21 Apr 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.
FORGET ABOUT COLLEGE
Dear Vues Master,
The long-standing belief that college is the only path to suc-
cess deserves serious reconsideration. For many young people
today, unless they are pursuing careers that clearly require
advanced degrees, such as medicine, law, or certain skilled
trades like plumbing, the traditional four-year college route is
increasingly becoming a costly and inefficient choice.
Tuition continues to rise at a staggering pace, leaving gradu-
ates burdened with debt that can take decades to repay. At the
same time, the job market is evolving rapidly. Many industries
now prioritize practical skills, adaptability, and real-world ex-
perience over a generic degree. In this changing landscape, it
is difficult to justify spending four or more years in school—
often without a clear career outcome, only to enter a workforce
that may not value that credential as highly as it once did.
There are, of course, institutions that serve students who genu-
inely want to learn and grow academically, and that mission
has value. Schools like Yeshiva University and Touro College
provide meaningful educational environments for those who
want to continue their studies in a college setting. However, for
countless others, college has become more of a default option
than a deliberate choice, and that is where the problem lies. I
honestly do not understand why people spend $65,000 or more
per year at YU.
Alternatives such as vocational training, apprenticeships, cer-
tifications, and entrepreneurship offer more direct—and often
more affordable—pathways to stable, well-paying careers.
These options allow individuals to enter the workforce sooner,
gain hands-on experience, and avoid the crushing burden of
student loans.
The world is changing, and our approach to education must
change with it. We should encourage young people to think
critically about their goals rather than automatically enrolling
in college. Higher education is not a one-size-fits-all solution,
and for many, it may simply be a waste of time and money.
RTS
Vues Master’s Note: Times have changed, and the path to suc-
cess is no longer solely through education. College remains
important for many, but parents should sit down with their
children to determine whether it is the right path for them. Un-
dergraduate degrees are certainly less significant than graduate
degrees, and that should be taken into consideration as well.
AIRLINE PRICES
Dear Vues Master
I am writing with a heavy heart and deep frustration over the
current airfare prices, particularly for flights to Israel. For
many in the Orthodox Jewish community, traveling to Israel is
not a luxury, it is a necessity. Whether it is to be with family,
attend important life events, or support loved ones during dif-
ficult times, these trips are essential. Yet right now, the prices
are simply outrageous.
We understand that airlines are facing rising fuel costs and
global uncertainty. However, the burden being placed on trav-
elers feels overwhelming and, frankly, insensitive to the reali-
ties of so many families. With added fees, fuel surcharges, and
reduced routes, it has become nearly impossible for an average
family to afford a trip. What was once difficult but manageable
now feels completely out of reach.
At the same time, we are hearing about families in Bnei Brak
who have lost their homes during a holiday, families whose
lives have been turned upside down in an instant. Our natural
instinct is to help, to be there for one another, and to show unity
and support. But how can we do that when even getting on a
plane has become such a financial strain?
There is something deeply painful about this moment. On one
hand, there is so much need and such a strong desire to con-
nect and help. On the other hand, the rising costs are creating
a barrier that feels almost impossible to overcome. It should
not be this way.
We are not asking airlines to operate at a loss. But there must
be some level of fairness and responsibility. Travel to Israel is
not just another route, it is a lifeline for many families. Pricing
people out at a time like this is very hard to accept.
I urge those in positions of influence to take a closer look and
find a way to ease this burden. Until then, many of us feel
stuck, frustrated, and deeply distressed. NT
Vues Master’s Note: Perhaps this is a sign that we are not
meant to simply visit Israel, but to live there…
ANTI-SEMITE DEMOCRATS
Dear Vues Master
It is both astonishing and deeply disheartening to watch the
U.S. Senate reject a measure that would have allowed the sale
of military equipment to Israel, an ally long described as one
of America’s closest democratic partners in a volatile region.
This was not a question of foreign aid or charity, but a straight-
forward sale, something the United States routinely conducts
with nations across the globe.
What makes this decision even harder to understand is the in-
consistency it reveals. The United States continues to provide
extensive military and financial support to other countries,
often with far less public scrutiny. Yet when it
comes to Israel—a nation facing ongoing secu-
rity threats—the willingness to reassess or re-
strict support suddenly intensifies. That contrast
raises legitimate questions about priorities, prin-
ciples, and the standards being applied.
Equally troubling are the justifications offered.
Claims that supporting Israel in this context
undermines American credibility or harms
American families deserve serious examina-
tion, not soundbite-level conclusions. Foreign
policy decisions are complex, and reducing
them to domestic economic talking points risks
oversimplifying matters of global security and
alliance-building.
At its core, this moment reflects a broader un-
ease about where the United States stands with
its allies. Alliances are not only tested in mo-
ments of convenience but in times of difficulty
and disagreement. When support appears con-
ditional or inconsistent, it sends a message, not
just to Israel, but to partners worldwide, about
the reliability of American commitments.
Regardless of one’s political affiliation, this
should prompt reflection. Decisions of this
magnitude should be guided by clear, consis-
tent principles, not shifting political winds. The
stakes are far too high for anything less. TR
Vues Master’s Note: Unfortunately, the average
U.S. citizen often focuses shortsightedly on im-
mediate concerns, like how the war affects gas
prices, rather than the long-term consequences
of a terrorist regime ruling the Middle East.
GOODBYE CHAP A NOSH
Dear Vues Master
I was very saddened to hear over Yom Tov that
Chap a Nosh, Plus, & Yunkee restaurant closed
down. I had been a good customer since 1985,
when I got engaged in Yunkees. I had gone over
next door to Chap a Nosh to make all my phone
calls on the pay phone that existed by the towel
paper rack! I will miss the excellent service, the
delicious food, and the great company behind
the counter. I will miss their scrumptious egg
rolls, fantastic American rib steak, hot chicken
soup with noodles, rice, and matzah ball knei-
dele. I love their snack box with French fries,
grilled chicken platter with two side dishes,
mashed potatoes with gravy, and yummy cole
slaw. I almost forgot their corn on the cob! Now
who can forget their geshmake potato kugel
from Chap a Nosh Plus? When I got engaged by
Yunkees, I ordered a sweet & pungent chicken.
I remember asking for bottoms! “There ain’t no
tops & bottoms by sweet & pungent chicken!”
How should I know? Hatzlacha rabbah. We will
all miss you!
RMS
Vues Master’s Note: As my father used to say,
“All good things must come to an end.” Fortu-
nately, you have sweet memories will last for-
ever!
JEWISH HERITAGE DAY AT CITI
FIELD
Dear Vues Master
As a longtime Mets fan, I’ve endured my share
of disappointment on the field. Losing streaks
like the current 11-game slide are frustrating,
but they come with the territory. What’s far
harder to understand is the organization’s deci-
sion to cancel Jewish Heritage Day, especially
given the context in which this decision was
made.
When Steve Cohen became the Mets’ owner,
many fans believed it marked not just a financial
turning point, but a cultural one as well. Here
was an opportunity to celebrate the rich diver-
sity of the Mets’ fan base, including the deep
and historic ties between New York baseball and
the Jewish community. That’s why the cancella-
tion of Jewish Heritage Day feels so misguided.
New York is home to the largest Jewish popula-
tion outside of Israel. That’s not just a statistic,
it’s a defining part of the city’s identity. The
Mets, as one of New York’s teams, are support-
ed by that community in significant numbers.
To cancel an event meant to recognize and cel-
ebrate that heritage sends the wrong message at
the wrong time.
Meanwhile, the team is struggling on the field,
pitching issues, inconsistent hitting, and missed
opportunities have all contributed to this diffi-
cult stretch. Fans are understandably frustrated.
While I don’t buy into talk of “curses” or viral
theories tying recent events
to the losing streak, I do
believe that organizations
reflect their values through
their actions.
Right now, this action feels
out of step with both the mo-
ment and the market.
Heritage nights are about
inclusion. They are about
making fans feel seen and
valued. Removing Jewish
Heritage Day, particularly in
a city where that community
plays such a central role, un-
dermines that mission.
The Mets still have time to
make this right. Reconsider the decision. Re-
store the event. Show that this organization un-
derstands and respects the people who support
it.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about
baseball, it’s about belonging.
KTY
Vues Master’s Note: Organized sports teach
many valuable lessons; you are correct in say-
ing that the feeling of belonging is one of them.
I too hope that the Mets still choose to do the
right thing.
KORBAN CALCULATOR
Dear Vues Master
I’m writing to express my excitement about a
truly creative and meaningful project: the Ko-
rban Calculator developed by R’ Eli Stefan-
sky for MDY. It’s not every day that concepts
from the Beis HaMikdash are presented in such
a clear and practical way, and this tool does it
brilliantly.
Using current market rates in Yerushalayim,
for animals, flour, oil, and wine, the calculator
gives a fascinating picture of what it might cost
to bring korbanos today. It takes ideas that can
sometimes feel distant and makes them concrete
and understandable. Seeing a personal yearly
total together with the larger communal needs
gives a real sense of the scope and importance
of these avodos.
What stands out most is how comprehensive the
calculator is. It’s not just a rough estimate—it
walks you through a full range of korbanos with
real numbers, making it both informative and
engaging. There’s something special about be-
ing able to connect to these inyanim in such a
practical way, especially with tools that speak
the language of today.
Projects like this help make timeless topics more
accessible and relatable, while still maintaining
their depth and significance. It’s a wonderful
example of using modern tools to enhance our
appreciation of the past.
You can explore it yourself at korbancalculator.
com
IZ
Vues Master’s Note: Leave it to R’ Eli’s MDY
crew. They are great!
NAFTALI BENNETT
Dear Vues Master
Recent statements by Naftali Bennett are deeply
troubling to those who strive to live according
to Torah values. For someone who once repre-
sented the religious community, his current po-
sitions reflect not merely a political shift, but a
clear departure from the foundations of authen-
tic Jewish life.
To advocate for public transportation on Shab-
bos is no small matter, it is a direct violation of
the sanctity of the day that has preserved the
Jewish people throughout the generations. Like-
wise, expressing support for civil marriage out-
side the framework of halacha undermines the
very concept of a Jewish home built according
to the laws of Moshe and Israel. These are not
side issues, they strike at the very core of our
identity as a Torah nation.
What makes this even more concerning is the
sense that these views are being promoted for
political gain, to win favor with secular voters
at the expense of eternal principles. A leader in
Israel must demonstrate consistency and rev-
erence for Torah, not reshape values based on
shifting polls and public pressure.
The strength of Israel as a Jewish state has al-
ways depended on maintaining its connection to
Torah. Weakening that foundation, even gradu-
ally, carries serious consequences for the future
of the nation. It is therefore understandable that
many in the religious community feel a deep
sense of concern.
At a time like this, we look for leaders who
stand firm in their commitment to Torah values,
without compromise or change.
TRW
Vues Master’s Note: Only a true leader can
withstand the pressures of the modern world.
It’s a shame that our leaders sometimes (often)
forget their values.
HASHGACHOS ON SHEITELS
Dear Vues Master
As a woman who recently accompanied her
daughter, a kallah, to purchase a sheitel, I’ve
come away with an unexpected frustration: the
process is far more complicated than it needs to
be.
Today’s sheitel market is vibrant and highly vis-
ible. Advertisements are polished and abundant,
showcasing a wide range of styles, textures, and
price points. Yet one critical piece of informa-
tion is almost always missing: whether the hair
has reliable kosher certification ensuring it does
not originate from sources tied to avoda zara
concerns.
For many of us, this is not a minor stringency
but a clear directive based on guidance from our
rabbanim. Wanting to make an informed and
halachically appropriate choice for my daugh-
ter, I began contacting companies directly. What
I discovered was surprising — in many cases,
certification does exist. It’s simply not disclosed
in the ads.
While I understand that marketing space is lim-
ited and businesses prioritize aesthetics and ap-
peal, omitting this information creates an unnec-
essary burden for consumers. For a frum woman
striving to balance tznius with halachic respon-
sibility, certification is often the deciding factor.
In every other area of kosher living, transpar-
ency is standard. Restaurants and food products
clearly display their hashgacha. This clarity al-
lows consumers to make quick, confident deci-
sions.
Sheitel retailers should adopt the same practice.
If a product has certification, it should be clearly
stated and easy to verify. This small step would
go a long way in supporting the very community
these businesses serve.
NT
Vues Master’s Note: They have been talking
about this for years!
IN THE FREEZER
Dear Vues Master
The recent spread of a false rumor regarding a
supposed delay in the “freezer” period at Bais
Medrash Govoha should serve as a wake-up call
for all of us. Beyond the confusion it caused,
this episode highlights a far more serious con-
cern: the ease with which lashon hara and un-
verified information can spread rapidly within
our community.
In this case, a completely unfounded claim was
widely circulated and even dressed up with sup-
posed sources and noble intentions. Yet none
of it was true. The damage, however, was real.
Such messages can mislead families, create
false expectations, and subtly erode trust in our
mosdos and leadership.
The Torah places immense emphasis on the
power of speech. Words are not harmless, es-
pecially when shared with the click of a button
to hundreds or even thousands of people. What
may seem like simply passing along “interesting
information” can, in reality, be a form of spread-
ing misinformation or even lashon hara.
This incident should remind us that responsibil-
ity does not lie only with the original source of a
rumor, but with every individual who chooses to
repeat it. Before forwarding a message, we must
ask ourselves: Is it verified? Is it necessary? Is
it constructive?
If we take this lesson seriously, we can transform
a negative episode into meaningful growth. By
being more careful with what we share, we up-
hold the values of truth, integrity, and respect
that our community strives to embody. LP
Vues Master’s Note: This is an excellent re-
minder about the damage that lashon hara can
do.
TIMING
Dear Vues Master:
I have a problem that I wanted to share with
your readers.
I’ve been davening in a shul for over twenty
years.
Recently, we hired a new rabbi, and this rabbi
davens much faster than the previous rabbi. By
Krias Shema, the chazzan has to rush his dav-
ening because he doesn’t want the tzibur to be
waiting a long time after the rabbi is finished.
It usually takes me at least 45 seconds longer
than the rabbi to say Krias Shema, and at least
a minute longer than the rabbi for Shemoneh
Esrei.
What should I do?
PD
Vues Master’s Note: This seems like an excel-
lent question to discuss with your Rav!
FUND
Dear Vues Master:
I just want to give a big yasher koach to the Flat-
bush Community Fund and the Matzah Fund for
helping Klal Yisroel make Pesach this year.
I know personally many families in Flatbush
and in Eretz Yisrael who would not have been
able to make Pesach if not for these great orga-
nizations.
Tizku l’mitzvot!
RDF
Vues Master’s Note: May all those families be
on the giving end instead of the receiving end!
MATZAH
Dear Vues Master:
I purchased twenty pounds of matzah for Pesach
this year and only received 13 full matzos. I
went to a different store over Chol Hamoed to
buy another 4 lbs of matzah and only got 3 more
whole matzos.
Did other people out there have the same prob-
lem this Pesach?
GT
Vues Master’s Note: We got very holy matzos;
they were all whole!
YOM HASHOAH
Dear Vues Master:
Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
is this week. Please take a look at the op-ed cop-
ied below about how a classic 1960s American
novel offered a unique perspective. I have been
studying the American reaction to the Holocaust
in the 1950s and 1960s for several years now.
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY &
JEWISH SELF-DEFENSE
The best-selling novel Fail-Safe was brought
to mind with recent headlines about the obser-
vance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remem-
brance Day), as well as news that a high school
in Florida removed a graphic novel adaptation
of Anne Frank’s diary from its library, with the
school administration stating it is “not age ap-
propriate.”
There is a section of Fail-Safe that discusses the
story of Anne Frank and her family in a way not
commonly seen in American literature before or
after. The book was written by Eugene Burdick
and Harvey Wheeler. It was later adapted into
the 1964 film of the same name by Sidney Lu-
met, starring Henry Fonda as the President of
the United States and Walter Matthau as Emil
Groteschele. Hank Azaria played Groteschele in
the 2000 television remake.
Here is the excerpt:
“One of the few times that his son had seen
him angry was when the subject of the Diary of
Anne Frank came up. Emil Groteschele had of-
fended Jews in Cincinnati by arguing that Anne
Frank and her family had acted like imbeciles.
Rather than hiding in an attic and clinging to
their Jewish identity, they should have made
plans to escape. Failing that, they should have
been prepared to fight the Nazis when the final
day came.
‘The steps leading up to that miserable attic
should have been red with Nazi blood—and that
of the Frank family,’ Dr. Groteschele argued
bitterly. ‘If each Jew in Germany had been pre-
pared to take one SS trooper with him before
being sent to the camps and gas ovens, precious
few Jews would have been arrested,’ he argued.
‘At some point, Hitler and the SS would have
stopped. Face it—if every Jew who was arrested
had walked to the door with a pistol in his hand
and started shooting at the local heroes, how
long would the Nazis have kept it up? After a
few hundred, they would have started to think
twice. After a few thousand, they would have
started to shake. If it got to twenty thousand,
they would have called it off. But the first Jews
who shuffled quietly off to death camps or hid
like mice in attics were instruments of destruc-
tion of the rest.’”
This call for Jews to take up arms in such a man-
ner must have shocked readers. This was years
before Rabbi Meir Kahane and the JDL made
headlines for their militant attitudes and actions.
In 1941, a Jewish partisan leader named Abba
Kovner issued the following statement:
“Jewish youth! Do not trust those who are trying
to deceive you. Hitler plans to destroy all the
Jews of Europe… We will not be led like sheep
to the slaughter! True, we are weak and defense-
less, but the only reply to the murderer is revolt!
Brothers! Better to fall as free fighters than to
live by the mercy of the murderers. Arise! Arise
with your last breath!”
The leaders of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Upris-
ing were moved by Abba Kovner’s words and
took up arms. When Israel fought for its inde-
pendence in 1948, the world saw Jews using
firearms for their own defense on the front pages
of newspapers.
The concern today is that, since Israelis have
become highly skilled in combat, some anti-
Israel voices at the UN argue that Jews should
lay down their weapons and return to ghettos
and attics. History, however, reminds us clearly
where that leads.
ZR
Vues Master’s Note: But why only
one day of the year? We should be
studying this all year long.
NEW HAMAS
ATROCITIES AGAINST
GAZAN WOMEN
Dear Vues Master
Women were allegedly pressured
by government officials to engage
in abuse in exchange for food rations. Wid-
ows were reportedly harassed and intimidated.
Young girls were said to have been forced into
early marriages.
If similar allegations were emerging in places
such as Texas, Indiana, Paris, or Rome, wom-
en’s rights groups, media commentators, and
human rights advocates would likely be speak-
ing out strongly.
The reason the issue has received limited atten-
tion, according to the claim, is that it is said to
be occurring in parts of Gaza still under Hamas
control.
The Daily Mail published an account based on
video testimony from Jusoor News, describing
alleged abuse of women in Gaza. Other major
international news organizations have not wide-
ly reported on the same material.
A Gazan man told Jusoor News that he wit-
nessed a displaced widow being harassed inside
a tent in the Gharabli area by individuals identi-
fied as Hamas members. He said residents who
reported the incident were told to remain silent.
Another man said a neighbor was allegedly
blackmailed by a Hamas-linked charity, with
demands that she provide inappropriate favors
in exchange for food assistance or aid vouchers.
A Jusoor correspondent told the Daily Mail that
widows and divorced women are particularly
vulnerable due to lack of income and support,
and that their situation is worsening.
A Gazan mother of four described seeking food
rations from a charity official who presented
himself as a religious authority. She alleged he
demanded inappropriate favors in exchange for
assistance. When she threatened to report him,
she said he responded: “You cannot expose me,
I am the government here.”
The article also stated that at least 400 Gazan
girls aged 14 to 16 were registered as married
over a four-month period in 2025, though it sug-
gested the real figure could be higher.
The Daily Mail reportedly contacted UN Wom-
en, which declined to comment.
The article argues that there has been limited
international response to these allegations and
questions why some advocacy groups have not
highlighted them more prominently.
Dr. Rafael Medoff
Vues Master’s Note: If a Jew did something in-
appropriate, you can be certain the whole world
would know about it. This highlights the double
standard of the world.