04 Jun 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.
CHASSIDIM HIGH UPSTATE
Dear Vues Master,
In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable and inspir-
ing trend: an increasing number of Chassidim are relocat-
ing to the Catskills not just for the summer, but year-round.
Once a seasonal haven, the region is quickly becoming a
permanent home for many Yidden seeking a life immersed
in Torah, avodah, and chassidus in a peaceful, wholesome
environment.
A significant factor driving this move is the much more af-
fordable housing upstate compared to neighborhoods like
Williamsburg and Boro Park. The cost of living in these es-
tablished centers of Torah and chassidus has risen dramati-
cally, making it increasingly challenging for young families
to find suitable homes. In contrast, the Catskills offers spa-
cious, beautiful properties at a fraction of the cost, allowing
families to build their dream homes without overwhelming
financial strain.
However, it is important to acknowledge that some local
residents have expressed concerns about this rapid growth.
The influx of new families brings changes to the character
and pace of life in the area, and not all locals feel comfort-
able with these developments. We approach this transition
with sensitivity and respect, committed to building bridges
and fostering positive relationships within the broader com-
munity.
One of the most exciting milestones in this growth is the es-
tablishment of a new Skvere kehillah in Bethel. The Skvere
Rebbe, shlita, will honor us by spending Shabbos Parshas
Re’eh in Bethel to inaugurate this community. Hundreds of
families are preparing to settle there, building a true shtetl
of Torah and chassidus in a setting conducive to spiritual
growth and tranquility. UW
Vues Master’s Note: That is great news!
CHEESY
Dear Vues Master,
This Shavuos, I went all in on cheesecake—classic New
York style, chocolate swirl, lotus Biscoff, Oreo crumble…
you name it, I tried it. At first, it was divine. But by day two,
something shifted. What began as milchig delight turned
into a dairy disaster.
I powered through, telling myself, “It’s only once a year!”
But by the end of Yom Tov, even looking at another cheese-
cake made me queasy.
So, I’m declaring a cheesecake break. Not this week, not
this Shabbos, not until next Shavuos. May Hashem give me
the strength to keep my vow.
To all the amazing bakers and hosts—thank you! You out-
did yourselves. But next year, maybe we pace ourselves a
bit?
– LP
Vues Master’s Note: Now we’ve got to lose all the weight!
GENDER
Dear Vues Master,
When a baby boy is born, the celebrations begin right
away—with a Shalom Zachor on Friday night, and a bris
on the eighth day. There’s joy, community, and excitement.
But when a baby girl is born, the celebration often feels
delayed and muted. Maybe there’s a kiddush in the first
year—but it’s not nearly as prominent.
This doesn’t seem fair. The birth of a girl is just as miracu-
lous and worthy of celebration. I understand the weight of
tradition, but maybe it’s time we find meaningful ways to
welcome baby girls with the same warmth and communal
joy.
– SF
Vues Master’s Note: You missed the point—“Kol kevuda
bat melech penima” (The glory of a princess is inward).
Dignity doesn’t always need fanfare.
GENDER II
Dear Vues Master,
In the Orthodox Jewish shidduch world, it often feels like
the boy holds most of the power. His résumé is widely cir-
culated, he sets the meeting pace, and the decision often
leans his way.
This creates an imbalance, with girls feeling like they have
to prove themselves rather than engage as equals in finding
compatibility.
I don’t mean this as a criticism, but as an invitation to reflect.
If we want respectful, Torah-based relationships, maybe it’s
time we re-examine how we approach shidduchim—with
mutual respect and equality.
– HT
Vues Master’s Note: What’s with this week’s letter writers
being so insecure about gender?
CONCERT
Dear Vues Master,
I was thrilled to hear that Ishai Ribo, Zusha, and Avraham
Fried will perform this summer at Bethel Woods—the big-
gest Jewish concert ever in the Catskills!
What a beautiful venue with deep musical history, and what
a meaningful time—Shabbos Nachamu weekend. I expect a
huge crowd—maybe 15,000 to 20,000 people!
I can’t wait for this inspiring, historic night!
– DC
Vues Master’s Note: Are you kidding? Trying
to copy Woodstock?
APPRECIATION
Dear Vues Master,
Just wanted to let you know how much our
entire family loves The Jewish Vues! Every
week, we look forward to it, and the Shavuos
edition was truly outstanding.
The Divrei Torah are always thoughtful and
spark great conversations. My kids love the
jokes and trivia—it’s a fun, meaningful part
of our Shabbos.
Thank you for all your hard work in creating a
publication that brings Torah and joy into our
home.
– BW
Vues Master’s Note: Thank you for the kind
words—we truly appreciate it!
PRIVACY
Dear Vues Master,
When Rabbi Yechiel of Alexander was sick,
the Avnei Nezer came to visit him, as part of
the mitzvah of bikur cholim. Shortly after a
meal was brought in for Rabbi Yechiel, he
asked everyone to leave the room. Surprised,
the Avnei Nezer asked why.
Rabbi Yechiel explained:
“On Erev Shabbos, every Jew gladly wel-
comes the angels who accompany him home
and says, ‘Bo’achem l’shalom’. Yet, even to
the angels, before the meal begins, we say:
‘Tzeitchem l’shalom’ (‘Go in peace’). No
disrespect intended—but please wait outside
while I eat.”
– MB
Vues Master’s Note: I’d eat and let the angels
watch!
GARBAGE
Dear Vues Master,
An ignoramus published a commentary on the
Chumash and brought it to a rabbi for a haska-
ma. After looking it over, the rabbi concluded
it was worthless. He said, “Such brilliance!
What a great idea.”
“You really think so?” the
man asked.
“Yes,” the rabbi replied. “It
was a brilliant idea to publish
your commentary together
with the Chumash. That way,
no one can throw it in the
garbage.”
– HJ
Vues Master’s Note: That’s a
tough sefer to sell!
HARVARD
Dear Vues Master,
Harvard University recently
showed sensitivity to the Af-
rican American community
by agreeing to return seven
photographs of half-naked
Black slaves. These photos
were commissioned in 1850
by a professor who believed
their phy-
siques proved
racial inferior-
ity.
This is part
of Harvard’s
broader efforts
to address
past injustices,
including ac-
knowledging
its ties to slav-
ery, offering
reparations,
and changing
its seal due to
its association
with a slaveo-
wner.
But when will Harvard address other stains
on its history—such as its ties with Nazi Ger-
many in the 1930s?
In 1934, Hitler’s press spokesman Ernst “Put-
zi” Hanfstaengl received VIP treatment at
Harvard for his 25th reunion. Harvard main-
tained ties with Heidelberg University, de-
spite its firing of Jewish faculty, Nazi-aligned
curriculum, and book burnings. Harvard even
joined exchange programs with Nazi institu-
tions and allowed Nazi officials to lay a swas-
tika wreath in its chapel.
This was all documented by Prof. Stephen
Norwood in his 2009 book The Third Reich
in the Ivory Tower. Yet Harvard has never
apologized for its pro-Nazi associations, even
as it acknowledges its anti-Black past. Why
the double standard?
Other universities also share this history:
Columbia University welcomed Nazi ambas-
sador Hans Luther and participated in Nazi
exchange programs.
George Washington University screened Nazi
films, hosted swastika displays, and main-
tained exchange programs with the Univer-
sity of Munich.
Wesleyan University hosted Nazi officials and
promoted professors who publicly praised the
Nazi regime.
While these institutions have taken steps to
address racism toward African Americans,
they have shown little sensitivity to the Jew-
ish community and their past associations
with Nazi Germany.
Why the disparity? Why recognize one form
of racism while ignoring another?
– Rafael Medoff
Vues Master’s Note: Anti-Semitism is rearing
its ugly head!
WONDERFUL
Dear Vues Master,
A sefer was brought to Rabbi Yaakov Me-
shulem for a haskama. After reviewing it, he
suggested the title “Pelei Pela’im” (Wonders
of Wonders).
When asked why, he said:
“I knew that rags can be turned into paper. I
didn’t know paper could turn back into rags.
That’s truly pelei pela’im.”
– FT
Vues Master’s Note: As Shlomo HaMelech
said, ‘Of making many books there is no end.’
HOSTAGES
Dear Vues Master,
It’s heartbreaking to think that
after over 600 days of war, the
hostages from October 7 are still
missing. Israel, known for its ad-
vanced intelligence and military,
has not yet found them. How is
this possible?
Despite constant reports of Hamas
members being eliminated, no real
progress seems to be made regard-
ing the hostages’ location.
I don’t pretend to know the complexities of
war, but something doesn’t seem to add up.
I pray for a breakthrough—for the hostages
and for peace.
– FW
Vues Master’s Note: It is indeed humbling.
GRADUATION
Dear Vues Master,
As graduation season begins, I’ve noticed
the academic attire at Yeshiva University and
Touro College—robes and caps that look just
like those at secular schools. Why do they
adopt such traditions? Isn’t it a bit like copy-
ing the non-Jewish world?
– LB
Vues Master’s Note: I think the entire college
graduation ceremony is goyish!
UNACCEPTABLE
Dear Vues Master
It is both shocking and unacceptable that an
individual like Matthew Karelefsky, con-
victed of a horrific act of attempted murder
and arson that endangered countless lives—
including a 6-week-old infant—still has the
ability to communicate threats from behind
bars. His recent letter to Yeshiva Mikdash
Melech, threatening mass shootings in multi-
ple zip codes, is not only terrifying but proves
that he remains a danger to society even while
incarcerated.
People like Karelefsky, who have demonstrat-
ed a clear and repeated willingness to harm
others, should be put away for life—without
the privilege of external communication. In-
carceration must mean more than physical
confinement. When inmates can still inspire
fear, disrupt communities, and threaten vio-
lence, it raises serious concerns about our jus-
tice and corrections systems.
We call on the appropriate authorities to take
swift and decisive action. The safety of our
schools, our children, and our neighborhoods
must come first. Inmates with a history of vio-
lent extremism should not be allowed to send
mail or messages that could further endanger
the public. We must ensure that prison walls
are more than just symbolic barriers.
PT
Vues Master’s Note: Outrageous! He’s in
prison—how can he send threats?