Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!bellcore!decvax!ittvax!wxlvax!mls From: mls@wxlvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish Subject: Re: Heat and light over a menorah Message-ID: <366@wxlvax.UUCP> Date: Wed, 19-Dec-84 09:18:16 EST Article-I.D.: wxlvax.366 Posted: Wed Dec 19 09:18:16 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 21-Dec-84 00:24:07 EST References: whuxi.203 Lines: 14 Thequestion that, I feel, should be asked is the following: is the placing of a large Menorah in the spirit and law of the holiday? Since we are told to display the Menorah in public view, the answer appears to be yes. Yet, when we consider the relation with Christmas, it seems that this is an attempt at equal time. Thus, it may strengthen, rather than weaken, the relationship between Hanukkah and Christmas. To draw a parallel between the construction of a Mikva (which is required of *all* communities, even before the construction of a synagogue) I do not think is valid. To sum up, I am not in favor of this form of showmanship. If the Menorah builders want to strengthen observance, they should distribute Menorahs to PEOPLE who can then perform the mitzva of lighting the Menorah. I don't think there is a mitzva of seeing a Menorah, only showing it. M.L. Schneider