17 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.

WAR
Dear Vues Master,

Operation Rising Lion has so far demonstrated Israel’s formi-
dable military capabilities, unfolding with remarkable success.

From daring air operations to precision strikes deep in enemy
territory, Israel’s military has once again shown extraordinary
skill, courage, and ingenuity.
Above all, we must thank Hakadosh Baruch Hu for what has
clearly been one miracle after another. The scale of what has

been accomplished—with so few losses and against such for-
midable threats—defies conventional military expectations. We

are witnessing divine providence in real time.
That said, it is precisely because of the high stakes—and the
high hopes—that serious strategic questions must be asked.
If the objective is to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, why
have key facilities—particularly the underground plant near

Fordow—not been struck? If Israel does not possess the neces-
sary bunker-busting munitions, is it counting on the U.S. to act?

And what happens if the U.S. declines to intervene directly? Is
Israel prepared to send in special forces to penetrate Fordow—a

mission that would be unbelievably, perhaps impossibly, dan-
gerous?

If the Israeli Air Force returns home without destroying Iran’s

nuclear infrastructure, what message does that send to Teh-
ran—and to the Israeli public? Would such an outcome be both

strategically and psychologically demoralizing?

And what of the hostages? Are they part of the mission’s calcu-
lus, or has their plight been quietly set aside?

We must be clear-eyed: this war cannot drag on indefinitely.
Every passing day raises the risk of regional escalation. Unless
Israel can strike a decisive blow soon, are we not in danger of
entering a costly and inconclusive war?
Let us daven for continued miracles—but also ask the hard
questions. -RH
Vues Master’s Note: Let’s trust in Hashem—He has a plan!

MOSHIACH
Dear Vues Master,

With tensions rising between Israel and Iran, many in the Jew-
ish world are wondering: Is this the final war before the coming

of Moshiach?
Chazal teach that before the Geulah, the world will go through
a period of upheaval known as Chevlei Moshiach—the birth
pangs of Moshiach. Some sources link this to the mysterious

and terrifying Milchemes Gog u’Magog, a global conflict cen-
tered around Eretz Yisrael that precedes Moshiach’s arrival.

While no one can say with certainty whether current events are

the fulfillment of these prophecies, we must recognize the spiri-
tual dimension behind them. Iran—a nation openly calling for

Israel’s destruction—represents a modern manifestation of evil
opposing Hashem’s chosen people. This isn’t just geopolitical;
it is deeply spiritual.
Still, history teaches us to be cautious. The Jewish people have
seen many wars—1948, 1967, 1973—that seemed apocalyptic,

yet Moshiach did not come. This reminds us that the exact time-
line remains hidden, as the Rambam emphasizes.

Our response should not be fear or speculation, but action. We

must daven more intensely, strengthen our emunah, and in-
crease our Torah, mitzvos, and ahavas Yisrael. Whether or not

this is Gog u’Magog, we are clearly nearing the final stages.

May Hashem protect Am Yisrael and bring the Geulah Shlei-
mah speedily in our days. -RDC

Vues Master’s Note: GOG UMAGOG—here we are!

SCHIFF
Dear Vues Master,
As a proud homeowner in upstate Sullivan County, I urge my
fellow residents—whether full-time or seasonal—to vote for
Sheriff Mike Schiff in next week’s primary election.
Sheriff Schiff has shown unmatched dedication to keeping our
county safe. From increasing rural patrol coverage to ensuring
our roads and neighborhoods remain secure, he has delivered
results—not rhetoric. His leadership is firm, fair, and deeply
rooted in service.
Equally important is the man by his side—Undersheriff Eric

Chaboty. Together, they’ve formed a team built on trust, experi-
ence, and community connection. Undersheriff Chaboty is not

only a seasoned law enforcement professional—he is a bridge-
builder. His respectful and ongoing engagement with the Jewish

community has earned him widespread praise. Whether during
the busy summer season or throughout the year, Chaboty has
been present, responsive, and collaborative—understanding
our values and ensuring our families feel protected and heard.
This campaign is about more than politics—it’s about public
safety, continuity, and competence. The Schiff-Chaboty team

represents stability in uncertain times. Their campaign is orga-
nized, their messaging is clear, and their values are shared by

many of us who’ve made Sullivan County our home—whether
part-time or full-time.

With their proven leadership and strong relationships across di-
verse communities, this is the team we trust.

Vote for Sheriff Mike Schiff in next week’s primary, and vote
for a sheriff’s office that works with all of us.
AR

Vues Master’s Note: Sheriff Mike Schiff & Un-
dersheriff Eric Chaboty have been great to the

summer visitors for almost 20 years & deserve
our vote!

BIG BILL
Dear Vues Master,
The release of the Senate Finance Committee’s
version of the “Big, Beautiful Bill” marks a
pivotal moment for education in America. With
the inclusion of a $4 billion annual scholarship

tax credit—now made permanent—the bill rep-
resents a powerful commitment to empowering

families and expanding educational opportunity.
For too long, many families have been limited in
their school choices due to financial constraints.

This legislation helps change that by allow-
ing K–12 students across the country to access

scholarships for private school tuition and other
educational needs. Whether a child thrives in a
STEM academy, religious school, arts-focused
program, or another specialized environment,
this bill gives parents the means to choose what
works best for their child.
The permanence of the tax credit is especially
significant. It provides families, schools, and
scholarship organizations the stability they need

to plan for the future. It encourages long-term in-
vestment in education and sends a clear message:

school choice is not a passing trend—it is a last-
ing national priority.

We commend the Senate for recognizing the
importance of educational freedom and urge

the House to adopt these changes swiftly. Our
nation’s children deserve every opportunity to
reach their potential, and this bill is a giant step
in the right direction. -JP
Vues Master’s Note: Until we run out of money!

TICKETS
Dear Vues Master,
I’m thrilled to see the passage of a bill this week
that rightly ends sanitation fines after 3 PM on

Fridays. This common-sense legislation, champi-
oned by Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and

Senator Sam Sutton, finally addresses the unfair

burden placed on Shabbos-observant New York-
ers.

No one should be penalized for practicing their

faith. The city’s prior trash rules ignored a sig-
nificant segment of its diverse population, and

this fix is long overdue. It’s reassuring to know
that our lawmakers are listening and responding
with real action.
Thank you to everyone who made this happen—
it’s a meaningful win for religious freedom. -BY
Vues Master’s Note: L’kavod Shabbos!

GAMBLING
Dear Vues Master,
In an era when public gambling was prohibited, a
police officer found a Russian, a Pole, and a Jew
in a public place sitting around a table holding
playing cards.
The officer wanted to arrest them, but they all

denied gambling. “It never happened,” they in-
sisted. “We weren’t playing cards—just carrying

them home.”
The policeman said,
“Swear that you
weren’t playing,
and I’ll let you go.”
The Russian swore
and was released.
The Pole swore and
was released.
The Jew refused to
swear. He said to
the officer, “Since

they weren’t play-
ing, do you think I

was playing alone?”
HJ
Vues Master’s
Note: Ha ha! A Yid

gibt zich an eit-
zah! (A Jew finds a

way!)

ANXIETY
Dear Vues Master,
As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates,
I feel compelled to express the deep worry and
uncertainty so many of us are experiencing—not
just in Eretz Yisrael, but here in the United States
as well.

The economic and emotional toll on Israeli soci-
ety is growing. The war has thrown everyday life

into chaos—disrupting personal plans, family re-
unions, and cherished summer traditions.

Right now, countless boys and girls who were

supposed to return home from yeshiva and semi-
nary this week are stuck. Flights are canceled. No

one knows when things will stabilize. Parents are
worried sick. Students are in limbo—practically
and emotionally. Many were looking forward to

going straight into summer camp. Now, every-
thing is uncertain.

I know a couple who come every summer from
Israel to run a camp in Queens. The kids love
them. But this year, they don’t know if they’ll
even make it. Their summer—and the summer of
so many children—is up in the air.

Major programs like NCSY, which run incred-
ible learning and travel opportunities in Israel,

are also affected. Who knows what will happen?
Even if programs go forward, how many parents
will send their children into a war zone?
We’re all davening for peace and safety, but

meanwhile, families are left with impossible de-
cisions. The fabric of our summer—travel, To-
rah, camp—is unraveling. I hope things improve

soon—for the sake of Klal Yisrael and everyone
whose life is on hold. -GK
Vues Master’s Note: Keep on davening!

GREEN KITTEL
Dear Vues Master,
Feeling the Pain
It was Thursday evening at the shul. I was in the
middle of a shiur when one of the participants
asked a question about leaving his computer on
throughout Shabbos to periodically check the
newsfeed.

After a brief discussion about the possible hala-
chic issues involved, I asked—somewhat clue-
lessly—“Why are you asking this now? Things

seem relatively quiet.”
Suddenly, everyone in the shiur looked at me and
said in unison, “Rabbi, don’t you know what’s
going on?”

I looked at them with a blank expression, and
they all responded, “Israel is attacking Iran!”
I somehow managed to finish the shiur. I was

able to focus during Maariv. I even kept my late-
night chavrusa by phone with someone who lives

far from any Jewish neighborhood. We connect
weekly to learn the parsha.
Finally, later that night, I read the news.
I barely slept Thursday night. When I awoke
early Friday morning, I already felt that—despite
the past twenty months being filled with anxiety

and fear—this morning, the dread and uncertain-
ty had reached entirely new heights.

By the time I spoke to my son Tuvia, he was
already adorned in the holy “green kittel”—the
bigdei kodesh of the Israeli Defense Forces.
He said goodbye to his wife and three daughters
and left behind the comforts of his home without
hesitation, just as Dovid HaMelech did when he
went to battle against the enemies of the Jews.
With the words of Dovid HaMelech on his lips,
“Hashem is He Who girds me with strength; and
He makes my way perfect” (Tehillim 18:33), he
proudly knew what his halachic obligation was.
Like all the holy soldiers, he follows the path of
Dovid HaMelech, who codified the fighting ethic
of the IDF in Sefer Tehillim: “I have pursued my
enemies and overtaken them, never turning back
until they were consumed” (ibid. 38).
Tuvia and his fellow holy soldiers are united in
their unwavering commitment to living out the

words of our Holy Torah in real time, as ex-
pressed by none other than Dovid HaMelech:

“For You have girded me with strength for the
battle” (ibid. 40).
Even as he remains fully committed to defending

the Jewish people and ensuring our survival, Tu-
via has never missed a single day of learning the

Daf. Regardless of where he is—whether awake
all night in full battle gear or returning from a
dangerous mission—he refuses to compromise
on his learning.
With the help of his Rebbe, Rabbi Eli Stefansky,
he remains as devoted to Torah study as he is to
defending our Holy Land.
When I spoke to him, I didn’t feel like a father
talking to his son—I felt like a man who owes
his life, and the lives of his grandchildren, to the
courageous man on the line.
It was 10:00 AM here and 5:00 PM at the army
base.
He, along with the rest of the country, had been

awakened in the middle of the night. But he had
the added call at 4:00 AM to report to his base to
protect the Jewish people.
I asked him one question: “Tuvia, do you and the
other holy soldiers have food for Shabbos?”

He replied, “Since we were called up this morn-
ing, all we have are army rations—MREs (Meals

Ready to Eat)—which are basically canned tuna
fish and crackers.”
My heart went out to him and his fellow soldiers.
Here I would be enjoying hot Shabbos food
and sleeping in a comfortable bed, while Tuvia
would be eating tuna and crackers, sleeping—at
best—on an army cot, or at worst, in his jeep or
not sleeping at all.
Only after Shabbos, on Sunday, did I find out that

his good friend, a wonderful Jew named R’ Av-
rohom Moshe Bruner from Ramat Eshkol, had

taken action.
When R’ Avrohom Moshe heard about the 100
soldiers on base without Shabbos food, he ran
to a local caterer, placed an order for over $500
worth of food, and—with Hashem’s help—
found a soldier heading to that base to deliver it.

“Who is like Your people, Israel?!” we ask Hash-
em—Mi K’Amcha Yisroel?!

May Hashem keep Tuvia and all the holy sol-
diers safe. And may we merit to see the safe

and speedy return of all the hostages, bimheira
v’yameinu. “If not now, then when?” – Hillel
Ron Yitzchok Eisenman
Rav
Vues Master’s Note: Well written! Beautiful!

DAAS TORAH
Dear Vues Master,
Firstly, I would like to thank you for a wonderful
and engaging newspaper. It is truly impressive

how you maintain a thoughtful balance of mate-
rial. On the one hand, you present views from

many different streams within Klal Yisroel, and
on the other, you promote a heartfelt respect and
connection to many Gedolei Yisroel.
This has nothing to do with aligning all views

and opinions—of course there are different ex-
pressions of Da’as Torah on many of the topics

discussed in the Vues—and that diversity is part

of the beauty of your publication. It is a publica-
tion that fosters achdus.

That is why I was so shocked when I read the
following in last week’s paper:
“Now some of the ultra-Orthodox parties are
threatening to leave the coalition and topple the
government, likely tempted by secret backroom

offers from the very same political left that pub-
licly screams that the current draft law being con-
sidered isn’t strict enough on the ultra-Orthodox.

The ultra-Orthodox would not be toppling the
government to empower the political left unless
they knew they would be getting a better deal.
They are experienced politicians.”
There is more, but it’s hard to even quote it. Why
are you writing about anti-Semitism in the streets
when it’s appearing in your own pages? This is

unforgivable! This kind of language whitewash-
es all the Gedolei Yisroel with small-minded

speculation and deep-rooted hatred. It reminds
us of the ignorant protests fueled by hatred alone.
I don’t expect you to publish this letter, but I feel
deeply pained by this raw disdain and disrespect
for our Gedolim. I honestly thought that by now
a correction would have been printed—surely
I’m not the only one who felt it was forbidden to

remain silent in the face of such a Chilul Hash-
em. But nothing was said. So I am compelled to

write.
Please rectify this terrible sinas chinam at a time
when we so desperately need
the zechus of achdus to save
us from our enemies. Surely
a Kiddush Hashem will come
from publishing a clarification,
and it will benefit the paper in
the long run.
Wishing you all the best, A.R.
Vues Master’s Note: We report
everything that is written in
Israel. That does not mean we
agree with it!

TZITZIS
Dear Vues Master,

The mitzvah of Tzitzis is as-
sociated with some of the most

powerful segulos in all of To-
rah.

Yiras Shamayim – (Beis Aha-
ron, Parshas Shelach)

Parnassah – (In the name of
the Kisvei HaAri)
Memory – (Chasam Sofer,
Parshas Shelach)
Refuah – (In the name of the
Chozeh of Lublin)

Vision and Prophecy – (Noam Elimelech, Par-
shas Shelach)

Protection from the Yetzer Hara – (Mishnah
Berurah 24:5)
Protection from Anger – (Kaf HaChaim 24:25)

An Eis Ratzon for praying against jealousy, ha-
tred, and anger – (Kav HaYashar, Chapter 85)

Protection from the Evil Eye – (Chida, Dvash
L’fi 90:27)
Adds holiness to a person – (Shaarei Teshuva
3:22)
Great benefit to the soul – (Shaar HaKavanos,
Derush 7)
Merit to see the Divine Presence – (Shulchan
Aruch 24:6)
Our nashim tzidkaniyos accomplish all of this
without having the segulah of Tzitzis—
(unless they’re off the wall!) -MF
Vues Master’s Note: Women “off the wall” are
just nuts!

EL AL
Dear Vues Master,
EL AL OPENS REGISTRATION FOR
RESCUE FLIGHTS
El Al has opened registration for rescue flights

from select destinations around the world for Is-
raeli travelers whose flights to Israel have been

canceled due to the closure of airspace.
The registration—available only through the

company website—is intended to map the loca-
tions of stranded customers and build a priori-
tized rescue flight board.

Important details:

The registration order does not determine board-
ing order.

Priority will be given based on the original flight
date, humanitarian emergencies (with medical

documentation), and political/security consider-
ations.

Registration is required for both direct El Al
customers and those who booked through travel
agents.
To register:
https://www.elal.com/…/dedicated-flights-all…
Please contact El Al directly with any questions.
RS
Vues Master’s Note: About time!

STEP
Dear Vues Master,
A Rav once observed that the Ribbono Shel
Olam created man with feet so that he could
stride forward—
But many people prefer to get ahead by using
their elbows. -CS
Vues Master’s Note: Awesome! Great line.

WITNESS
Dear Vues Master
I am a living witness to the attack on the center of

Tel Aviv Monday morning at 4 AM. I was stay-
ing in a safe room with 3 other women, pretty

much as close as one could be to the direct hit.

It’s very important that you understand the fol-
lowing: This was a neighborhood of young,

relatively “secular” Israelis who do not wear any

kind of head coverings.
They cover themselves more in tattoos than
clothes. From the young soldiers in the search
and rescue crews that got us out of the apartment
to the store owners on the street below, everyone

was literally telling jokes, laughing, and smil-
ing from the minutes to the hours that followed

the attack. The vast majority of us knew we had
once again experienced another open miracle:
we were safe and completely protected from
evil by the Guardian of Israel, and that we are
his Children.
The air was filled with a powerful “Yirat
Shamayim”/ “Awe of the Greatness of our
Creator in Heaven.” There was zero looting of

any kind despite none of the stores having win-
dows or doors. How was it that not one person

was killed? How was it possible that the rocket
landed in the one patch of empty land, an unused
parking lot, in the center of all the buildings? (I
often wondered what was the purpose of that
empty lot? Now, I know.)
The majority of Israelis (of all faiths) know we
dwell in truth, goodness, kindness, love, and
righteousness. As I was rendered apartmentless, I
wandered in and out of other people’s apartments
and spaces–some that were utterly destroyed and

some that were still functional. Despite the dam-
age to property, there was a tremendous sense of

joy in the air!
I ended up resting on the sofa of two guys, Liran
and Noam, who had just moved in the day before
to their now windowless apartment. By the time
I arrived around 9:30 AM they had cleaned up
all the glass, taped up the open spaces, put up
shelves, arranged their plants, and unpacked their
dishes. One had just returned a month ago after
spending 3 years in Australia. He said, “Here we
are home. Here we know what’s true..” When

the interviewer from ABC news asked me ear-
lier, “Where will you go now that you don’t have

an apartment?” I looked at him in an odd-way,
I said, “Of course I will have somewhere to go.
We are one family. There’s always somewhere to
go in Israel.” And this is true, everyone’s home
is open to everyone else. We trust each other; we
trust God, the One God who neither slumbers nor
sleeps.
During the missile explosion, I was very calm

and calmed others. We sang, we prayed, we re-
cited psalms. I knew God was protecting us. We

walked out without a scratch and found all three
of my friend’s cats within a few hours. I had a
taste yesterday of what it would be like if we
lived in a world where everyone shared “Yirat
Shmayaim”/”Awe of Heaven.” It was glorious!
May this understanding that we are all being
watched over, and are accountable to a Loving,
Wise Source spread globally.

DO NOT GLOBALIZE the intifada. GLOBAL-
IZE a movement that spreads an AWE OF THE

GREATNESS OF THE CREATOR OF LIFE.
Alana Ruben Free
Vues Masters Note: Acheinu Kol Beis Yisrael!