Word: menorahs
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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Earlier this year, a first-year student metamorphosed her three-hole punch into a menorah and proceeded to leave the newfangled contraption unattended after lighting it. Such irresponsible behavior sparked a dangerous fire. From this instance and a more minor one this year, as well as one per year for many years back, originates a decision to ban menorah use. Students are no longer to be trusted with their precious ritual our of a concern for fire safety. Our problem with the menorah ban emerges not from this legitimate concern, but out of the dean's unreasonable response...
Lewis has suggested that menorahs be lit in public places; house common rooms for example. This practice is already in place and serves as a fine complement to the individual lightings for those students who wish to participate in the group ceremonies. But for a third party to dictate to Jewish students that the public ceremony is the only way to satisfy their religious requirements is wrong. Religion in America is first and foremost a private matter. Menorah lighting is a personal statement. By changing the lighting from an individual act to a public ceremony, the very nature of menorah...
There are many ways to work toward a fire-free campus environment without banning menorahs in student dorm rooms. The dissemination of information is one very practical approach. Pamphlets on fire safety may be door-dropped to students. Hillel could be asked to offer a session on menorah lighting tips or to e-mail safety precautions to its extensive computer mailing list. More physical precautions could also be taken. Aluminum trays can be made available at house superintendents' offices or in the dining halls...
This reasoning is truly practical, but it ignores all competing claims to the legitimacy of menorah lighting other than that of fire prevention. The foremost objection to the ban is that it limits religious freedom. Candle lighting is essential to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah because it reminds Jewish people of their Maccabean ancestors' struggles to reclaim the Temple. By placing menorahs in their windows, Jews remind others of their past struggles against oppression and their determination to ensure freedom...
...Lewis, along with many in the Jewish community, have said that the candle lighting can be performed in house common rooms--public spaces which can be safely monitored. There is nothing wrong with this suggestion. In fact, it is already practiced in every house. But the issue of banning menorah use in student rooms should not be contingent on this public display. Student religious freedom in private cannot be limited by any public substitution because the public event is not delimited by personal beliefs, but by communal ones...