24 Mar 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
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one has any issues with any of the views, please write a letter to the Vues Master.

GOLDERS GREEN HATZOLAH
AMBULANCES
Dear Vues Master

It is with deep sadness and growing alarm that I write to re-
flect on the troubling direction in which our society seems

to be heading. Acts of hatred, particularly antisemitism, are
no longer isolated incidents whispered about in disbelief,

they are becoming frequent, visible, and frighteningly nor-
malized.

The recent arson attack in Golders Green, London, where
several Hatzolah ambulances were deliberately set on fire,
is a stark and painful example. These vehicles belong to a

volunteer emergency medical service dedicated to saving
lives and helping anyone in need. That such an institution
was targeted in what police are treating as an antisemitic
hate crime, possibly linked to broader extremist networks,
is horrifying and heartbreaking.

What makes this moment even more grievous is the back-
drop of escalating international tensions. The ongoing con-
flict involving the United States and Israel against Iran,

marked by extensive military strikes and regional hostili-
ties, only fuels fear, division, and hatred around the world.

When global political conflicts are framed in terms of “us

vs. them,” communities in everyday life, from neighbor-
hoods in London to cities around the world, feel the conse-
quences in rising bigotry and violence.

It is starting to feel like we are back in Germany, where
hatred was allowed to grow unchecked until it exploded
into unimaginable violence. We should not allow history to

repeat itself. Antisemitism has no place in a civilized soci-
ety, and neither does hatred of any group. Now, more than

ever, we must stand together, rejecting violence, promoting
understanding, and defending the dignity and safety of all.
Vues Master’s Note: Absolutely, we must daven and
strengthen our emunah, standing firm against antisemitism
everywhere.

CHABAD AROUND THE WORLD
Dear Vues Master

I am writing to express deep appreciation for the extraordi-
nary efforts of Chabad shuls and families around the world

during this difficult period of war in Israel. As countless
travelers have been going back and forth to Eretz Yisrael
under stressful and uncertain conditions, Chabad centers
have risen to the occasion in a truly remarkable way.
In locations such as Cyprus, Egypt, Athens, Rome, and
beyond, Chabad has opened its doors to provide weary
travelers with meals, lodging, guidance, and, perhaps most

importantly, a sense of warmth and stability. Whether peo-
ple were stranded, delayed, or simply in need of a place to

regroup, Chabad has consistently been there without hesi-
tation.

Particularly inspiring is how they have hosted large num-
bers of guests for Shabbosim, often accommodating far

more people than their usual capacity. Despite the chal-
lenges, they ensure that every individual has a place at the

table, with uplifting meals, zemiros, and a true sense of
community that brings comfort and strength.

Their dedication goes far beyond logistics.
They offer emotional and spiritual support,
creating an environment where individuals
feel cared for and uplifted during a time of

anxiety and disruption. This level of kind-
ness and generosity reflects the very best of

what community and responsibility should
look like.
It is inspiring to witness such selflessness
in action. Kol hakavod to these incredible
*shluchim*. The rebbe would be very proud!
Their work does not go unnoticed and serves
as a powerful reminder of the strength and
unity of our people.
KT
Vues Master’s Note: Ask Tucker Carlson
what he thinks about Chabad!

ONGOING WAR
Dear Vues Master
I am writing to express deep confusion and

concern over recent statements made by for-
mer U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We
are repeatedly told that Iran’s leadership has
been wiped out and that its navy is essentially
gone. Yet, at the same time, we continue to

see missile attacks launched from Iran, in-
cluding the recent strikes that injured dozens

near Dimona and Arad.
If Iran’s leadership is truly gone, how are
these attacks still being organized and carried
out? Missile launches require coordination,
command authority, and technical capability.
These are not isolated or random acts, they
depend on an operational chain of command.

So who, exactly, is making the decisions in-
side Iran?

Additionally, if Iran’s military forces have
been so thoroughly destroyed, how are these

missile systems still functioning and pen-
etrating defenses? The fact that two missiles

were able to get through Israeli air defenses
raises serious questions about the accuracy of
what the public is being told.
This contradiction is troubling. Either the

situation is far more complex than presented,
or the claims being made are overstated. In
either case, the public deserves a clear and
honest explanation.
Ultimately, while leaders and analysts debate
these issues, we must remember that it is all
in Hakadosh Baruch Hu’s hands.
MT
Vues Master’s Note: Someone is not telling
us everything. I wonder who.

STUCK
Dear Vues Master
I am writing to express my deep appreciation
for Rabbi Goldberg’s powerful and timely

column in last week’s Jewish Vues. His mes-
sage about the language we use, particularly

the notion of being “stuck” in Israel, resonat-
ed with me on a profound and personal level.

In moments of stress and uncertainty, it is en-
tirely natural to feel overwhelmed and frus-
trated, especially when travel plans are dis-
rupted and families are separated. Yet Rabbi

Goldberg so eloquently reminds us that our
words are not merely descriptive, they shape

our mindset and reflect our emunah. To de-
scribe oneself as “stuck” in Israel not only

misrepresents the reality, but also uninten-
tionally diminishes the lived experience of

millions of Israelis who face these challenges

daily with extraordinary courage and resil-
ience.

I was especially struck by the story of the
Rebbe’s response, that “a Jew is never stuck.”
This perspective reframes inconvenience into
opportunity and helplessness into purpose.
The account of Sapir Cohen reinforced this

idea in the most powerful way, demonstrat-
ing how even in the darkest and most un-
imaginable circumstances, one can choose

meaning, mission, and strength.

I would also add that I find it difficult to un-
derstand the logic of those who are choosing

to route themselves through Egypt in order to

return to America. At a time when we are ap-
proaching Pesach, when we commemorate

Yetzias Mitzrayim
and our freedom
from Egypt, it feels
deeply ironic to
voluntarily pass
back through that
very place. The
Rambam himself
wrote about the
complexity and
even prohibition of

living in Egypt, ex-
pressing that he felt

he was in a מצב of

aveirah while resid-
ing there. This only

strengthens the
question, why
would one choose

to return there, even temporarily, if alterna-
tives exist?

Rabbi Goldberg’s message reminds us that
we are not passive victims of circumstance.
Even when plans unravel, we are exactly

where we are meant to be, with opportuni-
ties to grow, to help others, and to fulfill a

higher purpose. Especially in Eretz Yisrael,
a place imbued with kedusha and meaning,
we should be mindful of how we frame our
experience.
Thank you for publishing such an inspiring
and necessary piece. It is a message we all

need to internalize, particularly in these chal-
lenging times.

Sincerely,
A Grateful Reader
Vues Master’s Note: I absolutely loved this
article from Rabbi Goldberg. It was right on
point.

TWO SEDARIM
Dear Vues Master
I like having two sedarim in Chutz laaretz.

While some may view the second seder as re-
dundant, my personal experience has shown

it to be not only meaningful, but essential.
The first night of Pesach is often filled with
anticipation, preparation, and a fair amount
of exhaustion. By the time we finally sit
down at the seder table, after a long day of

cooking, cleaning, and last-minute arrange-
ments, many of us are simply worn out. It

can be difficult to fully engage with the Hag-
gadah when we are struggling to keep our

eyes open.
This is where the second seder becomes so

valuable. Having the next day to rest and re-
charge makes an enormous difference. The

afternoon provides a chance to relax, spend
time with family, and even reflect on the

themes of the holiday. By the time the sec-
ond seder arrives, we are more present, more

focused, and better able to participate mean-
ingfully.

At the same time, I recognize that this prac-
tice reflects our current reality of living in

Chutz laaretz. While I truly appreciate hav-
ing two sedarim under these circumstances,

I also look forward to the day when things
will be different. I eagerly await the coming
of Moshiach, when we will all be in Eretz
Yisrael and observe Pesach together with just
one seder, in a complete and unified way.
Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity
to experience both nights so meaningfully.
RTT
Vues Master’s Note: Try to take a nap on
Erev Yom Tov. It helps!

ANIYIM IN ERETZ YISRAEL
Dear Vues Master,
I am very pleased to see so many weekly ad
campaigns collecting donations for soldiers
needs and families of reservists. However,
there is another very large group of people

that are very much in need of help. I wish
to also see as many ad campaigns looking to
help the Bnei Torah of Eretz Yisrael who are
being sanctioned and cut off from society by
a very non torah-friendly source.
We’re talking families with 11 children that
have to make Pesach under fire this year, and
their grocery bills are higher than ours. Some

of these mothers were forced to quit jobs be-
cause the daycare subsidies vanished thanks

to the discriminatory court order that leaves
Arabs well-funded but Jews struggling. I
don’t know if you’ve ever been to Israel,
but I wasn’t able to find anything that costs
less there than in the United States besides
a bus ride. Everything else was significantly
higher.

With the already measly stipends being can-
celed, cost of living being sky high, mothers

losing jobs, and people being forced to find
less than ideal daycare options, it’s safe to
say that they need a lot of help. Not everyone
gets the privilege of being able to help people
that are so committed to the Torah in every

fabric of their lives. That’s why the evil incli-
nation will do anything he can to steer your

money in a different direction. And he’s good
at finding a thousand and one other places
to send your money that won’t earn you as
much return on the investment.
Consider helping the Aniyei Eretz Yisrael;
there are so many in need. You can speak to
your local Rav or Rabbi Smith to get paired

up with the ones who truly need it most. Peo-
ple are always looking for segulos, but you

won’t find anything better than having bnei
torah as your personal spiritual advocates
that depended on you.
KLMY
Vues Master’s Note: Donate to the Matzoh
Fund at matzohfund.com. It’s a segulah to
have a good Yom Tov!

STUDYING IN AMERICAN
UNIVERSITIES
Dear Vues Master
How is this not setting off far louder alarm
bells? As a Jewish person, I find these reports
deeply alarming. The idea that thousands of
children of Iran’s ruling elite are studying,

teaching, and shaping discourse at Ameri-
can universities is not just surprising, it is

profoundly unsettling. These are not simply

random international students pursuing op-
portunity, many are connected, directly or

indirectly, to a regime that has openly called
for the destruction of Israel and has a long

record of repression, censorship, and hostil-
ity toward both Jews and the United States.

Influence within academia is not theoretical,

it is real and far-reaching. Professors, re-
searchers, and institutional voices help shape

policy debates, educate future leaders, and

influence the narratives that define how so-
cieties understand the world. From a Jewish

perspective, this raises serious and personal

concerns. When individuals tied to a govern-
ment that has promoted antisemitic rhetoric

and policies are present in these spaces, it

is entirely reasonable to question what safe-
guards are in place and whether these envi-
ronments remain truly independent.

What vetting is actually being done? How
deep does it go? Are affiliations, funding

sources, and family connections being mean-
ingfully scrutinized? Or are institutions turn-
ing a blind eye in the name of international

exchange and prestige?

This is not about fear of outsiders or op-
position to global education. It is about ac-
countability, consistency, and protecting the

integrity of institutions that shape the next

generation. And frankly, it is about recogniz-
ing that for many Jews, this is not an abstract

policy issue, it feels personal, immediate, and
deserving of far more serious attention than it
is currently receiving. DP
Vues Master’s Note: As soon as they say or
do anything that resembles terrorist-related

language or behavior, they should be deport-
ed from the country immediately, without

any warnings.

DAF & TAKING SIDES IN A
CONFLICT
Dear Vues Master
Hopefully, by the time you will be reading
this, the strait of Hormuz will no longer be
blockaded and there will be peace in the

world, and freedom for all, but for the fore-
seeable future, we will have to deal with the

facts on the ground – and more urgently – the
facts in the water.
At this writing, most of America’s allies

within NATO – and without – have not heed-
ed President Trump’s plea to join the efforts

to stop the blockade. Regardless of what the
politicians are saying and doing, most of the
people in the world would simply like to see
the price of fuel go back down, so that the
price of almost everything else will go down
again, as well.
Most of the people in the world are suffering
because of the blockade of the strait and are
more reliant on foreign oil than are the people
who reside in the United States, which is now
an exporter of
oil, so one of
the biggest
questions of
the day is why

America’s al-
lies will not

send their
ships to sea
to respond
to President
Trump’s plea.
The answer

can be found by those who study the daf yomi,
though in this instance in particular by those
who study the daf yomi with Rabbi Shalom
Rosner, whose shiurim of previous cycles are
available online, enabling this writer to share
his thoughts on the subject even before the
daf is officially studied around the world.

The Gemorah in Menachos 74 discusses sac-
rifices, and the Chinuch elaborates on sacri-
fices that can be brought, in the days of the

Beis HaMikdash, whether or not a sin was
committed intentionally.
The question is posed as to why these sins
can be atoned for with a sacrifice even if the
sins were committed intentionally.
Rav Sorotskin, in Aznayim L’Torah discusses
the laws of testimony. He asks why people
are permitted to bring a sacrifice (in the time

of the Beis HaMikdosh, of course) if he pur-
posely and knowingly took an oath that he

did not know the particulars of a situation
that would enable him to provide testimony
in a specific situation, when in fact he had
such knowledge. He is permitted to make
a sacrifice even though he acted – or more
technically failed to act – intentionally.
Rav Sorotskin notes that the Torah doesn’t just
say that the obligation is to testify accurately;
the Torah says a person should not give false
testimony. The answer given is that the Torah
accommodates the level of most people. Most
people would rather not get involved in other

people’s disputes. It calls to mind the humor-
ous decision of a jury after examination of all

the evidence and after analyzing all the argu-
ments, arrived at the formal declaration, “We

the members of the jury, after careful delib-
eration and analysis for many days, we have

decided (drum roll)…. we shouldn’t mix in.”
Juries of course are selected precisely for this
purpose, but the average eye witness knows
that if the witness takes a stand on the stand,
the witness can thereby make an enemy of
one party to the dispute or the other, with
possible adverse repercussions. The witness

may be afraid to testify, with no benefit ac-
cruing upon giving such testimony. Such a

witness may be said to be between a rock and
a hard place, or, as Rav Sorotskin put it long

before this expression was composed, he per-
ceives himself

to be between a
hammer and an

anvil. So to en-
courage a G-d

–fearing Jew to
testify, in the
days of the Beis
H a M i k d a s h ,
the witness is

given permis-
sion to take an

oath, and then

the Torah is “lenient,” still giving him the op-
portunity to repent with a sacrifice.

And now to our NATO partners and all the
potential beneficiaries of a functioning strait
of Hormuz throughout the world. They have

more at stake than a witness afraid to gener-
ate the ill will of a person he or she may or

may not have anything to do with in the pres-
ent or the future. The Iranians don’t just hold

a grudge; they shoot missiles and drones. On
the other hand, unlike a witness with nothing

to gain by testifying, our allies have to con-
sider the price of oil and everything it does

to the economy to get back to normal. The

members of NATO also have reciprocal ob-
ligations to consider. It’s clearly not an easy

decision to make. We hope the leaders of the
countries of the world will do the right thing.
Even if there may be consequences.
Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel, Esq.
Vues Master’s Note: Thanks for sharing!

SECOND ENCOUNTER WITH
GEDOLIM
Dear Vues Master
Rav Shmuel Kaminetzky told me over from
his father, Rav Yaakov, how they invited the
Satmar Rebbe to a Moetzes Gedolei Torah
meeting. Rav Yaakov said that it was worth
the entire meeting just so the Rebbe could
daven Mincha before shkiah! I once made a
loud Barchu for Maariv in Bobov, and they
told me that it was Mincha! [I saw more than
3 stars!]
Rav Chaim Kreiswerth gave a long speech

at a yeshiva dinner. He then asked the chair-
man to give over his speech in English. The

chairman told
over how Rav
Meir Shapiro
also spoke very
eloquently as a

fundraiser for Lu-
bliner Yeshiva. A

nine-year-old boy
was shuckling,
sitting in the front
of the Rav. The
Rav asked him if
he understood his

drasha. “No, sor-
ry, but one thing I

understood—that
the Rav wants
gelt!”
I once asked the
Skulener Rebbe
for a bracha for
my daughter who
was expecting.
He asked me for
the mamma’s

name. I, by mis-
take, gave him

my name, Moshe Leib. Then I told him
Moshe Leib Halevy. He kept on asking for
der mamma’s numen. I told him, all flustered,
“Rav Moshe Leib Halevy!” She has 2 girls

and 5 boys, ba”H—I guess the Rebbe’s bra-
cha worked even with der tatta’s numen!

I once asked Rav Zelik Epstein, my Rosh
Hayeshiva, who was bigger—Rav Moshe or
Rav Ahron? He answered me that if I would
learn as much as Rav Moshe did since Rav
Ahron’s petirah, I would also be a gadol!

Rav Moshe once gave me a bracha: “Hat-
zlocha rabbah b’ruchniyos u’vgashmiyos!”

[Well, at least the gashmiyus came true!]
We had a Brisker Rosh Hayeshiva in Eretz
Yisroel who, by Purim, the olam wanted to
have a little Purim fun, so we klapped during
the Megillah laining by the word “medinah”!
I had a very good friend, a chavrusa, also
named Moshe. He wore this 10-gallon hat

with a huge wide brim. We were sitting Shab-
bos afternoon in Mattersdorf without jackets,

hats, or ties, just singing on the benches. All
of a sudden, we noticed from the corner of our
eyes that Rav Kreiswerth was coming with
his entire entourage. We quickly got dressed
up and went over to give Shalom Aleichem.
Uh-oh. I noticed, to my horror, that Moshe
put on, in a rush, his hat backwards. I tried to
hint to him, but don’t worry—he put the back

brim also down, so now he looked like a fire-
man’s hat! Yikes. Gut Yom Tov!

RMS

Vues Master’s Note: Wow! Thanks for shar-
ing!