To the Town of Pittsboro Staff, Pittsboro Town Commissioners, and Chatham County Commissioners: We, the undersigned residents of Pittsboro and Chatham County, respectfully request that a Chanukah Menorah be placed alongside the Christmas tree at the Pittsboro Courthouse during the holiday season. The courthouse lawn has long been a place where our community comes together to celebrate the winter holidays. While the Christmas tree is a cherished tradition, it represents only one faith tradition. Pittsboro is home to people of many different backgrounds, and adding a Menorah would demonstrate our community’s commitment to inclusivity, religious freedom, and shared celebration. A Menorah is a widely recognized symbol of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, which, like Christmas, emphasizes themes of light, hope, and resilience during the darkest days of the year. Its inclusion would not diminish the presence of the Christmas tree, but rather enrich the holiday display by reflecting the diversity of our neighbors. Importantly, the U.S. Supreme Court has addressed the inclusion of holiday symbols in public spaces: In County of Allegheny v. ACLU (1989), the Court upheld a holiday display that included a Chanukah Menorah next to a Christmas tree and a “Salute to Liberty” sign, ruling that such a combination was constitutional because it celebrated cultural diversity rather than endorsing a single religion.
In Lynch v. Donnelly (1984), the Court affirmed that holiday displays with mixed symbols of both religious and secular traditions served a legitimate civic purpose and were constitutionally permissible.
These precedents demonstrate that placing a Menorah alongside the Christmas tree at the courthouse would be consistent with constitutional principles and existing case law. Rather than promoting one religion, it would reflect the broader American tradition of honoring cultural and religious pluralism in our public spaces. We are aware that the Town of Pittsboro has previously been asked to support this display and has chosen not to, indicating a willingness to contest the matter in court. We believe such a path would be unnecessary and contrary to the best interests of our community, especially when Supreme Court precedent already provides clear guidance that inclusive displays are constitutional. Avoiding legal conflict by embracing inclusivity would save public resources and demonstrate goodwill to all residents. We believe that this addition would: Promote inclusivity and belonging by acknowledging the Jewish community in Pittsboro.
Strengthen civic unity by celebrating traditions of light across cultures and faiths.
Model fairness and equality in public representation of religious and cultural traditions, consistent with Supreme Court precedent.
We urge the Town of Pittsboro to reconsider its position and embrace this small but meaningful step toward making our holiday celebrations more welcoming, legally sound, and reflective of the community we all share.