I must attest that today, there is clearly the movement to make supersized menorahs the common stay in all of the town squares in many of our cities.
I do feel that it is relevant that we as Jewish communities continue our traditions and educate the world of our experiences in some joyful and considerate manner.
But that said, I think that the gigantic displays mock our own existence rather than explode into the public squares with a sense of good and propriety.
I like a large menorah that is on a table that can be lit and others can view its expression.
I do not like the supersized menorahs that are usually electric anyhow and do not have gas or oil or a candle.
It is sad because at some extent, this display makes me actually a little ashamed to be jewish rather than elevating my own jewish spirit.
It is always good to see my faith represented; of course.
But in all, I could be just as happy being in the presence of a jewish community that has a holiday display of any nature rather than a supersized menorah.
All in all, it seems like this is the way of the ChaBaD directory in that all of the ChaBaDs seem to encourage supersized holiday displays.
In truth, the supersized menorah does not bring Honor, Dignity or Presence to Jewish Life. In effect, it is a Power display showing that Jews too can consume your presence in the town squares just like the christmas tree. In effect, we are trying to supersize hannukah becuase christmas is always supersized.
Good for America right? Good for the Jewish nation! There is a super sized menorah at the White House and at some square!!!!! Sometimes they have to get on a cherry picker just to light the menorah flames!!!!
So thus it is today. Supersized menorahs are the norm.
Of course a large menorah in front of a synagogue is usually ok. Makes me feel happy in a good sense.
When its just part of the synagogue its a useful display.
But overall, the introduction of magnanimity into the public squares does not exactly correspond to the overall code of Honor that Torah requires.
Is it just me or do these displays actually subtract from the Jewish professional image in this world? Do they create a situation where indoctrination is enlarged with Pride and Self satisfaction?
Just a thought here before Hannukah.
I am a proud jew of many ways, but Torah is the source of my pride. Judaism practiced in big time and for the big screens is not exactly Torah to me.
2 comments:
In my personal beliefs, a menorah should not be larger than the size of a human being. To construct megalomenorahs in the world is to destroy the human presence and replace it with the presence of a magnificent large usually metal transient light that is transient as it is not in place all year long.
Good for our future if this is our purpose. I hope that when your kids walk around the world, they can see themselves as big as they really are.
I must remark that at the White House, there is a Massive Menorah which I will refer to as the Mega Menorah. I do think that this particular menorah inspires freedom and in the background of such a super structure, this menorah is not contradictory to the human element. Thus in my eyes, Mega Menorahs at the proper place are acceptable and encourage true divine light to be spread on our planet.
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