30 Dec 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.
MAIMONIDES
Dear Vues Master,
This past Monday, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams announced that
Maimonides Health, one of Brooklyn’s most important hospital
systems, will be folded into NYC Health + Hospitals, the city’s
public hospital network. This decision, made alongside state of-
ficials and hospital executives, would place Maimonides’ hospitals
and clinics under city control, backed by billions in state funding
and higher Medicaid reimbursement rates.
What makes this announcement especially infuriating is its timing.
As Mayor Adams prepares to leave office, he is pushing through a
massive, irreversible change to Brooklyn’s healthcare system with
no meaningful public debate. This is not careful leadership; it is a
parting decision that future administrations, patients, and neighbor-
hoods will be forced to live with.
The mayor insists this deal will protect care, preserve Maimonides’
identity, and benefit Brooklyn residents. We have heard these prom-
ises before. In reality, hospital mergers often result in service reduc-
tions, longer wait times, staffing upheaval, and decisions made far
from the communities affected. Once authority is transferred, local
voices lose what little influence they had.
What is most troubling is how little input the community had be-
fore this was announced. Patients, healthcare workers, and nearby
residents were not consulted in any meaningful way. Instead, we
were presented with a finished deal and a press conference declar-
ing it “historic” and “a win-win.”
Healthcare is not a legacy project to be rushed through on the way
out the door. Maimonides is a lifeline for Brooklyn families, se-
niors, and vulnerable residents. Mayor Adams owes this borough
transparency, accountability, and enforceable protections, not a
last-minute restructuring that leaves more questions than answers.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Brooklyn Resident
Vues Master’s Note: So this is how outgoing Mayor Eric Adams
chooses to exit: by throwing a whole neighborhood under the bus.
THANK YOU PRESIDENT TRUMP
Dear Vues Master I would like to express my appreciation to
President Donald Trump for his clear and decisive stance regard-
ing Iran’s military ambitions. At a time when global security feels
increasingly fragile, firm leadership and unmistakable deterrence
matter.
President Trump’s message, that the United States will not tolerate
Iran rebuilding missile or nuclear capabilities damaged in recent
fighting—sends an important signal to adversaries and allies alike.
History has shown that ambiguity invites escalation, while clarity
can prevent it. By making it unmistakably clear that the U.S. is
closely monitoring Iranian activity and will respond swiftly if red
lines are crossed, President Trump reinforces stability rather than
undermines it.
His public support for Israel’s right to defend itself is also signifi-
cant. Israel faces constant threats to its existence, and knowing that
the United States stands firmly beside it discourages reckless ac-
tions by those who seek conflict. This posture is not about seeking
war, but about preventing one through strength and accountability.
I also appreciate President Trump’s willingness to reflect on past
U.S. policies toward Iran. Agreements that provided massive fi-
nancial relief without permanently stopping enrichment or missile
development failed to deliver lasting security. A tougher, more re-
alistic approach was long overdue.
Thank you to President Trump for prioritizing American security,
supporting our allies, and confronting dangerous behavior before
it spirals further out of control. Strong leadership now can help
prevent far greater conflict later. LT
Vues Master’s Note: No more waiting, now it’s time to take out
Hamas once and for all.
MTA
Dear Vues Master,
I was excited to read the news about the retirement of the Metro-
Card and the city’s full transition to OMNY. While it is bittersweet
to say goodbye to something so familiar, this change feels like a
positive and necessary step forward for New York City.
For more than 30 years, the MetroCard has been a constant part of
daily life for millions of riders, including students, workers, and
tourists. It replaced the old subway tokens and made commuting
easier with unlimited passes, free transfers, and stored value. For
many of us, swiping a MetroCard is tied to memories of rushing to
school, heading to work, or exploring the city for the first time. It
truly helped shape modern transit in New York.
That said, the move to OMNY represents progress. Tap-and-pay is
faster, more convenient, and better suited to how people live today.
Not having to worry about refilling a card or carrying exact change
is a huge improvement. The promise of future discounts and pro-
motions also shows that the MTA is thinking ahead about how to
better serve riders.
The retirement of the MetroCard marks the end of an important
era, but it also opens the door to a more efficient and accessible
transit system. New York City has always been about adapting and
moving forward, and this change reflects that spirit perfectly. I’m
grateful for what the MetroCard gave us, and I’m excited for what
comes next. KT
Vues Master’s Note: By the way, they shaved off 18 minutes from
the transfer time. They are ripping us off!
DERSHOWITZ
Dear Vues Master,
I write with deep concern after reading recent warnings from law-
yer Alan Dershowitz about the growing normalization of antisemi-
tism in Western societies. As someone who admires Dershowitz’s
lifelong commitment to civil liberties, I find his assessment deeply
troubling. History has shown us the dangers of
ignoring early signs of hatred. Dershowitz rightly
draws parallels to the 1930s, when many Jewish
leaders in Europe underestimated the rising threat.
Today, we see antisemitism not only on the political
fringes but increasingly in mainstream discourse,
fueled by extremist ideologies across the spectrum.
This shift is alarming, particularly for cities like
New York, home to one of the largest Jewish com-
munities outside Israel.
The potential long-term consequences are severe.
Dershowitz warns that Jews may increasingly feel
unsafe in countries once considered havens and
may feel compelled to leave for Israel. This is not
just a Jewish concern; it is a societal one. A democ-
racy cannot thrive if any group fears for its safety or
feels marginalized.
I echo Dershowitz’s call for vigilance and action. It
is imperative that political leaders, educators, and
community members confront antisemitism openly
and consistently. Universities, in particular, must
uphold merit-based values and reject ideological
conformity that allows prejudice to fester.
Ignoring this threat risks repeating the mistakes of
history. We must ensure that Jewish communities,
and all minorities, can live freely and safely in our
cities. MR
Vues Master’s Note: He is partially at fault for en-
abling all these democ “rats.”
BAAL TASHCHIS
Dear Vues Master,
I would like to raise a respectful question regarding
a very common practice in many kosher bakeries
and cafés: scooped-out bagels.
I fully understand that everyone has the right to
make personal dietary choices. If someone wishes
to reduce carbohydrates or calories, that is their de-
cision. However, I find myself wondering how the
widespread practice of scooping out bagels aligns
with the Torah value of bal tashchis, the prohibition
against unnecessary waste.
In most cases, the removed bread is not eaten, re-
used, or repurposed. It is simply thrown away. This
is not food that has spoiled or become inedible; it
is perfectly good bread that is discarded solely for
convenience or preference. Unlike leftovers that
may realistically be saved, scooped-out bread is al-
most never used by either the store or the customer.
Of course, one could argue that since the customer
paid for the bagel, they are entitled to request that
it be prepared however they wish. But does paying
for something automatically permit its destruction
when there is no practical benefit beyond prefer-
ence? Is there a meaningful distinction between
personal choice and avoidable waste?
I am not writing to criticize individuals, but rather
to ask whether we, as a community that values
mindfulness and responsibility, should rethink a
practice that has become normalized without much
reflection. Perhaps there are alternatives, smaller
bagels, thinner cuts, or simply choosing foods that
do not require discarding bread altogether.
I would appreciate hearing thoughts or halachic
perspectives on whether this practice is consistent
with the spirit of bal tashchis, or whether there is
room for greater awareness in this area.
Respectfully, Yosef Mer R
Vues Master’s Note: Last I checked, the Gemara
says bal tashchis d’gufa adif—it is more important
not to harm one’s body than not to destroy food.
WARNINGS
Dear Vues Master:
I appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to
require warning labels on social media platforms
for young users in New York State. Acknowledging
the mental health risks associated with addictive
features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and al-
gorithm-driven feeds is an important step forward,
and it signals that state leaders are finally taking
youth online well-being seriously.
That said, while I welcome this legislation, I am
not convinced it will do much on its own to change
behavior or significantly reduce harm. Warning
labels can raise awareness, but many young users
are already deeply immersed in these platforms
and may quickly tune out messages that interrupt
their scrolling. Social media companies are highly
skilled at designing experiences that keep users en-
gaged despite warnings, much like other industries
that rely on attention and habit.
Still, transparency matters. Even if the immediate
impact is limited, these labels help start conversa-
tions among families, schools, and policymakers
about how social media affects mental health. They
also place responsibility where it belongs, on the
platforms that profit from addictive design choices.
I am encouraged that New York is joining states like
California and Minnesota in addressing this issue.
However, warning labels should be viewed as a first
step, not a final solution. Stronger protections, bet-
ter digital education, and greater accountability for
tech companies will likely be needed to make a real
difference.
Governor Hochul deserves credit for taking action,
even if the work ahead remains unfinished. MT
Vues Master’s Note: We need a warning label on
any smartphone, for young and old alike!
FLU SHOTS
Dear Vues Master:
Two months ago, I did what public health officials
consistently urge New Yorkers to do: I received
my seasonal flu shot. Despite that, I came down
with the flu last week. While my symptoms
were manageable, the experience was a re-
minder that vaccination alone is not a guarantee
against infection—especially during an unusu-
ally severe flu season.
According to the New York State Department
of Health, our state is experiencing a record-
breaking surge in influenza cases. During the
week ending December 20, there were 71,123
laboratory-confirmed flu cases reported state-
wide—the highest number recorded in a single
week since tracking began in 2004. That figure
represents a staggering 38 percent increase from the
previous week, showing just how quickly the virus
is spreading. With flu season in New York typically
peaking in January, health experts warn that the
worst may still be ahead, potentially placing even
more strain on hospitals and urgent care centers.
My own illness does not mean the flu vaccine is
ineffective. On the contrary, vaccines are known to
reduce the severity of illness and lower the risk of
serious complications. However, the current surge
highlights why additional preventive steps are so
important. State health officials are right to empha-
size basic but effective measures such as frequent
handwashing, avoiding touching the face, staying
home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and
regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
As New York enters the most critical phase of flu
season, we need a collective effort—vaccination
plus responsible everyday habits—to slow the
spread and protect our communities. MT
Vues Master’s Note: Maybe try a COVID shot too.
And a shot to lose weight! And more and more
junk in our bodies! Political science does not bring
health!
ALOS HASHACHAR
Dear Vues Master Especially at this time of year,
when Alos hashachar is so late (in NYC, approxi-
mately 5:50 am, or 6:08 according to some) for the
next several weeks, let us be mindful of the p’sak
of the Rema O.C. 4:14, that if one washes negel
vasser before Alos, one must wash again after Alos
without a bracha. DY
Vues Master’s Note: Thanks for the reminder!
TERRORISM
Dear Vues Master:
In the aftermath of the Hamas-led terrorist inva-
sion of southern Israel on October 7, America’s
pro-Israel community embarked on an emergency
program that included advocating for the release of
kidnapped hostages, countering media bias, fund-
raising for Israeli communities, and exposing Jew-
hatred on campus and elsewhere. But what should
we set as our priorities for 2026?
In my view, far too many valuable resources and an
excessive amount of energy were spent generating
votes for the American portion of the World Zionist
Congress elections—and I say this as a delegate to
a previous Congress.
Let’s consider what Jewish activists in the U.S. can
focus their attention on where they can make a real
difference.
We must speak out against placing sophisticated
American weapons, such as F-35 fighter jets, in the
hands of unstable, authoritarian Islamic regimes
such as Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United
Arab Emirates. All of these hostile-to-Israel nations
are working aggressively to purchase F-35 stealth
fighters from the United States as soon as possible.
The deployment of either Indonesian or Turkish
soldiers to Gaza as part of a future “International
Stabilization Force” should be a non-starter for
American diplomats and mediators, and America’s
pro-Israel community must stand up and make that
argument. It is time for Washington to realize that
peacekeepers must be trusted by all sides if they
are to function effectively. Turkey, which has a
documented history of providing Hamas with safe
haven, political support, financial aid, and material
assistance, must not be granted any role in rebuild-
ing Gaza. Indonesia does not recognize Israel, has
never had diplomatic relations with Israel, and has
consistently voted against Israel at the United Na-
tions. The proposed deployment of Indonesian
peacekeepers is not in the best interests of either the
United States or Israel.
A concentrated effort must be made to educate
American Jews about what Jewish Voice for Peace
(JVP) and J Street truly represent, with the goal of
denying these groups legitimate platforms within
our community. JVP does not support a two-state
solution and explicitly calls for an end to the State
of Israel as it currently exists. JVP’s radical stance
becomes clear even from a brief review of its web-
site, which includes language many interpret as ad-
vocating the removal of Jews from Israel. One sec-
tion states: “We imagine Arab, Middle Eastern, and
Southwest Asian/North African Jews having ethical
and safe access to return to their original home-
lands.” J Street’s “blame Israel first” outlook after
October 7 must be seen for the betrayal that it is.
Teaching young American conservatives and liber-
als about the true value of the U.S.–Israel alliance
strengthens shared democratic principles, secu-
rity cooperation, informed dialogue, and long-term
partnership. This must be a top priority of pro-Israel
American organizations.
Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas has
never fulfilled his obligations under the Oslo Ac-
cords, which include fighting terrorism and halting
Palestinian incitement. Americans who care about
Israel need to work against the idea that the PA can
play any role in future negotiations and recognize
that it is, at its core, a criminal and terrorist orga-
nization.
Together, we must continue to speak out against the
haters of Israel and the haters of the Jewish people.
We are most effective when we are united. There
is a vital need for authentic Jewish unity, however
serious the challenges may be. In the 1980s, Israeli
intelligence operatives went into the heart of Africa,
at great personal risk, and covertly evacuated Ethio-
pian Jewish refugees to Israel. What other nation in
history has gone into Africa not to exploit, colonize,
or enslave—but to bring Africans out to freedom,
safety, and dignity? Israel did. This is Zionism.
This is Judaism. This is the love of one brother be-
ing responsible for another. It is beautiful, and it is
eternal. This willingness to sacrifice ourselves on
behalf of our fellow Jews is what 2026 demands of
us all. Moshe Phillips
Vues Master’s Note: Thanks for the lesson.
ANTI-SEMITISM
Dear Vues Master:
The activist, speaker, and writer Shabbos Kesten-
baum recently stated that we need to confront the
antisemitism of today rather than build more muse-
ums remembering the antisemitism of the past. In
my opinion, this controversial yet correct statement
reflects Mr. Kestenbaum’s boldness and bravery.
Like the Kotzker Rebbe, Rav Menachem Mendel
Morgensztern zt”l—whom Kestenbaum sees as a
role model, we should not be afraid to speak up.
The Kotzker himself entered a state of isolation for
19 years after expressing his despair over Yaakov
bowing to Esav and calling him “my master” while
referring to himself as Esav’s “servant” after the
two had not seen each other for 20 years. Why, the
Rebbe asked, do Jews diminish themselves to win
favor with their enemies?
Today, countless dollars have been spent remem-
bering the Jew-hatred of the past without adequate-
ly addressing the present threat. In the fraught polit-
ical environment in which we live, “cancel culture”
has been used to silence Jewish voices that rise
against hatred, while simultaneously whitewashing
the involvement of those complicit in that hatred.
The murder of innocents at Bondi Beach has awak-
ened Western nations to the threat they face from
Islamic terror. In the weeks since the Australian
attack, plots and terror cells have been uncovered
that sought to wreak havoc and bloodshed on Jew-
ish and American interests. All of this has occurred
after liberals used the world stage to portray Jew-
ish victims as perpetrators and their pursuers as a
protected class.
We recently observed the Tenth of Teves, the day
on which we remember how Nevuchadnezzar laid
siege to Yerushalayim. Yirmiyahu warned the Jews
of this outcome if they did not abandon the ways of
the nations and repent. Lulled by their reliance on
Egypt, the Jewish people arrested Yirmiyahu for his
“inconvenient” prophecy. This is why we fast.
We now see that we also cannot rely on conserva-
tives who have gone out of their way to amplify po-
litical personalities who use their platforms to ad-
vance conspiracy theories about the Jewish people.
Sometimes, it is in the face of hatred and the threat
of destruction that the Jewish people unite and do
teshuva. Thankfully, we saw the menorah remain lit
during the recent Chanukah holiday. On Birthright,
I saw firsthand the hunger of my fellow participants
to learn more about and engage in mitzvos such as
modesty and tefillin. The world may be waking up
now, but we do not need a museum to see the truth.
As we approach the parshiyos describing the Exo-
dus from Egypt, let us pray for the final redemption,
speedily and in our days. CYM
Vues Master’s Note: Amein!! Time will tell!
BETWEEN TORAH AND DUTY:
A HALACHIC AND MORAL RESPONSE TO
YESHIVA PROTESTS AGAINST THE IDF
Dear Vues Master: In recent months, thousands of
yeshiva students have taken to the streets of Jerusa-
lem, Bnei Brak, and elsewhere, protesting changes
to Israel’s military draft laws. Some go further
than opposing the draft. They brand IDF soldiers
as “Nazis” and denounce Zionism as a false reli-
gion meant to pull Jews away from Torah. While
not all protesters hold these extreme views, the lan-
guage has reached troubling levels. This sparks an
urgent question: When does Torah learning exempt
a person from military duty, and does the secular
nature of Israel’s government affect that question
halachically?
What Does Halacha Actually Say? The Torah out-
lines who may be exempt from battle in Devarim
20:5–7: “Who is the man who has built a new
house… planted a vineyard… betrothed a wife…?”
Rambam codifies this in Hilchos Melachim uMil-
chamot (7:8), based on the Mishnah. But he is clear.
In a milchemes mitzvah, an obligatory war such as
defending the Jewish people, even a chosson must
leave his wedding and go to war. There is no men-
tion of Torah scholars being exempt because of
their learning. This is not a minor point. It shows
that in times of existential danger, defending the na-
tion is a halachic obligation, not a political one. To-
rah study is a great mitzvah, but it does not create an
automatic exemption from participating in the pro-
tection of Am Yisrael when needed. Does Israel’s
Secular Government Change the Halachic Obliga-
tion? Some protestors argue that because Israel was
founded by secular leaders and governed by non-
halacha, it does not deserve their allegiance. But
this argument does not hold up in halachic or moral
terms. Halacha does not ask whether the govern-
ment is religious. It asks whether Jewish lives are at
risk. And today, the Jewish state is under constant
threat. In that case, the mitzvah to defend the people
applies regardless of the regime. Rav Aharon Li-
chtenstein zt”l emphasized that when Jewish lives
are in danger, someone must step forward to defend
them. His view was clear. Torah study is essential,
but it does not remove our obligation to protect the
Jewish people. Who else supported this view ? . Rav
Joseph B. Soloveitchik zt”l (The Rav), Rav Shlomo
Goren zt”l, Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook zt”l, and many
more. Whether or not the State of Israel reflects To-
rah ideals, the Jews living in it must be protected.
Torah does not permit indifference to their safety.
Selective Resistance: Benefiting While Refusing
Responsibility It is disingenuous to reject the legiti-
macy of the State of Israel while simultaneously re-
lying on its infrastructure, protection, and support.
The same people who claim the state is secular, ille-
gitimate, or even heretical still walk its paved roads,
use its electricity, benefit from its police forces, and
live under the physical protection of the very IDF
they protest. If the state is illegitimate, why accept
its money and services? If it is legitimate enough
to support Torah institutions and safeguard yeshiva
students from physical harm, then its burdens must
be shared as well. Basic ethics demand that one
cannot take without giving. And here’s the irony
that cannot be ignored. When a terrorist storms into
a yeshiva, they don’t call the Rosh Yeshiva. They
call the IDF. When a yeshiva bochur walks through
the wrong alley in East Jerusalem and is attacked,
he doesn’t dial 1‐800‐NAZI. He dials the police
and prays the army gets there in time. This is not
a theoretical point. These are the same young men
who march in the streets chanting against the army,
calling soldiers names, burning flags, and damning
the state that gives them the very freedom to live
and learn. Yet when fear becomes real. When rocks
are thrown, knives are drawn, or gunshots ring out,
they do not call a mashgiach ruchani. They cry out
for the same soldiers they cursed. We are raising a
generation with contradictory messages. On the one
hand, they are told that the army is evil, secular, and
to be resisted at all costs. On the other, they fully
expect that same army to save their lives, protect
their streets, and die in their defense if necessary.
That is not Torah. That is not responsibility. That is
not integrity. If you depend on the state and its sol-
diers in moments of danger, then you are part of that
same society and with that comes
obligation. Obligation to serve, to
respect, and to participate. To curse
the system that saves you is not re-
ligious piety. It is moral hypocrisy.
Torah Requires Respect, Not Ha-
tred Calling IDF soldiers “Nazis”
is not only false. It is a chillul
Hashem of the highest order. These soldiers are not
our enemies. They are our brothers. They are Jew-
ish sons and daughters who risk their lives every
day so that yeshivot can remain open, children can
go to school, and families can walk safely in Jeru-
salem and Bnei Brak. Even if one believes the draft
system is deeply flawed, even if one holds that full-
time Torah study should take precedence over mili-
tary service, Torah never permits hatred, mockery,
or public disgrace of fellow Jews, especially not
of those engaged in pikuach nefesh, in the defense
of Jewish lives. “The Torah commands us: ‘Love
your fellow as yourself.’ It does not say, ‘Unless he
wears a uniform.’” When a yeshiva bochur stands
on a street corner cursing a 19-year-old soldier, a
young man who gave up years of his life to defend
the Jewish people, that is not religious zeal. It is
spiritual rot. It is a betrayal of everything we claim
Torah stands for. To wear black and white clothing,
to learn Gemara all day, and then to scream “Nazi”
at a Jew who is defending your safety, that is not To-
rah. That is desecration. That is darkness dressed in
religious garb. And what of the message this sends
to the world? When Jewish soldiers, Jews who em-
body mesirat nefesh, are cursed by their own people
in public protests, it makes Torah look hateful, divi-
sive, and self-serving. It turns Jews away from To-
rah instead of drawing them in. This is not what it
means to be a light unto the nations. It is not what it
means to be a light unto our own. Torah observance
must be built on a foundation of gratitude, humil-
ity, and responsibility. The person who defends you
while you sleep, who stands with a gun at a check-
point while you walk to minyan, he deserves your
respect, not your spit. Even Moshe Rabbeinu was
told to show respect to Pharaoh, and to the waters
of the Nile. If that is true of a tyrant and a river, how
much more so for a Jewish soldier who risks his life
for Klal Yisrael? To show contempt for him is not
merely bad manners. It is a to’eiva, a perversion of
Torah values. And it is teaching the next generation
that Torah can be used as a shield for hatred, rather
than as a path to truth and peace. Legitimate Criti-
cism Is Welcome, But It Must Be Directed at the
Right Target There are real problems in the IDF for
Torah-observant soldiers. That is not a lie. That is
not propaganda. It is a painful truth. Some religious
soldiers are placed in spiritually harmful environ-
ments. Some are mocked for their beliefs. Others
are forced to compromise halacha or navigate sys-
tems that ignore their spiritual needs. These are not
small matters. And they are not to be dismissed.
But let us be clear. The fight is not against the IDF.
The fight is to fix the IDF. By all means, protest.
Shout. Organize. Demand better conditions. De-
mand kosher food that is truly kosher, and proper
times for tefillah that are not pushed aside. Demand
strict observance of Shabbat and a framework that
respects the halachic needs of Torah Jews. Demand
an army that welcomes religious soldiers with re-
spect, not suspicion. That is
a fight worth fighting. March
for that. Chant for that. Sit in
the streets for that. If thou-
sands of yeshiva students
rallied to strengthen Torah
in the army, instead of curs-
ing the army itself, who could
possibly object? This is not about compromising
Torah. It is about bringing Torah into a space that
desperately needs it. If we abandon the army to
secular culture, it will remain secular. If we fight
to sanctify it, we can change it. Rav Soloveitchik
zt”l said it best. We do not make the army holy,
but we demand that it reflect holiness. That can-
not happen when we treat it as the enemy. It can
only happen when we take responsibility to build
it, shape it, and insist that it make room for Torah
in every rank and uniform. The shouting should not
be to tear down the IDF. The shouting should be to
rebuild it. To make it worthy of the Torah values
we hold dear. That is a cause worthy of our voice.
That is a battle worth leading. We do not call the
army holy. But we do have the right and the respon-
sibility to demand that it respect holiness. That it
make space for Torah observance, for halachic life,
and for spiritual integrity. That is not a compromise
of faith. That is an expression of it. Conclusion:
Shared Burden, Shared Destiny Torah study is the
crown of the Jewish people. It sustains us spiritu-
ally and anchors our national identity. But it does
not free us from responsibility. It does not exempt
us from sharing in the burdens that come with liv-
ing in a Jewish state, surrounded by enemies, and in
need of protection. It should not be that one mother
walks her son to the gates of a yeshiva, while an-
other walks hers to the front lines. Each praying,
each crying, but only one carrying the fear of war.
If we want the IDF to reflect religious values, then
Torah Jews must be willing to help shape it from
within. That does not mean everyone must go into
combat. Not every person is suited for warfare. But
we are blessed with thousands of strong, dedicated
yeshiva students. These are young men with disci-
pline, courage, and deep faith. Many of them are
more than capable of becoming heroes not only in
the beit midrash, but also in national service. And
it is not only about the battlefield. There are many
forms of service that contribute to the well-being of
our people. Religious boys and girls can support the
country in medicine, education, technology, mental
health, welfare, and national defense. All of this can
be done without abandoning Torah learning. A To-
rah society must be a full society. It must engage
the world with kedusha and strength, not withdraw
from it in fear. We are not calling to dilute Torah.
We are calling to live it fully. To bring Torah into
every part of Jewish life. To live with responsibility
and faith, carrying not only our books, but also our
share of the burden. This is not a war between the
religious and the secular. It is a struggle for national
integrity and for unity built on mutual respect. If we
want to live together, then we must serve together.
Each person can contribute in the way they are able,
guided by halacha, by courage, and by a shared
sense of destiny. Fighting in a milchemet mitzvah
is not only halachic. It is holy. Honoring those who
serve, strengthening those who learn, and standing
together as one people. That is the future of Torah
in the land of Israel.
Proudly,
Cheski Baum Flatbush
Vues Master’s Note: It is indeed ironic that a
milchemet mitzvah is declared by secular leaders
who care little for Torah and mitzvot, an oxymoron
if there ever was one.