11 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.

PROMISES
Dear Vues Master,
Once again, voters have been swept up by lofty campaign

promises that sound inspiring but crumble under even ba-
sic scrutiny. While Mayor Mamdani’s pledges captured

the public’s imagination, the uncomfortable truth is that

the mayor simply does not have the authority to accom-
plish most of what was promised — including the much-
discussed idea of making city buses free.

The concept of free public transit is appealing and, in

many ways, worth exploring. But the reality is that fund-
ing and operating transit systems depend on decisions

made by city council and, in part, by provincial budgets.
The mayor alone cannot eliminate fares or redirect funds

without legislative backing. To suggest otherwise mis-
leads voters and sets up unrealistic expectations.

This isn’t unique to Mamdani. Every election, candidates
make sweeping promises, whether it’s cheaper housing,

safer streets, or, this time, free buses — without acknowl-
edging the legal and financial limits of municipal power.

When these promises inevitably go unfulfilled, public
trust erodes and cynicism grows.

We need leaders who level with us about what’s pos-
sible and what isn’t. And we, as citizens, must educate

ourselves about the actual powers of local government.
Change requires collaboration, persistence, and informed
civic engagement — not magical thinking.
Before the next election, let’s demand honesty instead of
hollow slogans. Otherwise, we’ll keep falling for dreams
that city hall simply doesn’t have the power to deliver.
MT
Vues Master’s Note: In Yiddish we say that promising
and loving don’t cost money! Everything is free in the
eyes of the beholder!

POLITICS
Dear Vues Master:

I am writing to express my strong support for Council-
woman Inna Vernikov and her recent letter inviting Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit New York City on
January 1, 2026, after Zohran Mamdani assumes office

as mayor. This invitation is sure to provoke a strong re-
action from Mamdani’s supporters, especially given his

previous statement that he would arrest Prime Minister
Netanyahu as an “international war criminal”—a claim

that is both outrageous and deeply disrespectful.
The recent election of Zohran Mamdani as New York
City’s next mayor has sparked widespread discussion,
particularly in light of his outspoken criticism of Israel’s

policies. While every leader is entitled to their own per-
spective, it is equally important that New York’s Jewish

community and supporters of Israel feel seen, heard, and
respected.
By extending an invitation to Prime Minister Netanyahu,
Councilwoman Vernikov has ensured that these voices
are not marginalized amid the city’s shifting political
landscape. I commend Councilwoman Vernikov for her
leadership, courage, and steadfast commitment to the
principles of mutual respect and solidarity that define our
great city.
Sincerely,
LT

Vues Master’s Note: Yes! Inna is great but she’s outnum-
bered in the City Council!

PIPE DREAMS
Dear Vues Master:

It seems the “People’s Mayor,” Zohran Mamdani, is al-
ready discovering that grand socialist dreams tend to melt

under the harsh spotlight of fiscal reality. Barely weeks

after his victory lap, Governor Kathy Hochul has ef-
fectively poured cold water on his biggest promise, free

buses for all. Turns out, $700 million isn’t pocket change,
even in a city where idealism often outpaces arithmetic.

Mamdani’s campaign was a masterclass in wishful think-
ing: zero-fare buses, $10 billion in new social programs,

and free child care for everyone, all supposedly paid for
by “taxing the rich.” It was a catchy slogan, sure, but

now the bill has arrived, and Albany’s checkbook re-
mains firmly closed. Hochul’s message from Puerto Rico

couldn’t have been clearer: there’s no magic money tree,
and the MTA can’t function without fare revenue.

Watching Mamdani insist he’s still “excited” about mak-
ing “the slowest buses in America fast and free” would be

charming if it weren’t so detached from reality. Perhaps
he should focus on making them move before making
them free.
In truth, his campaign promises are turning out to be
more performance art than policy. With Hochul, Heast-

ie, and Stewart-Cousins all signaling fiscal
caution, most of his sweeping agenda will
likely remain stuck in the same traffic as his
buses—stalled, honking, and going nowhere
fast.
New York voters wanted a revolution. What

they’re getting instead is a lesson in eco-
nomics.

RT
Vues Master’s Note: Let’s see how things
turn out!

GIVE AND TAKE
Dear Vues Master:
Where in the Torah is there support for the
idea that when taking something, you should
do so with a full hand, but when giving, you
should do so sparingly? The Torah says that
taking should be done with a full measure:

“He shall take a full censer of coals” (Vayi-
kra 16:12) and “a handful of incense” (Vayi-
kra 16:12). As for giving, it states: “He shall

sprinkle it with his finger and put it on the
horns of the altar all around” (Vayikra 4:7).
MB
Vues Master’s Note: I call this the age-old
difficulty when it comes to fundraising!

SAVINGS
Dear Vues Master,
Why is Issachar spelled with two s’s yet we
only pronounce one? There was a financial
partnership between Yissachar and Zevulun,
and to persuade him to go along he said:
drop one s for the savings.
BM
Vues Master’s Note: It would be nice if we
could put away savings! But that is difficult
when living paycheck to paycheck. More
days than money!

NEW GOVERNOR
Dear Vues Master,
I am absolutely thrilled that Elise Stefanik is
running for Governor of New York. She has

consistently shown the courage and integrity
that true leadership requires. When she took
on the Ivy League deans for their shameful
handling of antisemitism, Elise stood up for

what’s right, firmly, fearlessly, and effec-
tively. That’s the kind of strength New York

needs in Albany.
In contrast, I’ve been deeply disappointed

by Governor Hochul’s recent actions, es-
pecially her endorsement of Zohran Mam-
dani. His extreme, divisive rhetoric has no

place in our state’s leadership, and Hochul’s
support for him shows how far she’s drifted
from the values that once defined New York
Democrats. It’s clear she’s more interested

in appeasing the far left than protecting ev-
eryday New Yorkers.

Under Hochul, we’ve seen higher costs of
living and too little accountability. Elise
Stefanik represents the opposite, common
sense, courage, and conviction. She’ll take
on the political insiders, restore safety, and
make New York a place where families and
businesses can thrive again.
Elise Stefanik has my full support. She’s

proven she can stand up to powerful institu-
tions and win, and I know she’ll bring that

same energy to putting New York back on
the right path.
KW
Vues Master’s Note: She was great when she
took down those IVY league deans. She’s
definitely going to give Mamdani a hard
time!

RETURN
Dear Vues Master,
I write with profound relief and gratitude

following the announcement that IDF repre-
sentatives informed the family of Lt. Hadar

Goldin (may Hashem avenge his blood) that
his remains have been returned to Israel,

eleven years after he fell in Operation Pro-
tective Edge and was abducted to Gaza. This

long-awaited re-
turn, confirmed

by the National

Center of Foren-
sic Medicine, the

Israel Police, and

the Military Rab-
binate, brings a

measure of clo-
sure to a family

and a nation that
have carried this
wound for over a
decade.
I commend the
tireless efforts

of IDF person-
nel, the Military

Rabbinate, forensic teams at Abu Kabir,
Red Cross representatives who facilitated

the transfer, and all officials involved in se-
curing Hadar’s return. In times of war, our

highest duty is to those who gave their lives:
to bring them home with dignity. Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s words that

returning our fallen is a foundational com-
mitment speak to values that unite us across

differences.
At this somber moment we mourn for Hadar
and for every family who has lost a loved
one or waits for news of the captive.
We pray for strength for the Goldin family
and for a future in which no family endures
such pain.
HR
Vues Master’s Note: May his soul rest in
peace.

FURIOUS
Dear Vues Master,
As a lifelong Brooklyn resident, I am furious

and heartbroken over the chaos that unfold-
ed yet again at Avenue J and Bay Parkway

this past weekend. The video of cars spin-
ning out of control, blocking intersections,

and blasting music at 3:00 AM with not a
single NYPD officer in sight, is disgraceful.
How can something like this happen in a city
that once prided itself on law and order?
Residents from Flatbush to Boro Park are at
their breaking point. For years, our streets

have been hijacked by drag racers and all-
night car parties, leaving behind tire marks,

shattered nerves, and sleepless nights.
Ocean Parkway and Ocean Avenue look like
racetracks, not neighborhood streets. The
deafening noise, reckless driving, and total

lack of enforcement are destroying our qual-
ity of life.

The NYPD’s absence speaks volumes about
how far public safety has declined. If police
can’t respond within minutes, especially in

the dead of night with no traffic, what mes-
sage does that send to criminals? That law-
lessness is tolerated? That residents don’t

matter?
It will only get worse when Mamdani takes

over. We demand real enforcement, account-
ability, and an immediate end to these dan-
gerous takeovers. Brooklyn deserves peace

and safety, not another night of anarchy.
BY
Vues Master’s Note: Maybe speak to Chief

Richie Taylor & ask him if he can do some-
thing about it!

PAYING BACK
Dear Vues Master,
A chasid came for advice and a blessing from
Rabbi Yechiel Meir of Gostynin. The rabbi

heard that the man had lost his fortune and
was struggling to reestablish himself. After
he gave him his thoughts and his blessing,
the chasid placed a donation on the table.
“I’m sorry, I cannot accept it from you,” the
rabbi said. “A person who owes money to
others is not permitted to give charitable
gifts. We learn this from the opening of the
Song of Deborah. It states: ‘The turmoil in
Israel, by volunteering for the people.’ It is
only after a person redeems his debts to his
Jewish brothers that he is permitted to give
charitably for the benefit of the people.”
LP
Vues Master’s Note: Boy, wouldn’t it be
nice if everyone kept to this!

RABBI KAHANE
Dear Vues Master,
It has been 35 years since the assassination
of Rabbi Meir Kahane; his message is more
relevant than ever. The prophet-warrior
preached timeless values. The messages that
speak to me most, as an IDF lone soldier,
are how to deal with our enemies and how
to address international pressure. The latter
is a lesser-known viewpoint. Rabbi Kahane
is known for his “They must go” stance, but

his position on Israel’s international rela-
tions seems to have flown under the radar.

Nevertheless, these two issues are deeply
intertwined. As long as America and other
so-called “Israeli allies” hold Israel in a
stranglehold, threatening to relinquish aid

and international support in return for obe-
dience, Israel will never be able to keep its

civilians safe and finish off its enemies.
In Our Challenge, page 138, Rabbi Kahane
expressed his feelings about international
pressure:

“We must cease fearing sanctions and iso-
lation in the world community, for it is not

from the world community that salvation
will come.”
The rabbi tried to remind us that there is
something more powerful than a billionaire,

president. That something is Hashem. Salva-
tion will not come through bowing our heads

to a man made of flesh and bones, but rather
through Hashem and He alone. Davening
to the red, white, and blue will not save us;
rather, we must put our trust in Hashem and
deal with our enemies as He commanded us
on multiple occasions.
‘You shall drive out all the inhabitants of the
land from before you.’ — Numbers 33:52

We must refuse to be bullied by the interna-
tional community. It is imperative to take the

necessary actions to expel our enemies. If

we do not, it will not be I who will be fight-
ing to retake Gaza, but instead my children

or grandchildren.

‘But if you do not drive out the inhabit-
ants of the land from before you, then those

whom you leave over will be as spikes in
your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they
will harass you in the land in which you
settle.’ — Numbers 33:55

There is only one way to deal with a geno-
cidal enemy such as Hamas and its collabo-
rators, and that is to remove them.

“They are a cancer in our midst, and you
don’t coexist with a cancer; you either cut it
out and throw it out, or you die. It is better
to have a Jewish state that is hated by the
whole world than an Auschwitz that is loved
by it.” — clip of Rabbi Kahane speaking.
Trump will not save us from Hashem’s
wrath. The only way to right our wrongs is
by listening to Rabbi Kahane’s prophetic
words and returning to Hashem.
Israel must awaken and remember that there
is a Hashem above, and remember what He
commands us to do to our enemies.
JBM
Vues Master’s Note: He was wise beyond
his time!

SHIDDUCHIM
Dear Vues Master:

“And Hashem blessed Avraham with every-
thing.” — R’ Meir explains: this means he

did not have a daughter.
The K’tav Sofer (Chayei Sarah) writes that
in a letter, the Rambam mentioned that his

white hair came from the worries he en-
dured while trying to find a suitable shid-
duch for his daughter, someone appropriate

for their family.

The Ramban similarly explains that if Avra-
ham Avinu had had a daughter, he would

have been distressed over whom to marry
her off to.
The K’tav Sofer concludes that despite
Avraham’s great wealth and status, it was
truly a blessing that he had no daughter,
sparing him the worry and burden of finding
her a fitting shidduch.
MF
Vues Master’s Note: Mamesh this week’s
parsha!

PROTEST
Dear Vues Master:
The rally in Yerushalayim

was NOT “against the Is-
raeli Bnei Yeshiva draft-
ing.” According to the or-
ganizers and all the signs

at the rally, it was against

the drafting of ALL Chare-
idim, whether they are in

yeshiva or not!
Thank you,

A Reader

Vues Master’s Note: Does it make a differ-
ence?

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
Dear Vues Master
I wholeheartedly welcome the Knesset’s
courageous first vote in favor of the death
penalty for terrorists who murder Israelis.
For too long, we have watched convicted

killers sit comfortably in prison cells, glo-
rified by their supporters and subsidized by

the very state they sought to destroy. Justice
without consequence is no justice at all.
When a terrorist slaughters innocent men,
women, or children out of hatred for Israel
or the Jewish people, he forfeits his right to
life. The moral clarity of this bill, mandating
a death sentence for nationalistic murder, is
both overdue and essential.
I must admit, when I heard that National
Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir handed
out baklavas after the vote, I laughed. It was
an audacious gesture, mocking those who
hand out sweets after Israeli blood is spilled.
For once, the symbolism was reversed: it
was Israel celebrating the triumph of justice
over terror. Of course, the ushers confiscated
them, but the message had already landed,
Israel will no longer bow its head in shame
or fear.

Capital punishment is not an act of ven-
geance; it is a statement of national self-
respect. A society that values life must be

willing to defend it with absolute serious-
ness. By passing this law, the Knesset has

affirmed that the lives of Israeli citizens are

sacred, and that those who deliberately de-
stroy them will pay the ultimate price.

BT
Vues Master’s Note: I honestly don’t know
why they didnt do this years ago!

HOW OLD WAS RIVKA
Dear Vues Master
This week we read Parshas Chayei Sarah,
which describes the beautiful story of how
Rivka became the wife of Yitzchok. Yet,

each year when I review this parsha, I find
myself puzzled by the traditional calculation
that Rivka was only three years old when
she married Yitzchok, who was forty at the
time.

According to Rashi, based on the chrono-
logical sequence of the Torah, Rivka was

born at the time of the Akeidah. Since Yitz-
chok was forty when he married her, that

would make her merely three years old.
While I understand the textual basis for this

interpretation, I find it very difficult to ac-
cept on a literal level. It is hard to imagine

that a young child could travel such a dis-
tance, draw water for men and camels, and

demonstrate such maturity, kindness, and
decision-making ability.

Many perushim, including the Sifsei Cha-
chamim and others, suggest that Rivka may

have been older, perhaps fourteen, explain-
ing that the Torah sometimes compresses or

omits years in its timeline. This approach
feels more consistent with the description of
her character and actions.
I raise this question not to challenge what

is said in the Torah, but to deepen our un-
derstanding of the parsha and appreciate

the greatness of our matriarchs in a realistic
and inspiring way. Perhaps this discussion
can help us see Rivka’s strength and faith as
qualities we can all learn from, regardless of
her exact age.
RSW
Vues Master’s Note: Machlokes.

THE GRANDMASTER
Dear Vues Master
Many years ago I attended a chess match at
a local chess club. We were watching two
grandmasters play for a big money prize.
I, along with all the other observers, were
mere chess buffs and were nowhere near the

level of the players we were observing. Sud-
denly, In the middle of the match, one of the

players made a surprising move that elicited
groans and looks of bewilderment from the

crowd. Even the analyst who was explain-
ing the moves seemed to be at a loss. It was

incomprehensible and seemed to be an egre-
gious error that could cost him the match.

However, to our surprise, a mere three
moves later his opponent abruptly stood up,
shook his hand and left!
We were all dumbfounded! After studying

the board for a few minutes our analyst sud-
denly nodded knowingly and broke into a

broad smile. He then explained the logic of

the perplexing move which caused his oppo-
nent to suddenly resign. As he played out the

rest of the game for us we suddenly realized
that what had seemed to be a foolish and
incomprehensible move suddenly became a

stroke of genius.
“MY WAYS ARE NOT YOUR WAYS”
saith the Lord!

Hashem’s plans and methods are inscru-
table. The road to Moshiach has from an-
tiquity been cloaked and hidden in mystery

and intrigue. From Lot and his daughters to
Yehudah and Tamar and on to Rus and Boaz
the royal lineage of Malchus Bais Dovid has
defied easy comprehension.
We cannot fathom all the unknowable twists
and turns still to come in the incredible
journey of the royal soul of King David as
it wends its way through history to the End
of Days scenario. As we have seen, no one
can predict what the next moment holds let
alone the coming weeks and months.
Hashem is the ultimate grandmaster and as
we watch his dramatic moves on the global
chessboard we can only gaze in shock and

awe as we struggle to comprehend the Mas-
ter plan.

Yes, A proud, outspoken, antisemitic, anti
American Muslim socialist has just become
the next mayor of the greatest city in the
world, home of the greatest assemblage of
Jews besides Israel and we stand shocked,
bewildered and fearful at what this portends

for the future. Who knows what evil machi-
nations and dark days lie ahead?

But rest assured. Like our ancestors as they
stood trapped with the mighty sea before

them and the fearsome Egyptian army be-
hind them, they were suddenly saved by

miraculous, divine intervention as the sea
split. So too today, as we stand surrounded
by rising, virulent anti-Semitism, unchecked
looting, shamelessness, lawlessness, in your
face immorality and the imminent collapse
of western society we stand poised and
ready for Hashem’s master stroke. It’ll be a
move so dramatic and unforgettable that on

that day the entire world will shout in uni-
son…

“HASHEM HU HUHELOKIM!”
So while the match is still being played it is
futile to try to understand every move.
His ways are not our ways!
None of us are grandmasters of the divine
plan. Only when the game is finally over
will we be able to look back over our entire
history and see the genius in every move.
So sit back, relax and watch the match.
We may not understand the significance of

every move but we already know the pre-
ordained outcome.

We know who’s going to win!
Chazak Chazak v’nisChazeik
Country Yossi Toiv

Vues Master’s Note: We love it when Coun-
try Yossi sends in letters!