Dear Vues Master:

A man smoking a pipe was asked what pleasure he derives from it. “I don’t smoke for pleasure. Having the pipe in my mouth calms my nerves.” “But,” his friend asked, “If that’s all you need it for, why bother with tobacco?” Looking at him incredulously, the smoker responded: “If the pipe didn’t have tobacco, how would I know when to stop smoking?”

MD

Vues Master’s  Note: Or better yet if there is no tobacco you can’t even begin to smoke! I guess weed is better as they are legalizing it but Menthol is not. We are so mixed up. Is Trans fat good or not? 

POLITICS 

Dear Vues Master:

The King & the weatherman

The King wanted to go fishing, and he asked the royal weather forecaster the forecast for the next few hours.

The palace meteorologist assured him that there was no chance of rain.

So the King and the Queen went fishing.  On the way he met a man with a fishing pole riding on a donkey, and he asked the man if the fish were biting.

The fisherman said, “Your Majesty, you should return to the palace!  In just a short time I expect a huge rain storm.”

The King replied: “I hold the palace meteorologist in high regard. He is an educated and experienced professional.  Besides, I pay him very high wages.  He gave me a very different forecast. I trust him.”

So the King continued on his way.

However, in a short time a torrential rain fell from the sky.  The King and Queen were totally soaked.

Furious, the King returned to the palace and gave the order to fire the meteorologist.

Then he summoned the fisherman and offered him the prestigious position of royal forecaster.

The fisherman said, “Your Majesty, I do not know anything about forecasting.  I obtain my information from my donkey.  If I see my donkey’s ears drooping, it means with certainty that it will rain.”

So the King hired the donkey.

And so began the practice of hiring dumb asses to work in influential positions of government.

And thus, the symbol of the democrat party was born.

The practice is unbroken to this day.

RE 

Vues Master’s  Note: Is this not what politics and Government is all about. They make rules for others but not for themselves and make rules so it should be impossible to keep it! 

SHUL 

Dear Vues Master:

“An Open Letter To My Neighbour in Shul”
My Dear Chaver,
Please excuse me for not signing this letter. Were I to do so,
everyone in shul would know that this letter is being written to you,
and I do not want to cause you public disgrace.
I have known you for many years and I value our relationship.
Hopefully, you feel the same towards me. Your commitment to Limud
Torah and your unrestrained gemilas chesed are truly enviable. In
fact, I had even hoped that by sitting next to you in shul some of
your midos would rub off on me.
But one thing that disturbs me greatly is your talking during
davening. At first, it was barely more than a word or two to amplify a
facial expression. But now, you begin conversation almost as soon as
you come into shul.
I am not calling this to your attention, now, to give you tochacha
(reproof). Certainly, my own slate is not nearly clean enough to make
a reckoning for you. But I just want to let you know how your talking
in shul is affecting me.
First and foremost is Shmoneh Esrei. You probably assume that I am
very well off financially, and in other ways, too. But I have some
very pressing personal problems, which even my best friends know
nothing about. Now, considering my pekle, I don’t stand Shmoneh Esrei
nearly as long as I should, but somehow you always seem to finish
ahead of me. I realize that you are trying to talk quietly, but since
you’re standing right next to me, it disrupts my entire kavonah
(concentration). Sometimes, I get so angry with you that I feel like
blurting out in the middle of my Shmoneh Esrei, “Why don’t you just go
outside to talk? I can’t walk out now; but you can!” And who knows if
my tefillos are not being answered because of inadequate kavonah? Of
course, I am not blaming you for my tzoris, but since Shmoneh Esrei is
my chance to plead for some mercy, I would appreciate it if you would
conduct the conversation outside, and then come in for Kedusha.
Next is Chazoras Hashatz, when the chazan repeats the Shmoneh Esrei.
Even though I am aware of the bountiful reward to be earned with each
omein, I am, unfortunately, far too lax in responding properly.
Nevertheless, when I hardly hear the chazan above your schmoozing, I
end up losing out on even more omein opportunities.
Now, you might argue and say that you are talking to the man on the
other side and not with me. yes, that is true. But I also have an
inclination to schmooze in shul. When I see you practically smacking
your lips over a delicious interchange, I am tempted to join you.
Sometimes, I tell myself that I will only listen to your conversation.
Than I find myself an accomplice, by encouraging you with my interest.
At other times, however, I even find myself sucked into actively
participating in the conversation, which I had promised myself only to
overhear.
The krias haTorah is difficult enough to follow, with the inevitable
noise of foot shuffling, coughing, and (in the summer) air conditioner
blowing. But when that combines with your conversation, I go home each
Shabbos wondering whether or not I have been yotzei krias haTorah.
Finally, I must say that our shul is a very special one. We have some
excellent shiurim, a highly respected Rabbi, and a minyan full of bnei
Torah. In general, there is a fairly good decorum in our shul,
compared with many others. So I suppose I could just change my seat.
But at this point, it would be too awkward to explain without
embarrassing you or myself.
Our shul, in many ways, is truly a mikdash me’at – a sanctuary in
miniature. But whenever I am about to reach the full appreciation of
that, especially on Shabbos, your talking cools me off.
The other day, you asked me why I don’t bring my five year old son to
shul more often. I told you that he’s still too young. Now I’ll tell
you the real reason. He still feels kedushas beis hamedrash – the
sanctity of the place – when he walks in. Even after davening, he
whispers in shul. If I bring him every week and sit him down between
us, I am frankly afraid of your example. How can he retain his
reverence for shul if he observes your behaviour? Each Shabbos he begs
me to take him along and I’m running out of excuses.
You don’t owe me any respect. And you may feel that my kavonah does
not take precedence to you socializing. But think of our children in
shul. What will become of their davening? I see you are already having
trouble controlling some of your children in shul. Whenever you are
not schmoozing with a friend, you are reprimanding your children. Yes,
their conduct is reprehensible, at times; but where do you think they
learned to be callous towards kedushas beis hamedrash?
In writing this letter, I have tried to avoid giving away my own
identity or that of our shul. If others read this letter, however,
they may waste time trying to figure out whom this letter was meant
for. But you know. Wishing you and your family all the best.
Name and City Withheld by request 

Vues Master’s  Note: What happened to just talking and socializing during the Kiddush? 

KORIM IN SHUL 

Dear Vues Master:

An old עם הארץ asked his friend what the קהל does during כורעים on יום כיפור. His friend replied that even though it’s top secret, he’ll reveal it to him. “On ערב יום כיפור,” he said, “they hide muffins in their טלית bags and the next day, during כורעים, they eat them.” The old man was pleased that this great secret was revealed to him. On יום כיפור, he did כורעים with the rest of the קהל, but remained crouched on the floor after everyone else got up. Concerned, people asked him if he was alright. “I’m fine,” he said. “But I only have a few teeth in my mouth, so it takes me longer to eat than it takes you.”

KB

Vues Master’s  Note: This joke has been chewed over many times. 

HATZALATHON 

Dear Vues Master:

Dear Friend,

We are a group most comfortable operating behind the scenes, doing what we do, not stepping out into the limelight or writing letters. 

But we are reaching out to you, our dear brothers and sisters, because we need you.

But who are we?

Some people call us heroes. Some say we’re courageous. The ad campaign even called us “Supermen. “ We feel uncomfortable with these titles. 

So who are we? Simply put, we’re family. We’re a band of brothers – your brothers. We’re people who undertook to be part of a group that is devoted 24/7 to all of you.

We are Hatzolah. 

As members of Hatzolah, we often have to make certain decisions, putting other people’s lives before the time we get to spend with our family, but, of course, we know that there is no greater honor, no greater deed, no greater zechus that stopping whatever we are doing and going to help someone in a medical crisis. Our families feel the same way, too. They know how important and necessary our work is, and they encourage us, with amazing selflessness and altruism, to keep stepping out there, day after day and night after night, to help others they don’t even know. 

Because that’s what Hatzolah does. 

You are fortunate when you don’t need our services, but when you do, you should be comforted by the knowledge that we are always just a phone call away, ready and eager to drop everything, putting our lives on hold, for you. For every single one of you.

All year, when people are in need, they turn to Hatzolah. At this time, Hatzolah is turning to you.

On Thursday, April 29, the eve of Lag Ba’omer, Hatzolah of Flatbush will be holding a vital fundraiser, whose success will be dependent on your involvement. 

We at Hatzolah is counting on you. 

By supporting us, your Hatzolah members, you will be showing just how much we mean to you.

Hatzolah of Flatbush’s budget is $2 million annually. The goal of this upcoming campaign is to raise $1.5 million in support of 229 EMTs, 41 paramedics, and 15 dispatchers, the people who make up Hatzolah of Flatbush. 

Last year’s campaign helped replace all ambulance stretchers with motorized stretchers and allowed Hatzolah to undertake capital improvements to its facilities. This year, Hatzolah needs to replace all 41 paramedic monitors by year’s end at a cost of $1.5 million. We desperately need your help in this campaign – the only Hatzolah fundraiser of the year. 

We at Hatzolah will always be there for you. That’s our mantra. But please, at this time, be there for us. On April 29, please respond generously, helping Hatzolah help you. 

JM

Vues Master’s  Note: Despite the fact that Hatzalathon is over we can still continue to donate. 

VACCINES 

Dear Vues Master:

Hi there,

I’m Leslie, and I’m a high school teacher. I was wondering how to convince my students and their parents to realize the vaccine value, so I searched for any information on that. That’s how I found your page (https://jewishvues.com/letters-to-the-edito/speak-your-vues-137/).

First of all, thanks a lot for that starting point in my preparation for a speech with students and parents. Your page was informative, and I checked your resources to find the page with arguments I wanted to use in conversation. I expected to read a consistent and compelling story about the importance of the vaccine. Too bad, there was nothing like that.
But I didn’t give up, and here’s what I discovered later: https://www.tomorrow.io/weather/blog/flu-vaccine/ (This page helped me a lot!)

Would you like to add it as an additional resource?

I believe that sharing this page is a great chance to save someone’s life. And thanks a lot for your work, I know many readers appreciate it too!

Warmly,

Leslie

Vues Master’s  Note: I find \that they are pushing this vaccine on us and not being transparent as they still don’t know the long term affects of it. 

BEHIND THE SCENES 

Dear Vues Master:

The Chasam Sofer( Parshas Emor) writes: 

” The Am Haoretz who supports Torah has an advantage over the Talmid Chacham who learns. When he supports Torah he is rewarded even if the Talmid Chacham is negligent and is not learning, what should he have done and why should he lose out” . 

The Netziv said Pshat  on the Pasuk שלום רב לאהבי תורתיך- ואין למו מכשול  

Ohavei Toirosecho refers to the supporters of Torah. On them it is said Ein Lomo Michshol. For them things can’t go wrong. They will be rewarded regardless  if the Talmidei Chachamim learns or not. 

The Chasam Sofer’s Sevara (logic)  would probably apply also for the wives 

who send their husbands to learn and wait at home for them. They too should 

be rewarded even if their husbands go to the Bais Hamedrash and Batel 

(waste) their time there. What else could she have done? 

MF 

Vues Master’s  Note: That is why Zevulun got his bracha before Yissachar as per the Chafetz Chaim. 

TRUTH 

  קבל את האמת

If you have expectations then you will be disappointed. 
If you have no expectations then everything is a gift. 

FM 

Vues Master’s  Note: How valid amd pointed this letter is. 

ANOTHER TRUTH 

Dear Vues Master:

Don’t look down on those who have
different עבירות than you.

Do look up on those who have
different מצוות than you. 

LK 

Vues Master’s  Note: But what if his suit is different than mine or his hat is different than mine? Or if he does not wear a hat. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. 

BAAL KERI IS TAMEI 

Dear Vues Master:

John Kerry is not a friend of Israel.
Once upon a time, when he was a Senator, John Kerry voted 100% of the
time in support of Israel. When he was a Senator, John Kerry was a
friend of Israel.
When Kerry became American Secretary of State, something changed and
he was more critical of Israel than supportive. In some ways he still
acted as a friend, he was still supportive in some areas, but he was
no longer looking out for Israel’s best interests.
I appreciate sticking to facts I can easily ascertain and don’t like
speculating – especially when it comes to people’s motives. I don’t
know why John Kerry stopped being a supportive friend of Israel, but
he did.
Senator Kerry began criticizing Israel on the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict. He offered the platitudes that Israel had a right to defend
herself, and America will always stand by Israel’s safety and
security. Yet when it came down to policy, Kerry urged Israel to take
steps Israel’s leaders felt weren’t in Israel’s best interests. He did
not act as a friend.
As Kerry began negotiating the Iran deal between European countries,
China, America and Iran it became clear that Kerry wasn’t taking
Israel’s concerns into account as Israel needed. Kerry didn’t act as a
friend, pushing aside Israel’s concerns and deciding the deal was good
enough.
I don’t trust Iran’s Zarif, I have no idea if he’s telling the truth
about Kerry feeding him information; but I wouldn’t be surprised. Well
before this interview was leaked, it was clear that Kerry was not
Israel’s friend.
One last point. The interview showed that Zarif is not a moderate,
does not have influence with the Ayatollah and is not interested in
calming things with America and the West. This is not a person, nor a
country that America should be negotiating with as long as those
remain true.
RUP 

Vues Master’s  Note: Don’t you dare call him an anti semite. He is just against the State of Israel which happens to be run and owned by Jews but his hatred is coincidental. He is not an Anti Semite, if you don’t believe it you can even as Ilan Omar yimach shema and the rest of the Anti Semitic squad. 

PRAYER 

Dear Vues Master:

Now is the time for prayer.
Now is not the time to ask if it was safe.
Now is not the time to ask if there were too many people.
Now is not the time to ask if Merom was ever a good idea.
Now is not the time for speculation or blame.
Now is the time to cry.
Now is the time to mourn.
Now is the time to pray.
Now is the time to turn to HaShem and say help, please, help. We need help.

RUP 

Vues Master’s  Note: Thanks for this heartfelt poem. It is very inspiring. 

DONNY MORRIS 

Dear Vues Master:

I never met Donny Morris z”l but like thousands of others I
participated in his final escort from this world.
A grandparent should never bury a grandchild. A parent should never
bury a child. A teacher should never have to eulogize a student.
Just no words. Like the 44 others precious lives taken all too
early…this is just wrong.
There is a lot to process after the untimely passing of Donny Morris.
But one thing is clear. The love the Jewish people have for one
another cannot be matched. 35,000 people tuned in for his funeral,
majority of who never met this preciou soul.
מִי כְּעַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל
DK 

Vues Master’s  Note: No words. We can’t understand! 

TEARS 

Dear Vues Master:

The Gates of Tears Are Never Closed-IN MERON! 

I’ve been crying 45 tears for the 45 Korbonos- Kedoshim at Meron Tragedy. Shaare Dimoos Lo Ninalu as Avraham Fried sings so beautifully on his Bring The House Down album. Rabbi Frand says how the Kohein Godol had to go into the Kodesh Hekedoshim on Yom Kippur to undo the teffillah of the traveler who davens that it shouldn’t rain on him not to get wet. Why is he so selfish to prevent rain from falling? Doesn’t he also needs rain? Rabbi Frand goes on to answer that he only krechtz; Oy, I’m getting wet nebach! The Koach of a KRECHTZ! That’s what the holiest man, the Kohein Godol, on the holiest day-Yom Kippur, had to go into the holiest place-the Kodosh Hakedoshim, and undo the traveler’s Krechtz. On Erev Shabbos, Lag Bomer-I KRECHTZED and cried 45 times for the Niftorim who perished in Meron R”L. Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky ZTL and Rav Shach ZT”L both said to look into a bentcher when you bentch as a shmirah when there is tzoros by Klal Yisroel. For Divrei Chizuk and Divrei Hisorreros , listen to my Rav in Monsey-Mishlei Erev Shabbos Lag- Bomer [Kol Haloshon-718 906 6432 press 2 then shiur# 2333.] Please have in mind by hadlokas neiros erev Shabbos to cry for all the tzebrochena families & Cholim.! My Rav says Mah equals 45. Mah Nomer Mah Nidaber Ma Nitzdek-Mah Hashem Shoel -Yiras Hashem.

RMS

Vues Master’s  Note: We see a tremendous Kiddush Hashem from some of the loved ones sitting Shiva how they have such Emunah. Wow what a lesson for all of us. May we all be consoled! 

RABBI LEAVING 

Dear Vues Master:

A רב was saying farewell to his קהילה for the last time. He shook the hand of an elderly congregant as he walked out. The man said “Your successor won’t be as good as you.” “Nonsense,” replied the רב in a flattered tone. “No, really,” said the old man. “I’ve been here under five different rabbis and each new one has been worse than the last.”

UH 

Vues Master’s  Note: Why don’t we appreciate our Rabbonim. Enjoy them they have so much to offer. We are always looking for the next new flavor