'Tacky parents' revisited

In your July 13 edition you published a letter titled "Tacky parents request gifts." The correspondent wrote that her child had received a bar or bat mitzvah invitation that stated specifically that no gifts under $50 would be accepted.

While it is possible that such an invitation was indeed issued, I assure you that Jewish law, common sense and good oldfashioned manners would forbid such a tacky request.

The bar and bat mitzvah celebrate the Jewish values of education, generosity and responsibility to the community. If the invitation did indeed contain even the suggestion of an expectation of a gift of any value, it embarrasses the entire Jewish community.

If, however, your correspondent's letter was not completely true, shame on those who spread false rumors, which our tradition also condemns. Rabbi John Borak Director, Interreligious Affairs American Jewish Committee