Dear Zev and Chana: As delighted as Mindy and I were to receive your invitation, so do we feel bad that we must very very regretfully decline it. The night of December 15th has been reserved for a very special celebration of an event in the life of a dear friend of ours, who is a member of my synagogue, and who set the date specifically at my recommendation. It begins about the same time that your party does. Such are the complexities of our lives that much as we would want to be with you, we have no choice but to absent ourselves. That does not mean that we do not join in wishing the both of you Mazal-Tov wishes from the very bottom of our hearts. May the Almighty grant you many many years of endless "nachas" from Alisa and your other children. Please remember us to all your guests, our dear friends. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm