19 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.
HORRIBLE JUDGMENT
Dear Vues Master:
I am sick to my stomach over the recent judgment handed
down in the case of Miriam Yarimi, the driver who killed a
Brooklyn mother and her two young daughters in March.
To call this a miscarriage of justice feels almost too mild.
A sentence of three to nine years, with the possibility of
release after just three, is nothing short of an insult to the
memory of the victims and to every New Yorker who ex-
pects accountability from our legal system.
Three years. One year per life taken. Is that truly what
a child’s life is worth in New York City? The idea that
someone who was reportedly speeding at more than twice
the limit, ran a red light, smashed into another vehicle,
and then struck a family simply walking across the street
could be back on the streets in such a short time is nau-
seating. It reinforces the growing belief that in this city,
criminals are shown more compassion than the innocent
people they harm.
Prosecutors objected to this “sweetheart deal,” yet the
court pushed forward anyway, leaving a community
stunned and a family shattered beyond repair. Natasha
Saada, her daughters Diana and Debra, and the little boy
who survived will forever bear the weight of that horrific
day. But the person responsible may walk free before their
loved ones have even begun to heal.
This judgment does not reflect justice. It reflects a system
that has lost its moral compass.
NT
Vues Master’s Note: I am sure she will be out in a year and
a half, and stay off the sidewalk when she drives!
ADAMS
Dear Vues Master:
As a longtime New Yorker, I have genuinely appreciated
Mayor Eric Adams’s leadership over the past years. I’ve
always felt that he brought an important balance of prag-
matism, energy, and compassion to City Hall. One thing
I especially admired was how strongly he stood with the
Jewish community. He consistently made it clear that Jew-
ish New Yorkers deserved safety, respect, and unwavering
support. His creation of city initiatives to combat antisem-
itism and his vocal stance against hate were meaningful
steps that many of us noticed and valued.
His close relationship with Israel, too, has long been evi-
dent. He never hesitated to express solidarity, emphasiz-
ing the shared values and deep connections between New
York and the Israeli people. That kind of commitment
mattered, especially in moments when tensions were high
and many communities felt vulnerable.
However, I have to admit that his recent visit to Israel,
coming just a week before he leaves office, left me puz-
zled. Adams said the purpose of the trip was to learn, to
show support, and to engage with leaders and innovators.
But with so little time left in his term, it’s hard to under-
stand what practical or long-term benefit this visit could
bring to New York. Was it a gesture of solidarity? A per-
sonal mission? A final attempt to reinforce his legacy on
issues important to him?
I remain grateful for the many ways in which he cham-
pioned the Jewish community and for the leadership he
provided our city. I only wish the reasoning behind this
last-minute trip had been explained more clearly to the
New Yorkers who supported him throughout his tenure.
FT
Vues Master’s Note: Now, if only he could undo the gar-
bage decrees!
TRAGEDY
Dear Vues Master:
I am writing with a heavy heart after learning of the tragic
and untimely passing of Yisroel Meir Freeman z”l, whose
life was abruptly cut short in the most unimaginable way.
The news has shaken the Monsey kehilla, as well as all
who know the Freeman family, leaving us heartbroken
and grappling with the fragility of life.
That a 29-year-old father of three, a dedicated yungerman
on his way to kollel, could be taken from this world so
suddenly is almost impossible to comprehend. The image
of a tree unexpectedly crashing onto his moving vehicle
chills the soul. It reminds us that even in the midst of rou-
tine, on a morning dedicated to Torah and family—trag-
edy can strike without warning.
The niftar z”l, originally from Boro Park and the son of
longtime East Side Hatzolah volunteer Reb Yaakov Free-
man Yb”l, came from a family known for chessed, de-
votion, and quiet service to the community. That such a
tragedy struck this home only deepens the pain felt by so
many.
The heroism of the first responders and medical teams,
Rockland Hatzoloh, paramedics, and trauma
surgeons, cannot be overstated. They fought
with everything they had to save his life. Yet
despite their efforts, the Ribbono Shel Olam
decreed otherwise.
As a community, we mourn together. We cry
for his young family, for parents who must
now endure unimaginable grief, and for a
life of promise that ended far too soon. May
Hashem grant comfort, strength, and heal-
ing to all who are suffering from this terrible
loss.
MT
Vues Master’s Note: We should have only
simchos!
SAFETY
Dear Vues Master:
I write today out of deep concern for the di-
rection New York is heading. The city already
feels like it’s slipping into a state where ordi-
nary New Yorkers no longer feel safe walk-
ing down their own streets, and incidents like
the one this Sunday only reinforce that fear.
This past weekend, two suspects were taken
into NYPD custody after a bachur was tar-
geted in a hat-snatching incident near Avenue
N and East 16th Street. Flatbush Shomrim
responded immediately, tracking a group of
six individuals believed to be involved. Their
quick work helped guide police to the sus-
pects, who were ultimately arrested at Coney
Island Avenue and Kings Highway. Disturb-
ingly, sources indicated that the same group
may have carried out a similar hat-snatching
just minutes earlier at Avenue J and East 16th
Street. The investigation is ongoing, but for
many of us, the pattern feels all too familiar.
These are not isolated feelings of unease,
they reflect a broader sense that the city’s
public-safety climate is deteriorating. That’s
why so many of us are anxious about what
might happen when Zohran Mamdani be-
comes mayor this January, and why
we worry that his policy approach
could accelerate the very trends that
are making daily life feel increas-
ingly unsafe. We need leadership
that prioritizes stability and public
safety, not policies that risk making
matters worse.
New Yorkers deserve to feel se-
cure—now and in the years ahead.
LP
Vues Master’s Note: Just wait for
Momdummy to be mayor! He’ll
send out MSW to deal with hat-
snatching!
SHLUCHIM
Dear Vues Master:
This past week, I had the privilege
of attending the Chabad Shluchim
Dinner for the very first time, and
I am still moved by the power, pride, and
unity I witnessed. I had always heard that the
annual International Conference of Chabad
Emissaries was something extraordinary, but
being there in person gave me a whole new
appreciation for what this gathering repre-
sents.
The highlight, without question, was witness-
ing the iconic group portrait, thousands of
rabbis standing shoulder to shoulder in front
of Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters.
Knowing that these rabbis had traveled from
111 countries and more than 6,000 communi-
ties made the moment even more inspiring. It
wasn’t just a photograph; it was a message to
the world. In a year when so many Jews have
felt isolated or uneasy, seeing this vast sea of
dedicated leaders projected a profound sense
of reassurance. It symbolized Jewish pride,
resilience, and continuity in a way words
alone cannot capture.
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Director of the In-
ternational Conference of Chabad Emissar-
ies, said it best: this year’s gathering comes
at a time when Jews “need reassurance and
hope,” and the Shluchim—who tirelessly
serve their communities, have become that
global support system. The photo, he ex-
plained, declares that “the Jewish people
are alive, strong, proud, and we aren’t going
anywhere.”
Sitting among these emissaries at the din-
ner, I felt that message deeply. Their warmth,
dedication, and unwavering optimism uplift-
ed everyone in the room. My first Shluchim
Dinner left me proud, inspired, and more
connected to the global Jewish family than
ever before.
RBY
Vues Master’s Note: Awesome!
INSTANT
Dear Vues Master:
This is just a quick reminder for those who
may not know. In an age when we expect ev-
erything to be delivered instantly, we must
make sure not to receive orders on Shabbos.
If someone has Prime and places an order on
Friday, this practically guarantees a Saturday
delivery—which should be avoided. If some-
thing is ordered earlier in the week and Shab-
bos is only a possible delivery date, then the
lack of certainty makes it acceptable. Most
people are familiar with how accurate the
listed delivery estimate is, so keep this in
mind.
Shabbos is not a day for commerce, and there
is also the issue of maris ayin when delivery
trucks keep stopping by your house. Obvi-
ously, this does not apply to the postal ser-
vice, which has its own automatic daily de-
livery system.
Someone recently mentioned another is-
sue: automatic light sensors outside people’s
homes and garages. This poses a significant
problem, and a Jewish home needs to turn
them off before Shabbos. As for non-Jewish
neighbors, you’ll quickly learn which hous-
es in your area have these sensors, and you
should do your best to avoid triggering them.
Thankfully, it’s only a nighttime concern,
though sometimes you may have to cross the
street, which comes with some extra Shabbos
reward.
KLMY
Vues Master’s Note: Instant coffee?
WINDOW
Dear Vues Master:
It was late at night when Sarah was woken
from her sleep by thunder. Suddenly, as light-
ning lit up the darkness, she saw the figure
of a burglar outlined by the window. Fright-
ened, she immediately woke her husband
and told him, “There’s a burglar standing by
the window.” Slowly opening his eyes and
seeing the burglar with
his tools just outside, he
said: “Shah. Don’t scare
him. Maybe he can lift
the window. That’s the
one we haven’t been able
to open since the painter
was here.”
KL Vues Master’s Note:
If the guy gets caught,
he’ll be out on cashless
bail!
SHIDDUCH
Dear Vues Master:
Moshe’s parents were
terribly frustrated at their
son’s inability to find
a match. Every time a
match was proposed, the
girl’s father would test
him on his learning and immediately see that
he wasn’t the brightest tool in the shed.
At a friend’s suggestion, Moshe’s father
hired a tutor to study a Talmudic topic with
him day and night for weeks in a study hall
in Jerusalem, until he knew it perfectly and
could appear to be a Torah prodigy.
A matchmaker arranged a meeting, and
Moshe confidently and brilliantly presented
the topic to the prospective bride’s father.
“What does Rabbeinu Chananel say about
this Talmud passage?” the father asked.
Moshe, of course, had no idea who Rabbeinu
Chananel was. He had never met him and
had never even heard of him. After a mo-
ment’s hesitation, he replied:
“I really don’t know what he says. I saw him
on the 400 bus, but he got off at Kfar Chabad
and I didn’t have a chance to discuss it with
him.”
That, of course, was the end of that match.
When he returned home and told his father
what happened, his father exclaimed: “You
fool! Don’t you know that the 400 bus is ex-
press and doesn’t stop in Kfar Chabad?” MB
Vues Master’s Note: This boy was a big
“dream-fast” in fear of Heaven!
FAST
Dear Vues Master:
Seven reasons the choson & kallah fast on
the day of the chupah:
1- Their sins are forgiven (Talmud Yerush-
almi, Bikkurim 3:3)
2- To ensure they are not intoxicated during
the betrothal ceremony (Maharam Mintz)
3- Following the practice of the early pious
ones who fast before performing a mitzvah
(Rokeach 323)
4- To nullify the decree of strife mentioned
in the marriage contract (Mahari Bruna 93)
5- Because a choson—like a king—is judged
on the day of his chasuna (Mahari Bruna 93)
6- The chupah parallels the giving of the
Torah, when the Israelites fasted (Tashbetz
Katan 465)
7- To avoid having an overly unrestrained
celebration (Rabbeinu Ephraim of Bonn)
MF
Vues Master’s Note: May we all be cleansed
from our sins!
MECHANIC
Dear Vues Master:
Mendy and Michal went to pick up their car
from the mechanic. He apologized profusely,
explaining that it would take a few minutes
because he had accidentally locked the keys
inside the car.
They waited while he worked to open the
driver’s door. It seemed to take forever. Mi-
chal grew impatient, so she went to the pas-
senger side and instinctively tried the handle.
To her surprise and delight, the door opened.
“Hey,” she called to the mechanic, “this door
is open!”
“I know, I know,” he replied. “I already
opened that side.” BM
Vues Master’s Note: With mechanics like
this, we may as well junk all our cars!
SONGS
Dear Vues Master:
Why is it that in Koheles, written by Shlomo
Hamelech in his old age, it begins with “son
of David, king in Jerusalem,” while in Shir
Hashirim it begins simply with “which is
Shlomo’s”?
Apparently, it’s because to give mussar and
be listened to, one must be of distinguished
lineage. But words delivered in song are
heard attentively no matter who composed
them.
BP
Vues Master’s Note: Sounds like a song to
me!
KEEP THE FAITH
Dear Vues Master:
A high school student once approached the
Malbim and said that he wanted to continue
his learning, but it was nearly impossible for
a Jew to be accepted into the university. He
therefore asked whether he could pretend to
be converting while remaining a true Jew at
heart.
“After all,” he said, “the little water the priest
will sprinkle on me won’t change who I am.
In my heart I’ll still remain faithful.”
The Malbim answered: “As you know, the
Yidden are compared to dust. The pasuk
says: ‘Your offspring shall be like the dust of
the earth.’ And if you sprinkle a little water
on dust, like it or not, you end up with mud.”
KH
Vues Master’s Note: Sounds like what would
happen if the Chareidi draft went through!
INFINITE WISDOM
Dear Vues Master:
Two women in a small European town be-
fore the war each had a daughter to marry
off. No suitable boys were available locally,
so they wrote to a Yeshiva, described their
daughters and families, and
asked for a match.
The Yeshiva wrote back
telling them that two boys
would arrive by train on a
certain date. The two wom-
en waited at the station,
but only one boy arrived.
Each mother claimed the
boy was intended for her
daughter.
After arguing for an hour,
they agreed to bring the
matter to the local rabbi.
He heard them out and declared: “I’ll do as
King Solomon did—I’ll cut him into pieces
and give each of you half.”
Immediately, one of the mothers said: “If
that’s the way it must be, so be it.” The other
cried out: “Heaven forbid! Absolutely not!”
Which one received the choson? The one
who agreed to slice him up. That’s a true
mother-in-law.
ML
Vues Master’s Note: A shvigger is a shvig-
ger!
PICTURE
Dear Vues Master:
Regarding the picture in The Jewish Vues,
page 62, of Sheya Mendlowitz in second
grade: the Rebbe shown in the photo is not
Rabbi Teitelbaum, but rather my father, Rab-
bi Reuven Moshe Soloff, of blessed memory,
who taught Sheya in first grade.
Please share this correction with your read-
ers.
Sincerely, Shimon Soloff
Vues Master’s Note: Thanks for bringing
this to our attention!
GRANDKIDS
Dear Vues Master:
Grandma took her two grandsons to the park.
A woman approached and said, “You have
such lovely boys. How old are they?”
“The doctor is four,” Grandma explained,
“and the lawyer is six.” LM
Vues Master’s Note: The next baby will be
the poor accountant?
DEATH PENALTY
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, glori-
fied 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 Is-
rael or the Jewish people, he forfeits his right
to life. The moral clarity of this bill, mandat-
ing a death sentence for nationalistic murder,
is both overdue and essential.
I must admit, when I heard that National Se-
curity Minister Itamar Ben Gvir handed out
baklava 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: Israel
celebrated 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-re-
spect. A society that values life must be will-
ing to defend it with absolute seriousness.
By passing this law, the Knesset affirmed
that the lives of Israeli citizens are sacred—
and that those who deliberately destroy them
will pay the ultimate price. BT
Vues Master’s Note: Yes—kill them before
releasing them!
CONFUSION
Dear Vues Master
I am writing to express my deep confusion
and growing concern regarding the recent de-
velopments surrounding the proposed sale of
Maimonides Medical Center to NYC Health
and Hospitals Corporation. As a community
member who has long relied on Maimonides
for care, I find it difficult to understand how
such a consequential decision seemed to be
moving forward with such speed and so little
transparency.
According to reports, the Board of Trustees
was prepared to vote on this dramatic shift
in the hospital’s future just hours before the
New York State Supreme Court issued a
Temporary Restraining Order. If this sale is
truly in the best interest of the hospital and
the community it serves, why was a court
order necessary simply to pause the process
long enough for proper review?
I am also troubled by the conflicting nar-
ratives. On one hand, hospital leadership
cites a potential influx of state funding and
improved Medicaid reimbursements as com-
pelling reasons to join NYC Health + Hos-
pitals. On the other hand, respected com-
munity organizations—such as Boro Park,
Crown Heights, Flatbush, and Mill Basin
Hatzolah—have openly warned that such a
merger could harm the quality of care our
neighborhoods depend on.
Furthermore, the trustees’ lawsuit raises se-
rious questions about whether other viable
partners, like Touro University or West-
chester Medical Center, were even given a
fair evaluation. If Maimonides has served
our diverse community for over 80 years,
shouldn’t decisions about its future involve
deliberate, transparent consideration rather
than rushed agreements?
At a time when trust between institutions and
the public is already strained, this process
only deepens uncertainty. I urge all parties
to prioritize clarity, community input, and
the long-term well-being of patients above
all else.
YJ
Vues Master’s Note: When communication
is missing in any part of life, friction and ar-
guments tend to follow.
STEFANIK GAINING GROUND
Dear Vues Master
I am writing to express my strong support
for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as she
continues to gain meaningful momentum in
the race for governor of New York. The lat-
est Siena University poll shows a significant
shift, with Stefanik narrowing what had once
been a 25-point gap against Gov. Kathy Ho-
chul. According to the survey conducted No-
vember 10–12, Hochul leads 52% to 32%,
yet Stefanik has clearly begun winning over
voters across the political spectrum.
She has strengthened her lead among Repub-
licans, now 79% to 11%, and has made nota-
ble gains with independent voters, tightening
the margin to a competitive 40–36%. These
numbers demonstrate emerging vulnerabili-
ties for the incumbent governor, particularly
outside New York City, where the race is
now far more competitive. As Hochul’s fa-
vorability dips and nearly half of voters say
they prefer “someone else,” the landscape
continues to shift in Stefanik’s favor.
Elise Stefanik has also been a consistent and
vocal supporter of the Jewish people and the
State of Israel, standing firmly against anti-
semitism and advocating for strong U.S.–Is-
rael relations. Her leadership has resonated
deeply with communities who value secu-
rity, solidarity, and moral clarity.
Standing right beside her is Councilwoman
Inna Vernikov, whose unwavering support
highlights the unity and shared vision that
define their partnership. Given their aligned
values and growing influence, I would not
be surprised if Inna and Elise team up in an
even greater capacity moving forward.
New York is ready for principled, coura-
geous leadership—and Elise Stefanik, sup-
ported by leaders like Inna Vernikov, embod-
ies exactly that.
IW
Vues Master’s Note: I loved how Elise called
out the deans of all those Ivy League col-
leges for allowing anti-Semitism on their
campuses.