10 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.
ASSISTED SUICIDE
Dear Vues Master,
As an Orthodox Jew and lifelong New Yorker, I am deeply
saddened by the passage of the so-called Medical Aid in Dy-
ing Act. This law, passed by a narrow vote, legalizes physi-
cian-assisted suicide.
Though presented as an act of compassion, in reality it aban-
dons the vulnerable. It allows doctors to prescribe lethal
drugs to patients expected to live fewer than six months—a
prognosis that is often inaccurate. Many have outlived such
predictions, experiencing healing, connection, and renewed
purpose.
Judaism teaches that all life is sacred. Every person is cre-
ated b’tzelem Elokim—in the image of Hashem. That holi-
ness doesn’t diminish with age or illness. Even life’s final
moments have spiritual meaning. Legalizing assisted suicide
sends a dangerous message: that some lives are no longer
worth living.
This law risks introducing a culture of death into our health-
care system. It opens the door to coercion—through financial
pressure, overwhelmed caregivers, or inner despair. That’s
not dignity; that’s abandonment.
Instead, we must invest in palliative care, mental health, and
community support. Life is a gift. We must choose life—al-
ways.
I urge Governor Hochul: Do not sign this bill into law. This is
not the future we want for New York. —AZ
Vues Master’s Note: People who don’t believe in Hashem
think doctors are infallible! This woke society should be
called a “dead” society—depressed, hopeless, and lost.
VOTE FOR INNA VERNIKOV
Dear Neighbor,
As a former Councilman and now your Assemblyman, I
know what’s at stake in the upcoming City Council primary.
It is absolutely critical that you show up and vote only for
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov.
I served alongside Councilwoman Inna Vernikov and Ari Ka-
gan. I saw the difference up close, and the difference could
not be more obvious.
When antisemitism exploded at CUNY, Inna Vernikov led the
charge and fought back. She convened hearings, held leader-
ship accountable, and demanded justice for Jewish students
and faculty. I sat next to her at every hearing and saw real
leadership. When others stood down, Inna stood tall and took
the heat. That’s real leadership.
If Mr. Kagan even showed up, it was to pose for cameras
and little more. He said little, did even less, skipped a critical
hearing, and contributed nothing meaningful to our efforts.
While in the City Council, I helped found a bipartisan Com-
mon Sense Caucus to take on the radical left and defend our
community’s values. No matter how many times I invited
him, Mr. Kagan refused to join—telling me, “Too many Re-
publicans,” fearing it would damage his Democratic image.
After spending his entire career as a Democrat, Mr. Kagan
only switched parties 30 months ago to run against a Demo-
crat in Bay Ridge. Voters there saw through him. Now he’s
running in our neighborhood—where he doesn’t live—trying
to defeat one of the only truly conservative members of the
Council.
Inna Vernikov stands up for us every single day. I’m proud to
support her—and you should too.
Please tell your family, friends, and neighbors: this race is
too important to sit out. Early voting begins June 14 and ends
June 22. Primary Day is Tuesday, June 24.
Vote only for Inna Vernikov. Let’s keep a true fighter in City
Hall.
Sincerely,
Assemblyman Kalman Yeger
Vues Master’s Note: Thanks, Kalman, for your letter. Inna
keeps receiving more and more endorsements. It’s important
that everyone goes out and votes if they haven’t already!
ARON KODESH
Dear Vues Master,
The unveiling of what is now considered the world’s largest
Aron Kodesh at Yeshiva Ateret Shlomo has been praised for
its artistic grandeur. Crafted over three years with gold, silver,
and precious stones—and even featuring the world’s smallest
mezuzah—it is a remarkable tribute to kavod haTorah.
But this, sadly, is not harbatzas haTorah. And it’s certainly not
the Beis HaMikdash.
In the Beis HaMikdash, lavishness was commanded by Hash-
em. But this is a yeshiva. There is no mitzvah to build a gold-
en ark. The millions spent could have supported kollelim,
schools, struggling Torah scholars, and communities in need.
A silver-plated Aron doesn’t teach Chumash. A golden cur-
tain doesn’t inspire a bochur to learn. It’s the people—the
learners and teachers—who are the true vessels of holiness.
This week, we lost Rav Yehuda Leib Weisberg zt”l, a quiet
giant in Torah. Where is our tribute to such men?
Let’s honor Torah through impact—by spreading learning,
supporting families, and building communities—not by
building monuments. —BT
Vues Master’s Note: How many poor Torah
scholars could his project have supported?
FINDING
Dear Vues Master,
A customer walked into a store right before
closing and asked to see ties. The tired sales-
man obliged. The customer asked for some-
thing flashier. Then for more red. Half an hour
passed as boxes were opened.
Finally, the customer said: “Sorry, nothing here
works. But don’t worry—I wasn’t planning to
buy anything. I was just looking for my father.”
The salesman looked at the mess and said, “I’ll
give you a dozen ties for free—if you answer
one question.”
“Sure,” said the man. “What’s the question?”
“If you were looking for your father, why did
you think he’d be in one of these boxes?” —KF
Vues Master’s Note: I would’ve said: “Finders,
keepers!”
CONCERT
Dear Vues Master,
I was thrilled about the upcoming Jewish con-
cert at Bethel Woods featuring Ishay Ribo,
Zusha, and Avraham Fried. But then I saw the
ticket prices—over $100 for the cheapest seats.
That’s unaffordable for many families.
Worse, there’s no clarity on whether there will
be separate seating for men and women—a se-
rious issue for many in our community. Why
isn’t this clearly addressed?
Music should be uplifting and inclusive, not ex-
clusive. I urge the organizers: lower the prices
or offer community discounts. Be transparent
about seating. Don’t let what could be a unify-
ing celebration become a source of division.
—BC
Vues Master’s Note: You’re never going to
make everyone happy! I’m sure they made all
their decisions based on what would be good
for business and sell the most tickets.
BILL
Dear Vues Master,
I’m outraged by Assembly Speaker Carl
Heastie’s decision to kill a bipartisan bill com-
memorating the October 7, 2023 terror attack
in Israel, in which 1,200 innocent people were
murdered.
This wasn’t about politics—it was about human
decency. Just as we remember Rosa Parks or
Susan B. Anthony, the victims of October 7 de-
serve to be remembered.
Heastie reportedly stacked a committee to
block the bill—despite support from Demo-
crats. He even allowed a resolution honoring
Palestinian Americans, only to pull it at the last
minute. But bills recognizing Jewish suffering?
Dead on arrival.
Assemblyman Ari Brown was right—this reeks
of veiled antisemitism. Would this have hap-
pened if the victims were from another group?
Not likely.
This isn’t just a failure of leadership—it’s a
moral collapse. The Jewish community de-
serves better.
—DP
Vues Master’s
Note:
How can we be sur-
prised when moral
clarity is sacrificed
for political games
and cowardice?
PATIENTS
DEMAND
RESPECT
Dear Vues Master,
I’m writing to
express my deep
frustration over an
experience I had
last week that I feel
reflects a larger
problem in our
healthcare system—specifically, how patients
are often treated with disregard and a lack of re-
spect for their time. I had a scheduled appoint-
ment with my doctor, and like any responsible
patient, I arrived on time. After checking in, I
waited patiently in the office for over thirty min-
utes past my appointment time. No explanation.
No updates. Just sitting in a waiting room with
growing confusion and frustration. Eventually,
a staff member informed me that the doctor
wouldn’t be coming in at all that day. No call.
No notice. Nothing. I had taken time off work,
rearranged my schedule, and waited—only to
be told, half an hour after my appointment time,
that the doctor wouldn’t even be in. Frankly, it
felt insulting. What adds insult to injury is the
double standard. If I had been the one to arrive
thirty minutes late, I would have been marked as
a no-show and likely charged a cancellation fee.
So why is it acceptable for a doctor to leave a
patient waiting only to cancel with no account-
ability? To make matters worse, I specifically
asked the secretary to have the doctor call me. I
was told this would happen. Days went by—no
call. No apology. Nothing. Again, the message
was clear: my time, concerns, and health were
not important enough to even warrant a follow-
up. I understand that emergencies happen and
that doctors are human too. But there’s a right
way to handle these situations—with communi-
cation, consideration, and respect. That did not
happen here. I’m not writing this to simply vent.
I want healthcare providers to hear this message
loud and clear: patients are not just appointment
slots. We are people with jobs, responsibilities,
and health concerns. We deserve basic courtesy
and the same level of respect that is expected
from us. This kind of treatment is unacceptable,
and it needs to change. -JB
Vues Master’s Note: You’re absolutely right—
patients deserve respect, clear communication,
and accountability. If doctors charge us for no-
shows, we should charge them too.
WAR
Dear Vues Master,
Am Yisrael faces an existential threat. Hala-
chically, there are two types of war: milchemet
reshut (optional) and milchemet mitzvah
(obligatory). This is the latter.
The Rambam says any war to defend Israel
from attack is a milchemet mitzvah, requir-
ing every Jew—even a groom on his wedding
day—to join.
The IDF is more than an army—it’s the defense
of Klal Yisrael. Defending our people is a mitz-
vah. Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Soloveit-
chik affirmed this.
Let’s not be passive. This is a mitzvah. Let’s
act like it. —BT
Vues Master’s Note: Am Yisrael is under
threat—this is a milchemet mitzvah. Despite
criticisms of the government, defending our
people remains a sacred obligation.
BABY BOYS GET MORE
ATTENTION
Dear Vues Master,
Regarding last week’s letter questioning why
baby boys receive more attention than baby
girls in the frum world, I’d like to respond.
The letter writer unfortunately seems to have
been influenced by secular society, which often
claims that Judaism short-changes girls. But if
we look at the issue clearly, we’ll see that’s not
the case.
The letter noted that celebrations for baby boys
begin right away with a Shalom Zachor and
then a bris, while girls only receive a kiddu-
sh—and sometimes even that is delayed.
The answer lies in the question: the Shalom
Zachor is intended to ensure the baby boy un-
dergoes his bris milah—which can be danger-
ous—safely.
Even the letter writer should understand why
girls don’t undergo a bris, and why that’s some-
thing to be thankful for—not a reason to com-
plain.
As for celebrating a girl’s birth, there’s noth-
ing stopping a family from hosting a festive,
prominent kiddush soon after her birth. Prob-
lem solved! —DZ
Vues Master’s Note: Absolutely agree—our
traditions have deep meaning, not bias. Cel-
ebrating differently doesn’t mean celebrating
less. Let’s honor each uniquely.
NEGATIVITY
Dear Vues Master,
Sometimes your paper runs negative ads
against politicians, and sometimes not. What’s
the policy?
—AH
Vues Master’s Note:
If one Jew attacks another, we don’t allow it—
lashon hara! If it’s an anti-Israel Muslim, we
run the ad. He’s a goy and an antisemite!
QUOTE
Dear Vues Master,
I was disturbed by your paper quoting Shabtai
Tzvi—a false messiah who misled many. Such
figures should not be included, even in humor
or trivia. Please screen content more carefully.
—BS
Vues Master’s Note: Thank you for your feed-
back. That quote was submitted by someone
else, but I understand your concern and will try
to ensure better content screening in the future.
PATIENT VS. PATIENCE
Dear Vues Master,
I had an appointment and waited over 30 min-
utes—only to be told the doctor never came in.
No notice. No call. Nothing.
If I had been late, I’d be charged. But when
they disrespect my time—there’s no account-
ability.
I asked for a callback. Days passed—nothing.
This is unacceptable. Patients deserve respect.
Doctors, hear this: We’re not just time slots.
We’re people. Treat us that way. —JB
Vues Master’s Note: I know someone who told
his doctor, “Every minute you keep me wait-
ing, I’m deducting $1 from my co-pay.” Now
he’s always seen first!
LOUD
Dear Vues Master,
Before bedtime, six-year-old Yossi davened
loudly: “Dear Hashem in the shamayim, please
give me a bike!”
His father asked, “Why are you yelling? Hash-
em isn’t deaf.”
Yossi replied: “I know Hashem hears me. But
Grandpa is hard of hearing.” —BF
Vues Master’s Note: He probably believes in
the tooth fairy too!
HEADLINES
Dear Vues Master,
Headline Confusion, Brought to You by 2025:
“Gaza Health Ministry: Thousands of Palestin-
ian Children Killed in Elon–Trump Conflict.”
At this point, any sentence that starts with
“Gaza Health Ministry” and ends with “Elon–
Trump Conflict” seems less like news and
more like a logic bomb.
Did Elon Musk launch a Tesla into Gaza with
flamethrower side mirrors? Did Trump’s latest
NFT contain a nuclear launch code?
Perhaps they finalized foreign policy mid-golf
swing at Mar-a-Lago—livestreamed on X (for-
merly “sanity”).
Naturally, the Gaza Health Ministry—glob-
ally trusted, fully transparent, and never politi-
cized—would never exaggerate body counts
or mislabel militants as minors. Perish the
thought.
And of course, when tragedy strikes Gaza, the
names on everyone’s lips are: Elon Musk and
Donald Trump—two billionaires with no oper-
ational control in the region and likely no idea
where Rafah is on a map.
Looking forward to next week’s headline:
“Jeff Bezos Causes Moonquake; UN Inves-
tigates.” In this golden age of clickbait and
chaos, thank you for reminding us that facts
are now negotiable, and reality is apparently
subscription-based.
And to the Gaza Health Ministry—thank you
for your tireless contributions to the genre of
creative nonfiction. —PL
Vues Master’s Note: Welcome to the woke
media—where a boy is a girl, a girl is a boy,
those starting wars are called “resistance,” and
those defending themselves are labeled geno-
cidal. BLM protests? Okay. January 6th? Not
okay. Etc.
GIVING
Dear Vues Master,
The Torah says: “And this is the offering you
shall take from them: gold, silver, and copper”
(Shemos 25:3).
This refers to three kinds of giving:
Gold (Zahav): Those who give from the good-
ness of their hearts, while still healthy. The He-
brew acronym stands for Zeh HaNoten Bari—
“One who gives while healthy.”
Silver (Kesef): Those who give out of fear or
danger. The acronym: K’sheYesh Sakkanat
Pachd—“When there is a fear of danger.”
Copper (Nechoshes): Those who give or in-
struct giving when seriously ill or near death.
The acronym: Nidvat Choleh She’Amar
T’nu—“A donation of a sick person who says,
‘Give.’” —MB
Vues Master’s Note: Hashem gives, and Hash-
em takes!
BROOKLYN’S SUMMER
SLOWDOWN
Dear Vues Master,
I just wanted to share how absolutely thrilled
I am that summer is almost here and Brooklyn
starts to empty out. Honestly, I can’t wait for
those quieter, calmer months when the neigh-
borhood seems to take a deep breath and slow
down. It’s such a refreshing change from the
usual hustle and bustle, and I find myself look-
ing forward to it every year.
One of the best parts of this time is the sudden
abundance of parking spots! You might think
it’s a small thing, but in Brooklyn—where
parking can feel like an endless battle—hav-
ing open spaces feels like a small miracle. It’s
almost like the streets are giving you a little
gift, making running errands or going out so
much less stressful. No more circling the block
endlessly or squeezing into impossible spots.
It’s such a relief.
But it’s not just the parking—the whole vibe of
the city changes. People are in less of a rush,
and the pace of daily life softens. The usual
crush of commuters and the frantic energy of
city living dial down to something more man-
ageable, more human. You can actually take
your time walking down the street, stop for a
moment to chat with neighbors, and feel like
the city is more of a community and less of a
crowded maze.
A huge part of why Brooklyn empties out is
that so many folks head upstate or to the shore
for the summer. The Catskills and Deal, New
Jersey, are classic retreats for frum Brook-
lynites looking to escape the city heat. It’s no
surprise—the fresh air, the greenery or ocean
breeze, the slower pace, and the chance to
reconnect with nature offer such a stark and
beautiful contrast to city life. I’d guess that
more than half the residents of Flatbush and
Boro Park make the trip away for July and Au-
gust. It’s like a seasonal migration—a Brook-
lyn exodus to the mountains and the shore.
People go north or to the Jersey shore not just
for a vacation but to reset. It’s an opportunity
to recharge away from the noise and conges-
tion, and it feels almost essential to Brooklyn
life—balancing the intensity of city living with
the calm of nature.
Back in Brooklyn, the streets feel spacious
and a bit friendlier during these months. Ca-
fés and restaurants have outdoor seating that’s
not packed shoulder to shoulder. You can enjoy
your coffee or dinner without feeling rushed or
jostled. The parks are less crowded, and the
city feels more like a place to breathe rather
than just a place to rush through.
So yes, I’m genuinely happy about the sum-
mer slowdown here in Brooklyn. It’s a time I
cherish—a time when I feel like I can reclaim
the city a bit, enjoy simple pleasures, and ap-
preciate the neighborhood in a way that’s im-
possible during the rest of the year. I’m count-
ing down the days until July arrives, the streets
start to clear out, the parking spots open up,
and the summer calm settles in. It’s one of the
best parts of living here, hands down. — MT
Vues Master’s Note: I actually prefer Brook-
lyn’s vibrant energy year-round; the summer
slowdown feels too quiet and empty, missing
its usual lively buzz.
TRUMP & MUSK’S SPECTACLE
FEUD PERFORMANCE
Dear Vues Master,
The recent feud between former President
Donald Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon
Musk has captured headlines and sparked
heated debates across social media and news
outlets. At first glance, the back-and-forth ex-
changes and public jabs might seem like genu-
ine animosity. However, upon closer exami-
nation, it’s worth considering the possibility
that this feud is largely made up—a carefully
orchestrated spectacle designed for entertain-
ment, influence, and mutual benefit.
Both Trump and Musk are masters of media
manipulation. Trump built his political career
on his ability to command attention, domi-
nate news cycles, and rally his base with bold,
sometimes controversial statements. Elon
Musk, meanwhile, is equally adept at using
public platforms like Twitter to shape narra-
tives, promote his companies, and cultivate a
persona that oscillates between genius innova-
tor and unpredictable provocateur.
Given these shared traits, it’s not far-fetched to
suggest that their so-called feud is less about
genuine personal or ideological conflict and
more about playing a game with the media and
the public. Each knows that sparking drama
fuels visibility—and visibility translates into
power, relevance, and, ultimately, financial or
political capital.
Consider the timing and nature of their ex-
changes. They often coincide with key mo-
ments: an upcoming product launch, a political
event, or a news cycle hungry for conflict. The
tweets and statements are crafted with a theat-
rical flair, loaded with sarcasm and exaggera-
tion that seem intended more to entertain than
to seriously offend.
By engaging in this public sparring, Trump and
Musk keep their names trending and maintain
their grip on public conversation. They under-
stand that today’s media landscape thrives on
spectacle and that the best way to control the
narrative is to be at the center of it. The public
feud serves as a smokescreen, distracting from
deeper issues or controversies surrounding
their actions and businesses.
Moreover, this “feud” allows them to engage
their respective followings in a way that ener-
gizes and unites their supporters. For Trump, it
reinforces his image as a fearless figure will-
ing to challenge anyone. For Musk, it bolsters
his reputation as a bold disruptor unafraid of
confrontation. In this way, the feud is mutually
beneficial—each party gains from the buzz,
and neither seems eager to let it end.
There is also a sense of playfulness beneath the
surface. Both men have shown they enjoy pub-
lic attention and are savvy enough to recognize
when a story serves them well. This suggests
a level of complicity: they are aware of the
spectacle they are creating, and they relish the
reactions it provokes, both from the media and
the public.
In the end, what appears to be a bitter rival-
ry might just be a performance—a carefully
staged drama that allows Trump and Musk to
continue captivating the world’s attention in an
era saturated with information and noise. In-
stead of taking the feud at face value, we might
do better to view it as a reminder of how public
figures can shape narratives, entertain millions,
and leverage conflict to their advantage.
So, while the headlines shout about discord,
perhaps the real story is that Trump and Musk
are having fun with us all—playing a game of
media chess where the true winner is the spec-
tacle itself. — UAS
Vues Master’s Note: If this is all an act, besides
being rich, they’re also great actors.