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    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.

    DANGER
    Dear Vues Master,
    I am writing to express serious concern over a growing issue
    that’s putting lives at risk here in the Country: kids riding
    wireless mopeds on the side of highways. I’ve seen this with
    my own eyes—young riders, some barely teenagers, weaving
    along the shoulder of major roads with cars flying by at 60
    mph or more. This is not just unsafe; it’s a disaster waiting
    to happen. These mopeds are often quiet, unregistered, and

    capable of speeds that far exceed what’s safe for inexperi-
    enced riders—especially without helmets or protective gear.

    On highways designed for fast-moving vehicles, there’s little
    margin for error. One misstep, one distracted driver, and a life
    could be lost in an instant.
    I urge parents, lawmakers, and local authorities to take this
    seriously. Regulations need to be enforced. Education is vital,
    but so is accountability. These kids should not be anywhere
    near a highway on such vehicles—period.
    Let’s not wait for a tragedy to act. We have the responsibility
    to protect our children and keep our roads safe for everyone.
    VT
    Vues Master’s Note: Big problem all over the place!

    DAY
    Dear Vues Master,
    I’ve often wondered why one of the first pesukim we say each
    morning—Ma Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov—originates from none
    other than Bilam in this week’s parsha, a non-Jewish prophet
    who sought to curse the Jewish people. Why do we begin our
    daily tefillah with his words? Couldn’t we have started the
    day with pesukim from Moshe, Dovid, or another righteous
    figure?
    What’s even more puzzling is that these words come from
    someone with ill intentions, yet they were transformed
    by Hashem into a bracha. Does this suggest that truth can
    emerge even from impure sources? And if so, what does that
    say about how we value the words we speak and hear?
    Perhaps there’s a deeper message here: that the beauty of the
    Jewish people—their homes, modesty, and unity—was so
    undeniable that even someone like Bilam was compelled to
    acknowledge it. Maybe beginning our day with Ma Tovu is a

    reminder to recognize the good in ourselves, even when oth-
    ers don’t—or even when it comes from an unexpected source.

    Still, I wonder: what does it say about our values that we
    chose Bilam’s praise to begin our day? RA
    Vues Master’s Note: You are supposed to find the good in
    everything!

    SCHOOL CHOICE
    Dear Vues Master,
    Every frum Jewish parent feels the intense pressure of paying
    for yeshiva education. Even with recent federal tax credits

    aimed at easing private school costs, the fundamental chal-
    lenge remains. Many families still juggle tens of thousands

    of dollars annually—per child—during the very years they
    are trying to establish careers and build their families. It’s

    no wonder this system often leaves parents financially over-
    whelmed.

    Yet here’s a striking fact: educating a child in yeshiva doesn’t
    actually cost more than public school. In places like New
    York City, public schools spend over $30,000 per student
    each year—but that cost is quietly absorbed through lifelong
    property taxes. Even those without children contribute. In
    contrast, frum families are hit with steep tuition fees all at
    once, concentrated into just 15 years.
    There’s a better way. What if, instead of paying steep tuition
    upfront, parents financed their child’s education through
    long-term tuition bonds—paid off gradually over 50 years?
    This would provide schools with immediate funding while
    easing the short-term burden on families.
    Yeshiva education isn’t unaffordable—it’s just poorly timed.

    Let’s rethink the structure and make Jewish education a man-
    ageable, lifelong investment.

    BS
    Vues Master’s Note: Stop! Don’t try to reinvent the wheel!

    DROWNINGS
    Dear Vues Master,

    I am writing with a heavy heart and deep concern follow-
    ing the recent near-drowning incident involving a 5-year-old

    child at Zimmerman Estates this past Sunday. While we are
    grateful to Hashem and to Catskills Hatzalah for their quick
    response, this terrifying event should shake us all into action.
    Parents must understand that water safety is not optional—it

    is a life-and-death responsibility. A child can silently slip un-
    der the surface in seconds. No phone call, no conversation, no

    quick errand is worth the risk. Pools may offer fun and relief
    in the summer, but they demand our full attention.
    This is not about assigning blame—it’s about preventing the

    next crisis. We need to talk about supervision, install prop-
    er barriers, teach children how to swim, and never assume

    someone else is watching. Vigilance saves lives.
    Let’s not wait for another scare to remind us of what’s at
    stake. Please, to every parent and guardian: stay alert, stay
    present, and never take your eyes off a child near water.

    May Shmuel Menachem ben Avigayil have a
    complete and speedy recovery. And may we all
    take this opportunity to learn, grow, and protect
    our most precious gifts—our children. Please
    continue to daven for his full recovery; his
    name for Tehillim is Shmuel Menachem ben
    Avigayil.
    MK
    Vues Master’s Note: One thing we learn from
    history is that history repeats itself—and we
    also learn that we don’t learn from history!

    RABBI JUNGREIS
    Dear Vues Master,

    I love Rabbi Jungreis, and I love the Wood-
    bourne Shul. I especially appreciate that it

    serves as a minyan factory for nearly 20 hours
    a day.

    I’m writing to express my concern regard-
    ing the current scheduling of minyanim at the

    Woodbourne Shul. While I deeply value the ef-
    forts to accommodate a diverse and busy com-
    munity, I find the practice of holding Shacha-
    ris and Mincha simultaneously around noon/1

    PM—and later conducting Mincha and Maariv
    concurrently at 8:30/9 PM—troubling.

    Davening with kavod and kavanah is a corner-
    stone of meaningful tefillah. When two min-
    yanim overlap, it not only creates unnecessary

    confusion and noise, but also detracts from the
    atmosphere of focused prayer. It can also be

    difficult to know which minyan to join, espe-
    cially for newcomers or guests unfamiliar with

    the setup.
    Each tefillah deserves its own time and space,
    allowing everyone to participate fully and
    without distraction.
    I share this feedback with respect and in the
    spirit of strengthening our kehilla’s spiritual
    life. I hope the leadership of the shul will take
    this concern seriously and consider adopting a
    more structured schedule moving forward.
    JY

    Vues Master’s Note: I guess you’ve never dav-
    ened in Satmar or Munkatch!

    SPOONS
    Dear Vues Master,

    Why is the T-Spoons restaurant in South Falls-
    burg still not open this summer? I love Spoons

    in Boro Park, and I think it’s been more than
    three years since the fire. I really miss going

    there with my family upstate during the sum-
    mer.

    TC
    Vues Master’s Note: Time to go to a store
    called Forks!

    WOODBOURNE SHUL
    Dear Vues Master,

    I want to take a moment to express the pro-
    found beauty and inspiration I’ve experienced

    while davening at Rabbi Jungreis’ shul—the

    Minyan Fac-
    tory in Wood-
    bourne—this

    summer.
    Yes, finding
    parking can

    be a real chal-
    lenge—anyone

    who’s tried
    knows the
    struggle. But
    the moment

    you step in-
    side, the incon-
    venience melts

    away. You’re
    immediately
    s u r r o u n d e d

    by the incred-
    ible sight and

    sound of Klal

    Yisrael daven-
    ing together—

    not in separate
    pockets, but
    as one unified
    body.

    Modern, Ye-
    shivish, Cha-
    sidish—all un-
    der one roof,

    all focused
    on tefillah, all
    contributing to

    a powerful spiritual atmosphere that’s rare to
    find. There’s no judgment, no division—only
    the sincere voice of Am Yisrael turning to
    Hashem together.
    I want to publicly thank Rabbi Jungreis for
    the immense amount of hard work he puts in
    to make this possible. It doesn’t happen on
    its own. The consistency, the availability of

    minyanim, the warm and welcoming environ-
    ment—it’s a true service to the community and

    to Klal Yisrael at large.
    May Hashem bless Rabbi Jungreis and all those
    involved with continued strength and hatzlacha
    in their avodas hakodesh.
    LT
    Vues Master’s Note: I echo your call!

    LACK OF LEADERSHIP
    Dear Vues Master:
    There are moments in leadership when words
    fail and only actions can begin to restore trust.
    Claire Shipman, Acting President of Columbia
    University, has reached such a moment—and
    her apology is far too little, far too late.
    Recently released texts show that Shipman
    didn’t just ignore the rising tide of antisemitism
    on Columbia’s campus—she dismissed Jewish
    students’ fears as “not necessarily rational”
    and actively undermined those advocating on
    their behalf. Her characterization of Shoshana
    Shendelman, a Jewish trustee, as a “mole” and
    “fox in the henhouse” is deeply troubling. This
    wasn’t a misstep in a stressful moment; it was
    a sustained campaign to marginalize Jewish
    voices during a time of crisis.

    An apology issued only after public expo-
    sure—over a year later—cannot erase the dam-
    age done, nor can it rebuild trust. Leadership

    demands accountability. Shipman’s private
    words reveal a mindset in which Jewish safety
    is a political inconvenience and advocacy is
    unwelcome dissent.

    Would Columbia accept similar conduct direct-
    ed toward any other minority group? Of course

    not. The same standard must apply here. Anti-
    semitism cannot remain the overlooked preju-
    dice.

    Shipman has failed in her duty to all students,
    particularly those most vulnerable. Columbia
    must not continue down this dangerous path
    with a leader who has so clearly betrayed its
    values.
    Claire Shipman should step down. Anything

    less sends the message that anti-
    semitism is tolerable in the ivory

    tower—as long as it’s behind closed
    doors.
    SK
    Vues Master’s Note: Antisemites
    hate the Jews so much that there is
    no logic in their thinking!

    MOVING TO FLORIDA
    Dear Vues Master
    Zohran Mamdani’s shocking win in

    NYC’s Democratic mayoral prima-
    ry has triggered a wave of reaction among my

    friends and colleagues—especially in finance,
    tech, and real estate—many of whom are now

    actively planning to leave New York for Flor-
    ida. These aren’t casual conversations; they’re

    calling brokers, touring properties, and in some
    cases, already signing contracts.

    As a Yid, I’m especially alarmed by the atmo-
    sphere this political shift signals. When rheto-
    ric starts targeting success, property owner-
    ship, and wealth, antisemitism isn’t far behind.

    We’ve seen where this kind of scapegoating
    can lead. Members of the Jewish community—
    mine included—are deeply uneasy. They’re not
    going to wait around to see how much worse
    it gets.
    The shift toward Florida isn’t just emotional—

    it’s practical. With no state income tax, a boom-
    ing luxury market, and a pro-growth climate,

    Florida offers security, lifestyle, and long-term
    value. One community that’s about to heat up
    even more is Rabbi Efrem Goldberg’s in Boca
    Raton. Already a thriving and welcoming hub
    for Orthodox families, it’s becoming one of the

    most sought-after destinations for people relo-
    cating from the Northeast.

    This isn’t fearmongering—it’s foresight. New

    Yorkers aren’t running; they’re planning. Be-
    cause when people feel their values, identity,

    and financial future are being put at risk, they
    choose to go where they’re respected and safe.
    And right now, that’s increasingly not New
    York.
    EG
    Vues Master’s Note: We are living in scary
    times!

    CHOOSE YOUR FLAVOR
    Dear Vues Master,
    A person wakes up in the morning and makes
    himself a cup of coffee. He puts in the bitter

    coffee, adds the sweet sugar, pours in the boil-
    ing water, and then tops it off with some cold

    milk. A cup full of contrasts—hot and cold, bit-
    ter and sweet.

    Then he says: “Ribono Shel Olam, I don’t
    know how my day will be—bitter, sweet, hot,
    or cold. But one thing I know for sure: it will
    be ‘Shehakol Nihiyah Bidvaro’—as You will
    it to be.”
    REF
    Vues Master’s Note: Life is 10% how you take
    it and 90% how you make it!

    TAKING OFF YOUR SHOES AT
    THE AIRPORT
    Dear Vues Master,
    I’m thrilled to hear that the TSA is finally
    ending its long-standing policy requiring

    travelers to remove their shoes at airport se-
    curity checkpoints. This change has been a

    long time coming, and I wholeheartedly wel-
    come the update.

    For nearly two decades, the shoe removal
    rule has been a source of frustration for

    countless travelers. While its original im-
    plementation in the wake of the 2001 shoe

    bombing attempt was understandable, the
    continued enforcement of this policy—even
    as technology advanced—felt increasingly

    outdated and unnecessary. Now, with im-
    proved scanning capabilities, it’s both logi-
    cal and reassuring to see the TSA adapt its

    procedures accordingly.
    This change will save time, reduce stress,

    and offer a smoother experience for travel-
    ers of all ages and abilities. Parents juggling

    kids, seniors, and anyone with mobility chal-
    lenges will especially benefit. It’s encourag-
    ing to see airport security evolve in a way

    that balances efficiency with safety, without
    clinging to the past for the sake of routine.
    While some may argue this could reduce
    the appeal of TSA PreCheck, I believe most

    travelers will still appreciate its other ad-
    vantages, like keeping laptops and liquids

    in bags. But for the average flyer, this shoe
    policy reversal is a meaningful step toward
    more sensible travel.

    Let’s hope this signals a broader commit-
    ment to smarter, more passenger-friendly

    airport security. It’s time we moved beyond
    outdated rituals and embraced solutions that
    keep us both secure and sane.
    YS
    Vues Master’s Note: Maybe the airport will
    smell less!

    WEAPONS IN THE DAF
    Dear Vues Master:
    Some of the most important issues of our

    times concern whom we should sell weap-
    ons to. The answers can make the difference

    between war and peace, and determine who
    controls the world and its resources. This is
    clearly the case in Ukraine and is certainly
    relevant to Israel, which is currently fighting
    on seven fronts.
    Alliances change over time. Nowhere is this
    more dramatically illustrated than on the
    page of Talmud studied around the world on
    July 4th—Independence Day (Avodah Zarah
    16)—when the status of the United States
    changed in the most dramatic way possible.
    Rav Ashi said: “We sell weapons to the
    Persians, who protect us” (Avodah Zarah
    16). This may have referred to the days of

    Cyrus (Koresh), under whose rule Jews were

    allowed to return to their homeland and re-
    build the Beit Hamikdash. Today, we are not

    encouraging the sale of weapons to modern-
    day Persians—but arguably we support the

    use of weapons to protect civilians in Iran
    and elsewhere.
    The lesson from Rav Ashi is that we may sell
    weapons to (and by extension, buy weapons
    from) countries that protect us and our allies.
    It’s a lesson in self-preservation.
    Some commentators on Avodah Zarah 15

    note that Jews may even sell weapons to ene-
    mies if there is reason to believe the weapons

    will be used for self-defense.
    The Israeli government routinely does so,

    often without regard to these Talmudic con-
    siderations.

    The page of Gemara preceding this one
    warns against selling even shields to Gentiles

    (Avodah Zarah 15). Why? Aren’t shields de-
    fensive by nature? The Talmud answers that

    even shields can be used offensively (Avo-
    dah Zarah 16)—just like the butt of a gun.

    Even “non-weapons” can be misused—radar
    detectors for reckless driving, bulletproof
    vests to embolden criminals.
    Rav Ada bar Ahavah prohibited selling iron
    blocks to Gentiles, since they could be turned
    into weapons. Logically, even tools like hoes

    and axes would also be prohibited—a re-
    verse of the swords-into-plowshares proph-
    ecy (Isaiah 2:4).

    But Rav Zvid limited the ban to Indian iron—
    especially strong and ideal for war. During
    the recent “Twelve-Day War,” we were told

    that uranium in Persia was protected by rein-
    forced concrete that could resist U.S. bunker

    busters—evoking images of that same Indian
    metal. This echoes discussions on upcoming
    dapim in Avodah Zarah.

    Ultimately, the Gemara concludes that “now-
    adays” we sell all weapons (Avodah Zarah

    16), suggesting permission with prudent
    judgment.
    Restrictions extended even to animals used
    as weapons. Rav Yehuda HaNasi prohibited
    selling horses to Gentiles, as horses were

    trained to kill. (Earlier, the riders did the kill-
    ing—but the horses were complicit.)

    Another reason for the ban was that horses
    might do melacha (prohibited labor) on
    Shabbat. However, Ben Betera permitted
    such sales.
    One may not sell lions to Gentiles, as they
    pose a danger to the public (Avodah Zarah
    16). With Israel’s recent “Operation Rising

    Lion”—its war against would-be nuclear ag-
    gressors—this takes on added resonance. But

    note the Talmud’s emphasis on “the public.”
    The war wasn’t just for Israel—it protected
    the global public from nuclear threats.

    Let us hope and pray that the recent “Twelve-
    Day War” will become known as The War to

    End Nuclear Proliferation, where weapons
    are no longer shared with allies or pointed
    at enemies.
    Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel, Esq.
    Vues Master’s Note: Weapons of Mass
    Gemoros! Thanks!

    COMING BACK
    Dear Vues Master,
    R’ Meir Shapiro was once asked: “When the
    Moshiach comes, all the rabbis who served
    in this city will be resurrected. How will they
    all be able to serve at the same time?”
    The Rebbe replied: “It’s simple. As each

    rabbi rises, his generation will also merit res-
    urrection and rise with him. Thus, each rabbi

    will serve his own generation.”
    “But,” the questioner continued, “what if
    there are rabbis who are resurrected without
    their generations?”

    The Rebbe answered: “Any rabbi whose gen-
    eration is not resurrected with him is himself

    not worthy of resurrection.”
    – MB
    Vues Master’s Note: Scary stuff!

    JAIL
    Dear Vues Master,
    As of this past Monday afternoon, Rabbi

    Binyomin Kubani is still sitting in jail. A kol-
    lel scholar, a father, a man against whom no

    credible evidence exists—still behind bars.

    There is video footage that clearly exoner-
    ates him. There have been protests, rallies,

    and public pressure. And still, he waits.
    Even the esteemed Roshei Yeshiva from
    BMG traveled to plead his case in person.

    When Torah giants leave their learning to in-
    tervene, it shows how serious and unjust the

    situation is. And yet—nothing. No change.
    No release.
    What have we accomplished?
    Despite tireless efforts by askanim, despite
    sleepless nights, phone calls, and meetings,

    the result remains the same: nothing. Not be-
    cause they didn’t care, but because the sys-
    tem we trusted doesn’t care.

    Our elected officials—those we’ve proudly
    supported—where are they now? When we
    deliver votes, we’re appreciated. But when a

    Jew is falsely accused and unjustly impris-
    oned, they’re nowhere to be found. Absent.

    Powerless.
    It’s time to open our eyes. We are not home.
    We are not protected. We are not accepted.

    We are tolerated—until we’re not. This is ex-
    ile, raw and real.

    This is not just about Rabbi Binyomin. This
    is about all of us—a community that believed
    it could thrive in a place that will never fully
    embrace it.
    Let this wake us up. Let it humble us. And let

    it turn our hearts toward the only true source
    of help: We have no one to rely on but our
    Father in Heaven.
    May justice come swiftly.
    Sincerely, RT
    Vues Master’s Note: Very sad!

    KEREN OLAM HATORAH
    Dear Vues Master,

    By now, most people have heard of the or-
    ganization Keren Olam HaTorah, established

    to lead fundraising for the yeshivos and kol-
    lelim in Eretz Yisrael that have been severely

    impacted by massive government budget
    cuts.
    The need is real—and the only people who
    will care enough to help are other Jews.
    People are constantly looking for merits
    (zechuyos) or spiritual segulos for all kinds
    of things, but often, the greatest opportunity
    is right in front of us. Can any Jew not see the
    incredible merit one can earn by helping—
    whether for healing, livelihood, the elevation

    of a parent’s soul, or simply for personal pro-
    tection?

    When the Gedolei Yisrael themselves appeal
    to us directly, who can afford not to step up?

    Some think that if they can’t give a large do-
    nation, there’s no point. But that’s simply not

    true. Most successful fundraisers come from
    many small donations. There is no limit to
    what can be accomplished when everyone
    contributes what they can.
    In fact, a small donation from someone
    who doesn’t have much means even more

    in Heaven. When a person with limited re-
    sources still chooses to support Torah learn-
    ing, it reveals where their heart truly is—and

    brings great reward.
    Sadly, many will choose not to support this
    cause—for misguided reasons. But when the
    Redemption comes, whose side will be in the
    right? Those who gave, or those who turned
    away due to flawed beliefs? I’ll leave that to
    your imagination.
    Let’s choose the right side.
    – KLMY
    Vues Master’s Note: Sounds like right after
    the Golden Calf, when Moshe called out,
    “Who is with me?”

    TEFILLAH
    Dear Vues Master,
    The Rebbe of Koritz, Rebbe Pinchus, was
    told about a man who, throughout his life,
    davened for Ruach HaKodesh. The Rebbe

    remarked: “It is known that tefillah accom-
    plishes half. So he merited Ruach (spirit), but

    not Kodesh (holiness).”
    —MN

    Vues Master’s Note: This story is full of wis-
    dom and depth!