By the Grace of G-d 9th of Tammuz, 5744 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 2nd of Tammuz, in which you inquire about the Arch of Titus in Rome, etc.

In such a case, it is necessary to find out what is the actual Jewish custom at the present time, especially as it is observed by Italian Jews. I suggest, therefore, that you should write to a competent Rabbi in Rome, to inquire what custom is now observed, and what are Jewish tourists advised in this connection, since no doubt there have been other inquiries on this subject.

Inasmuch as everything is by Hashgocho Protis, and you have written to me on this matter, I take it as an indication that I may, and ought to, share a pertinent thought with you. It is that, since you are interested in Jewish matters, even concerning a custom and tradition that is not very frequent, you are surely interested in all matters of Yiddishkeit in the everyday life and conduct that apply in all places and at all times. Moreover, since our Torah, Toras Chaim, being the Jew's true guide in life, insists that the essential thing is the deed,¹ you are using your interest and knowledge accordingly. And, further, since the Mitzvo of V'Ohavto L'Reacho Komocho is the Great Principle of the Torah,² I trust that you are doing your utmost to help your fellow Jews by bringing them closer to the Torah and Mitzvoth, through showing a living example, as well as by words coming from the heart which enter the heart and are eventually effective.³

With blessing,