Jews Strive to Restore Sea-Tac Airport's Christmas Trees

Toward Tradition ^ | December 11, 2006 | Rabbi Daniel Lapin

[Mr. Mulliner]

Well here we go again. It is so utterly predictable. Like clockwork. It’s December and time for another skirmish in the annual battle against Christmas. What compels me to comment is that this time it's not the usual secular fanatic who's responsible for doing things that evict Christianity from the culture. No, on this sad and alarming occasion it's a deeply religious, well-intentioned rabbi who has unwittingly stumbled into a situation that will place his denomination (and mine) —Orthodox Judaism— in a terrible, negative light.

For at least ten years, Sea-Tac Airport near Seattle has displayed several large, beautifully decorated Christmas trees each December. With lawyer in tow, a local rabbi recently threatened to sue the Port of Seattle if the airport didn't add a Chanukah menorah to the holiday display.

Yielding to the ultimatum was not an option for airport management, skittish at the best of times since 9-11. Understandably, they interpreted the rabbi’s threat as only the first. It would not be hard to imagine Seattle’s Islamic community stepping forward with their own lawyer to demand a Moslem symbol be included as well.

With deft turn of phrase, Sea-Tac public affairs manager Terri-Ann Betancourt explained that at the busiest travel time of the year, while Sea-Tac was focused on getting passengers through the airport, she and her staff didn’t have time “to play cultural anthropologists.”

Threatening a lawsuit, I feel, violates the Jewish principle known in Hebrew as Kiddush HaShem, interpreted in the Talmud, part of ancient Jewish wisdom, as an action that encourages people to admire Jews. One need only read the comments on the Internet following the news accounts of the tree removal, to know that most people are feeling indignant and hurt. They certainly are not feeling more warmly toward Jews as a result of this mess.

Here I disclose that I know the rabbi involved, am friendly with him, and am sure that he didn’t intend this outcome. I like him, which makes it painful for me to point out that when one throws a punch (which is what bringing a lawyer and threatening to sue is equivalent to) and one gets decked in return, one cannot plead that one didn’t intend that outcome.

The outcome, whether intended or not, is that now vast numbers of passengers, most of whom are probably Christian, will be deprived of the cheerful holiday sight of pretty Christmas trees. What is more, they will know that their deprivation was caused by a Jewish rabbi. The rabbi’s lawyer told a television reporter, “There is a concern here that the Jewish community will be portrayed as the Grinch.”

No, Mr. Lawyer, it is not that Jews will be “portrayed” as the grinch. Sadly, now we are the grinch. You made us the grinch.

Now what is to be done? I have three requests:

I am asking every reader of this column to sign a petition on the Toward Tradition website beseeching Sea-Tac management to restore the Christmas trees.

I am asking every reader of this column to forward it to others who might be willing to sign this petition.

I am asking Jews in the Puget Sound region to join national radio host, Michael Medved, and me in offering our volunteer labor to Sea-Tac. We hope they will allow us to provide the labor necessary for replacing the trees so that airport staff need not be deflected from their important duties.

[Mr. Mulliner]

Here's more to to this article from the website:

Why am I, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, so concerned about a few Christmas trees?  Not for a moment do I believe that American Christians will react to this insult with a flurry of anti-Semitic activity.  But I do feel certain that perhaps in some small way, expelling Christmas symbolism from the airport makes it just a little harder to protect America’s Christian nature.

For centuries, we Jews suffered in a Europe governed by ecclesiastical authority.  We suffered no less under the secular tyrannies of communism.  Now, in post-Christian Europe, where both government and population are increasingly secular, anti-Semitism is dramatically on the rise.  In short, we have never thrived under religious government or within secular cultures. 

During the past two thousand years of Jewish history Jews have never enjoyed a more hospitable home than we enjoy here in the United States of America. 

This is because we have a religiously neutral government and a largely religious Christian population.  Most American Christians love Jews and support Israel unconditionally because of their commitment to the Bible and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Evidence from across the Atlantic persuades me that our lot will deteriorate if America’s population gradually becomes secularized and removing the Christmas trees makes that disturbing likelihood, over time, more probable.  Yes, public symbols are very important. 

Years ago we Jews advocated for full equality.  Today, with thirteen Jewish United States senators, over thirty Jewish congressmen, two Jews on the Supreme Court, and disproportionate Jewish representation in media and entertainment, one could reasonably say we have achieved it.  But back then, the only culture in America was Christian. Today, however, America is home to many faiths, not all of them friendly towards Judaism.

Today, agitating for Jewish religious representation in the culture inevitably results not in equating Judaism with Christianity but the removal of both Judaism and Christianity.  In other words, pushing for the menorah means removal of the Christmas tree and the triumph of secularism.  Europe, both past and present, teaches us that if America becomes secularized, Jews suffer.

For fifteen years I have insisted that for Jews to oppose Christianity in America is a mistake.  The world today is populated by millions who harbor festering hatred for Jews.  There remains one group of people who love and support us and they are America’s Evangelical Christians.  What possible sense does it make to fight your friends by stripping their symbols from sight?

When the Moslems invaded Spain, one of their first actions was the removal of all Christian symbols from public view.  Secularism’s invasion of America is attempting exactly the same strategy.  I implore American Jews not to ally themselves with this ill-fated campaign. 

We are less than a week from the Jewish holiday of Chanukah during which our most important religious observance revolves around the blessings we say over the Menorah.  In doing so, we oppose the still prevalent and ever more dangerous force of secularism.

When times change, unlike dinosaurs, wise organisms adapt.  We should recognize that we all have a stake in protecting Christian symbolism in the village square (or the airport).  The only alternative will be no religious symbolism at all and make no mistake, secularism’s rise is Judaism’s decline. 

I spoke to the rabbi involved today and he is genuinely unhappy with the decision of Sea-Tac airport.  I invited him to join the Toward Tradition petition and I hope he will do so.  I urge you also to do whatever you can to help bring back Sea-Tac Airport’s Christmas trees.  Let us all show that we care. 

Exactly thirteen years ago, a brick was thrown through a Jewish home’s window in Billings, Montana because inside that window was displayed a menorah.  Within days, over six thousand Christian homes in Billings protested that anti-religious bigotry by displaying menorahs in their windows.

I am not suggesting that Jews express their support by displaying Christmas trees in their windows but I am suggesting that Jews fulfill the spirit of Chanukah by supporting public expressions of the other Biblical faith.  I don’t think that the airport was guilty of anti-religious bigotry but a weakening of Christianity in America could become a huge threat.  For a start, let us try to restore Sea-Tac Airport’s Christmas trees.

[goldstategop]

I signed it. I don't think Jews should prevent the majority in this country from observing their holiday. If the situation was reversed, I wouldn't stand for it either. "Merry Christmas," every one!

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

[EveningStar]

ping

[Mr. Mojo]

No, on this sad and alarming occasion it's a deeply religious, well-intentioned rabbi

"Well-intentioned" rabbis don't threaten lawsuits over airport displays. Dude needs to chill.

That said, there's no question his views are in the distinct - barely perceptible, in fact - minority among the Jewish population.

[Dog Gone]

If the Religious Right in this country perceives that the Jewish religion is assaulting it (as opposed to the notorious liberal jewish lawyers that routinely do so), support for Israel itself will plummet like a rock.

[SJackson]

I signed it. I don't think Jews should prevent the majority in this country from observing their holiday.

How does displaying a menorah deprive anyone of anything?

[Mr. Mulliner]

How much do you know about Rabbi Lapin? I have never gotten the impression that he speaks for a miniscule minority. A minority of American Jews, perhaps, but not a small minority.

[KStorm]

Well-intentioned" rabbis don't threaten lawsuits over airport displays. Dude needs to chill.

WORD. The rabbi got what he wanted, his 'repentance' notwithstanding.

[SJackson]

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[SJackson]

If the Religious Right in this country perceives that the Jewish religion is assaulting it (as opposed to the notorious liberal jewish lawyers that routinely do so), support for Israel itself will plummet like a rock.

Speaking only for myself, it the display, actually the attempt to display, a menorah at an airport causes the "religious" right to dease their support of Israel, their support was never anything but a large, smelly pile of you know what.

[Mr. Mojo]

I have never gotten the impression that he speaks for a miniscule minority.

Then you have a false impression.

A minority of American Jews, perhaps

Well that's what we're talking about here.

[Alouette]

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[Mr. Mulliner]

Who is opposed to the display of a menorah? Only airport officials, as far as I can see.

[uncbob]

My friend is Jewish and he loves Christmas

Course liberal Jews drive him nuts and he can't sleep nights these days worrying about his kids and the muslim threat

I told him I have been depreseed since the election also so he has company

[SJackson]

Who is opposed to the display of a menorah? Only airport officials, as far as I can see.

Airport officials and their supporters.

[sobieski]

For centuries, we Jews suffered in a Europe governed by ecclesiastical authority. We suffered no less under the secular tyrannies of communism.

Yawn.

[Mr. Mulliner]

What evidence do you have that Rabbi Lapin's views represent the "distinct - barely perceptible, in fact - minority among the Jewish population"? His views may not represent the majority, but "barely perceptible" minority? Hardly.

[cripplecreek]

My first reaction was "Fine, put up a menorah".

[Mr. Mulliner]

Is there a coalition for the support of airport officials? Never heard of such a thing.

[colorado tanker]

Seattle is a liberal hotbed, the Emerald City in the Land of Oz. It's Seattle officials who made the decision to remove the trees rather than display a menorah, not conservative Christians.

[EveningStar]

Speaking only for myself, it the display, actually the attempt to display, a menorah at an airport causes the "religious" right to dease their support of Israel

That's not going to happen. :)

[cripplecreek]

When I was a kid my grandfather had a friend who was a Rabbi. The Rabbi used to spend almost every Christmas with our family. He just felt that Christmas was a beautiful holiday.

[Dog Gone]

You're overanalyzing it. It was a threat to sue for removal of the trees unless a menorrah was also displayed. In the minds of gentiles, that threat got the Christmas trees removed.

I doubt many of the gentiles would have opposed seeing a menorrah, but that's not the point. What sinks in is that a Jewish Rabbi got a SECULAR symbol of Christmas removed. If you don't think that has caused resentment, you're wrong.

And if you don't think gentile support of Israel is important, you're wrong again.

[Darkwolf377]

I see more passion for this subject than I did for the election.

As long as we are so infuriated by such trivial issues, and take an "oh well" attitude about keeping the libs out of power, we will drown in political correctness, of which the silly obsession with Christmas displays (pro and con) is merely a symptom.

[TaraP]

Hannkuah is friday the Holiday in Decmeber is Hannukah and Christmas SEATACKY was worried, they say other religions would want displays like who? We don't recognize everyone's religion and why do we need too? how many crop up yearly? to bad for the wiccans and the scientologists and the muslims and the satan worshippers, why are we turning into a bunch of woosees?

We are a Judeo Christian Nation....Bottom line

[Thumper1960]

Too many Christians fail to realize that Judaism and Christianity are so intertwined as to be twin flowers from the same bud. The history of Christianity is the history of Judaism. The God of Abraham was, and is, the God (and Father) of Christ Jesus. Neither of our religious strains can be forever separated from the other. We are Christians and Jews, as the Christ was Jewish....a Jewish carpenter.

I do believe the Rabbi who started this is likely stricken with grief and shock at what his actions spawned. Hopefully, by signing this petition, we can make it right together. In a spirit of religious brotherhood and interdependence for the survival of both our faiths.

Perhaps this week I'll pick up a menorah and display it along with our Christmas tree. Then, we can reflect on the wonderful blessing that God granted us in the birth of a small Jewish child, born of a virgin mother, in a manger, in Bethlehem, who came to be the shepherd of a world seeking His Father.

[Sabramerican]

his views are in the distinct - barely perceptible,

You're being generous.

[TaraP]

I believe Christians are in support of Israel not gentiles.

[Salem]

Lapin 'Bump'!

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[Mr. Mulliner]

Having re-read your post, I see now that you were not saying that Rabbi Lapin's views were in the "barely perceptible" minority, but the rabbi who gave the ultimatum to Sea-Tac. My apologies.

[ripley]

"jews strive to restore sea-tacs christmas trees."

why don't you just leave it alone. the damage is done. do you love applying salt so liberally to the wounds you create?

one would guess, based on the actions of these bullies, that the marquis de sade wasn't the one and only.

[Sabramerican]

a menorah at an airport causes the "religious" right to cease their support of Israel,

Well if it's not a movie or voting patterns, and who knows what else, at least we go down with a Menorah.

[Salvation]

A day late and a dollor short.

[wideminded]

Threatening a lawsuit, I feel, violates the Jewish principle known in Hebrew as Kiddush HaShem, interpreted in the Talmud, part of ancient Jewish wisdom, as an action that encourages people to admire Jews.

An elderly Jewish friend always had the feeling the Jews should keep their heads down and not try to attract possibly negative attention that could bring negative consequences for other Jews. She even gave this as a reason that Lieberman should not have run for vice president. She lived her whole life in this country.

[livius]

I think the point is that if he had really wanted the display of a menorah, he would have begun to approach the airport authorities way in advance, not suddenly appear with his lawyer in tow demanding that a menorah be put up. And by the way, I don't think a menorah and a Christmas tree are equal as religious symbols. The "Christmas tree" by now is simply a cultural symbol of a holiday celebrated by the majority of Americans, in their fashion, coming out of the English/German tradition in the US. In fact many US Christian denominations are opposed to the tree and among non-German Catholics in Europe, it was not in use at all until commercialization spread the custom from the US to Catholic Southern European countries such as Spain and Italy.

What do you think the reception would be in Israel, a country with a Jewish tradition and according cultural symbols, if a Christian group suddenly appeared and demanded that a creche be installed in the airport? Probably much more hostile than the reaction here to the rabbi's demand.

In short, I think the rabbi meant to disrupt. I have seen Lubavitchers do this elsewhere and this is their usual approach, although I think it backfires and many Jews regard them as sort of wild cards and not exactly the sort of publicity they or any religious group would want.

[Mr. Mulliner]

Leave it alone? Do you mean ignore this petition to restore the Christmas trees at the airport? Why should we leave that alone if we would like to see the Christmas trees restored?

[Mr. Mulliner]

I don't understand that statement. What's that supposed to mean?

[SJackson]

You're overanalyzing it. It was a threat to sue for removal of the trees unless a menorrah was also displayed. In the minds of gentiles, that threat got the Christmas trees removed.

I'm not overanalyzing, you have it wrong.

To whatever there was a "threat", imo a tad overstated, the "threat" was to sue for the display of a Menorah. As is done in likely thousands of displays in the country. The trees (Holiday trees not Christmas trees per Sea-Tac, and they were their trees) were never an issue.

Gentile support for Israel, any support for Israel, that runs at the thought of the public display of a Menorah isn't support at all.

I suspect you've placed a bit too much confidence in the initial media portrayal of the "incident".

[null and void]

Now THERE'S a headline.

from the Twilight Zone...

[Sabramerican]

Lets imagine this case with slightly different facts. Let's say it's June, and the Airport has a display of universal declarations of rights. Maybe the UN charter. Maybe some crap from Cuba. Maybe something from Gandhi.

A local Rabbi asks that they include something they left out because they consider it religious- while the rest are secular- THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

They refuse. The Rabbi threatens to sue.

Instead of answering in court, the Airport chickens out and removes Gandhi and all the other stuff.

The Rabbi would be a hero here.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

well-intentioned rabbi?

He sicked a lawyer on the Port authority to force them to put up a jewish religious symbol.

Did he persue any methods to have this occur, before having a lawyer make threats? I bet not.

Now the rabbi is claiming the typical liberal "accountability for ones own actions isn't required because I have a lawyer to claim the chewbacca defense". That he had no idea they would respond this way. The guy is a jackass and deserves any flack he gets.

Seattle is a politically correct liberal hellhole that looks for any excuse it can to destroy christmas. I'm not surpised in the least by the airports response.
Last year, multiple public schools started banning holiday decorated trees because one, ONE!!!!! coffessed athiest parent complained.

[Incorrigible]

didn't have time “to play cultural anthropologists.”

I heard about this statement earlier on the radio.  I have to say that for a bureaucrat, that is a starkly insightful phrase given the situation Sea-Tac found itself in.

 

[EveningStar]

This is an attempt to do something constructive and they may well succeed if they naysayers are willing to step out of the way, or better yet, help.

[F15Eagle]

hope it turns out OK - let's have trees and Menorahs ...

[Thumper1960]

Naysayers need a reason to keep popping Di-Gels.

[Mr. Mojo]

What sinks in is that a Jewish Rabbi got a SECULAR symbol of Christmas removed. If you don't think that has caused resentment, you're wrong.

The resentment, if any, should be directed solely at this particular rabbi and at the capitulating Sea-Tec officials. Most American Jews don't give a whit about the abundance of Christmas displays (and lack of Hannukah displays) at airports or other public venues, so taking it out on the Jewish population as a whole is rather ludicrous.

[TaraP]

The Messiah in Hanukkah
The law did not require Jews to be at the Temple in Jerusalem, as this was not one of the pilgrimage festivals. Every one observed it in his own place, not as a holy time. Jesus was there that He might improve those eight days of holiday for good purposes.

Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch when the Sadduciens asked him “How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ tell us.” They pretended to want to know the truth, as if they were ready to embrace it; but it was not their intention. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:25-27). He had told them, and they believed not; why then should they be told again, merely to gratify their curiosity?

Miracles
Hanukkah’s theme is of a miracle. During Hanukkah Jesus spoke of His miracles: If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him (John 10:37-38). Jesus wanted the people of his day to see His miracles and believe in Him as a result. His miracles point to his divine and messianic identity. In this way Yeshua personifies the message of Hanukkah: God actively involved in the affairs of his people. Hanukkah reminds us that God is a God of miracles, not just of concept and religious ideals. He has broken through into human history and continues to do so today. All of us who know Yeshua can speak of God’s working in our lives.

[yochanan]

Minority , yes but the Jewish Jews minority.

[Dog Gone]

I guess we're just going to see it differently. The trees are gone because of a threat of litigation by a Rabbi.

The general public doesn't care two hoots about whether a menorah was there are not, but they do care that a Rabbi did something that caused the trees to come down.

Nobody is running from the sight of a menorah. They object to the removal of the trees under threat of litigation.

I'm guessing that you support the Rabbi's actions. My perception is that in life you generally reap what you sow.