Ocean, NJ  Paul Goldfinger photo. 12/3/21. The Ten Commandments.  The writing is Hebrew. It is displayed on the side of a synagogue in Ocean Township.

By Paul  Goldfinger,  Editor Blogfinger.net

The Ten Commandments are considered holy  (given by God) by Jews and Christians.

The display above is along the side of a spectacular Sephardic synagogue in Ocean Township along Deal Road. Of course, that is private property and they can do this just as a church might have a large cross.

But it is rare these days to see the Ten Commandments displayed on the outside or inside of public buildings.  There have been many legal arguments across the country about displaying the Ten C’s in courts, schools, municipal buildings, and other public places.

The Supreme Court has ruled on this issue in a number of famous cases, along with state courts and local governing bodies such as school boards and township committees.

Generally  they have ruled  that the Ten C’s should not be displayed in a public place if the purpose is to promote (establish)  a particular religion (the “establishment “clause.)   But there have been disparate rulings, and there still are controversies about this.

From the Cornell Law School:   “The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause prohibits the government from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion.” This clause not only forbids the government from establishing an official religion, but also prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another.”

Wiki 2005:  “In two 5-4 votes, the Supreme Court ruled it is constitutional to display the Ten Commandments on public property as long as the intent of the exhibit isn’t pushing a religious agenda. ”  But this ruling is hard to enforce in practice.

I am not a lawyer, but I guess that a Christmas tree would be allowed at a public place, but maybe not a Menorah  for Hanukah which has a religious theme (a miracle.) Yet most people looking at a menorah in front of town hall would probably not think of it as a temptation to become Jewish.  It’s like looking at a hot pastrami sandwich.

But local governments can get caught in awkward situations such as: What if there is a cross on top of a Christmas tree?

Another point of view–public policy at the local level: Stay out of trouble and don’t allow any religious symbols on public property such as schools, whether or not they may promote a religion—but it’s the holiday spirit, but no.   

And what about those who are Hindus or atheists for example?  They might be uncomfortable with Christmas and all its trappings in schools even if it is only Santa. And carols would also be in that category to be banned.  Government should maintain a “neutral” face—ie equal for all.

As for courts, the Supremes said no to the 10 Commandments in court houses  because the 10 C’s are largely religious, and there must be separation of church and state.

An interesting Ocean Grove issue is the creche in Firemen’s Park, the religious sentiments on planters, and the cross on the beach, among other religious symbols in town.

Although the F. Park and the boardwalk are privately owned by the CMA, they are public thoroughfares. That was confirmed at the time of the FEMA decision to grant funds to the CMA to repair the boardwalk.  Also, read David Fox’s  12/3/21 comment  (click on comments below.) 

And  are all those religious symbols in OG public spaces to be allowed?  Isn’t this establishment of a particular religion in public places?

In addition there have been many cases in the courts or just locally as a school board might argue about hanging the Ten Commandments in schools. Some point to the secular content as providing valuable lessons of behavior for students–such as, “Do not steal.”

The matter continues to be debated.  Just this year  (2021)  there has been a legislative battle in North Dakota where some politicians want to allow the Ten C’s to be hung in schools.  The ACLU says that such local actions invite more law suits.

Many locals believe in separation of church and state, and the Ocean Grove situation could be debated in court, but who would bring such a suit?  Nevertheless, there are some in the Grove who object to religious programming and displays in public spaces. 

That big cross on our beach:  Is that a public space?

Should we do a poll?  Well, no; at least not now.

JOHN RUTTER AND THE CAMBRIDGE SINGERS:   “All Things Bright and Beautiful”