04 Nov 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.
COVER
Dear Vues Master:
I just wanted to take a moment to compliment The Jew-
ish Vues on what I believe was your best cover ever. Last
week’s issue was bold, eye-catching, and exactly the kind
of cover that gets people talking.
In today’s world, where so many publications play it safe
or avoid controversy altogether, it was refreshing to see
The Jewish Vues take a stand and produce something that
sparked real conversation in our community.
Even though it seems likely that Mamdani is going to win,
that’s not really the point here. The point is that your cov-
er grabbed people’s attention and made them think. You
managed to capture the energy, frustration, and passion
surrounding this moment in a way that no one else has.
Whether people agreed or disagreed with the message, they
were all talking about it.
I understand that some people, especially those who lost
loved ones on September 11th, might have found the im-
agery or symbolism difficult. That reaction is completely
understandable. But I also recognize that the intent of the
cover was not to offend; it was to grab the reader’s atten-
tion and make a powerful statement about what’s happen-
ing right now. In that respect, it succeeded.
Your team clearly understands that being relevant and im-
pactful sometimes means taking risks, and last week’s cov-
er proved that you’re not afraid to do just that. It was dar-
ing, creative, and perfectly timed. It reflected exactly what
the frum community in New York is feeling right now.
Please keep up the great work. The Jewish Vues continues
to be one of the few publications willing to push boundar-
ies while still staying true to the values of our community.
I, for one, can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
It’s my family’s favorite newspaper.
KP
Vues Master’s Note:
That’s why we have no cover charge for the paper!
QUESTIONS
Dear Vues Master:
I wanted to express how much I enjoyed last week’s Fun
Questions section in The Jewish Vues, especially the one
asking, “Who has the best beard?” It really brought smiles
and sparked great conversations among my friends and
family.
While some felt the question might have been a bit disre-
spectful, I explained that it was quite the opposite!
In Tanach, we find descriptions of Yosef HaTzaddik and
Dovid HaMelech as being exceptionally good-looking
men. Likewise, there are four women who are specifically
described as beautiful: Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Esther.
The Torah itself doesn’t shy away from noting physical
beauty when it reflects inner greatness.
Beauty,whether in one’s appearance, actions, or character,
can be an expression of the tzelem Elokim, the divine im-
age within every person.
I think the question was meant in good fun and with ad-
miration, not disrespect. It celebrated our appreciation
for those who carry themselves with dignity, warmth, and
spiritual grace, qualities that shine both inside and out. It
reminded me that humor and lightheartedness can also be
part of a Torah life when approached with the right per-
spective.
Thank you for continuing to create such engaging and
thoughtful content that brings our community together and
reminds us that joy and Torah truly go hand in hand!
YL
Vues Master’s Note:
In this paper, we ask questions, and you’ve got the answers!
DEAD ISSUE
Dear Vues Master:
The Knesset’s advancement of the death penalty bill for
terrorists marks a long-overdue and necessary step in pro-
tecting Israeli citizens and affirming the sanctity of human
life.
For decades, Israel has faced relentless waves of terrorism,
attacks deliberately targeting innocent civilians, families,
and children. While Israel’s judicial system has been strong
and fair, current punishments have not deterred those who
commit such heinous acts.
The death penalty for terrorists who murder out of nation-
alistic hatred is both a moral and practical necessity. This
legislation sends a clear and unequivocal message: those
who commit acts of terror with the intent to destroy lives
and sow fear will face the ultimate consequence.
Terrorists often glorify imprisonment, using it as a badge
of honor or as a platform to inspire further violence. By
introducing the death penalty, Israel signals that its justice
system will not be manipulated or mocked by those who
reject the very notion of coexistence.
Critics argue that the bill could provoke international back-
lash or erode legal norms. Yet no nation should be expected
to compromise its security or moral clarity for
the sake of appeasement. Every sovereign de-
mocracy has the right—and the duty—to de-
fend its citizens. This law does not weaken
Israel’s commitment to justice; it strengthens
it by affirming that the deliberate, ideologi-
cally driven murder of innocents is beyond
redemption.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s sup-
port for this measure reflects both courage and
compassion, courage to confront evil without
hesitation, and compassion for the countless
victims of terrorism who deserve justice.
We also extend our gratitude to National Se-
curity Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for his stead-
fast leadership and determination in pushing
this vital legislation forward. His commit-
ment to protecting the people of Israel and
ensuring true justice for victims of terror has
been instrumental in advancing this historic
step.
It is time to stand firm. Justice must be more
than words; it must have the power to protect
life and preserve peace.
BY
Vues Master’s Note:
I hope the bill is not dead on arrival!
YICHUS
Dear Vues Master:
A man who frequently boasted that he was the
grandson of a well-known tzaddik was once
told:
“Do you know why Avraham, Yitzchak, and
Yaakov are called our Avos? It’s to teach us
that they were fathers, not grandchildren.”
MB
Vues Master’s Note:
Rabbi Gifter had a wall full of pictures of
Rabbanim. At the bottom, there was one emp-
ty frame. He told his mother, “That will be
my picture!”
PARKING IN BROOKLYN
Dear Vues Master
I was deeply saddened to hear about the pass-
ing of Rabbi Chaplain Kass, a man who de-
voted his life to serving both the Jewish com-
munity and the wider New York City public.
His kindness, dedication, and leadership
touched countless lives, and his loss is felt
profoundly by all who knew him or benefited
from his service. When I heard that the fu-
neral was being held at East Midwood Jewish
Center on Ocean Avenue, I understood that
it would be a major event, drawing many
people who wanted to pay their final respects.
The NYPD, Chief Richie Taylor, and the Flat-
bush Shomrim all did an outstanding
job managing the large crowds and ensuring
safety during such an emotional time. Their
presence was reassuring and respectful, and
they deserve recognition for their profession-
alism.
However, I was surprised and disappointed
that alternate-side parking regulations were
not suspended in the area, especially con-
sidering that so many streets around the shul
were closed for the funeral. This created a tre-
mendous hardship for residents and visitors
alike. Many people, myself included, spent
over two hours searching for a parking spot,
which was especially difficult given that it
was Erev Shabbos.
With so many streets blocked off, there was
simply nowhere to legally park, and the lack
of planning in this regard added unnecessary
frustration to an already somber day.
In the future, when large community funerals
or events require significant street closures, I
hope city officials will coordinate better and
consider temporarily suspending alternate-
side parking rules nearby. It would be a small
but meaningful gesture of consideration for
the community, allowing everyone to focus
on paying their respects rather than worrying
about parking tickets.
CD
Vues Master’s Note: I couldn’t agree more!
AZUS
Dear Vues Master,
It is mentioned in the Gemara that in the end
of days, azus
(insolence) will
reach an all-time
high, scholars
will be disre-
spected, and re-
buke will no lon-
ger be tolerated.
I think it’s pain-
fully obvious that
we have reached
those days.
What’s shocking
is that as recently
as forty years
ago, such a thing
didn’t even seem
possible. The
Chiloni of yester-
day would never have dreamed of disparag-
ing a Gadol, even if he wasn’t observant. You
would see them running after a Rabbi to kiss
his hand and ask for a bracha! Even in Amer-
ica, rabbis were held in very high esteem by
secular people. They may not have known
much about religion, but they always greeted
rabbinical figures warmly and with respect
when they came to their ceremonies.
Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to rec-
ognize the world we live in. You don’t have
to look very far to see how much people are
being mevazeh talmidei chachamim. There
isn’t a single Jewish news website that isn’t
plagued with hateful comments on just about
every article—things that can’t even be men-
tioned here. Many WhatsApp groups that dis-
cuss current events also have no shortage of
disrespectful comments directed toward fig-
ures of ruchniyus.
I’m not saying that these sites are holy places
to begin with, but many people simply want
to visit a platform without immodest ads, ban-
ners, or nivul peh, just to get an idea of what’s
going on in the world. Yet it’s these very sites
that claim to promote Jewish life and busi-
nesses that have become a hornet’s nest for
haters of religion and Torah.
Now, I know most people might think this
doesn’t affect them and that it’s just a bunch
of loudmouthed clowns getting their virtual
spotlight. But there are many readers, young
and old, who are influenced by constant ex-
posure to that kind of material. Eventually,
someone may start agreeing with them on
certain points, especially if they’ve had a
negative experience in real life with a reli-
gious person.
But what we must remember is that any talk
that belittles, disparages, disrespects, mocks,
or humiliates the psak of any Gedolei Torah is
a major crime. The Gemara’s wording is that
“there is no remedy to his wound.” We are a
people who respect our leaders, and the Torah
demands their kavod.
These are holy people who have spent de-
cades studying all areas of halacha and Tal-
mud in depth, our knowledge cannot com-
pare. It’s important to emphasize this to your
family: no matter what hateful comments or
wicked people they may come across online
or in a group chat, these individuals are not
our role models and should not be given any
attention.
Angry people often carry a lot of guilt, and
that’s their way of constantly trying to let it
out. But in the end, when their health starts to
fail, they are the first ones to ask for a Rabbi
and Tefillin. It’s better not to wait until then to
realize what’s truly important in life.
KLMY
Vues Master’s Note: It is never too late!
THREE STEPS
Dear Vues Master:
It was common for Rabbi Eizel Slonimer to
daven quickly and finish the Shemoneh Esrei
before others in the shul. When asked why,
he explained:
“I’m not like other rabbis. Other rabbis follow
the kehillah in stepping out; my congregation
follows me.”
KL
Vues Master’s Note: You probably meant
stepping back!
BEARD
Dear Vues Master:
It is with profound astonishment and deep
anguish that we write to you regarding your
recent publication, the “lighthearted” article
ranking the beards of various Rabbonim. It
has become clear that such a matter cannot
go unanswered. To remain quiet in the face of
such a flagrant bizayon haTorah would itself
constitute complicity in the degradation of
that which is most sacred to us.
Let us be unequivocally clear: Kavod haTorah
is not a game, nor a subject for casual amuse-
ment or public jest. To reduce Rabbonim,
gedolei Torah, men whose lives are suffused
with yiras Shamayim, who toil in Torah and
avodas Hashem day and night — to mere
physical features for popular commentary is
to trample upon the very foundation of the
Torah hakedoshah.
This is not “cute.” This is not “light.” This is
an egregious chillul Hashem, an affront to the
dignity of those who bear the mantle of Torah,
and a desecration of the value system upon
which klal Yisroel stands. Have we sunk so
low that the holy faces of Rabbonim — faces
that radiate the light of Torah — are to be
treated as objects of trivial comparison, fod-
der for public entertainment?
A frum publication should be a source of ke-
dushah, a platform that uplifts, refines, and
fortifies the tzibbur in yiras Shamayim and
ahavas haTorah. Instead, you have elected
to cheapen the image of Torah leaders, and
in doing so, have betrayed your own stated
mission as “the newspaper of klal Yisroel”. It
is pachad mamash to imagine how such con-
tent could ever have been deemed appropriate
within your editorial board.
You must publish an immediate, comprehen-
sive, and public retraction of this grievous
lapse in judgement, coupled with an apology
to the entire community of Bnei Torah who
are appalled by the gravity of the bizayon
haTorah which you have perpetrated.
With profound disappointment,
A Group of Students from Yeshiva Torah Vo-
daath
Vues Master’s Note: So when the Talmud dis-
cusses Rabbi Yochanan not having a “majes-
tic appearance,” is that disrespectful?
VANCE
Dear Vues Master:
Vice President J.D. Vance’s response to an
antisemitic college student this week raises
troubling questions.
Following his speech at an October 30 rally
on the campus of the University of Missis-
sippi, the vice president was asked by a stu-
dent whether Israel or its supporters are se-
cretly shaping President Trump’s Middle East
policy.
Vance replied that the fact that Trump re-
cently “applied leverage to the State of Is-
rael” (to make concessions to Hamas) proves
that “when people say that Israel is somehow
manipulating or controlling the president of
the United States, they’re not manipulating
or controlling this president of the United
States.”
Vance seemed to leave open the possibility
that he believes Israel or Jews may have “ma-
nipulated or controlled” previous presidents.
If that is what the vice president intended to
say, he has placed himself in some very unde-
sirable company.
Extremist Arab leaders have been circulating
slurs about Jewish control of U.S. presidents
for many decades. They were staples in the
rhetoric of Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser,
Syria’s Hafez Assad, and Libya’s Muammar
Gaddafi, among others.
During the administration of Bill Clinton, the
Palestinian Authority’s official daily newspa-
per, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, declared:
“Washington’s decisions are not made in the
White House, which is busy cleaning up its
bedrooms, but in the offices of Netanyahu,
who is feverishly trying to recruit America
and its allies to serve the hated agenda of To-
rah.” (March 25, 1998)
Likewise, the Egyptian newspaper Al-Usbu,
which rejoiced over the 9/11 attacks, claimed
President Clinton “would make no decision
without getting the approval of the childish
Jewess Madeleine Albright, the secretary of
state, [who] spared no efforts in her support
for Israel.” (Nov. 3, 2002)
An editorial in the PA’s Al-Hayat Al-Jadida
during the George W. Bush administration
declared that “the Zionist lobby runs even
over the bedrooms of the senior members
of Congress and the White
House. It whips them in the
morning and evening for
fear lest they awaken from
their servitude. It castrates
them and supplies them
with ‘Viagra Monica.’”
(Aug. 29, 2001)
Such slurs have continued
in more recent years. Ilhan
Omar tweeted in 2012 that
“Israel has hypnotized the
world,” including, presum-
ably, Barack Obama, who
was then president. Kamala
Harris’s director of Arab-American outreach,
Brenda Abdelall, last year accused “Zionists”
of “controlling a lot” of American politics.
One of the loudest voices claiming Israel or
American Jews have controlled some U.S.
presidents is a left-of-center critic of Vice
President Vance — Thomas L. Friedman,
foreign affairs columnist for The New York
Times. Friedman has described Vance’s state-
ments on other issues as “venomous” and
“contemptuous.”
But Friedman must have been delighted to
hear what Vance said about Israel and U.S.
presidents. After all, in a column on February
5, 2004, Friedman asserted that Prime Min-
ister Ariel Sharon “had George Bush under
house arrest in the Oval Office… surrounded
by Jewish and Christian pro-Israel lobbyists,
[and] by a vice president, Dick Cheney, who’s
ready to do whatever Mr. Sharon dictates.”
Friedman claimed Sharon, Jewish lobbyists,
Cheney, and unidentified “political handlers”
were “all conspiring to make sure the presi-
dent does nothing unfavorable to Israel.”
Sometimes, the slurs have focused on Con-
gress rather than the White House, but it’s the
same antisemitic imagery of Jews controlling
the U.S. government.
Thus, Friedman claimed in a Dec. 13, 2011,
column that the standing ovations which Isra-
el’s prime minister received in Congress that
year were “bought and paid for by the Israel
lobby.” In a Nov. 19, 2013, article, Friedman
wrote that “many American lawmakers will
do whatever the Israel lobby asks them to do
in order to garner Jewish votes and campaign
donations.”
In the same spirit, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-
Michigan) asserted in January 2019 that Con-
gress members who support Israel “forgot
what country they represent,” meaning, in
effect, that they are controlled by Israel. Rep.
Omar followed the next month by tweeting
that U.S. support for Israel was “all about the
Benjamins, baby,” accusing American sup-
porters of Israel of bribing members of Con-
gress.
These are not the kind of individuals or sen-
timents with which one would expect Vice
President Vance to align himself. Like Fried-
man, Tlaib, and Omar have been strongly
critical of Vance on various issues.
It’s not too late for the vice president to state
clearly that he did not mean to suggest that
Israel or Jews controlled previous American
presidents. Until he does so, that troubling
and dangerous impression will stand.
LP
Vues Master’s Note: True colors always
come out!
AIR CONDITIONERS
Dear Vues Master:
With the Yom Tovim behind us, hopefully all
of the Jewish people have merited a forth-
coming year of health, happiness, and pros-
perity. Unfortunately, in many of our local
shuls there seems to be an unawareness that
summer is behind us as well.
This is reflected in the air-conditioning sys-
tems in many of our shuls being on full blast,
as if it were still summertime. Many shuls
with central air systems also have supplemen-
tal window units, which are often left running
unnecessarily at this time of year, frequently
causing people sitting nearby to get sick.
It appears that synagogue managers are under
pressure from certain individuals who require
air conditioners to stay on virtually year-
round in order to be comfortable. However,
their unique circumstances, and the pressure
they exert, unnecessarily and negatively im-
pact the overwhelming majority of congre-
gants.
It is respectfully suggested that synagogue
managers consider the needs and wishes of
the (silent) majority of their congregants
rather than those of a loud but tiny minority.
C.B.
Vues Master’s Note: Maybe move your seat!
DERSHOWITZ NO LONGER A
DEMOCRAT
Dear Vues Master
Alan Dershowitz’s recent decision to sever
ties with the Democratic Party marks a turn-
ing point not only for him but for countless
Americans who have watched with grow-
ing alarm as the party abandons its historic
commitment to Israel and to liberal values
of fairness and truth. Dershowitz, a lifelong
Democrat, Harvard Law professor emeritus,
and one of America’s foremost defenders of
civil liberties, has spent more than sixty years
championing justice across the political spec-
trum. When such a principled voice declares
that the Democratic Party has embraced an-
tisemitism disguised as “progressivism,” we
should all take notice.
Dershowitz’s criticism of figures like mayor-
al candidate Zohran Mamdani is not partisan
rhetoric; it is a moral warning. As he rightly
points out, condemning Israel’s right to exist
as a Jewish state while excusing or even cel-
ebrating Islamic governance in countries like
Saudi Arabia and Qatar is the very definition
of hypocrisy, and of antisemitism. Mamda-
ni’s rise, fueled by silence from Democratic
leaders fearful of alienating the far-left base,
signals a dangerous normalization of anti-
Israel sentiment within American politics.
For decades, Dershowitz stood as a bridge
between Jewish identity, liberal ideals, and
the Democratic tradition. His departure un-
derscores just how far the party has strayed.
We need more courageous voices willing to
confront this moral drift, to defend Israel, and
to reject hatred in all its forms. As Dershowitz
says, the time is not to flee, but to fight back.
LP
Vues Master’s Note: The Democratic Party is
no longer the same party our parents knew.
It has become an antisemitic party. I’m sure
many more people will be following Der-
showitz in the near future.
FLYING DURING THE STRIKE
Dear Vues Master
I am deeply alarmed by Transportation Secre-
tary Sean Duffy’s recent warning that “chaos
in the skies” could erupt if the government
shutdown continues and air traffic control-
lers miss a second paycheck. This situation
is not just an inconvenience for travelers—it
is a serious threat to public safety, economic
stability, and the well-being of thousands of
dedicated federal employees who keep our
aviation system running.
As someone scheduled to fly to Eretz Yisrael
next week, I am personally worried. This trip
is extremely important to me, yet I now face
the real possibility of delays, cancellations, or
even flight shutdowns due to political inac-
tion. The thought that my long-planned jour-
ney—and those of millions of others, could
be derailed because our leaders cannot agree
on a funding bill is incredibly frustrating and
disheartening.
Air traffic controllers perform one of the
most demanding and high-stress jobs in the
country. Expecting them to continue working
without pay is both unfair and dangerous. The
U.S. Travel Association’s estimate that the
shutdown has already cost our economy over
$4 billion shows how reckless this standoff
has become, especially with the busy Thanks-
giving travel season approaching.
Congress must act immediately to end this
shutdown and pass a clean funding resolu-
tion. The safety of passengers, the livelihoods
of aviation workers, and the integrity of our
travel system should never be held hostage to
partisan disputes.
HT
Vues Master’s Note: This could go on for a
while! Be prepared!