Free Republic

Residents in a Newhall senior apartment complex are protesting an order from management to remove their beloved Christmas tree from the community room because, they were told, it's a religious symbol. On Tuesday, Tarzana-based JB Partners Group Inc. sent a memo to staff demanding they take down Christmas trees and menorahs in communal areas. The company has owned The Willows for four years, but this is the first time it's given such a directive to staff. On Wednesday, two dozen residents in the 75-resident complex gathered in the lobby to place a neon green sign that read: "Please Save Our...

On the evening of December 25, when most people are surrounded by a sea of torn wrapping paper and ready to burst from eating, my holiday will just be starting, as my family and Jewish families in the neighborhood and around the world will be lighting the first Hanukkah candle. Each night, for eight nights, we add a candle, placing them in the menorah, or candle holder, from right to left. A ninth candle is used to light the others. We will say two blessings over the Hanukkah candles, one thanking God for commanding us to light the Hanukkah candles,...