Unbalanced on Bar Mitzvahs

Is the Dec. 13 Style article "13 and Counting" your paper's idea of parity and balanced reporting? How peculiar that during America's annual, month-long overindulgence in Christmas, The Post found nothing to feature other than the excessiveness of some bat and bar mitzvah celebrations. Like most Sweet 16, Quinceaera or other coming-of-age parties, most bat and bar mitzvahs, especially those outside the New York City area, are far less extravagant.

Such articles do nothing to break down stereotypes of Jews, who historically have been ridiculed for their associations with money. In a Christian-dominated nation currently engaged in its yearly Christmas frenzy of buying (which leaves many in debt come January), why run such an article?

-- Rachel Carren

Chevy Chase

I was ashamed to be Jewish when I read of the gaudiness and potlatch attitude described in your article on expensive and elaborate bat and bar mitzvahs. Not only does the article contribute to the misconception that most Jews are wealthy, it also furthers the view that Jewish children, especially "Jewish American Princesses," deserve the indulgences and extravagances that their parents so foolishly dole out.

As with the excessive commercialization of Christmas, the true meaning of maturation and self-reflection in the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony gets lost amid the often tasteless displays. Keeping up with "the Jonesteins" never looked worse.