THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 22, 1995 TAG: 9512210164
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
This letter is in response to Kathryn Ingram's letter to the editor (Dec. 17) in the Beacon. She complained that Hanukkah is ignored in Tidewater.
We are also a Jewish family living in Virginia Beach. We celebrated the first night of Hanukkah last night by lighting tapered bright blue and white candles made in Israel and purchased at a local drug store chain. We sent boxes of these candles to our married children living out of state. Hanukkah candles purchased in Virginia Beach burned brightly in North Carolina and in Florida.
This is the our seventh community in 32 years of marriage. Tidewater is the only area where we have enjoyed the Hanukkah lights on highly visible menorahs such as those at Waterside and Mount Trashmore. We will not forget the warm feeling created by the sight of Beth Chaverim's menorah on the grounds of the Catholic church on Princess Anne Road. Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, where I work, has a menorah in the lobby.
We share our Hanukkah celebration with non-Jewish friends who have set world records for the number of potato latkes consumed on one night of Hanukkah. The children play with dreidels and the table is set and the dining room decorated with Hanukkah items all purchased at a Virginia Beach party supply store. Our friends, in turn, treat us to a traditional Swedish Christmas Eve.
We do not feel ignored. Those who know us would be hard put to stereotype either of us as passive. As for the African-American festival, Kwanzaa, anything that contributes to cultural pride and self-esteem has to be significant.
Lois C. Firestone
Virginia Beach
Police deserve more pay
In regard to the recent dispute between city of Virginia Beach management and police organizations, I suppose the line officers would have a more casual approach if they too made the salary of a police captain, chief or sheriff. The reality of it is that they don't. Support needs to go out to those line officers that face risks every day and for less than average pay.
``No man can be a patriot on an empty stomach.'' - W.C. Brann, the Iconoclast.
R.S. Renner
Virginia Beach by CNB