29 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
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.
SIYUMIM
Dear Vues Master,
Every year, as the Nine Days approach, we enter a time of
mourning for the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. This is
meant to be a solemn period of reflection, introspection, and
spiritual growth, with halachic restrictions designed to help us
internalize that sense of loss. Among these restrictions is the
custom not to eat meat or drink wine—luxuries associated with
joy—except at a seudas mitzvah, such as a siyum.
However, it has become increasingly apparent that the number
of siyumim during the Nine Days has spiraled out of control.
It seems that more siyumim are held during this short period
of mourning than during the entire rest of the year. While com-
pleting a masechta is certainly a cause for celebration, the sheer
volume of these events—many scheduled or delayed specifi-
cally to bypass the meat restriction—raises serious questions.
Have we turned a legitimate halachic leniency into a loophole?
Are we truly commemorating the loss of the Beis HaMikdash
properly when we’re bouncing from one catered siyum to the
next, enjoying steak and wine night after night?
This isn’t about questioning the halachic validity of the prac-
tice; it’s about the spirit behind it. Halacha isn’t just a check-
list—it’s meant to guide both our hearts and our actions. If our
mourning is diluted by festive meals night after night, then
perhaps we’re missing the point entirely.
Let’s encourage genuine siyumim, celebrated with proper ka-
vod, but let’s also be honest with ourselves. If someone is truly
learning and completes a masechta during this time—wonder-
ful. But scheduling siyumim just to permit meat meals during a
time of national mourning does not reflect well on our values.
The Nine Days are meant to remind us of what we’ve lost.
Let’s not bury that message under an endless parade of siyu-
mim.
RYT
Vues Master’s Note: While reading your letter, I heard a siyum.
Shame there was no BBQ!
ACAPELLA
Dear Vues Master,
As we are in the midst of the Nine Days, I find myself grap-
pling with a question that has become increasingly relevant in
our time: Should listening to a cappella music during the Nine
Days be permitted when it sounds nearly identical to instru-
mental music?
Many artists today produce a cappella tracks that so master-
fully mimic the sound and rhythm of instruments that they’re
nearly indistinguishable from standard music. Beatboxing, vo-
cal layering, and studio enhancements have blurred the line be-
tween the vocal and the instrumental. While halachic sources
have permitted singing and vocal music during this period of
mourning, the intent was clearly to preserve the spirit of avei-
lus—not to find technical workarounds that dilute its emotional
impact.
If a cappella arrangements create the same mood, rhythm, and
entertainment value as instrumental music, are we not under-
mining the purpose of this solemn time? The Nine Days are
meant to evoke a sense of loss and restraint—to minimize joy
and focus on what we are lacking. Shouldn’t our behavior re-
flect that, even in the music we choose?
I raise this not as a halachic ruling, but as a sincere question
for communal reflection. Should the letter of the law override
its spirit, or is it time to reconsider how we engage with this
custom in an age of technological mimicry? PT
Vues Master’s Note: It sounds like music to my ears!
DRAFT
Dear Vues Master:
I’m a mother of a soldier and I physically can no longer take
the debate over the draft. I cannot watch Jews fighting in the
streets like at yesterday’s protest. I cannot deal with the hatred
pouring out on both sides. I’m scared. Not just scared for my
son — who’s serving Hashem knows where right now, doing
Hashem knows what with Hashem knows how much sleep.
I’m scared for us. For our people. For what we’re doing to
each other. This week, on the eve of the Nine Days — when
we’re supposed to be mourning the destruction of the Beit
HaMikdash — our government fell. Not over economics. Not
over corruption. But over the age-old question that is ripping
us apart all over again: What is best for the Jewish people.
Which values are holier? Who knows better. Who carries the
truth? We all want what’s best, and we are so sure that we are
right, that we are willing to cut the branch we are sitting on to
prove it. We’ve been here before. We’ve been torn apart by this
before. This is literally, historically, how the Jewish state fell
to the Romans 2000 years ago. Over what is the best way to
protect the Jewish people.
And while we scream at each other over who should serve —
the yeshiva boy or the combat soldier — that soldier is dodging
mortars while the yeshiva student can’t figure out how to feed
his kids. And somehow, we’ve decided these two are enemies
instead of brothers. Well let me tell you something – IT DOES
NOT MATTER! On the eve of Simchat Torah 2 years ago, I
told my kids that after the holiday we would go to Tel Aviv for
the hakafot shniyot (post Simchat Torah dancing in the public
square) because it was unthinkable, unacceptable that in the
Jewish State the Torah would be banned from the public space.
As we all well know, we never went anywhere.
There were no hakafot shniyot and nobody could
think about Torah or dancing, because we were
all trying to wrap our minds around the fact that
200 Israelis died in less than a day and hundreds
of hostages were on the other side of the Gaza
border (of course that number became 1200, but
it took a week). Everything I thought was critical
and imperative and earth-shattering on October
6, was completely irrelevant before the sun set
on October 7.
The same exact thing holds true for the draft
debate. There is nothing I hold more dear than
Torah and Torah study. It is the most beautiful,
lofty, sweet thing in the world. There is nothing
I wish more than for my son to return to the ye-
shiva and open his Gemara, and there is nobody
I admire more than my sons-in-law, who crack
their seforim at every possible occasion. And
there is nothing I think is more important than
protecting this land and our children and mak-
ing sure that our enemies never ever ever dare
mess with the Jewish people. And yes, I believe
in fairness and contributing your part. The issue
of the draft is important and reflects our values
and it deserves a respectful conversation. BUT
NONE OF THIS MATTERS IF WE FIGHT
ABOUT IT! Our sages in the Talmud teach that
in the days of King David, his soldiers were all
Torah scholars, but they fell like flies in battle.
Why? Because the people weren’t united. But in
the days of Achav, the nation worshipped idols
— and still won their wars. Why? Because they
were united. Unity isn’t just nice. It’s literally
the difference between life and the opposite. So
for the people who think that the most important
thing right now is to get more charedi boys into
the army – it is not! If it is done through contro-
versy and hate – you are dooming our soldiers,
charedi, dati, secular to you know what! And for
the people who argue that the charedi boys must
stay in the yeshiva, because the Torah protects –
it does not – not when this is achieved through
hatred and controversy. You want to know what
protects us? Not just Torah. Not just tanks. To-
getherness. You can’t scream “Torah protects
us!” and ignore the mothers of soldiers sitting
up all night in fear. And you can’t scream “share
the burden!” and spit on people who’ve never
missed a Shacharit since age 5. Because let me
tell you something I’ve learned, living with a
child in combat: One hundred thousand more
soldiers won’t save us if Hashem isn’t with us.
And Hashem doesn’t stick around when we’re
tearing each other apart. All of our sons, those
wearing the khakis and those wearing black and
white – both are fighting for Am Yisrael. And
we’ll lose both — if we forget we’re on the same
side. This war won’t be won in the Knesset. It
won’t be won on Twitter or in screaming match-
es on TV. It’ll be won when we finally remem-
ber: We’re not two camps. We’re one people.
We’ve built a country. We’ve survived pogroms.
We’ve made it through worse. But we’ve never
made it through division. Not once. So if you’ve
ever whispered “Ve’ten chelkeinu beToratecha,”
If you’ve ever cried at the sound of HaTikvah If
you’ve ever felt your soul light up at the word
Zion — Then please,
please remember:
Ahavat Yisrael isn’t
a bumper sticker. It’s
a lifeline. And every
word of hatred is a
bullet in our enemies’
weapons But you
know what the worst
part is? I feel totally
powerless about this.
I can write a thou-
sand Facebook posts
and talk to a thousand
people – but somehow
I don’t know how to
make this stop. Maybe
you have better ideas?
LZA
Vues Master’s Note:
Well written! Thanks
for sharing.
DRIVING
DANGEROUSLY
Dear Vues Master,
As summer is in full
swing and many of us
are enjoying the cooler
air and quiet country-
side, I feel compelled
to address a growing
and deeply troubling issue: reckless driving on
our upstate roads. This season, I’ve witnessed
far too many drivers speeding, tailgating, and—
most dangerously—crossing double yellow lines
to pass, often with families and children in the
car. This behavior is not only dangerous; it’s
deeply irresponsible.
This isn’t just a matter of traffic laws—it’s a mat-
ter of values. Tragically, there have already been
several serious accidents this summer, some
involving members of our own communities.
Beyond the danger to life—which is a core To-
rah value—such behavior causes a tremendous
chilul Hashem in the eyes of local residents. We
must remember that we are guests in these towns,
and our conduct is being closely observed.
Especially now, during the Nine Days—a period
marked by national mourning and reflection—it
is a time to increase our savlanut/patience and
our sensitivity to others. Let’s make a conscious
effort to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and show
courtesy on the road. In doing so, we can create
a true kiddush Hashem and demonstrate that our
values extend beyond the walls of the shul and
into our daily lives.
Let’s protect lives, our reputations, and our sa-
cred mission of representing Torah with dignity.
RSY
Vues Master’s Note: Besides being safe, we
must constantly remember to focus on creating
a kiddush Hashem—and not, chas v’shalom, a
chilul Hashem.
PARALLEL PARKING
Dear Vues Master
I’m writing to express my frustration with paral-
lel parking—a stressful, outdated hassle that too
many drivers still face. It’s never easy, no matter
how long you’ve been driving, and it only gets
worse outside the city. In the country, you’re of-
ten forced to parallel park right on the shoulder
of a busy highway. It feels unsafe and nerve-
wracking trying to back into a tight space while
cars whiz past at 55 miles per hour.
Parallel parking in urban areas is already bad
enough—trying to wedge into a narrow spot
while impatient drivers hover behind you. But
upstate, with little to no shoulder and no room
for error, it becomes a dangerous ordeal. For
many people, especially newer drivers, it’s just
too much.
It’s time for municipalities to rethink parking
design and prioritize safety and ease. Parallel
parking shouldn’t be this stressful in 2025. RH
Vues Master’s Note: You should see
my wife parallel park on Ave J on a
Friday.
SEPARATE SEATING
Dear Vues Master
I am writing to express my sincere
appreciation and excitement upon
hearing that there will be separate
seating accommodations at the up-
coming Ishay Ribo concert in Bethel
next week. As someone who deeply
enjoys Ishay Ribo’s music and the
spiritual atmosphere it creates, I would not feel
comfortable attending a concert with mixed seat-
ing.
Music—especially when infused with meaning
and faith, like Ribo’s—is a powerful and up-
lifting experience. However, being in a mixed
setting, surrounded by men singing passion-
ately, swaying, and sometimes dancing, can feel
overwhelming and distracting. This isn’t about
judging others’ behavior; it’s about fostering an
environment where everyone can feel comfort-
able, respected, and spiritually connected in their
own way.
When I heard that this concert would offer sepa-
rate seating, I felt a deep sense of relief and hap-
piness. It means I can fully participate in the
experience without compromising my personal
boundaries or religious sensitivities. It also re-
flects the organizers’ genuine consideration for
the diverse needs of the community, making
space for everyone to enjoy the event in a way
that aligns with their values.
It’s possible that the organizers anticipated chal-
lenges in ticket sales, given the religious makeup
of the upstate community. Regardless of the rea-
son, I’m deeply grateful for this thoughtful ac-
commodation.
Thank you to the concert organizers and every-
one involved in making this decision. It may
seem like a small adjustment to some, but for
people like me, it makes all the difference. KT
Vues Master’s Note: I don’t know why they
didn’t have seperate seating as part of the origi-
nal plan!
VOTE
Dear Vues Master:
The upcoming NYC mayoral election will likely
be the most consequential election for the frum
community in our lifetimes. It is absolutely es-
sential that every man, woman, and child over
18 vote in November. To do so, you must be reg-
istered in advance. If you believe you are regis-
tered but do not vote regularly, take a few mo-
ments to confirm your registration. If you are not
registered, you must do so by October 25, 2025,
to be eligible to vote in November. Please see
this link: https://elections.ny.gov/registration-
and-voting-deadlines
for how and where to register and to confirm
your registration. As almost all NYC elections
are decided in the Democratic primaries, you
should register as a Democrat; otherwise, you
won’t have a say in most elections. Registering
as a Democrat doesn’t mean that you agree with
everything or anything the party stands for. It’s
just to ensure that our community has the maxi-
mum clout in every election. (For the upcoming
general election, it doesn’t matter how you are
registered, so long as you’re registered.)
Keep in mind only 11% of registered voters
voted in the primary. This fight is definitely win-
nable! We don’t know what the Ribono Shel
Oilam is planning, but it is incumbent upon each
and every one of us to make our hishtadlus for
the continuity of frum life in NYC. It’s hard to
imagine a more motivating state of affairs than
the one we find ourselves in right now. We can-
not be complacent! Please forward this message
and these links to all your friends and relatives
eligible to vote in NYC. AOAL
Vues Master’s Note: Vote early and often! The
dead must arise and vote as that is what our en-
emies are doing!
A TALE OF TWO CARS
Dear Vues Master,
Car Number One
Last week, I spoke at an event in Manhattan. Af-
ter the event, I retrieved my car from the parking
garage and headed home.
Soon after, a car began flashing its headlights at
me. At first, I was concerned. Why was this car
flashing its headlights at me? Had I done some-
thing wrong?
I switched lanes to avoid any issue and allowed
Mr. Flashing Headlights to pass. Unbeknownst
to me, headlight flashing is a common, non-ver-
bal, optical method of communication between
drivers. (A quick Wikipedia search yielded this:
“Headlight flashing is the act of briefly switch-
ing on the headlights of a car… in an effort to
communicate with another driver or drivers.”)
However, my quick lane change did nothing to
deter Mr. Flashing Headlights. In fact, he sped
up to pass me, then slowed down, now driving
parallel to me on my right.
It was after 10 PM. I was driving in Manhattan,
and the driver beside me was sticking to me like
a barracuda. What would happen next? Could it
be that the other driver noticed I was Jewish and
was targeting me? Was I about to become the
next news story in an anti-Semitic incident in
New York City?
Truth be told, the man most certainly did recog-
nize that I was Jewish. And although I cannot
be certain, it’s quite possible that my appear-
ance prompted him to bring his car up alongside
mine. I say this because, as I looked to my right,
the driver lowered his window and— to my
great relief— the friendly, warm face of a Chas-
sidishe Yid was smiling back at me.
After regaining my composure and letting my
adrenaline subside, I focused on my newfound
friend. “Your headlights are not on. Turn them
on! Zei gezunt!” he said with a smile.
Indeed, when exiting the parking garage, in an
effort not to hold up the cars behind me, I had
forgotten to turn on my headlights. Thankfully, I
had only traveled a few blocks before my fellow
Jew informed me of my oversight.
An event I initially perceived as a threat was,
in reality, an example of a concerned and caring
fellow Jew correcting my negligence—specifi-
cally, my failure to “check all systems” (includ-
ing headlights) before exiting the garage.
In other words, what seemed threatening turned
out to be the action of a thoughtful person com-
mitted to protecting another.
The lesson is clear: The Chassidishe Yid made
a conscious effort to assist me and ensure my
safety. I am deeply indebted to this nameless
man, and I intend to be more careful about my
headlights—and all aspects of safe driving.
This concludes the story of car number one,
which we’ll call “The Good Car.”
Car Number Two
For those who live in Passaic, no background
information is needed. But for others, allow me
to provide context.
My shul is located on the southeast corner of
Van Houten Avenue (a north–south road) and
High Street (an east–west road). Built in the
1950s, the shul has no designated parking lot—
only street parking. With over forty minyanim a
day, parking can be challenging, to say the least.
About twenty feet from the corner (on the Van
Houten side) is a fire hydrant. The prohibition
against parking in front of a hydrant is both le-
gally and halachically mandated. It is morally
repugnant—especially when it causes a Chilul
Hashem in front of a shul. Worse still, it is dan-
gerous.
Unfortunately, there is often a car parked in front
of this hydrant—presumably by someone dav-
ening in the shul. This poses a real hazard when
anyone tries to make a right turn from High
Street onto Van Houten.
Now, I realize some readers may think this entire
piece sounds trivial or inconsequential. “Why is
the rabbi writing about parking rules? Is this
Halacha? Is this Torah?”
The answer is an emphatic: YES! It is Torah.
In fact, perhaps it should be called a prerequisite
to Torah, as Chazal taught: “Derech Eretz kadma
laTorah”—proper conduct precedes Torah.
How is this Torah?
Anyone (including myself) who has tried to turn
from High Street onto Van Houten—only to
find their view obstructed by an illegally parked
car—knows that this is anything but trivial. It’s
dangerous. It can lead to accidents. It is a matter
of life and death.
And issues of life and death are definitely part
of the Torah. Last week, we read about the
Arei Miklat—Cities of Refuge—designated for
someone who killed unintentionally but with an
element of negligence. These cities were essen-
tially the Torah’s version of incarceration. The
killer is confined not because of malice, but due
to carelessness that led to tragedy.
Similarly, when someone parks in a spot that
blocks visibility, forcing drivers to swing into
oncoming traffic, they are acting recklessly—vi-
olating both city law and halacha. Even if there’s
no intention to harm, the act itself is dangerous
and irresponsible. How can such a person justify
joining a minyan and davening to Hashem for
their well-being—while simultaneously endan-
gering others through their behavior? How much
value can Hashem place on that tefillah?
Perhaps this is what Chazal meant when they
said: “If one immerses in a mikvah while hold-
ing a sheretz (an impure creature), their immer-
sion is worthless.”
How effective is a prayer that is made pos-
sible by harming the very people you claim to
be praying for? This concludes the story of car
number two—the “Not-Good Car.”
Summation: A Tale of Two Cars
In one story, a man used his car to help his fel-
low Jew. In the other, a man’s car caused pain
and potential harm to others.
Which of these two cars is Hashem proud of?
“If not now, then when?” — Hillel
Ron Yitzchok Eisenman Rav, Congregation
Ahavas Israel Passaic, NJ
Vues Master’s Note: All you need to do is get the
guy a hefty ticket!
WIDOWS WITH CHILDREN
Dear Vues Master,
Kudos to the men who have chosen to marry
women with children and take on the noble role
of helping raise them.
I was deeply saddened to see a letter published
in your paper discouraging men from marrying
women with children. While I respect the right
to differing opinions and freedom of speech, the
tone and content of that letter—and especially
the response comparing these women to “trash
that becomes someone else’s treasure”—were
truly disheartening.
As a single mother for eight years, I know first-
hand how challenging and isolating the journey
can be. I’ve been told by a matchmaker who
works with second-time singles that she is still
searching “with a magnifying glass” to find men
open to marrying women with children. Why,
then, would anyone want to further discourage
the few who are open-minded and kind-hearted
enough to consider it?
The letter suggested that single mothers often
blame their ex-spouses. Ironically, in his own
words, the writer seems to blame an ex-wife for
everything—including her children.
It reminded me of the classic image of one man
in a glass house criticizing another in the same
situation.
Let me offer another perspective. A mother
is someone who lives the value of chesed—
loving-kindness—every single day. A single
mother does the work of two people. She is a
real-life superhero, giving of her time, energy,
and resources to raise children who will one day
contribute meaningfully to society.
Whether she is divorced, widowed, or other-
wise single, her sacrifices are immense and her
strength is profound.
Children benefit most from being raised in a
loving, two-parent home. What greater chesed
could there be than for a man to step into that
role—whether co-parenting with a child’s father
or serving as the sole father figure in the home—
and help raise kind, moral, and values-driven
children?
A true Eishes Chayil—a woman of valor—who
is cherished and supported will strive to build a
strong and lasting second marriage. Many beau-
tiful families have emerged from the ashes of
past relationships.
May Hashem guide us all to make wise and
compassionate choices—for ourselves, for our
families, and for Klal Yisrael. SM
Vues Master’s Note: Amen! We appreciate your
heartfelt and thoughtful letter. It’s important to
hear diverse voices, especially those who advo-
cate for compassion, understanding, and unity.
REWARDING TERRORISM
Dear Vues Master
I am deeply disturbed by French President Em-
manuel Macron’s recent announcement that he
will officially recognize a Palestinian state this
September. This morally bankrupt decision
comes from a leader who has shown a clear anti-
Israel bias and, disturbingly, has often tolerated
anti-Semitic rhetoric within France under his
watch.
Macron’s hostility toward Israel is well docu-
mented, and his policies dangerously reward
terror groups rather than promoting peace. At
a time when France is facing immense internal
challenges—economic decline, social unrest,
and political instability—Macron chooses to
alienate a key ally and undermine security in the
region. This is not leadership; it is reckless po-
litical posturing.
Moreover, Macron’s tolerance for anti-Semitism
in his own country, where attacks on Jewish
communities have tragically increased, reveals
a disturbing moral failure. His personal and po-
litical collapse is no secret—videos of his wife
physically attacking him only highlight the
chaos at the highest level of French government.
History will judge Macron harshly. He will be
remembered as a leader who, blinded by his an-
ti-Israel agenda and personal failures, chose to
legitimize violence and hatred instead of foster-
ing peace and security.
France and the world deserve leaders with integ-
rity—not one who betrays core values and allies.
YT
Vues Master’s Note: If Macron is so intent
on rewarding terror groups, perhaps Hamas
should relocate to the French Riviera — a
region supposedly under his protection. That
way, France can fully own the consequences
of this misguided policy. It’s deeply troubling
to see a leader who tolerates anti-Semitism and
undermines Israel’s security make such reckless
decisions. True leadership would prioritize
peace and stability, not reward violence.