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Originally Posted by JV
Seattle should have left the trees as they were and put up a Menorah, but maybe they were waiting till closer to Hanukkah? Correct me if I'm wrong, but while the Menorah is a symbol of Hanukkah, doesn't it really symbolize the Burning Bush? Aren't Menorahs typically displayed in temple all the time, and in some Jewish homes all the time as well? An icon of Jesus or a cross may be an equal to a Menorah if that is the case, but not a Christmas tree.
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I believe (and please don't quote me) that the Menorah is to symbolize the Jewish people only having enough oil for one night of light (during some war or something.) and somehow, that oil, which should have only lasted one night, lasted eight nights. Hence the 8 days of Hannukah.
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Originally Posted by JV
I like your point, but the religious significance of a Christmas tree is being misunderstood. I've read the Bible a few times...nothing in there about a Christmas tree 
I've known Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim families who had a tree every year when I was growing up. I think it's safe to say that in the year 2006, a public display of a Christmas tree has more to do with getting the public in a festive, holiday spending mood than any religion. |
I agree. And even though I have very mixed feelings about the issue of Christmas trees and "state sanctioned" religious holidays. I do not in any way see the "harm" in calling it a holiday tree either and wishing people a Happy Holiday. It is more universal. Not everyone is Christian.
I still wish people a Merry Christmas, for most of December actually. But rarely do I hear anyone ever say Happy Hannukah. Does that bother me? No. I think all Jews understand that we are a minority and we appreciate how much the Christmas holiday means to most of the world. I even make a big Christmas dinner for all my friends who are away from home and need a place to go. -- But you have to understand JV, as the world becomes more religious, it's also going to become more atheist at the same time. And some people don't want other's religions slammed down their throats. So any non-Christian, Atheist, Muslim, Jew, Budhist, etc. has a right to share the tree if they are paying for it..
It's a matter of looking at the forrest instead of the trees. (no pun intended.) Why not pull people in rather than push them away. That goes for Christians as well as non-Christians.
Merry Christmas everybody.. And a Happy Healthy New Year !