03 Feb 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.
IRAN
Dear Vues Master,
As U.S. and Iranian officials prepare for what could be their first
direct meeting since last summer’s brief war, the world watches
anxiously. Reports indicate that White House envoy Steve Wit-
koff may meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Is-
tanbul, signaling a potential opening for diplomacy. Yet, with a
major U.S. military buildup continuing in the Gulf, the question
looms: will President Donald Trump pursue diplomacy, or is a
military strike on Iran still on the table?
Trump has repeatedly stated that a swift diplomatic resolution is
the only way to prevent another confrontation. Meanwhile, Iran
has expressed openness to negotiations but warned against coer-
cion, emphasizing that diplomacy cannot coexist with pressure
or threats. Despite this, significant differences remain. The U.S.
demands that any agreement address Iran’s nuclear program,
missile development, and support for regional proxy groups.
Iran, in contrast, insists that discussions focus solely on nuclear
issues. How the two sides might bridge this gap is unclear.
The possibility of renewed talks, facilitated by Turkey, Egypt,
and Qatar, is a hopeful sign. But with Trump’s track record of
unpredictability, the public is left wondering whether diplomacy
will truly take precedence over military action. Will the upcom-
ing meetings mark a path toward peace, or will they be over-
shadowed by the threat of attack? Americans deserve clarity:
will our president choose dialogue over war, or is the shadow of
conflict still imminent in the Gulf?
The world is waiting, and so are we. FP
Vues Master’s Note: They say Trump is a meshugener! But he is
our Meshugener, so we love him!
POLICE COMMISSIONER
Dear Vues Master,
We are incredibly proud of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch,
a Jewish leader whose values shine through in both word and
deed. Last week, Commissioner Tisch publicly affixed a me-
zuzah outside her office—a powerful expression of her Jewish
faith and a visible celebration of our heritage. This act was a true
kiddush Hashem.
Tisch’s commitment to Jewish values is matched by her dedica-
tion to public service. Under her leadership, the city recorded
its safest January on record. Homicides and shootings dropped
sharply across all five boroughs, with Manhattan and Staten Is-
land reporting zero homicides for the month. Major crime fell
nearly 7% citywide, including a nearly 30% decrease in burglar-
ies and a 16% decline in retail theft. These achievements reflect
strategic enforcement, community engagement, and a focus on
keeping New Yorkers safe.
By putting up a mezuzah, Tisch reminded the city that faith and
leadership can coexist. Her Jewish identity informs her ethics,
her courage, and her unwavering commitment to protecting our
communities. It is rare to see a leader so openly integrate per-
sonal faith with professional responsibility, creating a big kid-
dush Hashem for the city.
We commend Commissioner Tisch for her example, showing
that Jewish values of integrity, justice, and community can guide
public leadership, keeping both faith and our city strong. JW
Vues Master’s Note: Mi Yodeia – im loeis – Kuzois – higaat
lamalchus! Let’s see some work against Anti-Semitism!
HOSTAGE RETURN
Dear Vues Master,
The study of Daf Yomi in Kodshim and the sacrifices in the Bet
HaMikdash do not usually lead us to current events, but some-
times a connection can be found that enhances our appreciation
of both our past and our present.
We refer here to the Tosafot commenting on the text at page 25
of Menachot regarding “oto v’et b’no”, the prohibition of killing
an animal and its offspring on the same day.
Rabbi Shalom Rosner, in this context, cites the Aznayim
L’Torah, which discusses the significance of this prohibition not
just for the animals, but for the Jewish people. Superficially, the
prohibition demonstrates the sensitivity we must show even to-
ward animals, which is so ingrained in our thinking that it natu-
rally extends to the care and concern we owe to our fellow hu-
man beings, especially our fellow Jews. The prohibition applies
globally, even if an animal is on one continent and its offspring
on another, the prohibition still stands. Every Jew is responsible
not just for themselves, but for the actions of their fellow Jews.
What a contrast to what happened on October 7th, when people
who were not quite Jewish proudly murdered parent and child
together, as publicized in the cases of the Bibas and Kutz fami-
lies, to name just two. The commitment of the Israeli people to
recover every hostage, dead or alive, as if each were personally
related to every Israeli and every Jew, reflects a bond far stron-
ger than that of most other countries.
The massive armada of vehicles and personnel searching for
the remains of the last Israeli hostage, police officer Ran Gvili,
will be forever etched in the minds and hearts not just of Jews,
but of people of goodwill worldwide. This unprecedented and
successful search was perhaps inspired by values embedded in
our people since biblical times, as elaborated in the Talmud and
commentaries mentioned above.
What adds poignancy at this time is that Ran
Gvili was a police officer, at a time when law en-
forcers in other parts of the world are treated with
contempt rather than appreciation.
In what may be the ultimate irony, Arabs them-
selves highlight the value every Jew places on
each fellow Jew. In virtually every prisoner/
hostage exchange, Arabs insist on receiving tens,
or even hundreds, of Arabs for every single Jew.
This seems to recognize, even from their per-
spective, the immense value Jews place on one
another. Moshe Rabeinu’s famous attitude to-
ward his sheep when he was a shepherd, and the
concept of shluach hakan, also come to mind in
this context.
Returning to our original point, may our appre-
ciation not only of human life, but also of animal
life, serve as an inspiration for people of good-
will worldwide to respect the lives and good in-
tentions of every human being.
Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel, Esq.
Vues Master’s Note: Thanks, great article!
CHESED
Dear Vues Master,
Rabbi Ari Bensoussan has stated: “If you love
what you do, you’ll work harder.” This was
exemplified by Moshe Rabeinu, who ensured
justice for Klal Yisroel. Yisro, seeking to ease
Moshe’s burden, suggested a system whereby
various levels of judges would adjudicate cases
alongside Moshe (Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh,
Sforno, Shemos 18:22).
In life, we cannot rely solely on plain text,
Google, or AI. We must turn to our Rabbonim
in all areas of life. Likewise, the shul Rabbi, the
beis din, or a community leader looks to the Ged-
olei Yisroel for guidance. We hope and pray for
siyata Dishmaya in all aspects of life. Hashem
gave us the Torah as a roadmap for proper living.
Armed with this guidance, alongside the wisdom
of rabbinical leaders, we can establish a system
of justice.
We can apply this to the cold weather affecting
everyone from Orlando to Borough Park, ease
your neighbor’s burden. Does that elderly gentle-
man have dinner for tonight? Does the Rebbi
across the street need help shoveling his car?
Does the shul down the block have a minyan? In
the merit of our Torah leaders, our efforts to ease
the burden of others, and our pursuit of justice,
may Hashem ease the birth pangs of Moshiach.
CYM
Vues Master’s Note: Thanks for the wake-up
call!
MONEY
Dear Vues Master,
Money has many names,
In a shul, donation
In school, fee
In marriage, dowry
In divorce, alimony
When you owe someone, debt
When you pay the government, tax
In court, fines
For civil servant retirees, pension
Employer to workers, salary
Master to subordinates, wages
To children, allowance
When borrowing from a bank, loan
When offering after good service, tip
To kidnappers, ransom
Illegally received in the name of service, bribe
The question is: when a husband gives to his
wife, what do we call it?
ANSWER: Money given to your wife is called
DUTY, and every man must do his duty, wives
are not duty-free. VT
Vues Master’s Note: Money doesn’t just talk, it
screams!
TROPES
Dear Vues Master,
I will say this publicly and without reservation, at
a time when antisemitism in America is surging
on both the right and the left, we must be pain-
fully honest about where society directs its anger
during economic anxiety. Few institutions at-
tract more suspicion, resentment, and conspiracy
thinking than the Federal Reserve, and few tropes
are as old, or as dangerous, as accusations about
Jews and banking.
This is not speculation. We have seen it repeat-
edly. If the economy slows or falters, Jews are
blamed. If it grows, Jews are still blamed. “Jews
control the banks” remains one of the most du-
rable antisemitic myths in history, and the Fed-
eral Reserve Chair sits squarely in its crosshairs.
Most Americans do not understand what the Fed
Chair actually does, they only see a figure sum-
moned to Congressional hearings, at-
tacked by politicians, or scapegoated
during downturns. That ignorance
creates a perfect breeding ground for
hatred.
Some have criticized this view as pes-
simistic or divisive. But stating an
uncomfortable reality is not the same
as endorsing it. The Fed Chair is not
a political role that can meaningfully
combat antisemitism, nor does it con-
fer protection or leverage to the Jewish
community. It is, by design, a bullseye
position, and when that bullseye is
placed on a Jew, the consequences are
predictable.
If you doubt this dynamic, ask Jerome Powell
how quickly economic frustration turns personal.
History teaches us that antisemitism thrives when
complex systems are reduced to simple villains.
Ignoring that lesson does not make us enlight-
ened, it makes us unprepared. LT
Vues Master’s Note: Some things don’t change!
COPY
Dear Vues Master,
I was highly disgusted by the letter framing the
FJJ as if it copied front-page news from the Jew-
ish Vues. And if that wasn’t enough, your re-
sponse only made it worse. Does the person who
wrote that letter think that newspapers are written
five minutes before they go to print? If so, they
are mistaken, because, as everyone knows, news-
papers must be prepared in advance.
Might I point out that whenever a gadol is nifter,
it is front-page news, and does anyone claim that
other newspapers are copying each other? No,
they don’t. So why, when you write about AI,
do you decide that the FJJ is copying the Jewish
Vues? I know you might argue that it is different
when reporting about a gadol, but if you say that,
it only shows how you are downplaying AI and
implying that it’s perfectly acceptable. YSB
Vues Master’s Note: The proof is in the pudding,
look at last year’s covers, and I am talking cov-
ers, not depicting a gadol dying, etc. You will find
that the facts speak for themselves. A cover does
not take long to produce. It does not even require
an article to discuss it. I challenge you to look for
yourself! Facts are facts, unless facts disgust you!
FRAUD
Dear Vues Master,
I am writing to express how excited I am upon
learning about the recent actions highlighting the
alleged large-scale welfare and daycare fraud in
Minnesota. If President Donald Trump’s claims
are substantiated, it would remove one of the big-
gest anti-Semites in government and mark a sig-
nificant step forward in addressing systemic mis-
use of taxpayer funds and holding public officials
accountable. The thought that billions of dollars
intended to support struggling families could
have been siphoned off is deeply troubling, and
it is encouraging to see attention being brought
to this matter.
I have long admired President Trump’s will-
ingness to confront entrenched corruption and
speak boldly, even when it challenges powerful
political figures. His insistence on investigating
fraud and demanding transparency demonstrates
a commitment to protecting taxpayer resources.
While some may view his rhetoric as controver-
sial, the underlying goal, ensuring that govern-
ment programs operate honestly and efficiently,
is unquestionably important.
If these efforts lead to meaningful accountability
for those responsible, including any misuse with-
in Minnesota’s welfare and daycare programs, it
would represent a significant victory for citizens
everywhere who expect their taxes to be used
appropriately. I would be overjoyed to see these
investigations yield results and hope that justice
is applied fairly and transparently.
In a time when trust in government is often
questioned, initiatives that uncover and ad-
dress wrongdoing serve the public interest and
strengthen confidence in our institutions.
Vues Master’s Note: Does this mean cheating is
allowed, but getting caught is not?
MAMZERDANI
Dear Vues Master,
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s approach to homeless-
ness in New York City is not just misguided, it’s
reckless. As freezing temperatures approach and
13 people have already died on the streets, Mam-
dani is deciding whether someone is “a danger
to themselves or others” based on whether they
look “adequately dressed for the cold.” Let that
sink in: life-or-death decisions are being made by
how warm someone appears.
This isn’t leadership. People are literally freezing
to death while the mayor dithers over arbitrary
criteria. Wind chills are expected to plunge to
minus 1 degree, yet the city is effectively telling
its most vulnerable residents, “Tough luck; we’ll
bother helping you only if you look like you’re in
immediate danger.” That’s insane.
A mayor’s job is to protect lives, not play politics
or ideological games with human beings. Home-
less New Yorkers should never have to prove
they are “warm enough” or behave a certain way
to receive shelter. Waiting until someone is at risk
of dying is unconscionable.
New Yorkers deserve common sense, compas-
sion, and immediate action—not a leader whose
policies are downright nuts. It’s time for Mayor
Mamdani to put ideology aside and stop letting
people freeze on the streets. Every day of delay
risks more preventable deaths.
Vues Master’s Note: It is like they said in Ger-
many: it is all for the greater good! Commies and
Nazis love saying these things!
CHARITY
Dear Vues Master,
A man observed to a Rav that it seems that
חילוניים who עובר practically all the עבירות often
מקיים the מצוה of צדקה.” Yes,” the Rav agreed,
זה יתנו – כל העובר על says It .מקרא מפורש a s’It“
“.הפקודים
Vues Master’s Note: Money covers up a lot!
FOOD IN THE ARK
Dear Vues Master,
What kind of cake, cookies, and crackers did
Noach have on the teivah? Mabul cake, rainbow
cookies, and animal crackers.
Vues Master’s Note: No chocolate?
STUDENTS BEING TAUGHT
Dear Vues Master,
Among the most shocking developments in
America since October 7, 2023, is the surge
of anti-Israel sentiment being taught in pub-
lic school classrooms, promoted by teachers’
unions, and seen at local school board meetings.
A serious study by StandWithUs revealed that
over 60% of Jewish educators in the U.S. report-
ed experiencing antisemitism at work, including
from teachers’ unions.
As if to underscore the StandWithUs report, a
San Diego rabbi made headlines when he was
disinvited from giving a benediction at a Mar-
tin Luther King Jr. Day event sponsored by the
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) “due to
his connection to Israel.”
Since the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel,
a line has been drawn—between those who un-
equivocally condemn terrorism and those who
equivocate. Tragically, the National Education
Association (NEA) and the American Federa-
tion of Teachers (AFT), the two largest teach-
ers’ unions in the United States, have positioned
themselves on the wrong side of that line.
Through public statements, internal resolutions,
and targeted votes, these unions have betrayed
the moral clarity demanded by such atrocities.
The NEA’s decision at its 2025 Representative
Assembly to adopt “New Business Item 39,”
which commits the NEA to “not use, endorse,
or publicize materials from the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL)” or participate in its programs,
cuts off essential tools in combating antisemi-
tism. To reject collaboration largely based on
ideological grievance, particularly at a time when
antisemitism has been rising since October 7, is
indefensible.
Resolution proposals and statements from the
NEA and AFT downplay Hamas’s October 7
campaign of mass murder, rape, and kidnapping,
or portray Israeli conduct as morally equivalent
to the terrorists they are fighting. The AFT has
described an “occupation” when Israel unilater-
ally left Gaza in 2005 and often frames Israeli
actions as unprovoked rather than fully acknowl-
edging the initial terrorist invasion and the ongo-
ing hostage crisis.
In July, the AFT launched the “AFT Disaster Re-
lief Fund for Gaza Humanitarian Aid” without
mentioning a single word about the suffering of
Israeli families.
Also in July, the NEA made headlines for a new
handbook that failed to mention Jews among the
12 million victims of the Holocaust. Simultane-
ously, the handbook described Israel’s founding
as a “Nakba” (catastrophe) and falsely claimed a
“forced, violent displacement and dispossession
of at least 750,000 Palestinians.”
Through these votes and statements, the NEA
and AFT are not merely failing to provide real
moral leadership, they
are complicit in advanc-
ing narratives that dehu-
manize and delegitimize.
In war, there are always
tragedies and complexi-
ties. But there are also
clear violations of human
rights, and choosing ambi-
guity or selective outrage
in the face of those is a morally bankrupt choice.
One major source of this anti-Israel extremism
is Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of
the United States. Zinn was a vocal critic of Is-
rael who portrayed the Jewish state as a colonial
aggressor and framed the Israeli-Palestinian con-
flict in starkly one-sided, anti-Israel terms. In his
2002 essay The Others, Zinn likened Israeli poli-
cies toward Palestinians to apartheid and Ameri-
can racism, accusing Israel of “ethnic cleansing”
while largely ignoring terrorism and Israel’s
security concerns. Zinn’s work is widely as-
signed in teacher preparation programs, shaping
a worldview in which Western democracies, in-
cluding Israel, are seen as oppressors by default.
His legacy continues to normalize anti-Israel bias
among many American educators, contributing
to the erosion of moral clarity around antisemi-
tism, terrorism, and Israel’s right to self-defense.
Zinn stated in a 2010 interview with Moment
Magazine: “I think the Jewish State was a mis-
take, yes. (…) At the time, I thought creating Is-
rael was a good thing, but in retrospect, it was
probably the worst thing that the Jews could have
done.”
Rethinking Schools—a far-left education jour-
nal and publishing enterprise—distributes radi-
cal classroom materials nationwide through the
“Zinn Education Project” and is just one of many
anti-Israel efforts targeting teachers. This project
uses Zinn’s arguments, depicting U.S. and Israeli
history primarily through the lens of colonial-
ism and racism, to shape classroom narratives.
Rethinking Schools regularly publishes lesson
plans and articles that mirror Zinn’s ideologically
based approach, reinforcing anti-Israel perspec-
tives in K–12 education.
The extremists at Rethinking Schools are hyper-
focused on Israel. Recently, they devoted two
issues, including cover stories, to attacking Zion-
ism and Israel. In 2025, they published a book
titled Teaching Palestine. This is not a new phe-
nomenon—anti-Israel articles in the magazine
date back to at least 2016.
Lauren Steinberg, Managing Director of Campus
and K–12 Engagement and Strategic Initiatives
for the Jewish Federations of North America,
commented at the end of 2025 that “Some union
spaces have become toxic even for Jewish teach-
ers.” The JFNA is hardly alarmist in nature.
When the history of the post–October 7 explo-
sion of Israel-bashing and antisemitism on Amer-
ican college campuses is written, historians will
not need to look
far to understand
how students were
radicalized against
Israel before ever
stepping into a col-
lege lecture hall.
What teachers teach
must be monitored.
There is no alterna-
tive. We are now witnessing the consequences of
failing to do so. Moshe Phillips
Vues Master’s Note: How sad!
DRUNK
Dear Vues Master:
I am writing in response to a troubling scene I
recently witnessed at a chasuna, where a group of
young men, roughly ages 18–21, were drinking
far beyond what could be considered appropriate.
While the joy and simcha of a wedding should
be palpable, what I observed crossed a line from
celebration into excess. Sadly, this is no longer
an isolated incident but a pattern that has become
increasingly common at weddings and other joy-
ous occasions.
For that reason, I was heartened to learn of the
recent meeting between Rav Aharon Yitzchak
Berenzweig and Hagaon Rav Moshe Hillel
Hirsch, in which this very issue was discussed
openly and seriously. It is encouraging to see our
gedolim acknowledge that this phenomenon has
been developing for years and to hear that bo-
churim themselves are seeking clear guidance.
The fact that questions are being asked shows
that there is a sincere desire to do what is right.
Excessive drinking, especially among young bo-
churim, can lead to השם חילול ,ביזיונות, and at
times real physical and emotional harm. A cha-
suna should uplift those present and reflect the
values of Torah and yiras Shamayim, not become
a setting for loss of control.
I am hopeful that by addressing this issue di-
rectly, with clarity and responsibility from our
rabbanim and educators, we can restore a healthy
sense of simcha—one that is genuine, dignified,
and lasting. Our community is strongest when
guidance is clear and our celebrations reflect our
highest ideals. PT
Vues Master’s Note: It is a machlokes hamedina!
I guess I’ll drink to that to make sure this gezeira
will be repealed!
SHARP
Dear Vues Master,
When Rabbi Eizel Charif was once asked, “Reb-
bie, why is it that your earlier seforim are sharper
than your later ones? The Gemara says the op-
posite, that wisdom increases in Torah scholars
as they grow older,” he immediately replied that
the questioner had omitted the concluding clause:
“Among the unlearned, however, foolishness in-
creases as they grow older.”
“Therefore,” he concluded, “since you have got-
ten older, you have difficulty appreciating the
sharpness of my later seforim.” LP
Vues Master’s Note: I like that response! It’s all a
matter of perspective.
THANK YOU JEWISH VUES
Dear Vues Master
I am writing to express my family’s sincere ap-
preciation for receiving the Jewish Vues deliv-
ered right to our front door.
Especially during the winter months and frequent
snowstorms, going outside can be extremely dif-
ficult for me. The cold, ice, and snow often make
it unsafe and uncomfortable, and on many days it
is simply not an option. Knowing that the Jewish
Vues reliably arrives at our door regardless of the
weather brings us real comfort and joy. It allows
us to stay connected to our community without
having to brave harsh conditions.
The Jewish Vues is truly our family’s favorite
newspaper. We look forward to reading it to-
gether, discussing the articles, and staying in
touch with what is happening in the Jewish world
around us. It sparks conversation at our table and
gives us something meaningful to share week af-
ter week.
We are deeply grateful to the entire team, writ-
ers, editors, and especially those who deliver the
paper even during snowstorms and bitter cold.
Your dedication does not go unnoticed and is
genuinely appreciated.
Please accept a very big yasher koach for all that
you do. You bring warmth, connection, and com-
munity into our home, even on the coldest days.
With heartfelt thanks,
MR
Vues Master’s Note: We appreciate all the com-
pliments. It’s not easy to distribute during cold,
snowy weeks, and we are grateful to our amazing
delivery staff.
COLD
Dear Vues Master
This winter in New York has been something else
entirely. Cold is nothing new here, we expect it,
we prepare for it, and we complain about it as
a civic duty. But this season feels different. The
cold and snow have been sharper, more relent-
less, and far less forgiving than what we usu-
ally brace ourselves for. It’s the kind of cold that
seeps through layers, stings your face within
seconds, and makes even short walks feel like
endurance tests.
What makes it even more striking is that this deep
freeze isn’t limited to the Northeast. Florida, a
state usually synonymous with sunshine and mild
winters, has also been experiencing unusually
cold temperatures. Seeing headlines and hearing
firsthand accounts of Floridians bundling up in
heavy coats feels surreal. For many of them, this
kind of weather is completely unfamiliar.
Most astonishing of all was one day this past
week when temperatures in parts of Florida were
reportedly colder than those in Alaska. That fact
alone should give us pause. When traditional as-
sumptions about regional climates no longer hold
true, it raises serious questions about what’s hap-
pening to our weather patterns.
Whether one views this as an anomaly or part of
a larger trend, it’s hard to ignore how extreme
and unpredictable this winter has been. At the
very least, it has reminded us how vulnerable we
are to the whims of nature, and how quickly our
sense of “normal” can change.
RS
Vues Master’s Note: Brrr…