Dear Editor,

I am a Russian revolutionist and a free thinker. Here in America I became acquainted with a girl who is also a free thinker. We decided to marry, but the problem is, she has Orthodox parents, and for their sake we must have a religious ceremony. If we refuse the ceremony we will be cut off from them forever. Her parents also want me to go to the synagogue with them before the wedding, and I don’t know what to do. Therefore I ask you to advise me how to act.

Respectfully,

J.B.

Answer:

The advice is that there are times when it pays to give in to old parents and not grieve them. It depends on the circumstances. When one can get along with kindness it is better not to break off relations with the parents.