24 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.

SAFETY
Dear Vues Master,
As Purim approaches, it is important to remind our kehillah to
celebrate in a manner that is both joyous and safe. Purim is a
yom simchah, a time to rejoice in the salvation Hashem granted
Klal Yisrael, but the Gemara’s instruction to drink “ad she’lo

yodea bein arur Haman u’vein baruch Mordechai” is often mis-
understood. It is not a license for reckless behavior.

Chazal teach that a Jew must guard both body and mind, as
the Torah commands, “v’nishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem.”
Overindulgence can lead to inappropriate conduct, accidents,
and chilul Hashem, turning a day of simchah into one of regret.
The true joy of Purim comes from mishloach manos, the seudah
with family, matanos la’evyonim, and celebrating Hashem’s
salvation.
Parents and grandparents must model appropriate behavior so
that our youth experience the holiday with kedushah and derech
eretz. If one chooses to drink, it must be done with moderation

and responsibility, always prioritizing safety and kavod haTo-
rah.

Let us celebrate Purim with genuine simchah, gratitude, and
ahavas Yisrael, safeguarding both our health and our neshamot.
A wisely celebrated Purim brings true nachas to ourselves, our
families, and Hashem.
LR
Vues Master’s Note: Needs repeating, as the message often does
not penetrate!

YARTZEIT
Dear Vues Master,
This month marks a profoundly meaningful milestone for the
Torah world, the 40th yartzeit of both Rabbi Moshe Feinstein
zt”l and Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l. Forty years have
passed since these towering giants of Torah leadership were
taken from us, yet their presence continues to shape our daily
lives in countless visible and invisible ways.
Rav Moshe Feinstein’s halachic rulings remain foundational to
contemporary Jewish practice. His seforim continue to guide
rabbanim, poskim, and laypeople navigating the complexities
of modern life with clarity, humility, and unwavering fidelity
to Torah. Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky embodied a rare blend of

profound scholarship, warmth, and practical wisdom. His lead-
ership and vision helped build and strengthen Torah institutions

in America at a critical time, laying groundwork that continues
to sustain generations.
It is truly remarkable how much of today’s vibrant Yiddishkeit

rests upon the shoulders of these two gedolim. Entire communi-
ties, schools, and families are beneficiaries of their foresight,

courage, and dedication. At the same time, their absence is

deeply felt. Many sense that our generation does not have gedo-
lim of that singular stature, leaders whose authority was univer-
sally recognized and whose humility matched their greatness.

As we approach this shared yartzeit, may we reflect not only on
what we have lost, but on what we have inherited. The greatest
tribute to their memory is to study their teachings, emulate their
middos, and strengthen our own commitment to Torah and Klal
Yisrael.
Yehi Zichro Baruch,
RRT
Vues Master’s Note: Can’t believe it is forty years already!
Wow!

OFF
Dear Vues Master:
I just wanted to say how happy I was that there was no yeshiva
this past Monday, and even more importantly, that Zoom was
canceled as well.
Of course, I understand that school schedules are busy and that
things need to stay on track. I also want to be clear that I do not

mind having shiur on Zoom when it is necessary. Torah learn-
ing is important to me, and even online it still feels meaningful

and worthwhile.
What is much harder, though, is having secular subjects on
Zoom. Sitting through math, English, or history classes online
can be very frustrating. It is difficult to concentrate, there are
always distractions at home, and staring at a screen for hours
makes it harder to stay motivated. It just does not feel the same
as being in a classroom. The work feels longer, the day feels
slower, and it is much harder to stay engaged.
That is why having a full day off, with no in-person classes and
no Zoom, felt so refreshing. It gave me a chance to relax, catch
up on sleep, and clear my head.
I truly appreciated the decision, and I hope there can be more
days like that when possible.
NM
Vues Master’s Note: This letter seems off to me!

SNOW
Dear Vues Master:
I am 45 years old, and I can honestly say this has been the worst

snow weather of my entire life. I do not remember ever experi-
encing a winter quite like this one. Storm after storm has buried

our streets, sidewalks, and driveways, and just when it seems
like things are finally starting to clear, another round of snow

arrives. It feels relentless.
Here, winter weather is always inconvenient, but
this year has been on another level. The piles of
snow seem permanent, turning already crowded
streets into narrow passageways. Parking is a
nightmare, walking is slippery and exhausting,
and simple errands take twice as long as they
should.

What makes it even more concerning is the cal-
endar. There is a very real chance that we will

still have snow all over the place by Purim this
year. Delivering shaloch manos is challenging
enough in a typical year, when sidewalks are
clear and streets are passable. Trying to make
those rounds with snowbanks on every corner
and icy patches underfoot will make it even more
difficult. What is usually a joyful and energetic
experience could easily become stressful and
physically demanding.
Winter always brings some level of hardship, but

this season has truly tested our patience. I sin-
cerely hope the worst is behind us and that we

can finally look forward to warmer, clearer days
ahead.
MT
Vues Master’s Note: If it snows in June, then we
have a problem. Give it some time. Time is on
your side, but please don’t kvetch when it gets
hot!

TORAH
Dear Vues Master:
I am writing as a frustrated parent regarding the
decision by many yeshivas to cancel shiurim this
week, including this past Monday. While I can
understand occasionally giving time off from
secular studies, it is deeply troubling that Torah
learning itself was suspended.
For families like mine, Torah learning is not an
“extra.” It is the very reason we sacrifice so much
to send our children to yeshiva. When shiur is
canceled, even for a single Monday, it sends a
subtle but powerful message that Torah can be
paused when convenient. That undermines the
values we work so hard to reinforce at home.
The practical impact has been significant. I still
have to work full days on Zoom, and managing
professional responsibilities while my children
are suddenly home without structure makes
things even more difficult. Instead of beginning

the week grounded in learning, they are watching
television and arguing with one another while I
try to participate in meetings. It creates stress for
everyone.
Of course, an occasional break is not the end of
the world. Children need downtime, and there
may be circumstances that justify it. But these

cancellations seem to be happening more fre-
quently, and it feels excessive.

With tuition costs at today’s staggering levels,

parents reasonably expect consistency and seri-
ousness, especially when it comes to shiur. We

are investing not only financially, but spiritually,
in our children’s growth. Torah learning should
be the last thing removed from the schedule.
I urge yeshiva administrations to reconsider
these decisions and ensure that Torah remains the
steady foundation of our children’s education.
TSR
Vues Master’s Note: Sometimes we say bitulah
zu kiyuma!

FRUSTRATED
Dear Vues Master,
I am writing as a resident of Flatbush to express

my frustration with the impossible parking situ-
ation during these relentless snowstorms. Each

time it snows, neighbors are left battling not only
the weather, but one another for the few usable
spaces that remain.
Just this week, I spent 45 minutes digging my
car out from in front of my house. The snow was
packed in and heavy, and it took real effort to
clear a path. After finally finishing and heading
out to buy things for Purim, I returned home
barely an hour later, only to find that my hard
earned parking spot was gone. There were no
available spaces anywhere on my block.
What followed was another hour of circling
nearby streets, hoping someone might pull out.
Eventually, I found a spot five blocks away. By
the time I trudged home through slush and ice, I
was cold, exhausted, and beyond frustrated.
Now, whenever I leave the house, I feel like I
need to take a shovel and a broom with me, just
in case I am forced to dig out yet another space
far from home. This routine is unreasonable and

unsustainable. Residents should not have to de-
vote hours of their day simply to park near their

own homes.
When is this winter going to end? And
is there any plan to make parking more
manageable during severe storms? Our
neighborhood deserves better.
MT
Vues Master’s Note: When alternate
side street parking is canceled, people
often don’t move their cars for weeks
at a time, which makes this problem
even worse.

SHELTERING KILLERS
Dear Vues Master:
Thirty years ago this week, Palestinian
Arab terrorists bombed a bus on Jaffa

Road in downtown Jerusalem. Twenty-
six passengers were murdered.

Among the victims were U.S. citizens Sara
Duker of New Jersey and Matthew Eisenfeld of
Connecticut, students at the Jewish Theological
Seminary of America who were engaged to be
married.
The Israeli government subsequently identified
a terrorist named Bassam Issa, a resident of the

Palestinian Authority territories, as having as-
sisted in the bombing. On July 7, 1996, Israel

formally asked the PA to extradite Issa.

According to the Oslo II accord, Annex IV, Ar-
ticle II(7), the PA is required to honor such re-
quests. Instead, the PA ignored it.

Eight months later, the pattern repeated itself.

The Israelis identified Nafez Sabih, another resi-
dent of the PA areas, as one of the masterminds

of the bombing. On March 31, 1997, Israel for-
mally asked the PA to extradite Sabih. Again, the

PA ignored the request.
For some reason, the various governments that
enthusiastically promoted the Oslo accords have
never been troubled by such blatant violations of
the accords.

There has always been another option for bring-
ing the killers of Sara and Matthew to justice.

American law permits the prosecution, in the
United States, of terrorists who have harmed

American citizens abroad. Yet no U.S. adminis-
tration has ever demanded that the PA hand them

over.
In June 1997, U.S. Mideast envoy Dennis Ross
met with students at the Jewish Theological
Seminary, and one of them asked Ross why the

U.S. government was not pressing the PA to sur-
render the killers for prosecution.

Ross’s response was profoundly disingenuous.
He said that “one of the obstacles to doing that,
bringing Palestinian killers to the U.S. for trial,
is the fact that the United States does not have

an extradition treaty with the Palestinian Author-
ity.”

In reality, the U.S. frequently finds ways to bring
criminals to justice outside official extradition

channels. Sometimes it does so through econom-
ic or political pressure. Sometimes it uses other

means, as in the recent case of Venezuelan Presi-
dent Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

With his decades of experience in the political
and legal aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict,
Ambassador Ross must have known that the
absence of an extradition treaty is not a genuine
obstacle to apprehending the killers.
So why did Ross mislead the JTS students? Why
was he making excuses for the failure to bring
the Jerusalem bus bombers to justice?

The Times of Israel reported last year that an-
other terrorist involved in the 1996 bus bomb-
ing, Mohammad Abu Warda, lives freely in Gaza

and was even seen attending one of the Hamas
propaganda events involving the bodies of dead
Israeli hostages.
Will the “international stabilization force” now
being formed by the U.S. Board of Peace arrest

Abu Warda and hand him over to the American
government to face justice?
Dr. Rafael Medoff
Vues Master’s Note: History repeats itself over
and over. As I repeat in many letters, this point
gets reiterated!

ERUV
Dear Vues Master,
I know this topic has been discussed since the
dawn of time, but it is far too important to ignore.

Before coming to any conclusions about a ques-
tionable eruv, a person should remind himself

that the issue of carrying on Shabbos was con-
sidered so severe that the great mitzvos of Shofar

and Arba Minim are effectively suspended when
the first day falls on Shabbos, even in places with

kosher eruvin. The same applies to why the Me-
gillah is not read on Shabbos.

Many are unaware that not hearing the shofar on

the first day of Rosh Hashanah has major spiri-
tual consequences. It is one of the primary sourc-
es of teshuvah and what brings down rachamim

during the strict time of judgment. When it does
not occur, we are missing one of our vital sources
of mercy, and the entire year could be affected.
Yet despite this, Chazal determined that we must
forgo these mitzvos rather than risk someone
violating Shabbos. Such a statement should send
chills down our spine.
I am certainly not an expert in Eruvin, but nearly

two full masechtos, Eruvin and much of Shab-
bos, are dedicated to the topic of hotzaah on

Shabbos alone, demonstrating how serious the
matter is and how vigilant we must be.

I could list numerous rabbanim, spanning gener-
ations, who were absolutely opposed to carrying

in Flatbush, and virtually every serious yeshivah
maintains that position. The question is whether
it is worth relying on a small minority for all your
Shabbosos for the rest of your life. How would
an eruv chatzeros even be acceptable if many
Jews have already chosen not to participate in it?
These are matters that require serious thought. I

believe that the test of Shabbos often lies specifi-
cally in the melachah people find most difficult.

KLMY
Vues Master’s Note: There is a way around the

eruv chatzeros issue as well. It is only a deRab-
banan requirement. For the record, if one holds

that Ocean Parkway is not a reshus harabim
deOraisa, then carrying in Flatbush would only

be deRabbanan. Rav Moshe held that it is deO-
raisa. Interestingly, in Queens, which has more

central highways, Rav Moshe held that an eruv
could be constructed. I am not taking sides here.
Personally, I do not carry, but I can understand
both sides of the argument.

TREATMENT
Dear Vues Master,
Two men shared a hospital room. Both suffered
from leg problems. In the morning, the doctor
entered and approached the man in the bed on
the right, probing and squeezing his leg muscles.
The pain was so intense that the man shrieked

with all his might.
The doctor then turned to the second patient and
performed the same examination, but this patient
remained silent throughout. After the doctor left,

the first patient said to his roommate, “I’m jeal-
ous of you. I can’t believe you endured that pain

without screaming or groaning. You are truly
courageous.”
The second man responded, “It’s not strength or
courage. I’m not foolish. Why would I give the
doctor the bad leg to examine?”
LP
Vues Master’s Note: Now who is the smart one?

OLYMPICS
Dear Vues Master
As the curtain fell on the 2026 Winter Olympics

in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Jewish com-
munities around the world had special reason to

celebrate. This past week, Jewish athletes did not
merely participate on the world’s greatest athletic
stage, they excelled, bringing home medals and
inspiring pride far beyond the arenas and rinks.
In speed skating, Emery Lehman powered his

way to a silver medal with a performance de-
fined by endurance, focus, and remarkable poise.

His achievement reflects years of dedication and
stands as a testament to the strength of character
that elite sport demands. Watching him on the
podium was a moment of shared joy for those
who see in his success both athletic excellence
and the enduring spirit of our community.
On the ice, Jack Hughes delivered a performance
for the ages, scoring the decisive overtime goal

to secure gold for the United States men’s nation-
al ice hockey team. In a single electrifying mo-
ment, he etched his name into Olympic history

and reminded viewers everywhere how prepara-
tion meets opportunity at the highest level.

These victories matter not only because of the

medals earned, but because representation mat-
ters. Jewish athletes competing, and triumphing,

on the global stage send a powerful message
about perseverance, identity, and pride.
Mazel tov to these outstanding Olympians. Their
accomplishments uplift us all.
RD
Vues Master’s Note: It’s always nice to hear
about Jewish athletes winning in different sports,
but I’m not a big fan of the Olympics.

JEWISH
Dear Vues Master,
Sam invited Peter, his non-Jewish friend, to play
golf at his country club. Afterwards, Peter said,
“This is a beautiful club. I
would love to join.”
“I’m sorry, Peter,” Sam
replied. “You have to be

Jewish to join. The non-
Jewish clubs do not admit

our people, so this club
operates the same way.”
“Look, I really want to
join,” Peter insisted. “I

have never played on such a magnificent course.”
Sam responded, “If you truly want to join, go to
the front desk and say your name is Goldman. If
they ask what you do for a living, tell them you
manufacture talleisim.”

Peter went to the front desk and filled out an ap-
plication. The president of the club greeted him

and said, “I see you manufacture talleisim. I have
always wondered what the writing at the top of
the tallis says. Can you tell me?”
Peter sighed and replied, “I really don’t know. I
just make the sleeves.”
JK
Vues Master’s Note: What a clown!

DEAD
Dear Vues Master,
The Kelmer Maggid once came to a town where
no one was praying with a tallis. He stood and
said the following:

“I once entered a house and found it empty, ex-
cept for the sound of crying. I searched to see

who was crying and discovered that it was a tal-
lis. When I asked why it was crying, it replied,

‘My owner went on a trip and took along his

clothes, money, and valuables, but left me be-
hind.’

“I consoled it by saying that after 120 years, he

will leave behind his clothes, money, and valu-
ables, and take only his tallis with him.”

PO
Vues Master’s Note: He is dead to rights!

PURIM
Dear Vues Master,

As Purim approaches, I am reminded of the well-
known teaching that Yom Kippurim is called

such because it is a day like Purim. How can a
day devoted entirely to spirituality be compared
to a day celebrated through physical joy?

The Vilna Gaon zt”l explains that what we ac-
complish on Yom Kippur in ruchniyus, we ac-
complish on Purim through gashmiyus. Rav

Yitzchak Hutner zt”l teaches that these two
halves form one Yom Tov, half for us and half
for Hashem.
With this in mind, Yom Kippur can be seen as a
joyous day, as fasting heightens our awareness
of the spiritual heights we can reach. On Purim,

Hashem saved us despite our immersion in phys-
icality. We eat, drink, and rejoice in His honor.

Enjoy the food and drink, but also recognize the

elevated level our davening and learning can at-
tain. This is an opportunity to beseech Hashem

for mercy, dedicate time to Torah study, and cel-
ebrate responsibly.

On Yom Kippur, we

cast aside our nega-
tive habits. On Pu-
rim, we elevate the

physical.

We also commemo-
rate the acceptance

of Torah she’baal
peh. Though we no

longer have nevuah, we analyze the text, delve

deeply into it, and seek guidance from our rab-
banim. As Rabbi Shmuel Reichman states, we

must spend our time “poring over the pages of
Gemara and exerting every ounce of our strength
to absorb its meaning.”
In the zechus of the mitzvos of Purim, may we
overcome our enemies, both spiritually and
physically.
Happy Purim,
CYM
Vues Master’s Note: Great letter!

POLITENESS
Dear Vues Master,
Regarding “Hamas’s Boasting Indicts the West”
(op-ed, Feb. 10), Gary Saul Morson and Morton
Schapiro note that Secretary of State Cordell
Hull apologized to the German government in
1937 after New York City Mayor Fiorello La
Guardia criticized Hitler. Unfortunately, that

apology was not an aberration. It typified Presi-
dent Franklin D. Roosevelt’s pre–World War II

policy of maintaining cordial, even friendly, rela-
tions with Nazi Germany.

The Roosevelt administration also publicly apol-
ogized to Hitler after a New York City judge in

1935 described the swastika flag as “a flag of pi-
racy.” In 1933, FDR sent Secretary of Commerce

Daniel Roper to address a German-American
rally in New York where the featured speaker
was the Nazi ambassador to Washington and a
large swastika flag was displayed on stage. The
following year, U.S. officials pressured Jewish
leaders in Chicago to cancel an anti-Hitler rally.
The president also permitted U.S. diplomats to
attend the mass Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg
in 1937. His administration further helped the
Nazis evade the American Jewish community’s

boycott of German goods in the 1930s by allow-
ing their products to be labeled by city or prov-
ince of origin rather than “Made in Germany.”

Despite escalating anti-Jewish persecution in the
1930s, President Roosevelt not only refused to
criticize the Hitler regime, but also pressured

Interior Secretary Harold Ickes to remove anti-
Hitler remarks from speeches planned for 1935

and 1938. Nor did FDR publicly condemn the

remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936, the an-
nexation of Austria in 1938, or the takeover of

Czechoslovakia and Danzig in 1939.
Explaining Roosevelt’s silence regarding the

Rhineland, the diplo-
matic correspondent of

the Washington Eve-
ning Standard reported

that the president “is
determined not to
take sides under any
circumstances.” Yet
there are times when
a president must take
sides, choosing good
over evil.

Dr. Rafael Medoff
Vues Master’s Note: History has once again
proven the well-known Rashi, halacha be’yadua
she’Esav sonei l’Yaakov.

PARADE
It is deeply troubling that New York City Mayor

Zohran Mamdani, whose actions have consis-
tently undermined the security and recognition

of Jewish communities, is even being considered
for participation in the annual Israel Day Parade.
This parade celebrates Israel, Jewish resilience,
and global solidarity, not political figures who
fail to uphold those values.
Mamdani’s decision to withdraw New York City
from the International Holocaust Remembrance
Alliance definition of antisemitism, along with

his failure to prevent protests outside syna-
gogues, are serious concerns that directly impact

Jewish safety. Inviting him to march alongside
proud supporters of Israel would be an affront to
those who honor the memory of the Holocaust
and the fight against antisemitism.

The recent public disagreement between Yaa-
kov Hagoel of the World Zionist Organization

and Israel’s consul general in New York under-
scores the tension between symbolic gestures

and substantive responsibility. Words are insuf-
ficient when actions, or inaction, affect commu-
nal safety. The parade should feature leaders who

actively support Israel and the Jewish people.

To preserve the integrity of the Israel Day Pa-
rade, Mayor Mamdani should not be invited.

This celebration should not become a venue for
political posturing.
BT
Vues Master’s Note: Since when is the parade a
deOraisa? Come on, it is politics!

ON CALL
Dear Vues Master,

A doctor received a phone call on Sunday morn-
ing from a colleague. “We’re playing golf and

need a fourth,” he said.
“I’ll be there,” the doctor replied.
His wife asked, “Do you really have to go? Is it
serious?”
“Yes,” he answered. “There are already three
doctors there, and they need me.”
GS
Vues Master’s Note: His wife probably did not
fall for it, especially since he took the wrong bag
with him!