08 Jul 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
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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!