Did A Lone Rabbi Mean to Ban Christmas Trees?

Townhall.com ^ | December 10, 2006 | Michael Medved

[Psycho_Bunny]

When I asked the rabbi directly whether he would want the trees removed if the airport refused to put up his menorah he insisted, “Absolutely not.”.........concerning the request for a menorah, the rabbi’s lawyer made the mistake of threatening a federal lawsuit and the airport people panicked and ordered the removal of the trees...Rabbi Bogomilsky and Harvey Grad should have avoided the chilling, unnecessary phrase “law suit” at all costs

When words conflict with action, believe action.

[TomGuy]

Who knows what the truth is, but I've learned not to trust many news reports at first glance.

Of course. But where did this originate? News reports. Doh! Just because it is a news organization does not automatically make it evil or wrong. If they hadn't disseminated details of this incident, we probably would not know anything about it.

[Gondring]

“Other cultures” do not observe popular holidays at precisely this time (the Islamic month of Ramadan is over) and in thousands of public and private locations across the country the abundant, prominent and very beautiful Christmas decorations are harmlessly complemented (if hardly balanced) by menorahs.

So, would everyone be okay for a Ramadan display at that time of the year?

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Why did I know you were from the Commie wealth of NASS before I clicked on your name?

[APRPEH]

the public display in Moscow

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

"A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty 'Hi-yo Silverstein!' The Lone Rabbi!"

[Sans-Culotte]

Equating "asking" with "a demand followed by the threat of a fed lawsuit" would be like equating "STFU" with "Pardon me, I beg to differ".

[13foxtrot]

Why did the Rabbi lawyer-up if he didn't want a fight. He didn't intend to get a backlash for it.

The lawyer provided a legal brief to port explaining that a Menora could be displayed w/o triggering any liability for the port.

As per the SCOTUS, Christmas trees and Menoras are considered secular symbols - and can be displayed in government installations

[beaversmom]

'Hi-yo Silverstein!' The Lone Rabbi!"

Very good! But maybe amend it to 'Hi-oy' :)

[norton]

Nice try.

[AmishDude]

So, would everyone be okay for a Ramadan display at that time of the year?

What would that be? A flaming Renault?

[TomGuy]

Can anyone explain to me what religion's symbol is the Christmas Tree

The name -- 'Christ'mas Tree.

The decorated tree originated in pagan culture. It was later adopted by those who celebrate the birth of Christ.

Origin of the Christmas Tree

The tradition of a holiday tree has been around since ancient times and has played an important part in winter celebrations for many centuries. Many pagan festivals used trees when honoring their gods and spirits. In Northern Europe the Vikings considered the evergreen a symbol and reminder that the darkness and cold of winter would end and the green of spring would return. The Druids of ancient England and France decorated oak trees with fruit and candles to honor their gods of harvests. At the festival Saturnalia the Romans decorated trees with trinkets and candles.

[King Moonracer]

Headless journalists?

[TChris]

He threatened to sue if the menorah wasn’t put up and gave a two day deadline to remove the trees.

And he's naive enough to be surprised that this created a big mess?

Pathetic.

[TomGuy]

Also more info on the origin of Christmas tree at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree

[beaversmom]

Cultural crusader ping. Anyone want on or off this low-volume Michael Medved ping list, please send me an FR-mail.


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[Vn_survivor_67-68]

So what went wrong with this whole miserable affair?

The liberal wench that runs the "Port of Seattle" was given a chance, and she jumped on it. No mystery here.

[MeanWestTexan]

I was in Japan several years ago and they go nuts w/ "secular" christmas decorations --- lights, Santa, trees, etc.

Very odd.

Imagine going to Japan and everything was white and blue and menorahs everywhere.

[MeanWestTexan]

It looks like the Russians have a real one --- oil, not electric.

[dforest]

Can anyone explain to me what religion's symbol is the Christmas Tree ... that would need to be "balanced" by a Jewish Menorah?

Oh if you just call it a Holiday tree all would be well and then we could also have a Holiday Menorah. I think we have gone PC nuts. Everyone is out there picking on each other. People must be bored. Wait, holiday is holy day. Now what term can we use?