WEST MILFORD — It took three tries, but the West Milford Township Council voted Wednesday night to allow religious holiday displays in front of the township building. This came after a poll of the board last month showed them to be in favor of approving a request for a menorah on the property along with the holiday tree, but a formal vote last week had the council saying no with a 3-2 vote.
Rev. Michael Rodak of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church told the council he was disappointed that the council voted last week to not have religious symbols as part of their holiday displays. He said calling the Christmas tree out front a holiday tree is “shameful and disrespectful.”
"Not having religious symbols like a creche and menorah is also disrespectful,” he added, while urging the council to reconsider.
“Do it for the respect of all people. Do it for the respect of all Christians. Do it for the respect of the Jewish people.”
The township received a request from Rabbi Mendy Gurkov of the Chabad of Upper Passaic County last month to hold a public menorah lighting and service. Gurkov was disappointed last week after learning from reporters that the council had voted down his request. Wednesday night, he said he still hasn’t heard officially from the township whether his request was approved or not. He said the Jewish community of West Milford that he serves as well as others would benefit from this.
“I feel so many people here would benefit,” said Gurkov.
Like Rodak, Gurkov asked the council to take another vote.
Former mayor Bob Moshman, a local attorney, said the council has other options besides an all-or-nothing approach. Wanaque, for example, allows a tree and a menorah - that’s it - at their town hall. And, he said, the Supreme Court has ruled that is okay. Ringwood participates in a municipal tree and menorah lighting but it’s on private property with a nativity scene.
“What a blessing to have a Rabbi come to this wilderness,” he said referring to Gurkov. “I would hope the council would try to work with him.”
Other speakers from Gurkov’s congregation implored the council to rethink their position. All were from outside of West Milford.
Ellen Cooper of Bloomingdale said she understood the separation of the government and religion, but she looked around the meeting room, at the garland, lights, evergreens and ribbons on the dais and in each window and doorway.
“These are Christmas decorations,” she said. “They are beautiful. I’m all for it. But you don’t have them in August or June. They are for Christmas. But be fair.”
Wayne Gottlieb of West Milford said the council had a choice here: one of simplicity or complexity. Allowing all religious displays would be complex. He said his grandparents came from the old country and never talked about lighting a giant menorah. There was never one while he was growing up in Ohio either, he said.
“Once you open the door to something, you can’t restrict anything,” said Gottlieb.
The third vote
Councilman Lou Signorino has been the swing man on this issue. Originally, he was in the majority of the original 4-2 vote, voting in favor of the menorah; he said he changed his mind last week and voted against religious displays on township property because of the separation of church and state. Wednesday, he changed his vote back to allowing the menorah, he said, after speaking with many people and his priest.
Councilman Joe Smolinski requested that a third vote be taken. It’s not typical to vote on something three times, he said, but felt this was important.
This time, the motion passed 4-0 to allow all religious displays on township property, with Councilwoman Ada Erik abstaining. Erik has held steadfast on keeping things the way they are and avoiding church/state conflicts.
Councilwoman CarlLa Horton and Councilmen Mike Ramaglia and Smolinski also voted for the change. Councilman Ed Rosone was absent from the meeting.
Gurkov plans to have the menorah in place by Saturday, the first night of Hanukkah. He will light a light each night but hold a lighting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.
What do you think? Should the township allow religious displays on public property? Go to westmilfordmessenger.com and put in your two cents.