An Illinois city sparked controversy by limiting Hanukkah menorah displays to a few hours instead of eight full days.
As of Tuesday, more than 6,500 people had signed a Change.org petition asking Lake Forest to allow menorahs to be displayed at the Market Square Shopping Center during the holidays.
“The City is pleased to support Chabad of Lake Forest’s Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Ceremony on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 4 p.m. in the Market Square.” Mayor Stanford Tuck Other local elected officials are also scheduled to participate by lighting a candle in the center of the city, located north of Chicago. said in a statement.
“The ceremony is a valuable community event, but this year the menorah will not be left unattended in the market square after the event,” he added. “Based on legal guidance from the City Attorney, the City will either grant all requests for extended exhibits by private parties on public property or completely eliminate them in order to ensure safe public access and consistency in the use of public space.” must be refused.”
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A Hanukkah menorah is lit in Lake Forest, Illinois in December 2023. (Lake Forest Chabad)
“Granting all such requests could pose challenges in managing public spaces, so the city has decided to only allow temporary exhibitions as part of special events organized by community groups,” it added. Ta.
A Change.org petition written by a self-described local “interfaith family” says last year's menorah display in Market Square, which was held for eight days, “bred us great joy and brought us great joy.” It was well received by the community.”
“However, we have unfortunately learned that this year our city will only allow the menorah to be displayed for a few hours on the evening of December 29th. This decision is in line with what our city showed last year. It undermines the spirit of inclusivity, and we are deeply disappointed,” she added. “Like many other families who appreciated the way the menorah represented the diversity of our community.” Ta.
“Let us continue the practice of celebrating and showcasing the rich cultural and religious diversity within Lake Forest by pushing for the return of the Menorah in Market Square, not just for one night, but for all eight days of Hanukkah.” He concluded.
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A menorah lighting event was held by Chabad of Lake Forest in December 2023. (Lake Forest Chabad)
Rabbi Moshe Spalter of Chabad of Lake Forest told FOX News Digital on Tuesday that 2023 is “the first time we've actually held an event there, and the first time we've held a menorah for the entire eight days of Hanukkah.” It was,” he said.
“Last year they were excited about the idea, but I think they've given it a little more thought and changed their minds this year,” he says.
Spalter said he hopes the menorah will be allowed to remain in the city for the entire eight days of Hanukkah.
Last year, the menorah in the market square in Lake Forest, Illinois, was allowed to remain in place during Hanukkah, Rabbi Moshe Spalter said. (Lake Forest Chabad)
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“We've been trying to get the city to do it, but it's not that easy, and it's so close to Hanukkah at this point, we just hope we start working on it soon over next year. , and hopefully by then next year it will be allowed,” he told FOX News Digital.
“We encourage everyone to come out and help make this event a memorable one for the city of Lake Forest,” Spalter said. “This is a great event and I think it’s great for the community to come together and celebrate all of us, especially with all the noise that’s been going on.”
The city of Lake Forest did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's inquiries Tuesday.
