Word: menorahs
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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...
Besides the extreme nature of the menorah ban, it also seems somewhat hypocritical in light of other University policies. Students are currently permitted to light fires in their dorm room fireplaces, as long as the necessary precautions are taken. Many dorms permit smoking, an activity with great potential for starting fires, as was made evident in Dunster House before spring break. Further, each house and every new apartment on DeWolfe Street is equipped with a full kitchen, including appliances with definite fire potential...
...permit absolute freedom. For instance, we require automobile drivers to obey speed limits. We control for excess danger to society while permitting the maximum freedom to the individual. It is this personal freedom with which we should place our primary concern. In the case of the menorah ban, the solution to the problem does not allow the original freedom to exist...