Illinois city limits Hanukkah menorah display to just a few hours, sparks complaints, petition

In Illinois, one city’s curb appeal has sparked controversy Hanukkah menorah display to a few hours instead of the full eight days.

On Tuesday, more than 6,500 people signed a Change.org petition demanding that Lake Forest allow a menorah display at the Market Square mall. holiday period.

“The City is pleased to support Chabad of Lake Forest’s Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Ceremony on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Stanford Tack will light the middle candle of the Menorah and other local elected officials will attend. expected. to attend” a city north of Chicago, said in the statement.

“While the ceremony is a valuable community event, the menorah will not be left unattended in the market square after the event this year,” he said. “Under legal instructions from the City’s attorneys, the City must either grant all requests for extended demonstrations by private groups on public property or deny them entirely to ensure safe public access and consistency in the use of public spaces.”

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In December 2023, a Hanukkah menorah is lit in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Chabad of Lake Forest)

“Since accommodating all such requests may cause difficulties in the management of public spaces, the City has chosen to allow only time-limited demonstrations as part of special events organized by community groups,” he said.

The author of the Change.org petition is a self-described local “interfaith family” said that last year’s menorah display at Market Square was held for all eight days and “brought us great joy and was well received by our community.”

“However, we are disappointed to learn that this year the city will only allow the menorah to be displayed on the evening of December 29th. This decision undermines the inclusive spirit our city demonstrated last year, and we are also deeply disappointed. like many other families,” he said.

“Let’s push for the restoration of the menorah in Market Square for not just one night, but all eight nights of Hanukkah, continuing Lake of the Forest’s practice of appreciating and showcasing the rich cultural and religious diversity,” he concluded.

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In December 2023, a menorah lighting event was held by Chabad of Lake Forest. (Chabad of Lake Forest)

Rabbi Moshe Spalter of Chabad of Lake Forest told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that 2023 was “the first time we actually had an event there and the first time we had the menorah there for all eight days of Chanukah.”

“They were really excited about the idea last year, but this year I guess they’ve thought more about it and changed their minds,” he said.

Spalter said he would prefer the menorah to be allowed to remain in the city for the full eight days of Hanukkah.

Last year, according to Rabbi Moshe Spalter, the menorah at Market Square in Lake Forest, Illinois, was allowed to remain for the duration of Hanukkah. (Chabad of Lake Forest)

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“We’ve been trying to get the city to do this, it’s not that simple and right now it’s so close to Hanukkah that we’re hoping that next year we’ll start working on it right away and hopefully next year they’ll be able to allow it,” he told Fox. told News Digital.

“I encourage everyone to come out and make this event one to remember in Lake Forest,” Spalter said. “It’s a great event, and especially with all the buzz going on, I think it’s great for the community to come together and celebrate us all.”

The city of Lake Forest did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital on Tuesday.