62 Foot Jewish Menorah --Possibly The Largest In The World -- Erected In Muslim Indonesia

[Turborama]

A Modern Chanucah Miracle in Moslem Indonesia

Author: Natalie Wood
Published: November 26, 2010 at 7:30 am



=snip=

A feature, In Sliver of Indonesia, Public Embrace of Judaism, explains the reasons behind what has happened and the inspiration for the local government to finance the appearance of a $150,000.00, 62 foot menorah – possibly the largest in the world.

Pardon me for saying so, but it‘s a whole lot larger than any flamboyantly huge public menorah I’ve seen planted by Jewish organisations in the world and – all differences considered - almost seems to cock a snook at the giant statue of Jesus, known as ‘Christ the Redeemer’ at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Now those well-intentioned Indonesians will have to be advised about the danger of turning important symbols into icons …

Meanwhile http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/world/asia/23indo.html?_r=2&src=me">The NYT reports:

“Denny Wowiling, a local legislator, said he proposed building the menorah after learning about the one in front of Israel’s Knesset. He hoped to attract tourists and businessmen from Europe.

“It is also for the Jewish people to see that there is this sacred symbol, their sacred symbol, outside their country,” he said.

Mr. Wowiling, a Pentecostal Christian, emphasized that Christians and Muslims lived peacefully in the province, North Sulawesi, but acknowledged that “there are worries that we might be targeted by people from outside.”

Hmm! Maybe the tide is turning – but we’ll have to wait a while yet!

Full Piece: http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/a-modern-chanucah-miracle-in-moslem/

[Mimosa]

1. That is pretty!

Bless those good people for bringing more light to the world. I bet the menorah will look lovely at night. :D

[Turborama]

2. I hadn't thought about that until you mentioned it

And then I noticed the big lamp at the bottom of it. Wow, yeah, I bet it does look lovely at night. It looks like it can be seen from a long distance at night, too.

:hi:

[Motown_Johnny]

5. my first impression was similar

"Beautiful" was the first word that came to mind.

I then wondered if you could have gas jets producing flames on top of it. (That was foolish since you would need something that looked like candles.) Those would look extraordinary at night.

Maybe this will not be the last one. $150K isn't that much for a landmark. In this country it would need to be on private property and privately funded, but it shouldn't be to hard to raise that kind of money.

I hope someone wealthy with lots of wealthy friends sees this.

[greytdemocrat]

3. Wow

It is an impressive...target.

Bet you a nickel in 5 years or less it's blown up.

[Turborama]

4. What makes you say that?

Indonesia isn't run by the Taliban, you know.

[greytdemocrat]

6. True

But it has its share of muslim kooks and terror attacks in the past. I hope I'm wrong but I doubt it.

You do see how some are going to take this thing as a giant FU don't you?

[Turborama]

8. I hope you're wrong, too. By the way...

Muslims, Christians Set Peaceful Example In Jakarta

By LIZ LESLIE
Posted September 30, 2010


Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjetjep/2757578695/">tjetjep rustandi (flickr)

=snip=

Several churches and mosques have co-existed for decades in Klender, East Jakarta.

The local Catholic priest said the church is open to all members of the community.

“If our neighbors need space for their activities, we can accommodate them at our building and church front yard, free of charge,” priest Dedo da Gomez said.

Muslim residents said it’s important the groups find common ground.

“We have worked side by side to build a peaceful place by maintaining good relations with each other,” resident Pardi said.

Full piece: http://muslimvoices.org/christians-muslims-set-peaceful-jakarta/

Katedral St. Petrus
(In Bandung, a city near Jakarta)

[DavidDvorkin]

7. My first thought, too.

[emilyg]

9. If this was Jesus or a cross -

DU would be having a fit.

[Bucky]

11. Shhh

Quiet, you!

[Turborama]

12. Post #8 hasn't had any negative responses.

So far.

[Bucky]

10. I hope they have good security.

That sucker's gotta be an al-Qaeda magnet.

[Turborama]

13. al-Qaeda aren't in Indonesia

And I hope it stays that way.

[sakabatou]

14. So how big are the candles?