24 Jun SPEAK YOUR VUES WITH THE VUES MASTER
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one has any issues with any of the views, please write a letter to the Vues Master.
HOW CAMPS ARE DEALING WITH THE
WAR
Dear Vues Master,
As summer begins and families prepare for the upcom-
ing camp season, I can’t help but wonder how upstate
camps like Camp Kaylie and Camp HASC are planning
to operate this year under such unusual and challenging
circumstances.
Traditionally, a significant portion of the staff at these
camps—especially counselors and specialty staff—come
from Eretz Yisrael. These dedicated young adults help
create the unique and meaningful experiences that define
these programs. However, given the current situation in
the Middle East—including the ongoing conflict involv-
ing Israel and Iran, as well as the suspension or restriction
of commercial flights from Israel—I’m left with many
questions.
How are these camps planning to fill the staff roles typi-
cally held by Israelis? Have they made alternative staff-
ing arrangements domestically? Are exceptions being
made to allow international staff to travel? Or are the
programs being scaled back to account for fewer staff?
Both Camp Kaylie and Camp HASC serve crucial
roles—not just as fun summer getaways, but as sup-
portive, structured environments for children and young
adults with special needs and other challenges. This is
not merely a logistical concern; it deeply affects the well-
being of the campers and their families.
—PD
Vues Master Notes: They are both very well-run camps,
and I’m sure that, as difficult as it may be, they will find
the people they need to make things work.
GAS
Dear Vues Master,
Gas prices may be rising, and people will complain. But
if those extra dollars are due to President Trump taking
bold action against Iran to defend Israel, I’ll pay them
gladly.
Iran is a threat to Israel’s existence and the broader re-
gion. If action against them prevents a catastrophe, it’s
not only justified—it’s necessary.
Supporting Israel sometimes comes at a cost. But it’s a
price worth paying. I’ll gladly pay more at the pump to
stand with our people. – TH
Vues Master’s Note: A small price for Israel’s protection!
BE CAREFUL DRIVING UPSTATE
Dear Vues Master,
As summer draws thousands of visitors and residents to
the Catskills for family, rest, and renewal, we are once
again painfully reminded of the life-and-death conse-
quences of hazardous driving on our roads.
This past winter, tragedy struck our community in a dev-
astating way. A beloved yungerman, R’ Mordechai Zafir
Z”L, 54, lost his life in a horrific head-on collision on
Route 17 near exits 126/127. He and his 17-year-old
son were returning from a joyous Vishnitzer chasunah
in Monsey when a wrong-way driver crashed into them.
R’ Mordechai was tragically niftar at the scene. His son,
Klonimus Kalman Yehoshua ben Esther Malka Bracha,
sustained serious injuries. The other driver also died at
the scene.
Reckless or impaired driving has irreversible conse-
quences. Whether due to fatigue, distraction, speeding, or
worse—every decision behind the wheel can determine
the fate of a life.
The Catskills are filled with winding, dark roads—espe-
cially at night. I urge all travelers: please drive with ex-
treme caution. Leave early. Avoid late-night travel. Stay
alert. Double-check your navigation, and obey speed
limits.
Let the memory of R’ Mordechai Zafir Z”L serve as a
powerful reminder to prioritize safety on the road. May
his neshamah have an aliyah, and may we only share
besuros tovos. -AF
Vues Master’s Note: May his neshama have an aliyah,
and may we all be careful when driving upstate this sum-
mer.
MEGA GROCERY STORES UPSTATE
Dear Vues Master,
The fact that there are 15 mega grocery stores upstate this
summer—just for the 10 weeks of the season—astonish-
es me. These grocery stores are no longer small shops;
they’re massive. How do they manage it? – YS
Vues Master’s Note: Drive around Sullivan County and
you’ll see how many new houses there are. The Catskills
are booming—and people need to eat.
DEAD ISSUE
Dear Vues Master,
A poor man once came to a village for Shab-
bos. The rabbi asked the gabbai to host him.
On Shabbos morning, the gabbai and his
wife got ready for shul, but the guest was still
sleeping. They waited, then woke him—but
he never showed up. When they came home,
he and their valuables were gone.
The gabbai went to complain to the rabbi,
who replied: “Now I understand why our
Sages said, ‘A poor person is considered like
a dead man.’ Just as it’s forbidden to leave a
corpse without a watcher, it’s forbidden to
leave a poor person unattended.”
– MB
Vues Master’s Note: Sad but true—some-
times, trust must be earned.
THANK YOU HASHEM
Dear Vues Master
We must take a moment to reflect and rec-
ognize that everything is Yad Hashem —
the Hand of Hashem. In the face of ongo-
ing threats, miracles unfold before our eyes
daily. The recent announcement by the Is-
raeli Defense Forces that over 95% of aerial
threats — drones and missiles — were inter-
cepted before reaching Israeli skies is noth-
ing short of miraculous.
These are not just technological feats; they
are clear nissim from Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
When deadly weapons are launched with the
intent to harm innocent civilians and yet fall
short of their targets, we must look beyond
the Iron Dome and see the divine shield
above us. The close coordination between
the Air Force, Navy, and missile defense
systems is impressive, but we must not for-
get Who gives them the strength, wisdom,
and success.
Every safe landing, every intercepted mis-
sile, every saved life — this is Yad Hashem
in action. We are living in a time of open
miracles, and we must be thankful. It is easy
to be caught up in fear and uncertainty, but
let us not forget to say thank you — to our
soldiers, yes, but above all, to Hashem.
As we continue to pray for the protection
of Am Yisrael, may we also strengthen our
emunah and recognize that Hashem is con-
stantly watching over us. May we merit
continued salvation and peace from the true
Protector of Israel.
VT
Vues Master’s Note: We are surrounded by
open miracles every day.
BOWLING IS BACK IN
SULLIVAN COUNTY
Dear Vues Master
There’s exciting news rolling into Monti-
cello this year — a brand-new bowling alley
is opening right next to the post office, just
a few doors down
from Liberty Piz-
za. For those of
us who’ve been
craving local en-
tertainment, this
is a big win.
Until now, the
closest places to
go bowling were
in Middletown or
Callicoon, both
at least a 30–45
minute drive, de-
pending on where
you’re coming
from. In Sullivan
County, that can
feel like forever
— especially for families with kids, teens
looking for something fun to do, or anyone
wanting a night out without the long haul.
This isn’t the first time we’ve had bowling
nearby. For many years, there were bowling
alleys in both Kiamesha and Liberty. They
were staples of the community — places
where leagues formed, birthday parties were
celebrated, and rainy weekends were saved.
Their closures left a real void in the area’s
entertainment scene.
That gap has only widened recently, espe-
cially after Holiday Mountain shut down
its fun park earlier this year. With so few
family-friendly options left, the need for
accessible entertainment is more important
than ever.
That’s why the news of this new bowling al-
ley is so exciting. It’s more than just a place
to knock down pins — it’s a place to recon-
nect, laugh, and enjoy time together. Wheth-
er you’re a seasoned bowler or just looking
for something new to do on a Motzei Shab-
bos, Monticello’s about to get a whole lot
more fun.
We can’t wait to lace up our bowling shoes
and make some memories — just a short
walk from a slice at Liberty Pizza. Let the
good times roll!
UJ
Vues Master’s Note: The good old days! I
remember bowling in both Kiamesha & Lib-
erty lanes. Great memories!
THANKING
Dear Vues Master,
“Hodu Lashem Ki Tov”—Give thanks to
Hashem, for He is always good.
I called and wrote to the President to ex-
press deep gratitude for something no U.S.
president has done before—mobilizing the
military to bomb Iran’s nuclear reactors in
defense of the Jewish people.
During WWII, President Roosevelt refused
to bomb the train tracks to Auschwitz, even
though 20,000 Jews were being gassed dai-
ly. But this time, President Trump acted.
May Hashem bless President Trump and
bring the final redemption soon.
– Rabbi Ron Yitzchok Eisenman
Congregation Ahavas Israel, Passaic, NJ
Vues Master’s Note: AMAZING! Let’s
show gratitude!
ELECTIONS
Dear Vues Master,
As a lifelong Republican, I never thought
I’d be frustrated about not voting in a Demo-
cratic primary. But I wanted to vote against
Mayoral candidate Mamdani—and couldn’t.
False information was circulating claiming
you could switch parties and vote against
him. But the deadline had long passed. Peo-
ple who tried anyway got affidavit ballots—
which weren’t counted.
The real decision is made in the primaries.
As Republicans in a Democrat-heavy city,
maybe it’s time we register strategically—to
stop candidates like Mamdani before they
win.
– SCS
Vues Master’s Note: All part of the broken
system!
SERVICE
Dear Vues Master,
As a summer resident of the Catskills, I’m
fed up with Spectrum’s near-monopoly on
cable and internet. The service is terrible—
slow speeds, frequent outages, poor cus-
tomer support, and overpriced plans. It gets
even worse in the summer when thousands
of seasonal visitors overload the already
fragile system.
This lack of competition leaves us with no
leverage. In cities, people have choices. In
the Catskills, we don’t. It’s 2025—reliable
internet shouldn’t be a luxury.
I urge local residents to contact their town
supervisors, county legislators, and state
reps. We need better infrastructure and real
competition. Only then will Spectrum im-
prove—or make way for a better provider.
– AIH
Vues Master’s Note: One more provider
would force them to shape up!
TOUGH
Dear Vues Master,
The Chasam Sofer once feared he offended
the Yismach Moshe and sent an apology let-
ter on 12 Elul.
He included a Torah insight: “How do we
know the honey (dvash) mentioned in the
Torah refers to dates? Rashi says nectar
from any fruit can be called honey. But the
Torah says me’reishis—the best. Chazal
knew the sweetest honey comes from a Te-
itelbaum (date).”
Five months later, on 13 Shevat, he was still
frustrated that the Yismach Moshe hadn’t
replied, describing him as strong-willed and
difficult to appease.
– MF
Vues Master’s Note: Not our place to judge
such giants!
END OF THE YEAR
Dear Vues Master,
Here’s what I wrote to my students at year’s
end:
“The Gemara says: ‘I learned much from
my teachers, more from my peers, but most
of all from my students.’
Thank you for being my student. May Hash-
em help you grow into a true servant of G-d.
Blessings for success in everything.
With love,
Your Rebbe”
Maybe other rebbeim can do the same. Ex-
pressing gratitude teaches gratitude.
– A Rebbe
Vues Master’s Note: Beautiful message—
thanks for sharing!
FALSE MEDIA
Dear Vues Master,
While the media fixates on Iran, more hos-
tages remain in Hamas captivity. Three
more Israelis were just confirmed murdered.
Yet politicians like AOC and Adam Schiff
defend UNRWA instead of standing up for
Israeli victims. Bernie Sanders and Chuck
Schumer have shown disturbing apathy to
their own people. Schumer claims to repre-
sent Jews, but he is definitely not a Shomer
Yisrael.
Let’s be clear: Hamas committed atrocities.
UNRWA is complicit. And too many U.S.
leaders are too cowardly to care.
– KY
Vues Master’s Note: A crooked worldview
sees truth as falsehood.
THANKS
Dear Vues Master,
Hodu laHashem ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo.
We thank Hashem with all our hearts for the
U.S. Air Force’s destruction of Iran’s nucle-
ar sites. We thank President Trump for his
bold defense of Israel.
The war isn’t over. Iran continues to fund
terrorism. We daven for victory and safety
for Jews and Americans.
Let’s all respond with gratitude (tefillah),
practical action, and by encouraging our
leaders. Thank President Trump. Say Nish-
mas, Tehillim 100, 121, 130. And give tze-
dakah generously.
May Hashem bring peace and redemption
soon.
MA
Vues Master’s Note: Thank you!
ARGUMENT
Dear Vues Master,
The Yismach Moshe once
told his grandson, the Yitav
Lev, that he remembered
being one of the Jews who
left Egypt in a past life.
He said that during Ko-
rach’s rebellion, there were
three groups: for Moshe,
against Moshe, and neu-
tral. He admitted he had
remained neutral. When
the Yitav Lev asked how
that was possible, he re-
plied that the conflict was
far more complex than it
seemed—and beyond cur-
rent understanding.
Because he didn’t side with
Moshe, it was decreed that
his descendants would al-
ways be drawn into con-
flict. The Yitav Lev added:
“Even if I were alone in a
forest, I’d end up fighting
with the trees.”
– KJ
Vues Master’s Note: A sobering reminder
about the dangers of neutrality.
SENSITIVITY
Dear Vues Master,
A woman shared her pain: friends don’t ask
how her relatives in Israel—some serving
on the front lines—are doing. Though she
knows it’s not intentional, it still hurts.
I can relate. One of my sons was called up
last Friday. As a father and grandfather to
families in Israel, I understand that pain
deeply.
We must remember: those not directly af-
fected are spared full emotional trauma so
they can support others. But that doesn’t ab-
solve us of trying to feel and respond with
empathy.
Just one example: my son had to hang up
on me mid-call to run for shelter. That’s his
reality.
We can’t change their circumstances, but we
can feel their pain, daven more sincerely,
give more tzedakah, and show more kind-
ness.
Let us carry that responsibility with dignity.
– Rabbi Ron Yitzchok Eisenman
Congregation Ahavas Israel, Passaic, NJ
Vues Master’s Note: We’ve become desen-
sitized—may Hashem awaken our hearts.
NAZIS
Dear Vues Master,
Why do so many Jews have no problem
driving a Nazi-associated car? I’m talking
about those driving Mercedes-Benz ve-
hicles. That company produced numerous
vehicles for the Nazi regime. Have all these
Jews simply failed their history tests?
Similarly, Jewish teens walking around in
Kanye West’s Yeezy shoes—after every-
thing he said—should think twice. Where is
the dignity and respect for our people?
– Captain Avious
Vues Master’s Note: Mostly ignorance!
GROCERY PRICES UPSTATE
Dear Vues Master,
Is it just me, or are grocery prices upstate
this summer out of control? What bothers
me the most is that none of the stores put
prices on their products. Is that even legal?
It feels like a guessing game. You push your
cart to the register and have to guess how
much it’ll cost!
– RH
Vues Master’s Note: Food prices are ris-
ing so quickly these days that store owners
don’t always have time to label everything.
ORANGE BUMPERS
Dear Vues Master,
It’s becoming impossible to drive through
local towns upstate. In many Sullivan
County towns, orange bumpers have been
installed on street corners, making it im-
possible to pull over. You can’t even drop
someone off! What if you have an elderly
passenger? Are you supposed to drop them
off three blocks away and make them walk?
What are people supposed to do in towns
like South Fallsburg? There’s nowhere to
park and nowhere to pull over.
– PD
Vues Master’s Note: I don’t think law en-
forcement in the Catskills is concerned
about store owners—they’re focused solely
on safety.
WE WANT OUR HOSTAGES
BACK!
Dear Vues Master
Recent remarks by former President Trump
— expressing frustration and confusion
over ongoing conflict — reveal less about
foreign policy and more about personal dis-
illusionment. What we are witnessing isn’t
leadership; it’s a public meltdown driven by
unmet expectations and bruised pride.
Suggesting that Israel no longer knows what
it’s doing is not only tone-deaf but wildly
misinformed. We’ve been confronting the
threat of Iranian-backed terrorism for years.
This is not a new battle, and it certainly
isn’t one that can be wrapped up in a news
cycle. When Iranian missiles rain down —
including six volleys just this morning —
we’re the ones in shelters, not those making
speeches from afar.
Trump seemed to expect a quick and glori-
ous win. He wanted to declare a neat reso-
lution in under two weeks. But those of us
living through the reality know there are no
shortcuts when facing a regime built on ma-
nipulation and brutality.
Yes, we desperately want a ceasefire — to
sleep, to work, to raise our children in peace.
But any agreement must include the return
of our hostages and an end to the violence.
Otherwise, it’s not a peace deal; it’s a pause
in the crossfire.
We appreciate American support, deeply.
But this is not a game, and we are not pieces
on a geopolitical chessboard. We’re real
people living under real fire. Respect our re-
silience, and trust that maybe — just maybe
— we actually do know what we’re doing.
-LD
Vues Master’s Notes: Terrorists never con-
cede. They want us dead. They will regroup
and try again.