August 14, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 5 Ridgewood Menorah proposed for village’s Van Neste Park by John Koster The Ridgewood Village Council has tabled a proposal that would bring a meno- rah to the north side of Van Neste Park during this year’s Chanukah festival, but is expected to accept the suggestion. The issue will be discussed at the council’s Sept. 11 meeting. Rabbi David Fine of Temple Israel in Ridgewood said the menorah would be a good way to express the diversity of Ridge- wood’s religious community. He added that he had received considerable support from the Inter-faith Council of Ridgewood. Jeff Eilender, an attorney, submitted a four-page letter dealing with previous objections, mostly from the American Civil Liberties Union, to displays of any religious symbols on public property and pointed out that courts had affirmed the right to dis- play seasonal objects related to Christian- ity, Judaism, and secular symbols such as snowmen. Wyckoff has long displayed a Nativity Scene and a menorah in front of Wyckoff Town Hall along with choir sing- ers and other festive figures. The council and members of the audi- ence voiced no objections or concerns and (continued on page 17) Rabbi David Fine (third from left) is flanked by other members of the group requesting approval for a menorah, including Jeff Eilender, Michele Opper, Esther Zuckerman, Lara Cohen, and Nicole Cohen.