Selectmen looking at decoration policy
By Rachel Lebeaux/ Townsman Staff
Thursday, October 27, 2005

Nearly a year ago, the town of Wellesley was faced with the threat of a lawsuit over its initial refusal to allow a menorah on town property. Now, to avoid finding themselves in that position once again, town officials are drafting a town policy on seasonal decorations to guide them through the holidays.

Last November, Rabbi Moshe Bleich of the Wellesley-Weston Chabad Center was initially refused the opportunity to hold a menorah-lighting ceremony outside Town Hall. Bleich threatened to sue, informing the town that the Supreme Court has found that a menorah can be considered a secular holiday symbol when placed among other holiday symbols, such as the wreaths that hang at Town Hall. Town officials eventually agreed, and the ceremony was held Dec. 14, the first night of Hanukkah.

A year later, Selectman Chairman Harriet Warshaw said that the town's draft policy would allow for multiple symbols to be placed on town property, including white lights, garlands, wreaths and menorahs. The key, according to Supreme Court cases on this issue, is that the focus on each symbol should be equal so as not to favor one over the other, Robinson said. When placed in an equalizing context, they are all considered secular symbols of the winter holiday season.

Selectmen David Himmelberger said that he has concerns about his board taking on the responsibility of determining equal placement of the symbols and when they cross the line from religious secular symbols to more religious symbols.

Also, said Himmelberger, "Not everyone subscribes to a religion. I worry that that piece gets lost when we try to balance one religious figure against another." He said he would lean toward eliminating all of the holiday symbols on town property (except the white lights) in deference to those individuals.

The selectmen will continue the discussion next week.