jewish congregation of about 300 people - for the past three years.

The menorah is not allowed because religious symbols are not appropriate in the commercial center, which has no religious affiliation, said Colleen Dunn, regional general manager for Ohio-based Developers Diversified Realty, which manages Paseo Colorado.

"As for the tree, it's not religiously affiliated," Dunn said. "It's just holiday decor that's become part of the decor this time of year. Our focus is on Santa Claus, which has no religious affiliation."

The synagogue's Rabbi Chaim Hanoka said he was disappointed that the shopping center eliminated the menorah display, and he's perplexed by Dunn's statement that the Christmas tree is not religious.

"You can call it whatever you like, but just about anybody in the world calls it a Christmas tree," he said.

[familyop]

...another one.

[Jean S]

The political correctness is getting so ridiculous that no one knows what do anymore.

[GSlob]

"The political correctness is getting so ridiculous that no one knows what do anymore."
Then put up a New Year tree - and watch the ACLU types bursting from the exertion to find an objection. One could even taunt them in the process.

[Recovering_Democrat]

What a stupid bunch of merchants. If I were there, I'd boycott 'em.

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

Sue the merchants for a Hate Crime in removing the menorah.

What idiots.

[GladesGuru]

Christians and Jews should go to the mall, make selections, then tell the clerk they are not going to do business because of the refusal to allow traditinal Christmas decorations and that includes Christmas trees, crosses, nativity scenes.

Same for Menorahs.

[GeronL]

How is a shopping center a public square?? Does the local government own a shopping center???

[familyop]

"How is a shopping center a public square?? Does the local government own a shopping center???"

My guess is that it's a decision by the managers/investors there to please management/investors. I haven't heard of any laws that would keep businesses from putting up religious holiday displays or to coerce them to do so.

[GeronL]

Then its dumb. Shoppers, especially around this time of year, love seeing those things. Our local Mall has more than one tree, including an Angel Tree that allows shopper to buy a toy or gift for a needy child.

[Dallas59]

Stupid. Of course, it's Kalifornia. Watch those "evil" dollars dry up.

[Caipirabob]

The menorah is not allowed because religious symbols are not appropriate in the commercial center, which has no religious affiliation, said Colleen Dunn, regional general manager for Ohio-based Developers Diversified Realty, which manages Paseo Colorado.

Fine. Then let heathens shop there. Remember: Not choosing side is a victory for the enemy.

[Moonmad27]

But they did change their minds after receiving protests, according to KFI radio, and will put the menorah back - and that same rabbi was very pleased.

[aimhigh]

I don't remember the Constitution requiring separation of church and shop.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.
Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking the keyword Israel.

---------------------------

In an effort to eliminate all religious symbols from the shopping center, management of Paseo Colorado is ending an annual Hanukkah menorah display.

That's fine. I'm sure it's not the reason but at least they recognize it's a religious sympol.

[Alouette]

Now that the "settlers" have been disengaged from the mall, the poor oppressed Palestinians can shop there in peace.

FRmail me to be added or removed from this Judaic/pro-Israel/Russian Jewry ping list.

Warning! This is a high-volume ping list.

[kstewskis]

"It's just holiday decor that's become part of the decor this time of year. Our focus is on Santa Claus, which has no religious affiliation."

Shhh...just don't call him "St. Nick." They might change their mind.

Good grief. Absurdity run amok (again).

[Nachum]

Welcome to Pasadena.

[pepperdog]

When is this idiocy going to end?

[eeevil conservative]

LOL! Doesn't this guy in charge of the mall have any minions who can maybe do a little fact checking, research, or spin doctoring for him before he opens his stupid mouth?

But of course- the only reason they want to embrace Santy Clause is because Santy does 99% of the BUYING! filthy, lying, scumbag.....(need to stop there before I end up with a string of expletives and spend all night repenting...)