[Coleus]

When did a menorah become a secular symbol?>>

I think those NYC school lawyers are going to open up Pandora's box when they say that a Menorah is a secular symbol. How can they back up that statement?

True that Chanukkah is not as high on the holy day calendar as other Jewish holidays; however, it still is religious holiday and a religious symbol. Once NYC admits it's a religious symbol then it's fair game to put Christian symbols in school.

[SuenTsn]

When did a menorah become a secular symbol?

Well, I can sort of understand the thinking although I would think a Star of David would be a better symbol to use as representative of Judaism. A menorah is often associated specifically with Hanukkah... ergo, not as "secular."

But then there are associations that come to mind with any symbol over and above just that of naming a religion. The cross symbolizes Christianity, yet it is also associated specifically with Easter... ergo also not "secular."

Generally, I like the Star of David as representative of Judaism because it really isn't associated with any particular holiday etc. and it's sort of generally generic... ergo "secular."