The Elting Memorial library has allowed an Ultra-Orthodox, proselytizing, Zionist group (Chabad) to erect a very large menorah on library property. This creates a hostile atmosphere for patrons, and gives the appearance of endorsement of an extreme version of Judaism.
I am Jewish. The Chanukah menorah is a religious symbol. In lighting a candle for each of the eight nights of Chanukah, three Hebrew prayers are recited, Each of the blessings uses the name of God, which is only uttered during religious ritual. In this way, unlike a Christmas tree (which is not prayed to), a menorah would be akin to erecting a large Christian Cross on the library grounds.
Further, this menorah is still on library grounds today, 1/11/25, even though the holiday of Chanukah concluded on January 1, 2025.
I urge the library to firstly, remove the menorah immediately. The holiday of Chanukah was over 10 days ago.
Secondly, do not allow a menorah on library grounds again. To emphasize, this is a religious ritual object, and has no place on the property of a public library.
Sincerely yours,
Marcy London