By the Grace of G-dZos Chanukah, 5734Brooklyn N. Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

I am in receipt of your letter, in which you ask my advice in connection with your son's forthcoming Bar Mitzvah, specifically where to arrange it.

One has to bear in mind that when a boy becomes Bar Mitzvah, it is the beginning of a full-fledged life as a Jew in regard to the fulfillment of all the mitzvoth. Included is the Mitzvah of V'Ohavta L'Reacho Komocho, the great principle of our Torah, which, in this case, means that the Bar Mitzvah celebration should be so arranged as to enable his friends to participate in it and be inspired by it, seeing with their own eyes the enthusiasm with which the Mitzvah boy enters into this new life. For nothing is more impressive than seeing a living example by one's own friend. Even though some of his friends may have already become Bar Mitzvah, they could also further benefit from personal participation in the Bar Mitzvah celebration of a friend.

In the light of the above, it is my considered opinion that the Bar Mitzvah should be arranged in your own city, in a suitable way. This would also enable his teachers to participate, as well as many of your friends. It is also important that the preparations for the Bar Mitzvah by the Bar Mitzvah and all the members of the family, should be in a way that would assure that both the Bar Mitzvah [himself?] as well as the celebration should be a living example and an inspiring event in the community.

With blessing,