By Leiba E. Husock, MSW, , Seattle
I was in the minority that disagreed with Rabbi Bogomilsky’s actions and especially in resorting to getting an attorney. I can’t imagine why he chose the airport of all places.
There is a menorah and a Christmas tree in the State Capitol in Olympia. As Jews we don’t decorate our houses, so I don’t even find it appropriate to put up a public menorah. In fact, my father (who was raised Orthodox) would not allow Hanukkah decorations on the windows of our childhood home because he felt it was “like the goyim.”
If it is not Jewish to decorate our homes, why does Chabad find it imperative to decorate the airport? It’s an airport, you get out of it as soon as possible, you don’t have to look around. I did not see the African American community insisting on Kwanzaa candles being displayed.
The Chinese community does not display Chinese New Year symbols outside of Chinatown. I see Chabad’s point that Christmas has become largely an American holiday, whereas it does not fit into our religious denomination but I don’t find it appropriate to have menorahs popping up every place either.
Quite frankly, I enjoy Christmas decorations, they are pretty at the darkest time of the year. Enjoy them.