23 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.
PRICELESS
Dear Vues Master:
Every summer when thousands of families head up to the
Catskills, they expect to shop in local kosher grocery stores with
ease and confidence. Unfortunately, one thing that continues to
frustrate many shoppers is the lack of visible prices on products.
In too many stores, items sit on shelves with no price tags at
all. Instead, somewhere in the store there is a scanner where
customers are expected to walk over and check the price them-
selves. In theory that sounds fine, but in reality most people do
not stop and scan every item they pick up. Families are shop-
ping with carts, children, and long lists. People naturally assume
prices are posted.
The result is that customers reach the register and suddenly dis-
cover that items cost much more than expected. Nobody likes
that feeling. Grocery shopping should not come with surprises
at checkout.
Posting clear prices is not just about convenience, it is about
respect for customers and helping people stay within their bud-
gets. In today’s economy, every dollar matters, especially for
large families shopping for a full week or entire summer.
I appreciate the hard work that local kosher grocery owners
do during the busy summer season, but this is one change that
would make a major difference. Put prices where people can
see them and make shopping simpler and more transparent for
everyone.
FR
Vues Master’s Note: I wonder if there is a halachic component
to this also. Is there a Torah obligation to have prices displayed?
If you find out, let us know!
A REBBETZIN IN NAME
Dear Vues Master:
This past Shabbos, a friend shared a beautiful simcha with me.
His son had just received semicha and officially became a rav.
But what struck me even more was something else he said: his
daughter-in-law seemed even more excited that she had become
a rebbetzin than her husband becoming a rabbi.
That got me thinking: what exactly does becoming a rebbetzin
mean?
Unlike semicha, there is no certificate, no test, and no formal
title that grants someone the role. Yet in many communities, the
rebbetzin can become one of the most influential figures in the
kehillah.
Some rebbetzins are deeply involved in every aspect of com-
munal life. They host guests, answer questions, support women
and families, organize programs, guide people through difficult
moments, and become a trusted address for countless members
of the shul. In many cases, their contribution is enormous and
often unseen.
At the same time, not every rebbetzin sees her role that way.
Some focus primarily on raising their own family and support-
ing their husband privately. Others work full-time careers and
have little involvement with the kehillah itself. Some become
public figures; others prefer to stay out of the spotlight com-
pletely.
It is interesting how the title “rebbetzin” works. There seems
to be no single definition. In some places, people expect a reb-
betzin to be constantly available and involved. In others, no such
expectation exists at all.
Perhaps becoming a rebbetzin is less about a title and more
about choosing how to use one’s unique strengths and personal-
ity to support Torah, family, and community, whether publicly
or quietly.
AC
Vues Master’s Note: I once knew someone who was the direc-
tor of a children’s drama program. She was lovingly dubbed by
her students “Rebbetzin Drama” out of respect for her talent and
patience when teaching her students. She wasn’t married to a
rabbi, by the way. Sometimes rabbis earn the title even though
they don’t actually have semicha. True rebbetzins likely earn
their titles, as well.
TAKE A SEAT
Dear Vues Master:
Chazal teach us about the importance of having a makom kavua,
a fixed place for davening. The Gemara in Berachos (6b) says
that one who establishes a set place for davening is considered
among the students of Avraham Avinu. The source is from the
pasuk describing how Avraham returned to “the place” where
he had stood before Hashem. There is something beautiful and
meaningful about returning to the same spot day after day. It cre-
ates consistency, comfort, and a stronger connection to tefillah
and to the shul.
At the same time, I sometimes wonder whether in our effort to
protect our makom kavua, we forget something equally impor-
tant: the feelings of another Yid.
Recently, I heard about a shul that has a policy posted on its wall
that I found both practical and sensitive. If someone sits in your
seat, you are allowed to politely say something, but only until
ten minutes after davening begins. After that point, the policy
encourages people not to say anything and simply allow the per-
son to remain seated.
I think there is wisdom in that approach.
Imagine someone new to the shul, a guest, an
older person, or someone who had a difficult
morning. To be asked to move in the middle of
davening can be embarrassing and uncomfort-
able. Is holding onto our seat always worth caus-
ing someone else discomfort?
Of course, people should try to respect estab-
lished seats and customs. But kindness, patience,
and sensitivity should also be part of the atmo-
sphere of every shul. Sometimes giving up a seat
may be the greatest act of kavod.
RYS
Vues Master’s Note: Sometimes using your
common sense is the best way to show kavod
habriyos.
A WHEEL GOOD DECISION
Dear Vues Master:
I was very happy to hear that Yeshiva Rabbi
Chaim Berlin’s new policy prohibiting students
from using electric bikes, electric scooters, hov-
erboards, Segways, and similar devices to travel
to and from yeshiva.
A couple of weeks ago, I read the article in the
Jewish Vues about Rav Bender from Yeshiva
Darchei Torah speaking out strongly about the
dangers of electric bikes and scooters. At the
time, some people may have thought the con-
cerns were exaggerated or unnecessary. But see-
ing a respected yeshiva now take concrete action
shows that these concerns are real and that pro-
tecting our children must come before conve-
nience.
Today, electric bikes and scooters are every-
where. While they may seem like an easy way
for children and teenagers to get around, they
also come with serious risks. We continue to hear
about accidents, injuries, reckless riding, and sit-
uations that could have ended much worse.
I especially appreciated that Chaim Berlin’s letter
emphasized that a yeshiva’s responsibility is not
only for the ruchniyus of its talmidim, but also
for their physical safety. That message deserves
attention.
This policy is not anti-technology and it is not
meant to punish students. It is a reminder that
not everything available today is appropriate for
children.
I commend the administration for taking leader-
ship on this issue and hope other schools seri-
ously consider adopting similar policies.
TB
Vues Master’s Note: Not everything available
today is appropriate for adults, either!
A MODEST MOTIVATION
Dear Vues Master:
I am writing to express a concern that many peo-
ple see but few are willing to discuss openly.
Within our community, there is significant em-
phasis placed on standards of tznius. Yeshivas,
seminars, publications, and communal conversa-
tions frequently focus on dress codes and exter-
nal appearances. While these values are impor-
tant and deserve attention, I question whether we
are giving equal attention to other challenges that
may be causing even greater harm.
Many frum workplaces now involve extensive
daily interaction between men and women. Pro-
fessional collaboration is often necessary, and
most people conduct themselves appropriately.
However, prolonged communication, frequent
texting, personal conversations, emotional reli-
ance, and after-hours contact can sometimes cre-
ate situations that blur healthy boundaries.
These concerns are rarely addressed with the
same urgency as other topics. Yet emotional con-
nections formed outside of marriage can place
tremendous strain on relationships, weaken sha-
lom bayis, and create spiritual challenges that are
not always immediately visible.
The reality of modern workplaces may require
men and women to work together, but that does
not mean we should ignore the potential risks. In-
stead of pretending the issue does not exist, we
should be having thoughtful and honest conver-
sations about maintaining appropriate boundar-
ies, preserving strong marriages, and protecting
our values in professional settings.
A community committed to kedushah must be
willing to address all areas that affect it—not
only those that can be easily observed. If we
focus exclusively on outward standards while
overlooking deeper interpersonal challenges, we
risk missing issues that may have far-reaching
consequences for individuals, families, and the
community as a whole.
ST
Vues Master’s Note: Regardless of whether men
and women work together, it is always important
for couples to focus on keeping their marriages
strong and healthy. Outward tznius standards,
such as modest clothing for men and women and
hair covering for married women, are supposed
to be a reminder of how to behave. If we don’t
behave appropriately, more than just our mar-
riages are doomed.
SUMMER JUGGLING
Dear Vues Master
This summer, the calendar seems unusually out
of sync, creating challenges for families, yeshi-
vas, and camps alike. Many sleep-away camps
opened this very week, while at the same time
New York high school students are in the middle
of Regents examinations. It is an awkward over-
lap that has caused significant logistical strain for
parents, students, and staff.
I understand that several camps have gone as far
as arranging special transportation, sending bus-
es down to pick up counselors and even camp-
ers directly from exam locations so they can join
camp on time. While these efforts are certainly
helpful and creative, I do not recall ever seeing
such a widespread conflict between school test-
ing schedules and the start of camp season.
Adding to the complexity is the unusually early
Jewish calendar this year. With Rosh Hashanah
falling as early as September 11 and Rosh Ch-
odesh Elul arriving earlier than usual, the entire
summer schedule feels compressed. The result
is a domino effect that impacts yeshivas, camps,
and family planning across the community.
Perhaps this is just an unusual alignment of cal-
endars, but it certainly feels different from past
years. I cannot remember a summer when so
many overlapping commitments created such
tension between education and camp life. Hope-
fully, in future years, the timing will be more bal-
anced and less disruptive for everyone involved.
At the very least, it highlights how sensitive the
community calendar has become when the Yom
Tovim, academic testing, and summer program-
ming all intersect within a short window. Hope-
fully educators and camp administrators can con-
tinue coordinating in future years to reduce these
conflicts and avoid placing unnecessary pressure
on students and families. Better alignment would
go a long way toward easing what has become an
increasingly complicated seasonal transition for
many households across New York State com-
munities especially.
REB
Vues Master’s Note: Is it summer already? The
only reason I know that is because the first Coun-
try Vues of the season has finally been published!
RUNAWAY BIKES
Dear Vues Master
Last summer, I had the opportunity to enjoy
the Bike4Chai Chai Lifeline event as it passed
through Monticello, and it was truly something
special. Watching hundreds of dedicated riders
come through Sullivan County, cheered on by
residents, created an inspiring and uplifting at-
mosphere for the entire community.
This year, however, I understand that the organiz-
ers are going back to having the finish line in-
side camp rather than in Monticello. From what
I have heard, calendar-related issues seem to be
the main reason for this change. While logistical
challenges are always understandable, it is still
disappointing for those of us who appreciated
seeing the event come through our area.
Monticello and the surrounding towns genuinely
enjoyed hosting the riders. Local businesses,
families, and children all took part in cheering
them on, and it brought a sense of unity and
excitement that is not easy to replicate. The en-
ergy along the route was something people spoke
about long after the event ended.
Hopefully, this is only a temporary change, and
next year the event will once again include Mon-
ticello as part of its finish or major route. It would
be wonderful to restore that experience for both
the riders and the community supporters who
look forward to it.
Events like Bike4Chai are not only about the ride
itself, but also about the connection they create
between the participants and the communities
they pass through. I hope that spirit continues in
the future.
Thank you for considering this community per-
spective always.
FT
Vues Master’s Note: Do you hear that, Camp
SImcha? The crowds want to cheer your riders
on!
KOSHER CANTEENS
Dear Vues Master,
Thank you for your excellent magazine and for
consistently addressing issues that matter to the
Torah community.
I would like to raise a concern that, surprisingly,
seems to receive very little attention, despite its
importance to our families and our children.
Summer is here, which means camps and bun-
galow colonies are in full swing. Most of these
programs have a canteen, and in many ways, a
canteen is a wonderful thing. Children learn re-
sponsibility, budgeting, and the value of money.
However, there is another side to the canteen that
deserves serious discussion: kashrus.
While some canteens sell only packaged foods,
many serve hot fleishig and milchig foods as
well. This raises a simple but important question:
Who is responsible for the kashrus of these op-
erations?
In many cases, the canteen is staffed by well-
meaning teenagers who may know some basic
halachos but have never properly learned the
practical halachos relevant to running a kitchen.
What happens when an ingredient runs out and a
substitute is used? What happens when a utensil
is misplaced or mixed up? What happens when a
question arises and no one realizes that there is
even a sh’eilah to ask? As is often said, learning
halachah is not only about knowing the answer—
it is about knowing when a question exists.
Running even one kosher kitchen properly re-
quires knowledge, vigilance, and oversight.
Running a small, fast-paced canteen that serves
both fleishig and milchig foods, often with lim-
ited space, equipment, and supervision, presents
challenges that should not be underestimated.
Unfortunately, stories of mistakes surface every
summer.
This is not meant as criticism of camp owners,
canteen operators, or the dedicated young people
who work there. Rather, it is a call for transparen-
cy and accountability. Every parent, staff mem-
ber, and camper should feel comfortable asking
a basic question: Who is taking responsibility for
the kashrus? Who is the Baal Machshir?
We are careful about the hechshairim on the
products we buy in stores. We would not pur-
chase open or repackaged food without knowing
who stands behind its kashrus. Should we not
exercise the same caution when purchasing food
from a camp or bungalow colony canteen?
Perhaps it is time for this issue to receive greater
attention. Parents deserve to know that proper
standards and supervision are in place, and
camps should be proud to communicate those
standards clearly.
Wishing all of Klal Yisroel a healthy, safe, enjoy-
able, and hatzlachah-filled summer.
A summer kasher v’sameiach to all.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Bochur
Vues Master’s Note: Best practice would be to
have a responsible adult running the canteen with
teenagers helping them. This would be a great
learning opportunity for teenagers who don’t
normally run a business and are not responsible
for maintaining a kosher kitchen. If no adult is
available, then only pre-packaged foods should
be sold.
A BAD DEAL WITH IRAN
Dear Vues Master:
The newly implemented agreement between the
United States and Iran represents a stunning re-
versal of the principles President Trump once
championed regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions
and regional aggression. For years, Trump criti-
cized previous administrations for pursuing ne-
gotiations with Tehran, arguing that Iran could
not be trusted and that any agreement providing
sanctions relief or concessions would strengthen
a dangerous regime. Now, he has embraced a deal
that many of America’s closest allies, particularly
Israel, view as a serious threat to their security.
Israeli officials across the political spectrum have
voiced deep concerns that this agreement re-
wards Iran while undermining efforts to counter
its nuclear program and terrorist activities. They
argue that after years of pressure and military op-
erations aimed at weakening Iran’s capabilities,
the world was closer than ever to forcing mean-
ingful concessions from Tehran. Instead, this
agreement appears to grant significant benefits
to Iran before it has demonstrated any lasting
change in behavior.
Equally troubling is the inconsistency. Trump
built much of his foreign policy reputation on be-
ing tough on Iran, rejecting what he called weak
and dangerous diplomacy. Yet this agreement
seems to embrace many of the same approaches
he once condemned. Americans deserve an ex-
planation for why the standards that applied to
previous administrations no longer apply today.
Strong alliances are built on trust, consistency,
and a clear understanding of shared security
interests. If this agreement weakens those prin-
ciples while empowering one of the world’s lead-
ing state sponsors of terrorism, it deserves careful
scrutiny and vigorous debate.
JT
Vues Master’s Note: Trump, like all political
figures, is a puppet in the hands of the Ribbono
Shel Olam. We may not understand it. We may
even fear it. But we need to remember- Hashem
has a plan and Trump
making this deal is part
of it!
MAMDANI VS.
DOLAN
Dear Vues Master
I never considered myself
a James Dolan fan. Like
many Knicks fans, I spent years criticizing his
ownership, questioning decisions, and wonder-
ing whether the franchise would ever return to
greatness. But after watching what happened dur-
ing the Knicks championship celebration at City
Hall, I found myself seeing Dolan in a different
light.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s speech went on for
nearly ten minutes and seemed less focused on
celebrating the current team than on showcasing
his own knowledge of Knicks history. He recited
a long list of former players, highlighted decades-
old moments, and even brought up Charles Oak-
ley, whose public feud with Dolan is well known.
It felt less like a tribute and more like a political
performance.
Dolan’s response was brief and direct. When he
said that real Knicks fans already know the his-
tory and that he didn’t need to quote it back to
them, he was expressing something many fans
were likely thinking. The day belonged to the
players, coaches, and fans who endured 53 years
without a championship, not to politicians look-
ing for a spotlight.
The awkward key-to-the-city exchange only re-
inforced the tension between the two men. While
some interpreted Dolan’s actions as disrespect-
ful, I saw them as a refusal to play along with a
staged photo opportunity after weeks of public
disagreements.
For the first time, I found myself appreciating
Dolan’s willingness to be authentic rather than
politically polished.
MT
Vues Master’s Note: Critics have spent years
accusing James Dolan of making Knicks events
about himself. Yet on this occasion, it was Mam-
dani who seemed unable to resist inserting him-
self into the story. Dolan’s response, that real
Knicks fans already know the team’s history, was
a reminder that the day belonged to those who
had lived that history, not to a politician eager to
demonstrate his credentials as a fan.
MAMDANI’S AT IT AGAIN
Dear Vues Master
I was deeply disturbed to read about Mayor
Zohran Mamdani’s latest comments regarding
AIPAC, Israel, and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Political disagreements are normal and healthy.
People can support or oppose Israeli government
policies, debate military decisions, or disagree
with Prime Minister Netanyahu. That is part of
democracy. But language matters, especially to-
day.
Referring to AIPAC and
its supporters as “mon-
sters” crosses a line.
AIPAC represents many
Americans who support
a strong U.S.–Israel re-
lationship. You can dis-
agree with their positions
without using language
that paints political opponents as something to be
feared or dismissed.
What concerns me even more is that this rhetoric
appears to be becoming more frequent and more
intense. At a time when Jewish communities are
feeling vulnerable and antisemitism has become
a growing concern across New York and the
country, public figures should choose words that
lower tensions, not raise them.
New York City has always prided itself on being
a place where people of different backgrounds
and viewpoints live together. Leaders should be
able to strongly advocate for Palestinians, Israe-
lis, or any cause they believe in while still show-
ing respect toward those who disagree.
New Yorkers deserve leaders who unite people,
speak responsibly, and understand that words
carry weight. We have a mayor who is a Jihadist
& an antisemite & it bothers me to no end that
this is the mayor of New York.
FP
Vues Master’s Note: Your concern is reasonable
and grounded in an important principle: public
leaders, especially the mayor of New York City,
have a responsibility to use language that does
not inflame tensions or deepen fear in already
sensitive communities.
Referring to AIPAC and related political actors
in dehumanizing terms such as “monsters” is not
a constructive way to engage in policy disagree-
ment. Even when criticizing lobbying influence
or foreign policy positions, elected officials and
political figures have an obligation to avoid rhet-
oric that can easily be interpreted as demonizing.
In a city as diverse and as politically charged as
New York, tone and precision matter.
WELL, THAT RINGS TRUE
Dear Vues Master:
I would like to address an issue that has become
increasingly common in many shuls: the pres-
ence and use of cell phones during tefillah. A shul
is a makom tefillah, a place designated for daven-
ing, concentration, and connection with Hashem.
Unfortunately, cell phones interfere with that
purpose.
Even when a phone does not ring, simply check-
ing messages, reading notifications, or looking at
a screen can be a significant distraction. It takes
a person’s attention away from davening, mak-
ing it difficult to daven with proper kavanah. In
addition, the distraction does not affect only the
phone’s owner. The glow of a screen, the sound
of a vibration, or the sight of someone scrolling
through a device can easily disturb those sitting
nearby who are trying to focus on their davening.
Out of respect for the sanctity of the shul and
consideration for fellow mispallelim, people
should make it a practice to shut off their phones
before entering. At the very least, phones should
be placed on silent or vibrate mode and kept out
of sight throughout the davening. Unless there is
a genuine emergency, there is little that cannot
wait until after davening has concluded.
Maintaining an atmosphere of reverence and
concentration in shul is a shared responsibility.
By putting away our phones and giving our full
attention to davening, we can help preserve the
dignity of the makom tefillah and create a more
meaningful experience for everyone.
RST
Vues Master’s Note: Overall, the underlying
principle you’re emphasizing, protecting the dig-
nity and focus of tefillah and being considerate of
others, is well grounded in both halachic sensibil-
ity and basic communal respect. However, there
are times that exceptions and considerations need
to be made for cell phone usage in shul. Each per-
son needs to evaluate how pressing a need it is for
them to take out their phone during tefillah.
A NEW MINYAN FACTORY IN
MONTICELLO
Dear Vues Master
I would like to express my appreciation for the
tremendous success of the new minyan factory
on John Street in Monticello. What began as a
convenient option for local residents has quickly
become a vibrant center of davening and com-
munity activity.
The momentum surrounding the minyan fac-
tory continues to grow. While it operates year-
round and serves the community throughout all
seasons, it becomes especially busy during the
summer months when the area’s population in-
creases significantly. At virtually any time of day,
people can be seen coming and going, attending
one of the many minyanim offered throughout
the schedule. The facility is often packed, a testa-
ment to the strong demand and the important role
it has come to play in the daily lives of so many
individuals.
For residents of Monticello and the surround-
ing areas, the convenience cannot be overstated.
Having a reliable location with frequent minya-
nim available close to home has made it signifi-
cantly easier for people to participate in commu-
nal davening without the need for lengthy travel
or complicated planning. Whether for Shacharis,
Mincha, or Maariv, people know they can count
on finding a minyan.
In addition to the excellent minyan schedule, the
minyan factory provides free coffee & farina in
the morning.
Beyond its practical benefits, the minyan factory
has helped strengthen community connections
by bringing together people from diverse back-
grounds who share a common commitment to
davening. The positive energy and enthusiasm
are evident every day.
The continued growth and popularity of the min-
yan factory & frum Monticello demonstrates
how valuable this resource has become. It is a
wonderful addition to the Monticello community.
DB
Vues Master’s Note: I hear you can also pick
up a copy of the Country Vues there! It’s a one-
stop-shop!