‘This year, seeing a menorah in Bristol is so much more important than normal’

December is a month that for most is marked by Mariah Carey singles, family get-togethers and a probably bit too much mulled wine.

Walking through Bristol, the streets glisten with decorations because reminders of Christmas are everywhere. In the movies we watch, the songs we listen to and the food we eat – mince pie anyone?

For Jews, December marks the beginning of Hanukkah and many in the local community prepare to celebrate it. We too have our own festive foods, latkes and sufganiyot (a type of doughnut), our own songs (I’d highly recommend listening to the Maccabeats) and our own decorations, most notably a giant menorah.

However markers of our celebrations are few and far between because we are a minority in this city. Still, all over the country menorahs are erected in public spaces, most famously in Trafalgar Square.

These public displays act as small, symbolic reminders that British Jews are welcome in the UK and can celebrate our festivals freely and without fear.

Every year I have lived in Bristol I have attended a public menorah lighting and have been so proud to display and practise my Judaism.

Walking around Bristol I enjoy both the Christmas and Hanukkah festivities and see my culture and many other cultures reflected in this city’s historic streets.

Sabrina enjoys seeing Christmas and Hanukkah festivities throughout Bristol. Photo: Martin Booth

This year, however, Bristol site permissions tried to prevent Rabbi Mendy, the Bristol community Rabbi, from placing a giant menorah in College Green.

They claimed it was not “appropriate at this time to have anything on display in such a busy central area” because it might “attract people to gather … without maintaining social distancing”.

Whilst I of course respect any and all Covid-19 restrictions this same concern hasn’t stopped people displaying Christmas decorations in public spaces. Lights strung all the way up Queen Street have not encouraged mass crowds, neither have the enormous Christmas trees in Clifton Village or Cabot Circus.

This seemingly inconsistent and hypocritical decision distressed many Jews in the local community. Rabbi Mendy argued that “in a time of such darkness and despair, we should welcome the Chanukah lights to our city”.

The University of Bristol’s Jewish society, in a public statement, condemned the actions of the Bristol City Council. Thankfully, as a result of all this pressure, Bristol site permissions u-turned last night, perhaps demonstrating the ludicrousness of the initial decision.

This year, for me, seeing a menorah in Bristol is so much more important than normal. Minorities have been asked to make enormous sacrifices as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

Boris Johnson has unquestioningly prioritised Christmas over Eid, Diwali, Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah.

Sabrina Miller studies at the University of Bristol. Photo: Sabrina Miller

Whilst many families will be able to spend time together over Christmas, I’ll be celebrating another Jewish festival without my family and friends.

As frustrating as this is, I understand that Covid-related sacrifices are a part of life right now and in a Christian country, Jewish festivals are not a priority. But, when I walk past College Green later this week, and see a menorah I’ll feel welcome and at home despite all the weirdness of these past few months.

A menorah is now on College Green. Photo: Martin Booth

Chanukah commenced this year on Wednesday, December 9 and Jews around the country and around the world will celebrate by lighting a menorah in their windows.

Jewish tradition encourages us to light menorahs publicly – in windows and public spaces – to commemorate how Jews in the second century BCE resisted assimilation.

Seeing a menorah proud and tall in Bristol, a city covered head to toe in Christmas lights is the perfect personification of this tradition.

Jews like me living in this beautiful city want to embrace our unique heritage, so please let us light our menorah next to your Christmas tree and let’s celebrate this festive season together!

Sabrina Miller is a student at the University of Bristol.

Main photo: Rabbi Mendy

Read more: ‘Corbyn’s suspension has vindicated all of us who stood up to him’