Prayer in home should not be considered a disturbance
Regarding the article on the front page of the News Transcript's Jan. 30 issue ("Neighbor Makes Case Home Is House of Worship"), I find it disturbing that there is a conflict at all.

If Rabbi Avraham Bernstein and his houseguests were dealing drugs, running a prostitution ring or were drunk and disorderly I could understand Paul Sweda's outrage. A lot of harm could come to a community from such activities. But honestly, what harm could possibly come from prayer?

We need to open our eyes and take a good look at what's happening around us in neighboring states as well as in the world. There are so many threats to our families.

Now, more than ever, we need more prayer, not less. Anyone with faith the size of a mustard seed understands the tremendous good that comes to a vicinity because of it. Those who choose not to believe, who are not familiar with praying, or knowledgeable about its benefits need be honest and ask themselves if there's really a threat here.

Most disturbing of all is the fact that Rabbi Bernstein's home was placed under surveillance for his religious activities. Isn't this America? Our country was founded on the concept of religious freedom. The soldiers in Iraq and their families are making serious sacrifices to uphold

this freedom, and yet we're not free to host peaceful assemblies of prayer on our private property?

If this is the case then it leaves me to wonder what has happened to our country, our constitution and our common sense.

I urge those authorities in the courts who are involved in this decision to please consider these points and defend our freedom to assemble and pray,

despite the fact that some

people think it's weird. I urge Rabbi Bernstein and his friends to keep praying for our community and our country; we need all the prayers we can get.

Laura Massaro

Howell