01 Apr SPEAK YOUR VUES WITH THE VUES MASTER

THE UNACCEPTABLE CONSEQUENCES OF
RECKLESS DRIVING
Dear Vues Master,
Everyone I know this past weekend was crying and deeply

upset about the tragic accident that occurred this past Shab-
bos on Ocean Parkway. A mother and her two young chil-
dren were killed, and another child was critically injured in

a horrific crash, despite having done nothing wrong. They

were simply walking home from shul. The driver responsi-
ble, Miriam Yarimi, has been charged with multiple serious

offenses, but what shocks me the most is that she was even
allowed to be on the road in the first place.
This tragedy should never have happened. Not only was
Yarimi driving recklessly—speeding and failing to yield—

but she was also operating a vehicle with a suspended li-
cense. A person like her, with a history of negligence and

complete disregard for the safety of others, should never

have been behind the wheel. The fact that she was still al-
lowed to drive, despite having no business being on the

road, is utterly unacceptable. The lives of Natasha Saada
and her children—Deborah and Diana—were taken, and
her young son is now fighting for his life, all because of
one individual’s blatant disregard for the law and the safety
of others.
This tragedy was not a mere accident; it was the direct

consequence of someone who should never have been per-
mitted to drive in the first place. Miriam Yarimi’s actions

have devastated a family and an entire community. It’s hard
to comprehend how she was allowed to continue driving,
given her history and reckless behavior. How many more
innocent lives must be destroyed before our systems stop
allowing individuals like her to operate a vehicle?
What angers me even more is the indifference that allowed
this to happen. How could authorities have let her continue
to drive after her license was suspended? As a society, how

can we justify allowing someone like her to operate a ve-
hicle, knowing the potential consequences?

A mother and her children are gone. A young boy’s life
hangs in the balance. The ripple effect of this tragedy will
be felt by this family, their community, and all who hear of
this senseless loss. Yet, Miriam Yarimi remains stable in the
hospital, having been allowed to continue driving despite

all the warning signs and red flags. This is absolutely ap-
palling.

We must take serious action to ensure that reckless individ-
uals like Yarimi are never allowed behind the wheel again.

No family should have to endure the pain and heartache

caused by this kind of irresponsibility. There must be ac-
countability, and the law must serve to protect those who

obey it, not give a free pass to those who blatantly disregard
it.
This tragic loss will forever haunt those who knew Natasha,

her children, and their community. I hope you take this mat-
ter seriously and ensure that those who harm others in such

a senseless way are not allowed to cause any more dam-
age. Our roads should be safer, and this must never happen

again. PW

Vues Master’s Note: This tragic incident is indeed devastat-
ing, and the heartache felt by the community and those who

knew Natasha and her children is palpable. It’s unfathom-
able that such a senseless loss could have been prevented if

the system had done more to ensure that an individual like
Miriam Yarimi, with a history of reckless behavior, was not
behind the wheel.

CLASS ACT
Dear Vues Master,
In the face of an unimaginable tragedy, New York City
Mayor Eric Adams showed true compassion by visiting
grieving father Sidney Saada before the funeral. Offering
words of comfort, Adams spoke not only as a leader but as
a father who deeply empathized with the loss. His presence,
and the assurance that his administration would support the
family, highlighted his genuine care and humanity during

this heartbreaking moment. Adams’ gesture was a true dis-
play of class and empathy. LD

Vues Master’s Note: Unfortunately, it’s not looking too
good these days for Mayor Eric Adams to win a second
term.

PESACH IS EXPENSIVE
Dear Vues Master,
For a Jewish family with four or more children, going away
for Pesach feels like an impossible dream, especially with
hotels charging over $10,000 per person. My wife called

one Pesach program, and they wanted $20,000 per per-
son for nine days. That’s absurd. It adds up to a stagger-
ing $60,000 or more just for accommodations—how can

anyone afford this? Chol Hamoed is also a huge expense.
It’s frustrating to watch others easily pay such outrageous
amounts, while most families are left scrambling. Some are
forced to take out loans or cut back on everything else just
to make this work. It’s hard not to feel a sense of jealousy
when it seems like only the wealthy can truly enjoy this ex-

perience, while the rest of us struggle to keep
up. Even when extended families pool their
resources to share the cost, it still feels unfair
that such a beautiful tradition is reserved for
those with deep pockets. DW

Vues Master’s Note: I hear you—it’s incred-
ibly frustrating that a beautiful Yom Tov like

Pesach has become so out of reach for so many
families. The financial strain is overwhelming,
and it’s hard to watch others easily afford it.

HOW TO ARGUE
Dear Vues Master,
I am writing to share some thoughts on the
nature of disagreements prompted by your
paper’s recent discussions surrounding the

World Zionist Organization (WZO). My in-
tention is not to take sides in the specifics of

that argument, but rather to offer a perspective
on how such disagreements unfold within our
community.

I recall an old joke within the frum commu-
nity that noted the absence of significant argu-
ments in the single Reform and single Conser-
vative organizations, contrasting this with the

prevalence of numerous arguments within the
many Orthodox organizations. The punchline
suggested that just as there are no arguments
in a cemetery, the lack of debate in the other
movements indicated a lack of vitality. The

joke implied that the vibrancy and engage-
ment within the Orthodox community, a place

where Jewishness is alive and well, naturally
leads to robust discussion.
While this anecdote is amusing, it overlooks a
more fundamental reason for the intensity of

our disagreements. Too often, arguments with-
in the Orthodox community are framed in a

way that causes terrible division. The stance is

frequently taken: “I am conveying the defini-
tive word of Torah wisdom, the will of God.

To disagree with me is not merely an intel-
lectual difference, but a rejection of our holy

sages, a defiance of Torah, and an argument
against God.” A greater sense of humility is
desperately needed within our community!
Such an approach, by its very nature, breeds
deep and often irreconcilable divisions.

The central challenge lies in fostering a col-
lective realization that our individual per-
spectives, however deeply held, are not syn-
onymous with divine decree. Everyone must

realize that God is not giving different people
opposing views via divine inspiration. Perhaps
we can begin by simply adjusting the tone of
our conversations. What if we approached
each other with something like: “This is what I
believe to be true, and I hope you might agree.

However, if we hold differing views, let us ac-
knowledge that difference and move forward,

maintaining proper respect for one another.”

Sincerely,
Pesach Tarski
Vues Master’s Note: Do you think this would
work for a heretic or a missionary? In today’s
day and age, if you disagree with me, you are
an idol worshipper! Just kidding, but today we
are all so high-strung!

RIDDLE
Dear Vues Master,
Question: How is the Shemoneh Esrei during

the month of Nissan different from most week-
day Shemoneh Esrei throughout the year?

Answer: The first source that mentions strik-
ing the chest while sayingShlach lanu, Mchal

Lanu- “We have sinned, we have trespassed”

in the Shemoneh Esrei is found in the Shul-
chan Aruch and the Sefer Makar Chaim (Ba-
chrach).

In the Kitzur Halachos, the Makar Chaim
writes that “Striking the chest is only done on
days when Tachanun is recited.”

Therefore, since Tachanun is not recited dur-
ing the month of Nissan, one should not strike

their chest when saying “We have sinned, we
have trespassed” in the Shemoneh Esrei for
the entire month.
MF
Vues Master’s Note: Don’t think the custom
of the world is like you said! The biggest proof
is that I find people knocking even on Friday
night!

GADOL HADOR
Dear Vues Master,
As the WZO discussions go round and round,

it’s important to remember one thing. Which-
ever side of the fence you’re on, you must still

respect the Gedolei Hador (the greatest Torah
leaders)! Just like in other matters where there
may be two opinions, such as many Halachic
questions on Shabbos, you go with what your
trusted rabbi tells you. And as long as you
follow the ruling of a reliable posek (decisor
of Jewish law), you can be comfortable with
your practice. The same goes here.
Yes, it is true that so many great names have
come against participating in the election this

time, and they have an extremely valid point.
If you happen to follow a ruling that doesn’t
match, the proper reaction is: “I respect their
opinion and understand it.” These are rabbis
who have sat learning for well over 50 years
around the clock, and we don’t dare show
them disrespect. Lihavdil (to distinguish), you
don’t see Muslims arguing against their Imam,
and you don’t see Christians putting down
their pastor. We are a religion that respects
our teachers, and the Torah mandates fearing
Talmidei Chachamim (Torah scholars). Bad
things have happened throughout history to
those who haven’t treated them properly, and
one who belittles Torah wisdom is required to
seek their forgiveness an infinite amount of
times. It’s time to chastise the vicious online
chatter you often see on Jewish news sites and
distance ourselves from such ugly behavior.
KLMY
Vues Master’s Note: Amen! As long as the
Rabbi agrees with my Rabbi!

HEAD
Dear Vues Master,

When he heard people complaining how dif-
ficult it is to prepare for Pesach, a rabbi ob-
served: “Perhaps that is why Nissan is called

the head of the months, as the Chachamim
said: ‘All who are in distress for Israel become
the head.’”
JM
Vues Master’s Note: That is why we eat the
head of the fish, so it will not pain us later!

THE ULTIMATE COMPLIMENT

FOR THE ULTIMATE BAALEI TE-
SHUVA

Dear Vues Master,
Most of us think that the ultimate compliment
for baalei teshuva (those who have repented)
is the famous Talmudic declaration: “In the

place where a baal teshuva stands, a complete-
ly righteous person cannot stand.” (Berakhot

34b) The daf yomi that we studied on Rosh
Chodesh Nissan provides a compliment on as
high a plane as this one, if not higher!

The discussion leading up to it does not exact-
ly begin on the most

auspicious note.
The Talmud states
(Sanhedrin 102) that
Menashe (the king
referred to in 2 Kings
Chapter 21 and in 2
Chronicles Chapter
33) “has no share in
the world to come.”
His very name puts up
two strikes against him
– (1) since he forgot
God (102, above), or
alternatively (2) since
he caused the Children
of Israel to forget their
Jewish values (102,

above), and this is on top of the fact that (3)
he worshipped an idol (Ashera) (102, above,
and 2 Kings 21:3) and erected altars to Baal
(2 Kings 21:3).
Nevertheless, this same discussion in the
Talmud cited Rabbi Yehudah declaring that
this same Menashe has a place in the world
to come, as it is stated “And he prayed to

Him (the God of his fathers) and he was en-
treated by him” (102, above, and 2 Chroni-
cles 33:13), “and [God] heard his supplica-
tion, and He returned him to Jerusalem, to

his kingship” – and he reigned for 55 years
in Jerusalem (2 Kings 21:1 and again in 2
Chronicles 33:1), longer than any other king
in Jewish history.
Rabbi Yochanan says, “Anyone who says
that Menashe has no share in the world to
come discourages penitents” (Sanhedrin
103). Not only did Menashe repent, but “he
repented for 33 years” (Sanhedrin 103).
Rabbi Yochanan said in the name of Rabbi
Shimon Ben Yohai, “What is the significance
of ‘And he prayed to him and vayaychoser
lo (made an opening)’ (2 Chronicles 33:13)?
It should have said vayay-oser lo (and he
received his entreaty).” This comes to teach
us that God Himself created a machteres —
an opening — in Heaven in order to accept

his repentance (Sanhedrin 103). Rabbi Sha-
lom Rosner, may he live long, refers to the

machteres as a tunnel.
The contradicting sentences (pun intended)
can be explained as follows: Originally,
Menashe behaved so badly that he
seemed to have forfeited his place in
the world to come. But then he did
such teshuva (repentance) that not
only did he earn a place in the world
to come, but God himself interfered
with the nature He had created and
made a special opening or tunnel
through which Menashe could come

into the World to Come. Quite a con-
trast to the tunnels of Gaza!

Now, back to the Menashe, the origi-
nal member of the tribe. He was given his

name for a different reason. His name also re-
fers to forgetfulness but in a positive context.

He was given this name by Joseph because
Joseph stated that “God has made me forget
all my hardship…” (Genesis 41:51). So in
Menashe’s case, his father Joseph gave him
the name Menashe, reflecting on his own life
(Joseph’s), having risen so far in the world

that he forgot his previous troubles associ-
ated with betrayal and evil, while, by con-
trast, King Menashe “forgot” the Godly ways

of his ancestors, but was able to overcome

this terrible “forgetfulness” by his sincere te-
shuva. It is hard to imagine worse behavior

— actually building altars to false gods — or
greater heights — going on to serve longer
than any other Jewish king.
So no matter how low we go, there is always
hope for penitence and redemption – in this
world and the next! Let us hope that we will
live to see – and soon – our enemies repent

and then serve as positive examples for hu-
mankind, although most of us would be hap-
py to settle for our enemies simply stopping

their barbaric and hypocritical behavior, for

any reason or combination of reasons, wheth-
er they repent or not!

P.S. And as we transition into the spirit of
Pesach, may we figure out ways to convince
the wicked son to join the ranks of the baalei
teshuva, so his seat at the seder table will no
longer have that designation in the future.
The writer can’t claim to be a baal teshuva

but has written, edited, and/or supplemented
a variety of books, including biographies
of leaders who influenced many people to
become baalei teshuva – Harry Fischel (40

Years of Struggle for a Principle – augment-
ed edition), Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein (The

Maverick Rabbi), and Chief Rabbi Shear
Yashuv Cohen.
Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel, Esq.
Vues Master’s Note: After this letter, I seem
to be jealous!

TRUE HACHNOSAS ORCHIM
Dear Vues Master,
Why do we praise Avraham for his quality
of hospitality? After all, the Torah notes that
Lot also greeted the Angels and made them a
feast. The “Ohev Yisrael” answered: By Lot,
it is written, “And the two angels came.” To
greet angels isn’t something to boast about.

But by Avraham, the Torah states, “And be-
hold, three men.” They looked like ordinary

people, with dust on their feet, and to treat
ordinary people with such respect is truly the
quality of hospitality. LO

Vues Master’s Note: I would be scared to in-
vite Arabs these days; I don’t have a metal

detector in front of my house!

EULOGY
Dear Vues Master,
When Moshiach comes, the evil inclination

will be slaughtered. But everyone, even the
evil inclination, needs to be eulogized. Thus,
it seems likely that at his funeral, they may

well say that he often spent time in the com-
pany of good Jews.

MB
Vues Master’s Note: Scary stuff! The truth!

CAR WASH PRICE
Dear Vues Master
As Pesach approaches, many car washes are
raising their prices to take advantage of the
increased demand. Families are preparing

for Pesach by cleaning their homes and ve-
hicles, which often leads to higher demand

for car wash services. However, it’s disheart-
ening to see businesses exploit this situation

by inflating their prices just before Pesach.
These price hikes are unfair and, in some
cases, illegal, especially when families are
already struggling with the financial burden
of holiday preparations. Car washes should

focus on providing quality service at reason-
able rates, rather than taking advantage of

customers for profit.
PB
Vues Master’s Note: Taking advantage of
people right before Pesach is shameful!
These businesses are blatantly exploiting
people during an already expensive time.
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