Menorah as holiday decoration

Along with traditional Christmas trees, poinsettia plants and a few Santa Clauses, our Company has displayed a Menorah - basically, out of respect for our large Jewish clientele. This year, we received a complaint from a Muslim employee. Although the Menorah is symbolic of the Jewish population's celebration of the Holiday season (and apparently honored by at least some Muslim followers), is it considered SO representative of a particular religious faith that it falls under the same prohibition as a Nativity scene, for instance?
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  • Yes, I believe a menorah is appropriately considered symbolic of the Jewish faith. However, that doesn't prevent you from putting it up.
  • [font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 12-02-03 AT 12:58PM (CST)[/font][br][br]"Although the Menorah is symbolic of the Jewish population's celebration of the Holiday season (and apparently honored by at least some Muslim followers), is it considered SO representative of a particular religious faith that it falls under the same prohibition as a Nativity scene, for instance? "


    I don't think so - and I think you can back that up by all the mainstream commercialization going on regarding Christmas and Chanukah. What I worry about is did this same Muslim employee complain about the Christmas decorations? Instead of worrying about how the company may be perceived as discriminatory by this employee - the employee may, by singling out an objection to the display of a Menorah, be discriminating against a particular faith.
  • Very good point! I think that when we sit down with the employee, we'll probe a bit... Thank you for your insights!
  • [font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 12-02-03 AT 01:53PM (CST)[/font][br][br]I wouldn't worry about the 'prohibition' you mention unless you are on municipal or state property. If it is your company's tradition to display various religious symbols or acknowledgements of faith-based celebrations or holiday recognition, continue to do so. You may also invite the offended party to select for display one of her own in the spirit of diversity. No one's particular religion should offend another unless taunted in their face or accompanied by ridicule or proseletizing. A great many Muslims may claim to be more offended by Christian symbols than Jewish ones. The display of none of them would be actionable.

    You will also hear from the other side of the room who will suggest you sanitize the workplace of anything other than work papers and the timekeeper.

    (edit) Also, would you please elaborate as to specifically what the complaint was?
  • Hate giving in to Don's invitation, but I do recommend 'santizing' the area - and the reason I recommend it is simply because it's easy! That way, my clients (generally) don't have to deal with precisely the issues we're talking about!

    (I am not saying it's right - but I am saying it drastically simplifies our work life)...
  • My understanding is Hanukkah is a minor Jewish holiday (Whatever can correct if I'm wrong) and does not carry the weight of Christmas. As such, it should not be considered strongly representative and objectionable. If I remember correctly, there is a controversy in the NYC school system because they are allowing Moslem and Jewish displays, such as the Menorah, but not a nativity scene. Christians feel they are being discriminated against.
  • How far are we going to go trying to please everyone all the time and bending over backwards to never offend anyone for any reason?!? Before anyone gets on their high horse, I do understand that this can be "what if'ed" to death and if the circumstances were different, I would be the one creating the opportunity for the local HR office.
    Being in HR I fully undertand that oft times one must simply put on your game face and just do it, what ever that may involve. But will there ever be a limit or will it just keep growing? It seems the things that I must "put up with" and defend in the work place and even to help someone or some small group get their way for something that I personally do not support or believe in; guess I am just getting old and set in my ways.
    At least I didn't have a jelly fish swim in my shorts. I love this job.
    Thanks for the vent,
    Dutch2
  • First of all, I don't see any reason why you can't display a menorah, but I am wondering why you would want to, any more than you would display a crucifix or a crescent? I would argue that the menorah is a religious symbol just as a crucifix is a religious symbol. I would not expect to see a crucifix in a mosque, a nativity scene in a synagogue or a Koran in a church. As a practical matter (and I am loathe to be this politically correct - I hate it), religious symbols in my opinion have no place in the workplace if they are going to cause a problem. Your Muslim employee has just made it a problem. We made a conscious decision a few years back to display only conventionally secular decorations (poinsettias, wreaths and trees) and just avoid the hassle altogether. And, yes, I know that the tradition of the Christmas tree goes back to the pagans, or the druids or something - but the fact remains that it's generally considered a secular symbol.
  • Beagle, Don must have been referring to you in his post above. As much as I am slowly beginning to agree with your position of elimination of potentially offensive displays, I find it very disheartening at the same time. I hate to say it, but I think the only way to keep the peace is to sanitize, as Don calls it. But, that is also caving in to a vocal minority. I also hate it, but wonder if the fight is worth it. But, what is next, outlawing religious displays on private property if it in plain sight of the public?


  • Parabeagle, not so my friend:

    "And, yes, I know that the tradition of the Christmas tree goes back to the pagans, or the druids or something - but the fact remains that it's generally considered a secular symbol."

    When I was in the Air Force, remember I was a Chapel Management Specialist, I worked with Eastern Orthodox Chaplins, Catholic Chaplins, Protestant Chaplins, Jewish Chaplins, etc. and my Jewish Chaplin would read you the riot act for saying that the Christmas tree is considered secular. It just ain't so.

  • Mwild, I have to agree with Beagle. Even though the decorated tree is associated with Christmas, it isn't perceived as a religious symbol. It is perceived more as a secular representation of the Christmas season. And I believe he is correct, the decorated tree has its roots (pun intended) in pagan worship.

    A simple test. Ask people what they associate the "Christmas" tree with. I bet most will associate it with Santa and presents and big ham or turkey dinners. Then ask what is the true meaning of Christmas from the biblical perspective - hint it is not about Santa Claus. Christmas has strayed from being a religious holiday to secular festival of commercialization.
  • Agree all you want Ray, but I remember going round and round with our Jewish Chaplin about this very subject. He was firm, so we took the tree down (in the Air Force, we had to 'sanitize' the chapel & building after each service - the tree had to go).

    I'm more inclined to side with Don than with others calling out for 'sanitation'. I would rather see 'cooperation' and religious unity/tolerance during this time of year than completely wiping out all references. I mean, talk about a pink elephant in the room! I don't mind symbols, I mind preachers &/or their written materials in the workplace.

    The bigger issue to me, rather than a discussion of wreaths, trees and Santa Claus is why did the ee complain only about the Menorah & not the Christian stuff?
  • I know about the Martin Luther story and the snowy night, etc., but the idea of the Christmas tree far pre-dates its Christian implications. Note the following:

    King Tut never saw a Christmas tree, but he would have understood the tradition which traces back long before the first Christmas, says David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture with the Springfield Extension Center.

    The Egyptians were part of a long line of cultures that treasured and worshipped evergreens. When the winter solstice arrived, they brought green date palm leaves into their homes to symbolize life's triumph over death.

    The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a fest called Saturnalia in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. They decorated their houses with greens and lights and exchanged gifts. They gave coins for prosperity, pastries for happiness, and lamps to light one's journey through life.

    Centuries ago in Great Britain, woods priests called Druids used evergreens during mysterious winter solstice rituals. The Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life, and place evergreen branches over doors to keep away evil spirits.

    Late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Our modern Christmas tree evolved from these early traditions.


  • Poinsettas, Trees and Wreaths, like it or not, have for the past 50 years become solidly associated with the Christian symbols of Christmas and its myriad decorations. If not to recognize the Christmas season, why indeed would one go out and purchase them and put them on display. In the next day or two, our HR department will go about the fun treat of putting up a CHRISTMAS TREE, with lights and colorful balls and the whole nine yards. We won't call it a holiday tree or a seasonal tree. I'll be the lead 10 year old stringing lights. I was also in charge of the turkeys last Wednesday, pagan or not, and the only complainer was the one guy who wasn't satisfied with two plates full.

    I just remembered my last boss, bless his heart. He was a Jewish bookkeeper. Actually the CFO, but I called him the Jewish bookkeeper. Every Christmas he would take all the departments that reported to him out for a big lunch. He called it a Christmas lunch and he gave us all little wrapped presents. I taunted him with Snickers on those days when his religion required him to fast all day.
  • Yes, Hanukkah is a minor holiday on the calendar. The menorah is not a symbol of the Jewish religion as say the Mogen David or Yamulke is.
    Of course, the Christmas tree is not secular (otherwise it would be the non-holiday tree or the decorated tree). It one representation of a particular holiday. And for those of you concerned that Christians are being picked on remember that Christmas is not only a religious holiday but it is, also, the only national holiday that falls on a religious (for some) day.
    Snowmen are secular. I was going to say Santa was secular but a few years ago some parents in a school in Texas (where else), got the teacher fired because Santa can be anagrammed into Satan and therefore has no place in the classroom.
    At my company, decorations are put up by a committee that represents most of our employees. It has been an educational experience but as a side effect it has resulted in a much higher level of mutual tolerance and understanding(something which this time of year should represent) throughout the company. I don't remember receiving a complaint from anyone except the token agnostic.
  • I am reminded of a particularly funny Seinfeld episode where George's family celebrated what they called "Festivus" where they displayed a bare pole in the middle of the room instead of a Christmas tree. Everyone sat around and explained how they had all disappointed each other during the year.

    Is this what we are coming to in the workplace?
  • That was a great episode - and if that's where we're headed, we're all in trouble.
  • To the non-Jew, I would say the menorah is as much a religious symbol as the Mogen David and Yamukle. We would not understand the importance or significance separating them.

    And as far as Christians being picked on, I'm not opposed to the Star of David or a menorah displayed and want the same for Christian symbols. The problem, Jews have been persecuted in the past and were afraid to display symbols of their faith - even in America. Christians were in the majority and had complete freedom. Jews have more freedoms today, and Christians "seem" to be losing some. That loss is hard to accept.

    But, Whatever, I do appreciate your Jewish perspective.
  • First, a correction. It was not that we were afraid to display the symbols of our faith--it was that we were persecuted (or killed) if we did.

    I think the problem is this. The Jews and other non-Christian groups want exactly the same respect and freedom for their religion as the Christians do. The Christians feel that losing some of their freedoms. The rest of us feel that we are still gaining the freedoms and opportunities you enjoy. Unfortunately, we are both right.


  • Okay, I think it's time. I'll go get the Festivus pole. x;-)
  • Okay, but I get to be Elaine Parabeagle - not you! x;-)
  • I wouldn't want to be Elaine - she's too annoying and whiny - not charming and sophisticated like Yours Truly. x;-)
  • >First, a correction. It was not that we were
    >afraid to display the symbols of our faith--it
    >was that we were persecuted (or killed) if we
    >did.
    >
    >I think the problem is this. The Jews and other
    >non-Christian groups want exactly the same
    >respect and freedom for their religion as the
    >Christians do. The Christians feel that losing
    >some of their freedoms. The rest of us feel
    >that we are still gaining the freedoms and
    >opportunities you enjoy. Unfortunately, we are
    >both right.
    Whatever, I stand corrected. There is a vast difference between being afraid to do something and persecution with possible death. But, I did say "persecution" in my post. And I agree with your 2nd paragraph, that is what I was trying to say. Both sides are experiencing change, and change can be hard to accept especially if there is a perception of loss associated with the change. I hope you realize I was not trying to minimize what the Jews have experienced throughout history. And the perceived loss of Christians does not even come close to what the Jews have experienced.


  • Give me certainty or give me something else!

    I say that because I am firmly planted in uncertainty with this one. I think I understand all the perspectives presented and see the logic and, in some cases, fervor that permeate them.

    In the end, is it right for a private company to celebrate or recognize religious practices in the workplace?

    We can all celebrate or not at home. That is one of our freedoms. When taxpayer money is involved, all of the citizens - and especially their legal representatives - can have a say about how our tax dollars are spent on public grounds. In the retail workplace, it is more about what the customers expect to see than almost anything else (ka-ching, ka-ching - old cash register noise for those who wonder).

    We have government money and donor money keeping our doors open and get the whole sanitized perspective from the one, and the mostly Christian perspective from the other. But all want to see an acknowledgement of the holiday.

    Some of staff are devout in their faith and some firmly agnostic. No athiests that I know of, but plenty of different viewpoints. So we use politically correct materials for public dissemination regarding the holidays. And we allow some tasteful (?), understated decorations for staff's cubicles and offices. No one has complained yet, but when (not if) it happens, I suspect we will head toward more sanitization. Seems to be the trend.

    Avoid liability exposure and do not offend the people with the money.


  • I agree with Don and Mwild on this one. The employee seems to have an alternate agenda if he is only offended by the Jewish symbol and not the others.
    I say leave them all up and teach ALL your employees the importance of diversity and understanding differences. Add more religious symbols of other religions if anything, don't take them down.
    Sanitizing the workplace of these and other things does nothing to help promote understanding. Everything is going to offend someone at sometime, people need to learn that the world doesn't revolve around what they take exception to.
    Good luck and keep us posted.

    And I want to be Kramer! x:D
  • >And I want to be Kramer! x:D

    So Mwild's Elaine, HRsage is Kramer... personally I don't care who I am, as long as it's not George. x:D

  • Parabeagle - hellooo George! x;-)
  • If you don't care Beagle- you can be Newman!
  • Nah - Ray's closer to Newman than Parabeagle...
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