The Menorah: From Sinai to Cincinnati

The fight to put the menorah and other religious displays on Fountain Square is back in the news and back in court. The City of Cincinnati wants to block all private displays on the public square from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, while religious groups say the ban is an infringement on free speech.

This ongoing community debate is the main reason that Steven Fine, Jewish Foundation Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Cincinnati, organized the 2003 Lichter Lecture Series around the theme of the menorah. The series focuses on “The Menorah: From Sinai to Cincinnati.”

The menorah is a Jewish symbol with religious, historical and spiritual significance. Two remaining parts in the series will begin at 8 p.m. and will take place in Room 201, Braunstein Hall. Admission is free:

Wednesday, Nov. 12
Speaker: Steven Fine, UC Jewish Foundation Professor of Judaic Studies. Fine has written extensively on the history of the menorah. He will trace its significance from the destruction of Jerusalem to the symbol of the modern State of Israel.
Topic: "The Menorah: From Ancient Rome to Modern Israel."

Wednesday, Dec. 3
Speaker: Naftali Loewenthal, University College, London.  Lowenthal is an expert on Chassidic thought and will discuss the meaning of the menorah to Jews in the modern world.
Topic: "The Menorah in Jewish Mysticism and Contemporary Jewish Spirituality."

The series is made possible by the Jacob and Jennie L. Lichter Fund of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.

Information: 513-556-2297.