27 May SPEAK YOUR VUES WITH THE VUES MASTER
Please note that the author of Speak Your Vues is in no way affiliated with the publisher of
this paper. The author of this column is an independent third party contributor. The views and
opinions expressed by this author may not reflect the views and opinions of the publishers. If
one has any issues with any of the views, please write a letter to the Vues Master.
CHEESECAKES
Dear Vues Master:
As Shavuos approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the min-
hagim: delicious cheesecake, beautiful flower arrangements,
and festive meals. These minhagim bring joy and flavor to the
Yom Tov, but they also risk overshadowing the real essence of
Shavuos—Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Shavuos marks the most pivotal moment in Jewish history:
when we stood united at Har Sinai and received the Torah, com-
mitting ourselves to a life of purpose, values, and divine connec-
tion. It’s not just a celebration of what happened thousands of
years ago; it’s a yearly renewal of our own personal acceptance
of Torah and mitzvot.
Yes, the milchig meals and floral decorations have meaning.
Some say we eat milchigs because the Yidden didn’t yet have
kosher laws at Sinai. Flowers remind us of Har Sinai blooming
with life. But these are symbols, not the center.
So, as we enjoy our cheesecake and admire the beauty of the sea-
son, let’s remember what we’re really celebrating: the moment
we became a people with a mission. Shavuos is about Torah,
commitment, and the ongoing journey of learning and growth.
Wishing all a Chag Sameach & a Gut Yom Tov!
RYR
Vues Master’s Note: Yes, it is a beautiful Yom Tov!
ALL NIGHTER
Dear Vues Master:
As Shavuos is next week, I’ve been reflecting on a common tra-
dition many of us observe—staying up all night learning Torah
on Shavuos night. It’s a beautiful minhag, rooted in the desire to
rectify our ancestors’ oversleeping at the time of Matan Torah.
Yet I can’t help but wonder: Have we lost sight of the deeper
meaning?
Each year, countless people stay up all night, energized by shi-
urim and chavrusas, only to collapse for most of the next day.
In some communities, you barely see anyone during daylight
hours. Is this what was intended? Is the goal merely to check a
box, or to engage meaningfully with the gift of Torah?
Shavuos is not just about staying awake—it’s about being awake
spiritually. It’s about standing at Har Sinai again and renewing
our connection to Torah. That might mean learning all night, but
it also means showing up with presence and kavod for the dav-
ening, for the meals, for each other.
Let’s embrace the whole Yom Tov—not just the night but the
day too—with thought, balance, and heart. Torah is a 24/7 gift,
not a one-night marathon.
Wishing you a meaningful, uplifting Shavuos.
BT
Vues Master’s Note: I know people who stay up all night but
then sleep through the rest of Yom Tov twice as long! Missed
the boat?
HOSTAGES
Dear Vues Master:
I write this letter with a heart full of emotion and inspiration af-
ter hearing the stories of Agam Berger and Omer Shem Tov dur-
ing their recent visit to the Five Towns. Their presence alone is a
miracle, and to witness their strength, resilience, and unshakable
emunah is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
In a time marked by so much darkness and uncertainty, their
courage lights a path forward. Despite the unimaginable ordeal
they endured, they have emerged with dignity, faith, and a mes-
sage of hope. Their words are not just testimony to their survival
but to the enduring spirit of Am Yisrael Chai—the Jewish people
live, and our spirit cannot be broken.
What struck me most deeply was how both Agam and Omer
spoke of their connection to Hashem during their captivity.
Even in isolation, fear, and pain, they turned inward and found
strength in their faith. It is a level of emunah that challenges and
uplifts all of us. They remind us that no matter the darkness, a
Jew’s spark is never extinguished.
As they share their journeys with communities across Ameri-
ca, they’re not only telling their stories—they’re reigniting the
flame of Jewish unity, reminding us to never take freedom or
faith for granted. May their healing continue, and may their
emunah inspire us to deepen our own.
With heartfelt admiration,
PT
Vues Master’s Note: May all hostages be released!
MEALS
Dear Vues Master,
As Shavuos approaches, I’d like to publicly thank my wife,
who always dedicates countless hours preparing for Yom Tov.
From shopping and cooking to setting the table and coordinating
meals, the effort and care she puts into creating a beautiful chag
should never be taken for granted. In our home, my wife takes
great pride in preparing four festive milchig meals over the two
days of Shavuos, embracing the minhag with remarkable dedi-
cation and culinary creativity.
That said, I’d like to gently share a perspective that others may
relate to: not everyone loves milchig. Personally, I’ve never had
a strong appetite for it, and by the third or fourth milchig meal, I
find myself longing for a piece of chicken or brisket.
While milchig meals are certainly traditional on Shavuos—often
linked to the giving of the Torah (Matan Torah) and other mean-
ingful themes—meat meals are equally permissible and festive.
As the saying goes, “Ain simcha ela b’basar”—
“There is no joy without meat.” Many rabbis I’ve
spoken with suggest a balanced approach: two
milchig meals and two meat meals over Yom Tov.
I’d like to humbly advocate for this model. It
honors tradition while accommodating personal
preferences and digestive comfort. With a little
compromise, we can all enjoy a Yom Tov that
is spiritually uplifting, physically satisfying, and
harmonious at heart.
– RST
Vues Master’s Note: We only eat milchig during
Kiddush after being up all night—the rest is all
meat, all the time!
ADOPT A SHADCHAN
Dear Vues Master,
Last Tuesday evening, May 20th, The Gallery in
Cedarhurst, in conjunction with Adopt A Shad-
chan, hosted a special event for over 50 young
women who have lost a parent—offering an eve-
ning of inspiration and support.
The gathering was organized by Simchas Ha-
Chaim, an organization founded in 2023 by Shad-
chan Lisa Elefant in memory of her son, Chaim
z”l, who passed away at age 33. Simchas Ha-
Chaim aims to provide a lifeline for single girls
navigating the dating process independently after
losing a parent. It has already grown to support
over 80 young women.
Simchas HaChaim connects these singles with
reputable shadchanim who offer personalized
attention, networking, and advocacy throughout
the dating process. One participant expressed,
“My shadchan takes care of me
with open arms. It makes me feel
like I’m being looked after—
like someone is networking, re-
searching, and watching out for
me.”
The evening was thoughtfully
curated as a girls’ night out to
help participants present their
best selves for shidduchim.
Each girl received a gift card
and shopped with personal styl-
ists who offered expert fashion
advice.
After shopping, the girls heard
inspiring words from Bianca
Benisti Kaffash, a well-known
motivational speaker and Insta-
gram influencer known as “Rita
Inspired.” Bianca shared her
journey after losing both parents
at a young age, emphasizing the
importance of a deep connection
with Hashem during grief. She
spoke about embracing pain and
allowing Hashem to sit with you,
rather than rushing the healing
process.
The event provided a relaxed
setting where the girls could un-
wind, laugh, and connect. They
enjoyed a sushi and salad bar,
mingled with one another, and met shadchanim
in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Organizers
described the evening as a blend of positive en-
ergy, warmth, and connection, where every girl
felt supported and seen.
Simchas HaChaim hopes these efforts will lead
to many successful shidduchim and serve as an
aliyah for the neshama of Chaim ben Yaakov
Shmuel. The organization welcomes support to
continue offering these vital services and events
for yesomot in the community.
Special thanks to The Gallery for generously co-
hosting the event.
Stay tuned for our next big event on June 10th!
For more information, visit Adopt-A-Shadchan.
com.
All the best,
S.F. – A grateful recipient
Vues Master’s Note:
Hopefully, by the next Yom Tov, you and your
husband will be going shopping together!
SHAKE AND BAKE
Dear Vues Master,
WHAT TO BAKE FOR SHAVUOS:
(a) Seven-layer cake
(b) Three-cornered kreplach
(c) Saffron matzah
(d) Saffron cake
(e) Four-cornered challah
(f) Honey cake
(g) Butter challah
No source for cheesecake!
SOURCES:
• Sefer Yosef Ometz writes that the min-
hag was to make a cake or kugel shaped
like a seven-rung ladder, symbolizing how
Hashem tore open all seven heavens during
Matan Torah to show that Ein Od Milvado.
• In many German communities, the minhag
is to bake a seven-layer cake to represent the
seven weeks of the Omer count.
• Sefer Minhagei Yeshurun describes a cus-
tom to eat three-cornered kreplach to com-
memorate Matan Torah, which came:
• From a three-part Torah
• Given to a three-part nation
• Through a third-born child
• On the third day
• In the third month
• Kol Bo states that the minhag among all
Jews is to eat on Shavuos:
• Matzah baked with saffron
• The Chok Yaakov cites a version that says
cake instead of matzah. The Kol Bo explains
the reason is because it brings joy to the
heart.
• Kol Bo also writes about baking a four-
cornered challah, which looks like two chal-
lahs, to remind us of the Shtei HaLechem.
It also symbolizes the Gemini twins, as the
month of Sivan corresponds to that sign.
• Rokeach writes that on Shavuos morning,
children are brought to shul for the first time
and are given a specially inscribed honey
cake.
• The Mishnah Berurah, quoting the Magen
Avraham, says to bake one
butter challah. This will then
require a second, meat-friendly
challah—serving as a remem-
brance of the Two Loaves
brought in the Beit HaMikdash.
MF
Vues Master’s Note:
Yum! You’ve got me hungry
now!
POLITICS
Dear Vues Master,
Welcome to the golden age of
incompetence—where having
strong opinions is mandatory,
but knowing what you’re talk-
ing about is optional. Leading
this parade of performative rage
are people who panic over Elon
Musk and DOGE, and those
screaming “Free Palestine!”
like it’s the chorus to a song
they barely know the words to.
Let’s begin with DOGE—the
dreaded Department of Gov-
ernment Efficiency. Yes, that
dangerous, extremist orga-
nization hell-bent on… hold
onto your pearls… identifying
government waste. Shocking,
I know. It’s so sinister, I can
barely bring myself to type the
name without clutching a therapy dog. Musk and
his evil henchmen (also known as auditors) dis-
covered $100 million wasted on unused phone
lines, $59 million torched on luxury hotel rooms
for undocumented migrants, and a casual $20 bil-
lion funneled out of the EPA with less scrutiny
than your average middle school fundraiser. And
that’s just scratching the surface—there are bil-
lions more where that came from.
And the backlash? “But Elon Musk isn’t elect-
ed!” Oh, the horror. You mean like the heads of
the IRS, EPA, OSHA, FDA, FCC, SEC, and the
Department of Transportation? Because appar-
ently unelected officials are just fine—until one
of them starts trimming fat instead of growing
government oversight. The same crowd that hung
on every CDC word like gospel for two years is
now gasping for air because someone dares to
save taxpayers’ money. The hypocrisy is almost
majestic.
We’ve hit a new level of intellectual capacity—
so dense it creates its own gravity. Welcome to
the world of “Free Palestine,” where shouting
is a substitute for studying. Let’s be clear: there
was no Palestinian state before 1967. No flag,
no president, no government, no declaration of
independence—just a convenient narrative that
showed up when it became politically useful to
weaponize against Israel and the West. But hey,
don’t let that stop anyone from chanting slogans
they don’t understand.
And the real kicker? Even the Trump administra-
tion went along with this imaginary state, like
we’re all supposed to nod politely while pretend-
ing the emperor isn’t stark naked and waving a
flag he printed yesterday.
But facts don’t matter. Ask these activists what
they actually want, and you’ll get a mix of vague
slogans, buzzwords, and maybe a TikTok clip if
you’re lucky. They’re not pushing for peace or
coexistence—they’re pushing for outrage. They’ll
shout down Jewish students on campus and call it
justice. They’ll chant about liberation with zero
understanding of the region’s history, politics, or
leadership failures. But sure, they care deeply.
So here’s what the anti-DOGE crowd and the Free
Palestine movement have in common: no facts,
no history, no interest in getting either. What they
lack in brains, they make up for in hashtags. It’s
the same ideology—blind rage, virtue signaling,
and just enough misinformation to make them
feel smart in a group.
DOGE was created to solve actual problems. The
“Free Palestine” crowd? They were programmed
to scream on cue—mainly whatever CNN or Tik-
Tok told them to say, no homework required. One
deals in facts, audits, and receipts. The other runs
on hashtags, herd mentality, and the adrenaline
rush of being loud. This isn’t activism—it’s a cos-
tume party for people who think hitting “retweet”
is the same as changing the world.
And where does all this theater come from? You
can thank the Democratic Party—founders of the
“Don’t think, just repeat” doctrine. They’ve spent
years training an entire generation to ditch curios-
ity, memorize slogans, and treat outrage like it’s
a form of higher learning. The result? A culture
where calling out fraud is considered dangerous,
flag burning is applauded as bravery, and the less
you understand, the more you’re celebrated for
having an opinion.
So yes, welcome to America—where facts are
offensive, feelings are legislation, and the only
qualification to lead a movement is an Instagram
bio and a megaphone.
Wake up, America!!
Cheski Baum
Vues Master’s Note: The politics in America
reeks! We can have people condoning 10/7 as
your proof!
EATING AND FASTING
Dear Vues Master:
A secular Jew asked his friend why it is that on
Tisha B’Av we don’t put on tefillin until Mincha.
His friend replied: “The chachamim wanted to
make sure that people won’t eat on the fast, and
they were confident that no Jew is going to eat
before putting on tefillin.” DG
Vues Master’s Note: Can’t wear tefillin when you
are fast asleep!
ISRAEL
Dear Vues Master:
I just got back from an unforgettable trip to Is-
rael, and I had to write to tell you how absolutely
beautiful this past Monday was in Yerushalayim
for Yom Yerushalayim.
Being in the Old City on such a meaningful day
was something I’ll never forget. Yerushalayim
was alive with music, joy, and a deep sense of
unity. From the early hours, people were already
gathering—young and old, families, yeshiva stu-
dents, soldiers, and tourists like me. The streets
were filled with singing, dancing, and the sound
of drums and guitars. It felt like the entire city
was celebrating together.
The Flag Parade was an incredible sight—waves
of blue and white moving through the streets to-
ward the Old City, with thousands of voices sing-
ing “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” and other songs
of hope and love. It was emotional and uplifting
to witness such pride and connection to this holy
place.
Later in the day, at the Kotel, the atmosphere was
even more powerful. As the sun began to set,
groups continued to dance and sing with such
pure joy. The golden light over the stones, the
unity of so many people—it was truly moving.
I’m still carrying the energy and spirit of that day
with me. Yerushalayim was more than beauti-
ful—it was glowing with heart and history.
Wish you could have been there. We’ll have to go
together next time! PC
Vues Master’s Note: We will all be there with
Moshiach!
BIDEN
Dear Vues Master:
I am writing out of deep frustration and genuine
alarm after the revelations detailed in the recently
released exposé Original Sin, which sheds light
on the inner workings of the Biden White House.
The book makes it disturbingly clear that Presi-
dent Joe Biden was, for all practical purposes, a
puppet, with the real decision-making power con-
solidated in the hands of a small, insular group
of longtime political operatives and family mem-
bers.
This so-called “politburo,” as even insiders re-
ferred to it, reportedly controlled nearly every as-
pect of the presidency from behind closed doors.
Individuals like Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti,
Bruce Reed, Jill Biden, and even Hunter Biden
were part of a shadow leadership team that op-
erated without public accountability. It is deeply
troubling that the White House of the United
States—arguably the most powerful office in the
world—was run like a private club, while the
president’s cognitive and physical decline be-
came increasingly apparent.
To say President Biden was still in control is,
frankly, disingenuous. The structure described
in Original Sin sounds more like a managed per-
formance than true leadership. While some have
pushed back against the idea that this was a “Week-
end at Bernie’s” situation, it’s clear Biden was not
functioning independently as a leader should. In-
stead, he was propped up, guided, and shielded
by unelected individuals who acted with virtually
no scrutiny or
checks on their
power.
How can we, as Americans, allow this to happen
again?
We need serious national discussion and reform.
How do we prevent future presidents from being
used as figureheads by behind-the-scenes power
brokers? What mechanisms can be introduced to
assess a president’s ongoing mental and physical
fitness—without the process being politicized or
hidden from the public? How do we hold the in-
ner circles of the presidency accountable when
they cross the line from advising to governing?
Our system failed. The press missed it—or
worse, ignored it. Congress did nothing. And the
American people were misled. This is not about
partisanship—it’s about preserving the integrity
of the presidency and ensuring our leaders are
truly capable of fulfilling their constitutional re-
sponsibilities.
We must demand transparency, establish safe-
guards, and ensure no future administration can
operate in the shadows with a puppet at the helm.
LY
Vues Master’s Note: Don’t trust the book—it was
much worse!
SMARTY PANTS
Dear Vues Master,
A kindergarten teacher handed out a coloring
page to her class. On it was a picture of a duck
holding an umbrella. The teacher told her class
to color the duck yellow and the umbrella green.
However, Bobby, the class rebel, colored the
duck bright fire truck red.
After seeing this, the teacher asked him, “Bobby,
how many times have you seen a red duck?”
Young Bobby replied, “The same number of
times I’ve seen a duck holding an
umbrella.”
Vues Master’s Note: He has a point!
DIFFERENCES
Dear Vues Master,
May I ask you a question? I really
want an answer, and I’d appreciate
one free of political opinions. I’ve
made an observation and would like
a real explanation.
Why do you rarely, if ever, see pro-
Israel activists or advocates using
horrible profanity, making personal insults, or
calling for atrocious violence—yet somehow
that’s all you see from the anti-Israel crowd? (I’m
not calling them pro-Palestinian; I think we’re
past that charade.)
Again, I’m not talking politics right now. This is
a phenomenon I’d like explained.
The pro-Israel side shows up to protests, sings
together, and chants for peace. Meanwhile, the
anti-Israel crowd chants about their desire for ac-
tual genocide. (From the river to the sea is a call
for genocide—that’s not my opinion, it’s a geo-
graphical fact. Open a map.) They hold horrible
signs about why Hitler was right and harass any
Jews or Jewish institutions they can.
Why is that? Why are the two sides so unbal-
anced? Before you send me a picture or article
about some extremist on the Israeli side—sure,
there are extremists, but they are rejected by
99.999% of the Jewish nation. They’re the excep-
tion, not the rule.
So, why? Why do I get the most nauseating mes-
sages every day from people calling themselves
Pro-Palestinian, while I or anyone I know have
never sent such a message in our lives?
Why are Jewish creators harassed nonstop just
because they’re Jewish—even if they never
stepped foot in Israel—while Israel supporters
don’t go harassing random Muslims?
I’d appreciate a serious answer.
And then, once I know the answer, my next ques-
tion is: How do people not see who the good guys
are and who the bad guys are? How could it pos-
sibly be any clearer?
I’d love some answers. HF
Vues Master’s Note: Pere Adam!