As a sign of solidarity, it seems well-meaning and kind but maybe a little pointless in the real world — here in D.C., at least, I don't feel there's any risk from putting our menorah in the window, so it's not like random non-Jews doing the same does anything other than show that you're thinking of us.

It would be weird if you performed rituals around it, but it doesn't seem like you're planning to. It still wouldn't be as weird or bother me as much as when Passover seders are turned into Christian religious rituals, though.

Make sure you eat some donuts and other tasty fried foods if you're going to get into the Chanukah vibes either way.

I think that what people are really asking for is to light a candle and put it in your window as solidarity and to bring light into the world. It doesn’t have to be in the form of a menorah.

If this is a good friend who comes to your house she will be really touched by it. It’s a nice sentiment not everybody necessarily appreciates, but she will and people you know matter more than the internet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please - this not a political debate - genuine religious question
One of my Jewish friends posted that people should buy & light menorahs in their window to show love & support for their Jewish friends during Chanukah in light of the Bondi massacre.
I’m a spiritualist and do not follow any organized religion.
Would it be offensive or wrong for a non-Jewish person to have a menorah in the window?

Do whatever you want. I'd get a menorah too, because I like light in the winter.

PS -- I'm pp and a former christian, now atheist.

Anonymous wrote:Please - this not a political debate - genuine religious question
One of my Jewish friends posted that people should buy & light menorahs in their window to show love & support for their Jewish friends during Chanukah in light of the Bondi massacre.
I’m a spiritualist and do not follow any organized religion.
Would it be offensive or wrong for a non-Jewish person to have a menorah in the window?

Do whatever you want. I'd get a menorah too, because I like light in the winter.

Anonymous wrote:So interesting that Jewish folks get offended by this.

Say more.

Its wrong

I can't stand when atheists don't think its strange they put up a Christmas tree.

It’s weird and wrong of her to ask.

I’m Jewish and I wouldn’t be offended but it seems odd and performative, and I’d personally rather you supported Jews in other ways (for example, reaching out to your Jewish friends after attacks like yesterday’s. Precisely one person has done that to me today and I was so moved by it I cried. But I wish more of my non-Jewish friends had reached out)

I have also seen posts like that but wouldn't feel right. I love being invited to join others' celebrations and am happy to fully participate however asked. But objects like that have meaning and seem like they are for people that are part of that tradition and understand it.

So interesting that Jewish folks get offended by this.

Anonymous wrote:Please - this not a political debate - genuine religious question
One of my Jewish friends posted that people should buy & light menorahs in their window to show love & support for their Jewish friends during Chanukah in light of the Bondi massacre.
I’m a spiritualist and do not follow any organized religion.
Would it be offensive or wrong for a non-Jewish person to have a menorah in the window?

Don't do this.

Your friend is an idiot.

Signed a Jew.

Before October 7th, I would have been annoyed and felt like it was cultural appropriation. But now... I very much appreciate the solidarity. Please do if you feel so moved. Thank you for caring.

You do you.

I'm Jewish and don't personally have any issue with it and would see it as appreciation and solidarity rather than appropriation, though I get why others might feel differently.