Payments to Hasidim

* I was struck by this statement in “Clemency Inquiry Rooted in Jewish Town” (March 11): “Although some people are employed, most try to observe a strict Hasidic lifestyle. As a result, the 7,000-member community has traditionally sought government funding to stay alive.” If a religion requires a vow of poverty or the discouragement of working in favor of studying scriptures, should the taxpayer be obliged to support it? Is that not a violation of the separation of church and state? Regardless of the religious link, intentional poverty should not be financially rewarded at the taxpayer’s expense.

MICHAEL BALDRIDGE

Glendale