This Week in the Mercury
Monday, December 22, 2008
News The Grinch That Stole Hanukkah?
Posted by Matt Davis on Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 11:39 AM
It seems a Holiday Menorah in the Pearl District's Jamison Square won't be reappearing this year following complaints from area residents.Two years ago, racial justice advocate Sam Sachs noticed that Jamison Square had a Christmas Tree in the middle of it. Sachs thought it would be great to see a Menorah for Hannukah as well, just like in Pioneer Square, so he called Multi-Services Inc., the company responsible for the decorations, and voiced his concern. Sure enough, last year, this Menorah appeared:
"It was great to see both The Christmas tree and Menorah side by side and to live in a neighborhood that had the compassion and understanding to honor both Holidays," says Sachs. "I even called back and suggested a Kwanzaa candle next year!"
This month as the Christmas tree went up, Sachs looked forward to the Menorah, but it never appeared. Since today is the first day of Hanukkah, Sachs called Multi-Services Inc. and spoke with James Hanbrick, who is in charge of the decorations in the square. Sachs says Hanbrick told him that last year they received several complaints about the Menorah and that it was confusing to the residents of The Pearl District.
"Hanbrick also said that some residents were offended by the Menorah and its presence," says Sachs.
"I told James that there is a Christmas Tree in Jamison Square, to which he replied 'It's a Holiday Tree'," Sachs continues. "To which I replied 'It's got presents under it, I know what a Christmas tree looks like'. I told James I guess you could call the Menorah a candle holder if you want, but it's still a Menorah," and a Christmas Tree is still a Christmas Tree."
Hanbrick tells the Mercury that it was Sachs who used the word "complaints," and that he had received "comments" about the Menorah, that's all. He says the decision not to have the Menorah this year was taken by the Hoyt Street Yards Community Association's board of directors, for which he is the spokesperson.
"The decoration was chosen not to be re-used due to the positive and negative criticisms or comments that we got about it being in a public park," Hanbrick says. "It'd be just like having a nativity scene there, and in order to avoid offending people or not, it was decided not to re-use that particular decoration."
Hanbrick insists that the tree in Jamison Square is a "holiday tree."
"Presents are given for Hannukah as well. We are very specific in all of our marketing materials about referring to the tree as a holiday tree," he says.
"Why is it so hard for us as a people as a community to hold up and celebrate all the holidays?" Sachs asks. "I never want to take away from Christmas, hell, I'm praying that the snow will stay so Christians can have that white Christmas so many in Portland have longed for. I will still pray for a white Christmas, and that some day this season won't be quote unquote so confusing," he says.
A call to Commissioner Dan Saltzman's parks liaison, Matt Grumm, is yet to be returned. But it is snowing. So Matt, if you're reading this at home, give me a call on my cell: 503 502 2106, and we can get Parks' side of the story. While we're waiting, here's Adam Sandler:
UPDATE, 14:58:
"We've got several concerns from the members of the neighborhood association about the aesthetic quality of the decorations on display, not just the menorah, but also the two skaters," says Bryce Stephens, Hanbrick's boss. "It is true that the members of the Hoyt Street Yards Community Association made the decision not to post the Menorah again this year but they also got comment from an advisory committee that's made up of member building representatives from all the buildings down in that North part of the Pearl."
"It's got nothing to do with the fact that it's a Menorah, and there's discussion about revisiting the issue next year, already."
"The tone of the article about it being taken down because it's a Menorah is completely inaccurate," says Stephens.
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I'm really hoping there's something more to this story that explains why that menorah isn't there anymore, because otherwise it's pretty pathetic.
A holiday tree? What holiday can you think of that involves a tree besides Christmas? I suppose there's Tu B'Shevat, but that's not for another 6 weeks. And I'm pretty sure there are plans to take that tree down before then.
And I'd be interested to hear what the "negative criticisms or comments" were that Hanberick received regarding the menorah. Because I'm pretty sure any Jewish members of the community could say the same things about the "Holiday Tree."
What's wrong with having all of the symbols there? Nobody's saying you need to take the tree down - it's great! Keep it there! But how is adding another "candle holder" causing any problems?
Thanks for covering this story. I hope he calls your cell.
Matt,
Thank you. Others may not see it, but I appreciate what you do. Self emulation every day to scream to the world all of its horrible truths and inconsistencies is hard work, and we are better because you do it. Others may hate what you do, or not appreciate it, but job well done... and "Happy Christmas" as your lot would say.
To my way of thinking, this just serves to illustrate the need for some sort of purely secular holiday icon. A Festivus pole, perhaps...
Holiday trees can suck my ass! There is no such thing as a motherfucking "holiday tree". During the month of December, Jews do not haul pine trees into their homes, decorate them with tinsel, and wait for Shlomo Rosenclaus to leave presents under them. Sorry, it doesn't happen. A coniferous tree, in the winter time, covered with tinsel and ornaments is a CHRISTMAS TREE. And Jews in Portland complaining about Christmas trees should really suck it up, because this is a town full of goyim and you best not get between a goy and his Christmas tinsel. But wigga please, don't insult us by calling them motherfucking "holiday trees".
Jesus Tapdancing Christ, it's "Merry Christmas" not "Merry Christmas...and fuck the Jews!" People need to lighten up.
The Jews confuse and upset the Pearl people as well they should what with their being so...um...cinnamon-y...and um...
Okay. I guess I don't know what a Jew is.
I remember the first time I heard of a menorah when I was a kid, and the story surrounding it and the holiday... I am not Jewish, but it seemed an amazing thing to celebrate.
thanks
Patrick
The Menorah, ancient weapon of confusion and chaos. You can shut down a whole city and spread total anarchy by placing a few of them in the right spots.
How about Multi-Services, Inc. or James Hanberick makes public the 'comments' about why a Menorah is so confusing. Then, the confusion can be cleared up with facts, and the the Jewish people who live in the Pearl can have their Menorah back. This is ridiculous and please, "Holiday Tree"? Its a CHRISTMAS TREE...i.e. CHRIST, i.e. CHRISTIAN and CHRISTMAS. It is what it is!!! Let's share and let everyone have their celebration!
Kiala, I think you are confusing Jews with snickerdoodles. That is a common misconception.
A menorah is "confusing" to residents? That is absolute craziness! Are people afraid something will happen if they get too close? That completely saddens me -- I celebrate Christmas and date a man who celebrates Hanukkah -- I say let's all respect and celebrate the holidays-- that is what America is supposed to be about, right?
Hey Matt,
Didn't my husband & I meet you on the Max on Saturday? We talked about this and how seemingly random and un-Portlandlike it was. Glad to see you are making some noise! And SO nice to know who the man under the black mask is.
Dana Corey, Spicy Princess
Whatever... Hanukkah and the Menorah are a 3000 year old testament to an accounting error. Someone mis-measured how much oil was in the jar.
Leave it to my Jewish brothers and sisters to commemorate an accounting error that worked to the betterment on the Chosen ones.
Ah ferchrissakes! Screw you intolerant Pearl district knobs!
There was a menorah in my Catholic church during Christmas time when I was a kid, not even joking. And the Pearl Pod People think THEY are confused?
We need Hannukah Harry to come take care of this shit, pronto!
I believe the preferred terms are "Christchild Associated Coniferous Americans" and "Yuletidely Challenged."
It used to be a Yule Tree before the damn Christians stole it.
As much as Christians did plenty wrong over the past couple millenia, the idea of sycretizing holidays of conquered peoples was (a.) pretty fucking clever, and (b.) a hell of a lot less bloody than what most invaders were up to.
Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!!!
Settle down Jews, Gentiles, & assorted random Portland multi-spiritualists!
You do all recognize that the topic under discussion is a set of LIGHTS in NW Portland, do you not?
If this is the 21st century standard for religious persecution I am compelled to quote the following:
"The question of inclusion or exclusion of sectarian seasonal electric light displays 'literally' pales in comparison to OH, I DON'T KNOW, just about ANY act of religious extremism that has occurred in the recorded history of humanity"(1)
Shut the fuck up and go about your holiday however you see fit.
(1) ME; BlogtownPDX, Comment #19, 2008.
Point taken, A Cat, but some folks enjoy the blood.
Oh, I know; nothing wrong with a bit of death and destruction. I, for one, would be pretty delighted if your more volkish followers would perhaps die in a fire. Happy holidays, woden.
Matt,
Thanks for writing about this. Just to set the record straight, the words I used were those of James Hanbrick himself. I even asked him twice to clarify what he said and that he received "Complaints" and that people were “Confused” and “Offended”. I told him I don’t want to misquote you.
That isn’t the point though. The point is that they got it right when they put up the Menorah last year; they got it wrong when they gave into public pressure and took it down this year.
If there are people who are confused and offended by the Menorah they should stay clear of Pioneer Square for the next seven days, and don’t go to The Blazer Game tomorrow night for “Hanukkah Night with the Blazers”.
Tonight I watched the Chicago Bears beat The Green Bay Packers and during the broadcast they showed a Menorah and Christmas tree next to each other in Chicago. No confusion there.
I think it takes away from the Christmas spirit to name the tree a holiday tree. We know what it is and as a Jew I’m not offended by or confused about The Christmas tree and what it represents. Christmas is a special day for Christians. I get that.
I am a little alarmed that some people in my neighborhood are, according to James offended by a Menorah of all things. That I don’t get. I hope that’s not the truth. I’m disappointed that James gave into that kind of thinking and took away The Menorah.
I have to admit that living as a Jew in Portland is different then in Baltimore where they close schools for Passover rather then schedule the prom, or in Chicago where they show their spirit on Monday night football, or in Burbank, California where you can see Menorahs and Christmas trees side by side and even hear Hanukkah songs at my nephews Winter Concert. Those are examples of acceptance and inclusion not confusion.
We should strive towards acceptance not because we have to, but because it’s the right thing to do. Thanks for the Adam Sandler clip. That made my day.
Dana Corey A.K.A. Spicey Princess, It was me you met on the max, the man under the black mask.
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa to all!!!
Shalom (Peace, Hello, Goodbye)
Sam Sachs
Oh Sam...give it a rest. Your act is so old. Wah Wah Wah....thats all you do is cry and pretend to be the victim. I would really hate to see what this world woyuld look like if you were in charge.
Everywhere you go you have to cause problems...from MCSO to DPSST to PGE to PSU to th City.....
You have some major mental issues that you really need to go get help with.
Also, why don't you tell everyone how you are scamming the system by living in low income housing in the Pearl...yet you don't really qualify for it! HAH!
"Sam da Scam"
why don't you tell us who you are rather than just quoting alphabet soup at us and telling us we should not trust Sam Sachs? give us a real reason to not trust him, if you have one.
I don't think adding Menorahs to Christmas displays in public places is the answer. Both are a violation of the separation of religion and state. Religious symbols belong in churches, synogogues, homes,etc. Not in civic spaces,
Hey Sam,
Let them have it! LOL
There are no coincidences, right? Remarkable we met and then here we are. Very cool. Very Portland.
Happy Hannukah. Dana
The only act that's old is Bill O'Reilly and his toadies like "Sam is a Scam" crying about things like this, as if the Tribe actually does own everything.
I fail to see how a menorah in a public park "confuses" or "offends" anyone.
Thank you for this article. I don't understand how someone could say "What is that? I'm confused, take it down!!" I don't understand why someone would hinder another person's happiness. And yes, seeing a menorah makes me happy. Just like a Christmas tree makes Christians happy.
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