28 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.
LAG BAOMER IN MERON
Dear Vues Master
The announcement placing strict limitations on this year’s Lag
BaOmer gathering in Meron, restricting attendance to 1,500 peo-
ple at a time, has caused deep disappointment and concern across
wide segments of the community. Many Chassidim look forward
to this event throughout the entire year, and for countless fami-
lies it represents a cherished spiritual highlight that is prepared
for with anticipation, effort, and heartfelt longing.
The sudden and drastic scaling down of what has traditionally
been one of the largest and most meaningful communal gather-
ings of the year will, without question, leave many people very
upset. For generations, Meron on Lag BaOmer has been a place
of prayer, unity, and inspiration, drawing multitudes who come
to uplift themselves in an atmosphere of holiness and connection.
To see this experience so significantly altered is very painful for
many.
While no one disputes that security concerns must be taken se-
riously and responsibly addressed, there is nonetheless a deep
sense that such sweeping restrictions carry an emotional and
communal cost that should not be underestimated. The disrup-
tion to long-standing tradition, especially one so central in the
lives of many families, is felt very strongly.
There is also concern that if this situation is not handled with
great care, clarity, and sensitivity, it could lead to widespread
confusion, frustration, and chas vshalom a serious desecration of
Hashem’s name in the way this matter is perceived by the public.
It is my sincere hope that the authorities and organizers will con-
tinue to engage in thoughtful planning and clear communication,
balancing necessary safety measures with respect for tradition
and the feelings of the many thousands who hold this day so dear.
MS
Vues Master’s Note: While the people’s wishes should be con-
sidered, safety always comes first and foremost. Unfortunately,
due to the tragic stampede a few years back, authorities must
make decisions based on safety. Let’s hope the public adheres to
the safety guidelines and realizes these safeguards are for their
own benefit.
MAZEL TOV
Dear Vues Master
I would like to extend a heartfelt mazel tov to all those who are
making a siyum this week on Maseches Menachos and who are
beginning Maseches Chullin this week.
It is always a tremendous simcha when members of our com-
munity complete a mesechta of Gemara, and even more so when
that accomplishment is shared publicly and celebrated with
friends and family.
Maseches Menachos is known for its intricate halachos and de-
tailed discussions of korbanos, and finishing it is an achievement
that deserves real admiration.
As we turn the page and begin Maseches Chullin, we enter a
masechta that is both challenging and engaging.
It deals with the laws of shechita, kashrus, and everyday practical
halacha, and it requires focus and consistency.
Many learners find Chullin to be a difficult mesechta, but also
a very rewarding and even enjoyable one once its depth begins
to unfold.
May we continue to be inspired by those who dedicate them-
selves to regular learning, and may their simcha encourage oth-
ers to join in the timeless study of Torah.
Wishing all lomdei Torah continued hatzlacha and siyata dish-
maya in their learning. RES
Vues Master’s Note: Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek!
MI KAMCHA YISRAEL
Dear Vues Master
Mi Kamcha Yisrael! How inspiring it is to see Klal Yisrael come
together whenever a fellow Yid is in need of help. This past week
in Los Angeles, we witnessed exactly that spirit in action.
Jeanne Rus Litvin, a longtime writer for the Jewish Press, who
suffers from dementia, went missing after leaving her home on
April 15, sparking great concern throughout the community.
In response, Hatzolah of Los Angeles and Chaverim volunteers
from Rockland County immediately mobilized to search for her,
working tirelessly day and night.
About thirty volunteers flew in and used surveillance footage
analysis drones and advanced tracking technology to follow her
path across nearly nine miles of city streets.
Despite difficult conditions and unsafe neighborhoods, they nev-
er gave up until she was located alive and brought to Community
Hospital of Huntington Park.
She is now receiving care and Baruch Hashem the outcome is
one of relief and gratitude.
This incredible effort is a powerful reminder that when a member
of Klal Yisrael is in danger, Jews across communities will step
forward without hesitation or regard for distance or difficulty.
We should only merit such achdus all the time, not only in mo-
ments of crisis, but in our daily lives, where mutual responsibil-
ity and kindness define who we are as a people.
May this story inspire continued unity and strength within our
communities and may Mrs. Litvin have a full and speedy recov-
ery. May Hashem continue to protect Klal Yisrael everywhere
always amen. LTY
Vues Master’s Note: Mrs. Litvin should continue to have a re-
fuah sheleimah. May all of our positive actions bring mashiach
bimheirah b’yameinu!
SHIDDUCH CRISIS
Dear Vues Master,
There’s a lot of talk about the solution to the
“shidduch crisis” and I have the answer. There
needs to be a new rule that in order for a man to
be eligible to marry a woman he must have a net
worth of at least a million dollars. He can also
add another wife after each million as long as he
can provide another house for her. Seeing as men
are regarded as success objects this will push men
to work harder in order to qualify for marriage.
However, if his wife is ever disrespectful he can
instantly end the marriage and the wife will lose
custody of the kids and all access to his money.
This will incentivize women to behave and work
harder to keep her man happy. Unfortunately
today we have secular laws that reward woman
for their bad behavior and incentivize her to di-
vorce her husband in order to enrich herself. Most
women would rather share a successful man than
have an average Joe for herself and they know it.
Problem solved. -Captain Avious
Vues Master’s Note: Let’s work on your spelling
and then we’ll try your sense of humor. We won’t
work on your intelligence because that’s clearly
a lost cause.
SONEH YISRAEL MAMDANI
Dear Vues Master
I write with profound pain and frustration at May-
or Mamdani’s veto of the school buffer zone bill.
At a time when antisemitism is rising at an alarm-
ing rate across our city and country, this decision
is not just disappointing, it is deeply dangerous.
The New York City Council recognized a clear
and urgent need, to give the NYPD the ability to
establish buffer zones around schools and houses
of worship so that children and families can go
about their lives without fear. Organizations such
as Agudath Israel of America advocated strongly
for this basic protection, understanding what so
many of us are witnessing daily: harassment, in-
timidation, and real fear outside our educational
institutions.
To veto this measure in such a climate sends the
wrong message. When antisemitism is increasing
so rapidly, failing to act decisively will only em-
bolden those who seek to harass and intimidate.
Instead of helping to stop the surge, this decision
risks making the situation worse.
We are a community that values taking respon-
sible action alongside deep faith. Part of that re-
sponsibility is ensuring that our elected officials
take threats seriously and act to protect the vul-
nerable, especially children.
This veto undermines that effort. It leaves fami-
lies feeling exposed, anxious, and unheard. The
Mayor must reconsider, because protecting our
children and preserving basic safety should never
be subject to hesitation or politics. NT
Vues Master’s Note: I couldn’t agree more. It’s
important to remember that Mamdani is not our
friend, and we need to continuously voice our
opinions.
TORAH VALUES
Dear Vues Master,
It is brought down by Chazal about “things that
are well-known but don’t enter the heart.” A good
example of that would be talking in shul. Al-
though you won’t find a person who doesn’t un-
derstand the severity of talking during davening,
the message tends not to sink in. That’s why you
could witness someone even 15 years later still
catching up with his buddies at the wrong time.
Of course the person knows that talking not only
blocks the tefillos, but it’s also disrespecting the
King in His own palace! But without contempla-
tion, it may not enter the heart.
The same goes, unfortunately, in how society
views those who study Torah. Does anyone not
know that it’s the greatest mitzvah there is? Is
anyone unaware that it’s one of the Jews’ main
sources of protection? Is there even a way to prac-
tice our religion without knowledge of it? Do we
not have the most respect and awe for our rab-
banim who spent their lives learning? Of course
we do; the problem is it doesn’t always enter the
heart. Sadly, you will find many people who be-
lieve having a degree is more respectable and ful-
filling than someone who finishes mesechtos! But
the reality is learning Gemara many hours a day is
a lot more difficult. The topics covered can easily
overwhelm even some of the biggest profession-
als. Some topics, like shechita and simanim of
treifa, as well as the intricacies of Choshen Mish-
pat, can easily occupy the rest of someone’s life.
We need people who know this material for the
sake of the Jewish people’s future. We must have
yeshivos and kollelim running in the world so
that the next generation has shochets, mohels,
mashgichim, sofrim, rabbanim, and functioning
batei dinim. This only happens from people who
devote most of their time to its study. With that
being said, Hashem does not look down on people
who are working, because they have the great op-
portunity to partner up with those investing in the
future of His nation. Chas veshalom, are we to
look down at them for not earning as much as us,
that’s the evil inclination giving false illusions.
Hashem created Yissachar and Zevulun to work
together, and they need each other.
With all that is going on in Israel, it is very sad to
see how belittled and scorned the olam hatorah
is in the eyes of the people, being made out to
be criminals and the object of ridicule. It is up to
those of us who value what they are doing to help
them out financially in their time of need. You
will find many rosh kollelim these days passing
by our shuls and simchos collecting for their insti-
tutions. Many of them don’t know English well,
and they are going through great hardship. When
you see one of them, have a heart and give them
what you can, and ask them for a blessing while
you’re at it! KLMY
Vues Master’s Note: We absolutely need people
in this world davening and learning Torah. How-
ever, not everyone is created by Hashem to sit
and learn Torah all day. Kol hakavod to those
who can, but you must recognize that Hashem
created different beings with different talents and
purposes. The olam HaTorah shouldn’t be belit-
tled or scorned, but neither should those who are
working and getting hard-earned degrees, fulfill-
ing their own missions from Above. Respect goes
both ways.
PARDON BIBI ALREADY
Dear Vues Master
President Isaac Herzog’s continued refusal to
grant a pardon to Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu,
is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. At
a time when Israel faces complex internal divi-
sions and serious external threats, prolonging this
legal saga risks undermining national unity and
stability.
Netanyahu is not an ordinary public figure. He is
one of Israel’s longest-serving prime ministers, a
leader who has guided the country through eco-
nomic growth, diplomatic breakthroughs, and sig-
nificant security challenges. Whatever one’s polit-
ical stance, it is undeniable that his contributions
to the State of Israel are substantial and enduring.
Moreover, Netanyahu’s proven ability to maintain
strong relationships with key global leaders, most
notably former U.S. President Donald Trump,
cannot be dismissed lightly. In an era where inter-
national alliances are critical, Israel benefits from
leaders who can effectively navigate and influ-
ence global power dynamics. Netanyahu demon-
strated that capability in ways few others have.
A pardon would not erase debate or disagreement
about his tenure. Rather, it would acknowledge
the broader national interest, moving forward,
lowering political tensions, and focusing on the
pressing issues facing the country today.
President Herzog has an opportunity to act de-
cisively in the spirit of reconciliation and prag-
matism. Continuing to withhold a pardon risks
deepening divisions at a moment when cohesion
is essential.
Israel deserves closure on this matter. It is time to
prioritize the nation’s future over prolonged legal
and political conflict. CR
Vues Master’s Note: Politics is a dirty business.
Though I imagine most politicians start their ca-
reers altruistically, they don’t always stay on that
path.
WHY CARROTS?
Dear Vues Master
I write with a small but persistent question from
the world of simchos and catered affairs, one that
many in our community have likely noticed but
few have addressed. Why is it that caterers con-
tinue to place sliced carrots alongside gefilte fish,
when in practice, these carrots are almost always
left uneaten?
At nearly every kiddush, chasunah, or bar mitz-
vah, the familiar plate appears: a piece of gefilte
fish, a dollop of chrein, and the obligatory carrot.
Yet time and again, one sees those carrots cleared
away untouched, destined for the garbage. In an
era when we are increasingly mindful of bal tash-
chis, the needless waste of food should give us
pause.
Of course, one might argue that the carrot is part
of the traditional presentation, perhaps a nod to
how gefilte fish was historically prepared. There
is value in minhag and aesthetics, to be sure. But
should adherence to custom override the Torah’s
sensitivity to wastefulness, especially when the
practice no longer serves its original purpose?
Perhaps it is time for caterers to reconsider. If the
majority of guests do not eat the carrots, could
they be omitted, or at least offered more selective-
ly? Even small adjustments can reflect a greater
consciousness of our responsibilities.
This is not a criticism, but an invitation to think
more carefully about how even our smallest
choices can align with our values. RT
Vues Master’s Note: Wasting food is NOT a
Jewish concept! Please consider, though, WHY
carrots are so essential to serve with gefilte fish:
Carrots add a subtle sweetness that balances the
mild flavor of gefilte fish, symbolize abundance
and prosperity (just think about Rosh Hashana
simanim), and provide a bright visual contrast
that makes the dish more appealing. I encourage
everyone to keep these ideas in mind and eat a
small piece of carrot with their gefilte fish. May
no carrot be left behind!
ARGENTINE PRESIDENT VISITS
HEBRON YESHIVA
Dear Vues Master
I am writing with deep discomfort regarding the
recent visit of the Argentine president to the Ye-
shiva of Hebron. While I recognize and genuinely
appreciate his outspoken support for the Jewish
people and for Israel during such a challenging
time, I cannot ignore the unease felt by many in
our community at the manner in which he was
welcomed.
A yeshiva is not merely an institution of higher
learning; it is a sacred space that reflects the high-
est ideals of Torah life and authentic religious val-
ues. The community looks to its leaders as exam-
ples of integrity, carefully protecting the spiritual
environment of their students and the standards
they represent. When a public figure who does
not live a Torah-observant lifestyle is given such
an embrace within those walls, it risks sending a
confusing message about the boundaries we strive
to uphold.
This is not, chas vshalom, a dismissal of the presi-
dent’s admirable support or his evident respect for
the Jewish people. In a world where such allies
are rare, his stance is meaningful and deserves
appreciation. However, appreciation should not
come at the expense of clarity in our values.
There must be a thoughtful balance between grati-
tude for external support and preserving the in-
tegrity of Torah institutions. I hope this episode
encourages reflection and discussion, so that our
yeshivas continue to stand as clear beacons of re-
ligious truth without ambiguity. BT
Vues Master’s Note: As you noted, President
Milei is a staunch supporter of the Jewish people.
He came to a yeshiva and dressed, spoke, and
acted respectfully. If he were giving a rock con-
cert, I’d understand your concern. This was not a
visit where we needed to worry about his values
influencing ours. The yeshiva was expressing a
middah that more Jews need to express: Hakaras
Hatov. This is a middah that many Yeshiva boys
need to learn. What a great way to teach it: by
example!
SHABBOS EVACUATION AT BMG
Dear Vues Master
This past Shabbos morning at BMG’s Yoshon
Bais Medrash in Lakewood was disrupted when
police ordered a full evacuation after an indi-
vidual nearby made specific threats against the
yeshiva. Both the Yoshon and Mizrach batei
medrash were filled to capacity, and hundreds of
mispallelim were required to leave in the middle
of davening. What should have been a peaceful
Shabbos morning of davening was suddenly re-
placed with confusion and concern as multiple
law enforcement agencies responded and secured
the area, later determining that the threat was not
credible. The individual was taken into custody
and charges are pending.
Incidents like this are deeply disturbing for any
ben Torah or member of Klal Yisrael. They rein-
force a painful awareness that Jewish communi-
ties around the world are increasingly vulnerable,
even in places that are meant to be safe, such as
shuls, yeshivos, and community centers. We are
reminded of our shared responsibility for one
another as members of one people spread across
many countries and communities.
To the outside world, a Jew is a Jew. It does not
matter if one wears a shtreimel, a kippah sruga, or
no visible sign of religious identity at all, if you
are Jewish, you are perceived as a target.
Despite this reality, Klal Yisrael continues to live
with emunah and dignity, refusing to be driven
away from Torah, tefillah, and community life.
We continue to gather, to learn, and to daven with-
out fear dictating our way of life.
We daven for increased safety, awareness, and
protection, and for a time when all of humanity
can live in peace and security. RBS
Vues Master’s Note: Amen!
BAN ANTISEMITES FROM
WORLD CUP
Dear Vues Master
US officials say they are planning to bar antise-
mitic agitators from attending the World Cup
soccer matches that will take place in the United
States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
Those facing a ban could include the participants
in the antisemitic soccer riots in Amsterdam in
November 2024, and those who blocked Israelis
from attending a soccer match in England in Sep-
tember 2025.
Another name that should be high on the banned
list is the president of the Palestinian Football
[Soccer] Association, Jibril Rajoub. He is a con-
victed terrorist who spent 15 years in prison but
clearly never changed his hateful ways, because
in 2018, FIFA (the International Federation of
Association Football—which is in charge of the
World Cup) suspended Rajoub for a year for in-
citing hatred and violence against an Argentinian
soccer player who interacted with Israelis.
Rajoub has continued his incitement and support
for violence in recent years. He publicly praised
the Hamas mass murders and gang-rapes of Octo-
ber 7 as “acts of heroism” and “our war of defense
against the occupation.”
Not only that, but Rajoub says openly that he
considers sports to be a vehicle for waging war
against Israel. He has pledged that “Palestinian
sports will continue to be a means of struggle and
a platform to sound the Palestinian people’s voice
and expose the occupation’s crimes,” the official
PA daily newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported
on July 7, 2025.
Keeping out haters such as Rajoub is important.
Foreign antisemites and champions of violence
need to know they are not welcome in the United
States. But what about foreign governments that
promote antisemitism? Why should they be treat-
ed any differently from individual haters?
The US State Department’s most recent report on
human rights around the world identifies several
regimes that actively spread antisemitism as a
matter of policy.
Regarding the Palestinian Authority, the State
Department found that “Antisemitism, including
expressions of longing for a world without Israel
and glorification of terror attacks on both Israelis
and Jews, [were] regularly featured in public dis-
course, [and] was repeatedly broadcast on official
media…Some Palestinian and Muslim religious
leaders used antisemitic rhetoric, including Holo-
caust denial.”
The report also noted that according to experts
who have analyzed the PA’s school books, “there
was problematic content in PA textbooks…such
as antisemitic content, incitement to violence di-
rected against Israel, and the glorification of ter-
rorism.”
Jordan’s promotion of antisemitism is also a se-
vere problem, the State Department found. “An-
tisemitic rhetoric and tropes were prevalent in
local [Jordanian government-controlled] media
throughout the year,” according to the report.
“The national school curriculum, including mate-
rials on tolerance education, did not mention the
Holocaust and used antisemitic tropes,” and “An-
tisemitic hate speech proliferated in the country
on social media, in public and private schools.”
As for Qatar, “Cartoons, opinion articles, and
certain news coverage in local [government-
controlled] newspapers and other regional media
outlets periodically carried antisemitic content,”
the State Department reported.
Over the years, a number of countries have been
banned from participating in the World Cup
games for various reasons. South Africa was
barred from 1970 to 1990 because of its apartheid
policies. Yugoslavia was kept out in 1994 due to
its aggression and human rights atrocities against
Bosnia and Croatia. Russia has been banned since
2022 because of its invasion of Ukraine.
Regimes that promote anti-Jewish incitement
should be considered in the same light. Such hate-
mongering has consequences. The antisemitism
and glorification of violence in the Palestinian
Authority’s media and school books have helped
inspired anti-Israel violence.
All October 7 terrorists who were in their 20s—
which was the vast majority of them—were edu-
cated in Gaza schools run by the PA. That’s where
they were taught to hate Jews and idolize mass
murderers.
Our nation’s leaders should exclude those whose
behavior violates America’s fundamental moral
values. That will send a message to athletes and
aspiring athletes around the world that the United
States rejects bigotry.
But closing America’s doors to individual antise-
mitic soccer fans and officials such as Jibril Ra-
joub is not enough. Entire regimes that promote
antisemitic hatred are even more dangerous. In-
deed, Rajoub himself is a minister in the PA cabi-
net, and the PA fully supports his vicious agenda.
It devotes its manpower and financial resources to
raising generations of young people to hate and
kill.
Barring regimes that incite anti-Jewish violence,
just like barring regimes that practice racism, mil-
itary aggression, or ethnic cleansing, simply is the
right thing to do.
Dr. Rafael Medoff
Vues Master’s Note: Banning antisemites from
the World Cup is a great start. As you suggest,
hopefully our government, and the world at large,
will bar all regimes that incite anti-Jewish vio-
lence. I fear that this is a wish that likely will not
be fulfilled for a long while.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Dear Vues Master,
I write in agreement with Alan Dershowitz and
the recent decision to leave the Democratic Party.
Like Alan Dershowitz, I have lived a steady, con-
sistent life, without sudden changes in my outlook
or values. Since my younger years, my principles
have remained the same: I see myself as a tradi-
tional liberal, a civil libertarian, and someone who
cares deeply about civil rights, fairness, and moral
responsibility.
I believe in equality, merit, freedom of speech,
and freedom of conscience. These are not new
ideas for me; they are the foundation of how I
was raised and how I try to live. I have not shifted
with the times, even as the times themselves have
changed around me.
In recent years, I have felt increasingly uncom-
fortable with the direction of the
Democratic Party. While I still agree
with many of its positions on domes-
tic matters, I cannot ignore what I see
as a troubling shift in its approach to
Israel and the rise of antisemitism in
public life. Support for Israel, as a
democratic ally and a place of deep
importance to many, has become a
central concern for me.
For me, this is not about politics alone, but about
priorities and what is right. Remaining indepen-
dent felt like standing on the sidelines. By regis-
tering as a Republican, I hope to lend my voice
where it may have some effect, even if I do not
agree with every position.
This was not an easy choice, but it was a neces-
sary one. LY
Vues Master’s Note: You are clearly not alone in
your concern about where the Democratic party is
headed. It’s important to remember our principles
and to hold our moral ground, no matter which
party we are registered with.
FUTURE OF ERETZ YISRAEL
Dear Vues Master
I write with deep concern about the future of Is-
rael and the broader well-being of Jewish commu-
nities worldwide. Recent political developments,
particularly the alliance between Naftali Bennett
and Yair Lapid, raise difficult questions for those
who value the preservation of Torah principles in
public life. While political partnerships are often
necessary in a diverse democracy, there is a grow-
ing sense that core religious values risk being
sidelined in the pursuit of broader coalitions.
At the same time, shifting political currents in
the United States add another layer of uncer-
tainty. With the possibility of the Democratic
Party regaining influence after Donald Trump’s
presidency, many are questioning how steadfast
America’s support for Israel will remain. Histori-
cally, bipartisan backing has been a cornerstone
of Israel’s security and diplomatic strength. Any
erosion of that support could have far-reaching
consequences.
These parallel developments, internal divisions
within Israel’s leadership and external uncertain-
ties among key allies, create a climate of unease.
For many, this is not merely a political issue but a
deeply personal and spiritual one, tied to identity,
tradition, and survival.
It is my hope that leaders, both in Israel and
abroad, will recognize the weight of these con-
cerns and strive to balance political pragmatism
with enduring values. The future of Israel depends
not only on strategic alliances but also on a firm
commitment to the principles that have sustained
the Jewish people for generations.
MTY
Vues Master’s Note: The more Torah-observant
Jews move to Israel, the more likely Torah values
will prevail. There is no Israel without the Torah;
it’s quite frightening to think what will become
of Eretz Yisrael without sincere effort in Torah
observance.