On Dec. 9, Jackson’s town hall this holiday season will once again be turned into the site for a religious observance with the lighting of the (Hanukkah) menorah.
Because this celebration is a sectarian ritual unique to the Jewish religion, it does not belong on township (government) property any more than a Christian nativity scene or a Wiccan display does, no matter how well intentioned.
Public tax-supported township facilities should not be used to promote or accommodate a particular religious belief or point of view. That is what tax-exempt houses of worship are for. In matters of religious beliefs, government must remain neutral.
Mark Twain once noted upon visiting a northern town, “…that you couldn’t throw a stone in any direction without breaking a church window.” The point is there are places in the area that could and should be used for such religious oriented activities.
Our founding fathers established the principle of state-church separation at the very beginning of our republic and it has served both well. If you want to see what can happen when politicians, for the purpose of political expediency, fail to uphold that principle, take a look at Lakewood.
The menorah display in front of town hall should be moved to either a religious venue or onto private property.
Borden Applegate
Jackson