HIGHER POWER

Following the publication of Andrew Friedman's feature article about my
arrest for selling medical marijuana ["Sacrificial Lamb," March 6], my
congregation, my family, and I were deluged by well-wishers. People who
learned for the first time of my plight, as well as individuals who were
personally helped by my work in the past, called, visited, and sent letters
of support.

I greatly appreciate the words of encouragement and want to publicly thank
everyone who has been sympathetic to my case. Those who wish to contribute
more substantially may send a donation to the "Ezra L." Legal Defense Fund
at 1571 45th Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11219.

May the Almighty, who "heals the sick" and "frees the chained," bless us
all with love, kindness, and mercy.

Yitzchak Fried, Brooklyn

FRIED AT LAST

Having read Andrew Friedman's story on the arrest of Rabbi Yitzchak Fried,
I am shocked that this poor man of G*d was victimized by the drug war. I
am glad that I left New York City many years ago. I now live in the San
Francisco Bay Area, where the voters have legalized medical pot and pot
laws are seldom enforced. It is time to stand up against government
oppression - there is no "drug war," just a war on the American
People. Free Rabbi Fried! Legalize medical pot now!

Gerry McGuiness, Heyward, California

HIGH JINKS

Even if I agree that marijuana actually has medical applications, I still
have questions regarding the behavior of Rabbi Yitzchak Fried. For openers,
where does the rabbi get his weed? Also, what qualifications does he have
to screen his clients and assure the community that he is not supplying
drugs to young users? More important, why sell marijuana at all if his
objective is to "relieve" the pain and suffering of heroin addicts?
Finally, given that certain governments have legalized a lesser-strength
marijuana for addicts and medical patients - a kind of marijuana light, if
you will - why was the rabbi selling regular-strength shit?

Christopher A. Assad, Ottawa, Canada