A symbol of unity

The holiday season in Tuscaloosa County is a little more inclusive this year.

After a request from a local Jewish group, the county’s first menorah display has been placed alongside the traditional Christmas tree outside the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse.

Hardy McCollum, Tuscaloosa County's probate judge and commission chairman, said the request to place the menorah came from the Chabad group at the University of Alabama.

“It’s the first time we’ve even had a request for it,” McCollum said, adding it’s just one example of the county’s efforts at including all religions during the holidays.

“We’ve always been that way, I hope,” he said.

While a Chabad representative could not be reached by The Tuscaloosa News, its website — www.jewishbama.com — said that Chabad is the largest Jewish outreach organization in the world with more than 4,000 emissaries around the globe and more than 200 branches on U.S. college campuses.

The menorah is commonly associated with the Jewish holiday of Hannukah. One of the most popular Jewish symbols in existence today, the menorah stands for light, wisdom, and divine inspiration.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah — or Chanukah — is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.

The Hebrew word “hanukkah” means “dedication,” and influenced the name of the holiday because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple.

The Tuscaloosa Chabad House also installed a menorah display on the University of Alabama campus on Dec. 12, the first day of Hanukkah, and a display at Midtown Village the following night.

Hanukkah ended Wednesday.