09 Jun 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.
A DANGEROUS RIDE
Dear Vues Master,
HaRav Yaakov Bender deserves tremendous credit for speak-
ing out forcefully about the growing danger posed by electric
scooters and e-bikes. His comparison of giving a child an electric
scooter to giving a child a gun may sound harsh to some, but the
tragic reality is that these vehicles can be deadly when placed in
the hands of inexperienced youngsters.
Members of Hatzolah can attest to the frightening number of
emergency calls involving electric bikes and scooters. Week
after week, volunteer EMTs and paramedics respond to crashes
involving children and teenagers who suffer broken bones, head
injuries, lacerations, and, in some cases, life-threatening trauma.
These calls have unfortunately become far too common.
The statistics are alarming. Nationally, e-scooter injuries in-
creased from an estimated 20,000 emergency-room visits in 2019
to approximately 63,000 in 2022, while e-bike injuries and hos-
pitalizations have surged dramatically in recent years. Experts
report that head injuries are among the most common and serious
consequences of these accidents.
Every few weeks we seem to hear about another horrific acci-
dent involving an electric bike or scooter. Some riders suffer life-
altering injuries, while others tragically lose their lives. Families
are left devastated, and entire communities are forced to mourn
preventable tragedies.
Electric scooters and e-bikes are not toys. They travel at speeds
that many children lack the maturity and experience to handle
safely. One moment of distraction can have catastrophic conse-
quences.
Parents naturally want to make their children happy, but respon-
sible parenting sometimes means saying no. No child’s tempo-
rary enjoyment is worth risking a lifetime of regret.
HaRav Bender’s warning should serve as a wake-up call to all
parents before another preventable tragedy occurs.
RRT
Vues Master’s Note: Thank you Rav Bender for taking this im-
portant stand. Let’s hope that other Rebbeim can take the Rav’s
lead to voice their true opinions on essential topics to Klal Yisrael
and be authentic leaders.
ISRAELI POLITICS
Dear Vues Master
I was deeply saddened and disturbed to read of former Prime
Minister Yair Lapid’s pledge to advance legislation recognizing
a toeivah “marriage” within the first 100 days of a future govern-
ment. The fact that such a proposal is being publicly championed
is painful enough; that it is being promoted in Yerushalayim, the
holy city, and in Eretz Yisroel, the land entrusted to us by Hash-
em, makes it an even greater source of anguish.
For generations, the sanctity of marriage in Eretz Yisroel has
been preserved according to the timeless principles of Torah and
halacha. The institution of marriage is not merely a civil arrange-
ment but a sacred covenant rooted in thousands of years of Jew-
ish tradition. Efforts to redefine it strike at the very foundations
of our national and spiritual identity.
What is particularly troubling is the disregard shown for the
longstanding status quo that has governed personal status mat-
ters since the establishment of the State of Israel. These safe-
guards were put in place to preserve the Jewish character of the
country and to ensure continuity with our mesorah. To seek to
dismantle them for political gain represents a profound departure
from those values.
Whether one is religious or not, every Jew should recognize the
significance of preserving the unique holiness and character of
Eretz Yisroel. The normalization and legalization of arrange-
ments that directly contradict Torah values is a tremendous busha
and a cause for heartfelt concern.
It is my hope and tefillah that our leaders will strengthen, rath-
er than weaken, the Torah foundations upon which our nation
stands.
RDT
Vues Master’s Note: And yet… the state of Israel is a secular
country. Until Mashiach comes, or the Orthodox population
heavily outweighs the Chiloni population, Israel’s policies will
often clash with Torah foundations.
SCOOTERS ON SHABBOS
Dear Vues Master
I am concerned by a trend that is becoming increasingly com-
mon in many Orthodox neighborhoods: children riding scooters
on Shabbos.
While there may be differing opinions regarding whether certain
scooters are technically muktzah, I believe we must ask a broader
question: Is this truly in the spirit of Shabbos?
Shabbos is meant to be a day that feels different from the rest of
the week. It is a day of rest, holiness, family, tefillah, and Torah.
When children are zooming up and down the block on scooters,
it creates an atmosphere that feels far more like a weekday after-
noon than the sacred day of Shabbos.
For generations, many communities discouraged bicycle riding
on Shabbos, not necessarily because of a direct prohibition, but
because it detracted from the unique character and dignity of the
day. Scooters raise many of the same concerns. They encourage
speed, recreation, and activity that seem inconsistent with the
spirit of menuchah that Shabbos is supposed to foster.
What is especially troubling is how rapidly this practice is grow-
ing in popularity. Children naturally follow what they see their
friends doing, and before long, something that was once uncom-
mon becomes accepted as normal. Parents and
community leaders should carefully consider the
message this sends about what Shabbos should
look and feel like.
We all want our children to develop a love and ap-
preciation for Shabbos. Preserving its special at-
mosphere requires more than following the letter
of the law; it requires respecting its spirit as well.
NT
Vues Master’s Note: The spirit of the law and the
letter of the law don’t always go hand-in-hand.
Halacha is not black and white. What is dis-
turbing to see on Shabbos for some, like scooter
riding, may bring joy and more appreciation of
Shabbos to others.
SHABBOS AND THE KNICKS
Dear Vues Master,
I was deeply troubled to hear that on Friday night,
people went to local bodegas and convenience
stores to watch the Knicks game from outside the
stores, while others searched through newspapers
on Shabbos morning in order to find out the score.
I understand the excitement. The Knicks are in the
NBA Finals, and many fans have waited decades
for this moment. But as frum Yidden, we must ask
ourselves whether this behavior reflects the values
and priorities that Shabbos is meant to instill.
For six days a week, we are connected to the
news, sports, business, and the endless events of
the outside world. Shabbos is our opportunity to
step away from all of that and focus on our fami-
lies, our communities, our tefillos, and our con-
nection to Hashem. If someone feels compelled
to leave a Shabbos table, walk to a store, and seek
out a newspaper or television just to learn the
score of a basketball game, something has gone
wrong.
No game, no matter how historic, should be more
important than preserving the sanctity and atmo-
sphere of Shabbos. The score will still be avail-
able after Havdalah. Waiting a few more hours
will not change the outcome of the game.
The fact that some people simply could not wait
until after Shabbos to find out the result is a sad
commentary on the priorities that have developed
in our society. We should strive to ensure that our
enthusiasm for sports never comes at the expense
of our appreciation for the gift of Shabbos and the
values it is meant to promote.
GK
Vues Master’s Note: The fact that so many
people felt a strong need to know the outcome of
a game before Shabbos ended is certainly some-
thing worth reflecting on. Moments like these
provide an opportunity to consider whether the
things that occupy our thoughts during the week
are receiving more attention than they deserve
during the one day set aside for higher priorities.
Look at this week’s Rabbi Shay Tahan article.
AMBASSADOR HUCKABEE IS A
FRIEND
Dear Vues Master,
Thank you to Ambassador Mike Huckabee for
giving the Commencement Speech at the Yeshiva
University graduation this year. YU is a shining
example of students doing their best personally
and professionally, strengthening their commu-
nities and the Jewish people as a whole, as YU
President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman stated. In his
remarks, Ambassador Huckabee praised YU for
“producing graduates whose education is both
broad and rigorous, anchored in moral clarity and
a commitment to eternal values.” Students are
prepared to bring what they learn to better their
communities and foster a deeper connection to the
State of Israel. Notably, the Ambassador jokingly
equated his last name, Huckabee with Maccabee.
(Notably, the YU basketball team is called the
“Maccabees”).
This play on words was first expressed to Mike
Huckabee by local dermatologist and activist Dr.
Paul Brody – who brought him several times on
missions to Israel, together with Dr. Joe Frager –
as they sat for a morning press conference in the
King David Hotel in Yerushalayim. At the time,
Huckabee was on the short list to be Sen. John
McCain’s Vice Presidential pick, in the 2008 elec-
tions. Dr. Brody quipped to then-Governor Huck-
abee: “You know, if McCain chooses you, it will
be the Mc-Cabee [Maccabee] ticket!”
As the Guest Speaker at the 2010 Chanukah Din-
ner for the American Friends of Bet El Yeshiva,
Huckabee related the “Maccabee” story, crediting
Dr. Brody’s sense of humor, insisting that he stand
up for an ovation from the overflowing crowd.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee shares
the vision of the Jewish Vues readership for a
safe and secure Israel. In an interview with Rabbi
Efrem Goldberg, Huckabee noted the resiliency
of the people of Israel and how they live life to the
fullest. Huckabee is someone who does not fear
what the critics think; he brings a strong sense of
resolve, a sense of commitment and leadership to
the table (or bimah). I thank him for his continued
support for American Jews, Israel and the Jew-
ish nation and large. And thank you, Ambassador
Huckabee for your taste in humor!
Chaim Yehuda Meyer, Esq.
Vues Master’s Note: Mike Huckabee is a great
friend to Israel and all Jews. Thank you Ambas-
sador Huckabee for your continued support.
MAIMONIDES TAKEOVER
Dear Vues Master,
I was pleased to learn that the New York State
Department of Health rejected Maimonides Med-
ical Center’s latest application for the proposed
takeover by New York City Health + Hospitals
because the required Health Equity Impact As-
sessment had not been completed.
This decision demonstrates that the system is
working as intended. When a transaction of this
magnitude affects one of Brooklyn’s most impor-
tant healthcare institutions, the public deserves
transparency, accountability, and full compliance
with the law. The Jewish community relies on
Maimonides and have a right to know how such
a major change could affect access to healthcare
services.
The court’s earlier ruling and the Department of
Health’s latest action send a clear message: legal
requirements cannot simply be bypassed because
a transaction is large or politically important. The
purpose of the Health Equity Impact Assessment
is to ensure that vulnerable populations are pro-
tected and that healthcare access is not compro-
mised. That is not a bureaucratic obstacle; it is a
safeguard for patients and families.
Maimonides is a vital institution that provides
critical services, including Brooklyn’s only
comprehensive children’s hospital and Pediatric
Trauma Center. Any proposal affecting its future
should undergo the highest level of scrutiny.
Whether one supports or opposes the takeover it-
self, everyone should agree that the process must
be lawful, transparent, and thorough. The Depart-
ment of Health deserves credit for insisting that
all required reviews be completed before any final
decision is made.
BR
Vue’s Master’s Note: It is a sad state that the
public’s health has become a political game. I’m
happy to hear there are some safeguards in place
to help ensure that any transfer of control won’t
diminish services or community influence.
A REFUAH SHELEIMAH
Dear Vues Master
I was saddened to hear about the recent medical
emergency involving beloved singer and compos-
er Yonatan Razel. As a longtime fan of his music,
I join the many thousands around the world who
are davening for his complete and speedy recov-
ery.
Yonatan Razel’s songs have touched countless
hearts and brought people closer to Hashem
through the power of music. His iconic song “Ka-
tonti” is one of my all-time favorites. Its heartfelt
words and beautiful melody never fail to inspire
me with feelings of gratitude and humility. Anoth-
er song that has become an anthem for so many is
“Vehi She’amda.” Whether heard at a family sim-
cha, a communal gathering, or around the Yom
Tov table, it fills listeners with faith, hope, and
pride in our eternal mesorah.
The outpouring of tefillos and concern for Yonatan
demonstrates how deeply his music has impacted
Klal Yisrael. Through his talent, he has uplifted
people during difficult times and helped bring joy
during moments of celebration. It is therefore no
surprise that so many are now rallying behind him
and his family during this challenging period.
I was encouraged to hear that, baruch Hashem, his
condition is stable and that he is receiving excel-
lent medical care. Nevertheless, he still needs our
tefillos. I encourage all readers to take a moment
to say Tehillim on behalf of Yonatan ben Naomi,
asking Hashem to grant him a refuah sheleimah
and a complete recovery.
May Hashem restore him to full strength and al-
low him to continue inspiring the Jewish people
with his beautiful music for many years to come.
MT
Vue’s Master’s Note: A little bit more about Yo-
natan: His debut album, Sach Hakol (All in All),
was released in 2007. His second album, Bein
Ha’tzlilim (Between the Sounds), achieved gold
status and featured popular songs including “Ka-
tonti.” His third album, Poteach Lev (Opening the
Heart), was released in 2017. His song “Va’ani
Ashir,” performed with Shuli Rand, was named
song of the year by ACUM in 2013. May Yonatan
Adi ben Chaya Rachel have a refuah sheleimah.
AN EXCITING SUMMER IN THE
CATSKILL MOUNTAINS
Dear Vues Master,
As the calendar turns to June and summer draws
near, I find myself counting down the days until
my family heads upstate to the Catskills. We are
leaving for Woodridge next week, and I honestly
cannot wait.
There is something magical about summer in
the Catskills that is difficult to describe. While I
enjoy spending time with my family throughout
the year, summer brings a whole different experi-
ence. One of the things I look forward to most is
reuniting with all of my summer friends in our
bungalow colony. Many of us only see each other
during the summer months, but every year it feels
like no time has passed at all. The friendships
formed in the country are truly special and often
last a lifetime.
I am excited for the late-night conversations,
pickup games, barbecues, Shabbos afternoons,
and all the memories that are made during those
precious summer weeks. There is a strong sense
of community in Woodridge, and it is something
that keeps families coming back year after year.
Another highlight of the summer is picking up the
latest edition of the Country Vues. It has become
part of the weekly routine and helps keep every-
one connected to what is happening throughout
the Catskills. Our summer would not be complete
without it.
Going to the Country has a way of bringing peo-
ple together and creating unforgettable memories.
As my family prepares for another summer in
Woodridge, I feel grateful and excited for all that
lies ahead.
Wishing everyone a wonderful, safe, and enjoy-
able summer..
TB
Vue’s Master’s Note: Many look forward to a
relaxing and enjoyable summer in the mountains,
and I’m glad you are too. The Country Vues is a
special highlight of the summer months!
STEADY HANDS IN STORMY TIMES
Dear Vues Master
Recent polls may show declining support for
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, but I be-
lieve he remains the right leader for Israel at this
critical moment in history.
Israel continues to face enormous security, dip-
lomatic, and economic challenges. In times like
these, experience matters. Netanyahu has spent
decades representing Israel on the world stage and
has built relationships with world leaders that few
other Israeli politicians can match. Whether one
agrees with all of his policies or not, it is difficult
to deny that he has proven himself to be a skilled
and seasoned statesman.
One of Netanyahu’s greatest strengths is his re-
lationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The bond between the two leaders has helped
strengthen cooperation between Israel and the
United States and has provided Israel with an
important ally in Washington. Those calling for a
new prime minister should answer a simple ques-
tion: Who would they choose instead? Which cur-
rent political figure has Netanyahu’s experience,
international standing, and ability to work effec-
tively with world leaders during times of crisis?
No leader is perfect, and criticism is a normal part
of democracy. However, replacing a leader should
require a clear and convincing alternative. At the
moment, I do not see another candidate who
combines Netanyahu’s experience, resilience,
and diplomatic connections. Israel faces serious
challenges, and this is not the time for political
experiments. For all the criticism directed at him,
Netanyahu remains, in my view, the best choice to
lead Israel through an uncertain future.
EH
Vues Master’s Note: Davening for peace for Am
Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
A SUMMER IN ISRAEL
Dear Vues Master
This summer, my son is scheduled to participate
in a program in Eretz Yisrael. For months, our
family has been excited about this incredible op-
portunity for him to learn, grow, and strengthen
his connection to our homeland.
But after this past weekend, I find myself feeling
increasingly nervous.
The reports of Iran once again launching missiles
toward Israel served as a reminder of how quickly
the security situation can change. One day there
is relative calm, and the next day air raid sirens
are sounding and headlines are filled with talk of
escalation and retaliation. As a parent, that reality
is hard to ignore.
I know that thousands of parents are facing the
same dilemma. We want our children to expe-
rience the beauty, holiness, and inspiration of
Eretz Yisrael. At the same time, we worry about
their safety. When I think about my son travel-
ing throughout the country, going on tiyulim, and
spending time in different cities, I cannot help but
wonder what could happen if a major conflict sud-
denly erupts again.
I have emunah. I believe that Hashem watches
over His people and that Eretz Yisrael is the safest
place in the world when Hashem wills it to be.
Yet I also believe that it is natural for a parent to
worry. Perhaps that combination of faith and con-
cern is simply part of being a parent.
I am still planning to send my son, and I am proud
that he wants to spend his summer in Israel. But
I know I will be saying a few extra kapitlach Te-
hillim every day.
RBT
Vues Master’s Note: Some of us are worried
about sending our children to Israel for the sum-
mer, while others are worried about children who
live in Israel year-round. We have to do our due
diligence to ensure that the programs our children
attend are well run and organized, and then daven
for the rest..
MORTGAGING MY HOUSE TO GO TO
A KNICKS GAME
Dear Vues Master,
I could hardly believe the numbers I was reading
about ticket prices for the NBA Finals at Madison
Square Garden. While I understand that the New
York Knicks reaching the Finals for the first time
in 27 years is a historic moment, the prices being
charged are simply mind-boggling.
The average ticket price is reportedly between
$8,000 and $10,000, with some seats selling
for more than $250,000. Think about that for a
moment. Many hardworking families cannot af-
ford to spend that kind of money on a vacation,
let alone on a single basketball game that lasts a
few hours. Some of the cheapest tickets cost more
than a month’s salary for many Americans.
What makes this especially disappointing is that
the true Knicks fans are the ones being left out.
These are the people who have supported the
team through decades of disappointment, rebuild-
ing years, and countless tough seasons. They are
the fans who filled the Garden when the team
was struggling and remained loyal when cham-
pionship dreams seemed far away. Now that the
Knicks have finally reached the biggest stage,
many of those same fans cannot afford to be there.
Even Knicks player Josh Hart called the prices
“ridiculous,” and NBA Commissioner Adam
Silver acknowledged how frustrating it is that so
many fans are priced out of attending.
Sports are supposed to bring people together. Un-
fortunately, these ticket prices make it feel like
attending the NBA Finals has become a luxury
reserved only for the wealthy. That is a shame for
basketball and an even bigger shame for the loyal
fans who helped make this moment possible.
DT
Vues Master’s Note: At these prices, fans don’t
need playoff tickets; they need a mortgage broker.
After waiting 27 years for the Knicks to reach the
Finals, it’s unfortunate that so many loyal fans can
only afford to watch from their living rooms.
KOSHER DAF YOMI ON TREIF
ANIMALS
Lessons for Life — and Politics — from the
Mortally Wounded
Dear Vues Master,
There are very current lessons to be derived from
a discussion of page 43 in the Gemara of Chullin.
Although treifa has come to mean generally non-
kosher, the halachik definition is a kosher animal
that has a mortal wound or specific fatal physical
defect. The Gemara states that Moshe Rabeinu
specified 8 categories of problems with animals
that will render them treifa, the perforation of an
organ is only one of them – the most famous, dat-
ing back to Joseph and his brothers and the reason
for the coat of many colors to turn more red than
when first created (Genesis 37:33 – “A savage
beast devoured him! Joseph has surely been torn
to bits” – torof taraf Yoseph) – but there are 7 oth-
er categories, including organs broken or missing.
The Gemora, per Hiya bar Rava, then proceeds
to subdivide the category of perforations into 8
organs – not just the heart or the lungs, and ac-
cording to one opinion, citing a Mishna, a ninth,
the gall bladder.
Without having the gall to pit one Talmudic rabbi
against the other, the friends of Rabbi Yossi, son
of Rabbi Yehuda, took note of a reference to the
gall bladder in the Bible specifically in the book
of Job. Job said: “He spills my gall to the ground”
(Job 16:13), and nevertheless Job still lived. So
evidently a person with a perforated gallbladder
can live. Rabbi Yosi said to them: Job was kept
alive by a miracle, and miracles cannot be relied
on as proof for a general ruling. If you would
not say so, then the other phrase in the verse:
“He sliced open my kidneys” would seem to be
problematic, to say the least. Does a person with
sliced open kidneys survive? Clearly, a miracle
is different, as it is written that G-d said to Satan
with regard to Job: “but preserve his soul [from
death]” (also translated as “Only spare his life”
(Job 2:6). Under natural circumstances, Job
should have died from his injuries, but in this case
he was kept alive by a miracle. So in this case,
also, with regard to the gallbladder, one must say
that a miracle is different, and one cannot bring
proof from it.
We have witnessed miracles in every war fought
by Israel since 1948, and continue to do so in the
case of the war with Iran, blee ayin horah. While
we hope and pray for continued miracles, we of
course have to do all in our power to make mira-
cles unnecessary, and one way is to do a better job
explaining to the world which people are inter-
ested in genocide and which people are interested
in preventing it.
In a previous cycle of the daf yomi, 71⁄2 or 15
years ago, Rabbi Shalom Rosner cited Rav Chaim
Shmuelevitz, the late Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, as
having said in this context that in the case of Job,
Satan was required to spare Job’s life, as indicated
above, and had permission to devastate Job’s pos-
sessions and relatives, but not his friends, because
a person can’t live a complete life without his or
her friends. On a national level, Israel and the
United States are feeling this too at this time more
than ever, with their “allies” not even behaving
like allies, let alone friends. We pray that they will
start doing so soon, however belatedly.
The Rambam discusses the classic source for trei-
fas in Mishpatim (Exodus 22:30): “You shall not
eat flesh of an animal that was torn in the field,
[but] you shall throw it to the dog[s].” Rav
Rosner cites the Baalei Tosfos, the Daas Ze-
kaynim, as pointing out that the dogs didn’t
bark when the Jews left Egypt. So the de-
scendants of those dogs are rewarded in this
way. But there are other dogs that get credit,
with their descendants getting the rewards,
and with all of us getting a lesson in good be-
havior. Together with shepherds, dogs guard
sheep, and protect them. Occasionally, a dog
fails to protect a sheep adequately, and the
sheep gets “torn.” How dogs can be trained to
protect sheep remains one of the mysteries of
our own ancestor shepherds and their peers,
but that is for another time. The lesson we are
to learn is to consider the situation in perspec-
tive, to appreciate our dogs – or by extension,
a fortiori, on an incalculably higher level, our
employees — even if they may fall short on
occasion.
This discussion was extended to the first human
being and how he handled the crisis the first time
somebody ever fell short in life. After Eve became
responsible for causing death to the world result-
ing in punishment to all her descendants, Adam
had a right to be upset, but instead of berating her
for her one indiscretion that is enumerated in the
Bible, he focused on her positive traits and de-
clared that she would be referred to for all time
as Chavah, aim kol chai – mother of all people
(Genesis 3:20) (or as the woke people are now
insisting in New York and elsewhere, “gestating
parent” per Senate bill S9316 and Assembly Bill
A8382A that recently passed). In response (to
Adam, not to the NY legislature), G-d “saw” that
Adam was acting with discretion on the highest
level, and promptly rewarded him and Chavah
with kosnos ohr, with coats of skin, and clothed
them (Genesis 3:21).
In the area that is uppermost in the minds of all
Jews, the Israelis were working very well with
the United States throughout the war with Iran
– both wars, the 12-Day War, and the current
War (whose duration is a major issue, of course);
however, although the priorities of both countries
overlap, they aren’t 100% the same, and recently
one leader made known his displeasure with the
other leader regarding the very deadly mini-war
in Lebanon. We still don’t know – and may never
know — how much of this was for show and how
much of this is for real, but one thing is for sure:
The two countries have worked together for a
common cause – freeing the world from the threat
of nuclear holocaust – and no matter how much
of their timing and strategy will ultimately prove
successful, in the long run, please G-d, we hope
our leaders will treat their partners with respect
and appreciation, no less than was done in the
cases inspired by the daf yomi discussed above.
Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel, Esq.
Vues Master’s Note: We tend to notice what we
have only when it starts slipping away or is no
longer there to rely on. Relationships, support,
and cooperation should be appreciated and tended
to while they’re intact, not only recognized in
hindsight when things become strained or miss-
ing.