The installation of a menorah in Epping will be going ahead, despite objections from the town council, who said it could be “insensitive to other religious groups”.
Complaints were made by Epping Town Council after Chabad of Epping had applied for a licence to relocate the menorah.
But, earlier this week, a legal agreement was signed by Epping Forest District Council and Essex County Council, giving the go-ahead for the new site.
Chabad of Epping had said that a different location without hanging branches was required to accommodate a new, taller menorah, purchased after the former menorah was vandalised last year. They said that a larger structure was necessary to make it less vulnerable to criminal damage.
They also argued that a more central location would lead to better community integration.
Aside from expressing concern for “other religious groups”. Epping Town Council also protested on grounds of safety due to the location’s proximity to the road and concern that it would cause disruption to the Monday market on the High Street.
But Chabad said that the new site was chosen as it was not next to the market stalls and that they had offered to take it down on market day.
Epping Forest District Council, who called the annual chanukiah-lighting celebrations “a welcome addition to the festive season”, were supportive of the relocation.
One of its councillors, Holly Whitbread, whose petition supporting the move had attracted 3,000 signatories, said that she was “delighted” that the menorah would now be installed in the new spot, telling the JC: “It was ridiculous of Epping Town Council to say that it might be insensitive to other religious groups as we celebrate different faiths’ festivals, including Christmas and Diwali.”
On a Facebook post, she wrote: “[Our] community has always prided itself on celebrating all religions and festivals together.”
“Now that the legal agreement has been signed, I hope we can move forward with the Menorah proudly displayed in the heart of Epping. I also hope Epping Town Council can now move past their objections and join other residents and councils in supporting Hanukkah [sic] celebrations, as they have in years past at the old location.”
A spokesperson for Chabad of Epping said: “Public menorahs have become a defining feature of Chanukah celebrations for millions of Jews around the world, as part of a global campaign launched by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.
“This campaign shares the timeless Chanukah message of light overcoming darkness – a message that feels especially vital in today’s uncertain and challenging times. With thousands of public menorahs lit worldwide – and nine others displayed annually across Essex – this cherished tradition continues to bring warmth, hope, and unity to communities across the globe.”
Epping Town Council was approached for comment
