(Below is an unedited letter submitted to us by a reader. TLS welcomes your letters at thelakewoodscoop@gmail.com . The views are solely those of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of TLS).Dear Editor,
I consider myself fortunate to be living in Lakewood and all the more so because my home is near a prominent Yeshiva. It's truly a joy to hear the sweet sound of the Bachurim learning and to them interacting. However, the beauty of this vision is being clouded with smoke-literally. I see Bachurim at all hours sitting around the neighborhood smoking in full view of my children and everyone else. Some of these boys look as young as 15. When i see them, I firmly demand that they take this life threatening habit far away, but the next day there are others. How pathetic is it, that my young son should pretend to be smoking with a pen, when he sees these Bachurim? Is this the image he should be growing up with? I clearly explain to him how revolting it is , but the picture has left its impact. Parents, you should know what's happening. You should be demanding more supervision over your young precious boys. Yeshivas should have a zero tolerance for smoking and parents should be demanding that it be enforced. I only hope that my children remain with a positive vision of what a Yeshiva Bachur should look like.
Thank you,
Your son's neighbor.
