04 Aug 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.

CORRECTION

We would like to sincerely apologize to our readers for the article,
“Six Things Women Really Want From Their Husbands,” which
appeared on page 106 of the July 21 edition of The Country Vues
and on page 17 of The Jewish Vues on July 28. Its inclusion in The
Jewish & Country Vues was an editorial error, and it should not have
been published. The article does not reflect the standards or values
that The Jewish & Country Vues strives to uphold for the frum
families who welcome our publication into their homes each week.
We deeply regret this oversight and sincerely apologize to
anyone who was offended or disappointed by its inclusion.
We appreciate the feedback we received from our readers and
remain committed to ensuring that our content reflects the values
and sensitivities of the community we are privileged to serve.

REBBETZIN ESTHER JUNGREIS A”H
Dear Vues Master:

I really enjoyed reading your article and tribute to Rebbetzin Es-
ther Jungreis. I attended Hineni several times to hear her speak.

Her presence radiated authenticity, truth, heart, and warmth. Her
indomitable spirit inspired me to smile and have faith. I learned
not only Torah from her, but also about how to be an effective
public speaker with poise and presence.

She embodied a modern, “with it,” eloquent, worldly, and glam-
ourous frum woman–beautiful on the inside and the outside.

Her last book, Be The Blessing, reinforced a practice of mine to
have faith that Hashem put me in a certain place at a certain time
and what is the good I can do here. How can I be a blessing and
leave other people–and myself–in a better place?
May her neshama have an aliya and be a melitz yosher for Klal
Yisrael.
S.A.
Brooklyn, NY

Vues Master’s Note: Rebbetzin Jungreis was a remarkable wom-
an and a true role model.

THANK YOU COUNCILWOMAN INNA
VERNIKOV!
Dear Vues Master:
I want to commend Brooklyn officials for securing the $750,000
funding boost for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office Hate
Crimes Bureau. At a time when antisemitism and other hate
crimes continue to rise, this investment is not only necessary, but
long overdue.
Our community has unfortunately seen an increase in incidents

targeting Jews and other minority groups. Having a strong, well-
funded Hate Crimes Bureau sends a clear message that these

crimes will not be ignored and that victims deserve justice, sup-
port, and protection.

I especially want to thank Council Member Inna Vernikov for
her leadership and dedication in pushing for these resources. She
has consistently been a strong voice for the Jewish community
and has worked tirelessly to make sure that antisemitism is taken
seriously. Her advocacy helped bring attention to the need for a
properly funded unit that can investigate these crimes and hold
perpetrators accountable.

While the $750,000 allocation is an important step in the right di-
rection, more resources are still needed. Brooklyn has the largest

Jewish population in the country, and our communities deserve a

Hate Crimes Bureau that is equipped with the same level of fund-
ing and support as other boroughs.

Thank you to Speaker Julie Menin, District Attorney Eric Gon-
zalez, and especially Council Member Inna Vernikov for rec-
ognizing the importance of protecting Brooklyn residents from

hate. We hope this is only the beginning of continued efforts to
strengthen the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate.
IW
Vues Master’s Note: I daven that now that we have this money,
we will only have to use it offensively.

HOPING BRUCE WINS!
Dear Vues Master:

I want to express my appreciation to Bruce Blakeman for tak-
ing the time to come up to the Catskills last week and meet with

members of our community. It was refreshing to see a candidate
for governor make the effort to come here, listen to our concerns,
and experience firsthand the issues that matter to so many New
Yorkers.
During his visit, Mr. Blakeman went to Camp Simcha for Bike 4
Chai, where he saw the incredible work being done for children
and families facing serious challenges. Events like Bike 4 Chai
represent the very best of our community, kindness, chesed, and
people coming together to help others. It was meaningful to see
him take the time to recognize and support this important cause.
He then traveled to Forestburgh, where he toured farmland that

has become the center of a controversial proposal involving large-
scale solar development. During the visit, Mr. Blakeman met with

local residents and community leaders to hear their concerns. He

expressed his opposition to converting valuable farmland into so-
lar fields, explaining that projects of this size could have a major

impact on the region’s landscape, agriculture, and rural character.
He also stated that this type of approach reflects a direction that
Governor Kathy Hochul supports, and he believes it is not the

right path for New York.
New York needs leaders who will show up, listen,

and stand with communities across the state. I tru-
ly hope Bruce Blakeman will be our next governor

and bring his experience, leadership, and commit-
ment to protecting the values and quality of life

that make New York special.
Thank you, Mr. Blakeman, for coming to the
Catskills and taking the time to meet with our
community. We appreciate your visit and hope it
is the beginning of a stronger relationship between
Albany and the people who call the Catskills
home.
MS

Vues Master’s Note: Mr. Blakeman is a huge sup-
porter of our community and is a friend and ally

for all New Yorkers.

AGRI STAR FIRE
Dear Vues Master:
With Yom Tov approaching, many families are

already feeling the pressure of rising costs. The re-
cent devastating fire at the Agri Star kosher meat-
processing plant in Postville, Iowa, has created

even more concern throughout the kosher commu-
nity about the future price and availability of meat.

Agri Star is one of the largest kosher meat pro-
ducers in North America, and many kosher fami-
lies depend on its supply. While we pray that all

employees and emergency responders remain safe
and that the damage is limited, there is no question

that any disruption in production could have a ma-
jor impact on the kosher meat industry.

The timing of this tragedy is especially concern-
ing. As families prepare for the upcoming Yom

Tov season, demand for meat traditionally in-
creases. Many families are already struggling with

the high cost of groceries, and the possibility of
further price increases is frightening.

Kosher meat is not a luxury item for many fami-
lies. It is a basic part of Shabbos and Yom Tov

meals. Parents want to provide their families with

proper Yom Tov meals, but every additional in-
crease makes that more difficult.

I hope the industry will work together to prevent
unnecessary price hikes and ensure that families
are able to celebrate Yom Tov with dignity. At the
same time, we should all daven for the workers
affected by this fire, the businesses impacted, and
for a quick recovery of the facility.
May we hear good news soon, and may this Yom
Tov season bring only brachos to Klal Yisroel.
RE
Vues Master’s Note: I wonder if Solomon’s Meat
in Nebraska has the ability and/or resources to
process more meat until Agri Star gets back on its
feet.

THE VANCE/BIBI RELATIONSHIP
Dear Vues Master:

The recent reports about a private meeting be-
tween Vice President JD Vance and Israeli Prime

Minister Binyomin Netanyahu raise an important

question: How serious are the disagreements be-
tween these two important figures in the U.S.-

Israel relationship?

While officials described the meeting as con-
structive and productive, the reports of growing

tensions between Prime Minister Netanyahu and

Vice President Vance are concerning. The dis-
agreements reportedly involve issues such as U.S.

policy toward Iran, diplomatic efforts in the Mid-
dle East, and the direction of the ongoing regional

conflict.
What makes this situation even more significant is
that JD Vance is not just the current vice president,
he could potentially become the next president of
the United States. If Vance does succeed President
Trump in the future, his relationship with Israel

and its leadership will have enormous conse-
quences for the U.S.-Israel alliance.

The United States has always been Israel’s most
important ally, and strong cooperation between

American and Israeli leaders is critical. Differ-
ences of opinion are normal between close friends,

but public disagreements and personal tensions
between leaders can create uncertainty.

Many in the Jewish community are left wonder-
ing: Is this simply a temporary disagreement over

policy, or does it reflect a deeper divide that could

impact the future relationship between Washing-
ton and Jerusalem?

At a time when Israel faces serious security chal-
lenges and the Jewish people around the world are

watching closely, it is important that leaders on
both sides find common ground.
We should hope and daven that any disagreements

can be resolved respectfully and that the bond be-
tween the United States and Israel remains strong

for many years to come.
BT
Vues Master’s Note: Although they disagree,
let’s daven that Netanyahu and Vance can resolve
their issues peacefully so that Israel and America

can continue having a peaceful and mutually ben-
eficial relationship.

WASTE OF MONEY
Dear Vues Master
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to spend $70
million in taxpayer money on five government-run

grocery stores is another example of the govern-
ment creating an expensive solution to a problem

that the private sector is already addressing.
After spending an enormous amount of public
money, these stores would reportedly offer only
a limited selection of products at discounts that
many existing retailers already match or beat. And
that’s before accounting for the ongoing costs of
salaries, utilities, transportation, refrigeration,

maintenance, insurance, and countless other op-
erating expenses. If these stores lose money, as

government-run businesses often do, they won’t
close. Taxpayers will simply be asked to cover the
losses.
What makes this proposal even more frustrating
is that New York City already has a successful

alternative. Through the FRESH program, pri-
vate supermarkets have been encouraged to open

in underserved neighborhoods, creating jobs and
expanding access to groceries without requiring
taxpayers to build or operate stores themselves.
That approach promotes investment, competition,

and consumer choice instead of government own-
ership.

The best way to lower grocery prices is through
competition, innovation, and increased supply, not

by having City Hall compete with private busi-
nesses using taxpayer dollars. The government has

enough responsibilities without trying to become a
supermarket operator.

New Yorkers are struggling with high taxes, ris-
ing rents, and an increasing cost of living. The last

thing we need is another costly government ex-
periment that risks becoming a permanent burden

on taxpayers.
We deserve practical solutions, not expensive
political projects that promise savings but are far
more likely to cost us even more.
CNY
Vues Master’s Note: Mamdani seems to have

many grandiose and useless ideas. This is just an-
other example of his incompetence as a leader.

HASC EXPERIENCE DAY
Dear Vues Master:

This past Sunday, my family and I had the op-
portunity to attend HASC Experience Day for the

very first time, and I can honestly say it exceeded
every expectation. We had heard so much about
Camp HASC over the years, but nothing compares
to experiencing it in person.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted
with smiles, warmth, and an atmosphere unlike
anything we had ever seen. It quickly became
clear why so many people call Camp HASC “the
happiest place on earth.” The joy on the faces of
the campers, the endless energy of the staff, and
the genuine love that filled every corner of the
camp made it a truly unforgettable day.

Meeting the incredible staff was one of the high-
lights of our visit. Their dedication, patience, and

enthusiasm were inspiring. It was obvious that
every camper is treated with dignity, respect, and
unconditional love.
Of course, no visit would have been complete
without seeing Uncle Moishy and Mendy Worch.
They brought so much excitement and happiness
to the day. Watching the campers sing, dance, and
laugh along with them was heartwarming and a
powerful reminder of the impact that music and
positivity can have.
My entire family left with smiles on our faces and
a much deeper appreciation for the remarkable
work that Camp HASC does every single day. It is

so much more than a camp, it is a place where ev-
ery child is celebrated, every family is embraced,

and every visitor leaves inspired.

Thank you to everyone who made HASC Experi-
ence Day such a memorable and uplifting experi-
ence.

TR
Vues Master’s Note: Camp HASC truly is the
happiest place on Earth!

NO ONE WANTS MAMDANI AT A
SEPTEMBER 11TH MEMORIAL
Dear Vues Master:
The 25th anniversary of September 11 should be
a day of remembrance, reflection, and unity. It
belongs to the families who lost loved ones, the

survivors who still bear the scars, and the first re-
sponders who sacrificed so much. It should never

become overshadowed by political controversy.
That is why I believe Mayor Zohran Mamdani
should respectfully decline to attend this year’s
official 9/11 commemoration. He is not wanted
there.

A petition started by family members of 9/11 vic-
tims has been circulating, urging organizers not

to include the mayor in the ceremony. More than
60,000 people have already signed it, including
widows, survivors, and others directly affected by
the attacks. Whether or not everyone agrees with
their position, these are voices that deserve to be
heard with compassion and respect.
The concerns expressed in the petition center on
the mayor’s past public positions and associations,
which many signers believe are inconsistent with
the spirit of the solemn occasion. They are not
asking for a political debate—they are asking for
a day that remains focused entirely on honoring
those who were murdered on September 11, 2001.
The 25th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation
milestone. If the presence of any elected official
would cause additional pain or distract from the

purpose of the ceremony, that official should vol-
untarily step aside.

The day should not be about politicians. It should

be about the nearly 3,000 innocent victims, the he-
roes who responded, and the families who have

carried their loss for the past 25 years. On this an-
niversary, their wishes should come first.

VT

Vues Master’s Note: Although many New York-
ers would be quite happy if Mamdani didn’t at-
tend the memorial service, New Yorkers also have

to realize that THEY are the ones, the majority of
voters, who voted him into office. As an elected
official he has the absolute right to attend and
speak at this service. Maybe New Yorkers will do
a better job of choosing their leaders at the next
election.

HASHEM IS OUR KING
Dear Vues Master
In ArtScroll’s Tehillim with the Teachings of the
Talmud, Radak’s commentary on Tehillim 144
explains that no matter how many enemies Dovid
HaMelech faced he knew that Hashem was with
him. It is said that Dovid HaMelech composed
this kapittel while at war with the Pilishtim. The
reality of the enemy he faced was far outweighed
by his Ally, ‘He Who guides my hands in battle,
my fingers in combat.” (144:1). With this in mind,
why should we be afraid of our mortal enemies?
As a New York City resident, people ask me:

“Aren’t you afraid to live in New York with Mam-
dani as Mayor?” The reality of a politician who

hates Jews, seeks to deny our right to exist and ex-
cludes us from judicial decision-making is nothing

compared to the reality that Hashem is our King.
People thought they have nothing to worry about
because Trump is on our team or because they are
so liberal that the socialist Mayor would endear
himself to him; the reality is that Hashem was, is
and forever will be. No man can protect us or the

opposite thing. Rav BenTzion Kokis, a mashgi-
ach in Beis Medrash Govoha Rabbi and author of

Earning Eretz Yisroel shared with me the Gemara
in Sanhedrin (97b), which says that we can either
do teshuva willingly or by through a king whose
decrees are as bad as Haman. “Hashem is pushing
us to teshuva,” he said. Let us approach Ellul with
love; we shouldn’t need reproach. Re’eh: see the
good in yourself and others. In this way, we can
truly earn Eretz Yisroel. I am not afraid. I wear my
yarmulka proudly. And I proudly serve my people
as a lawyer, writer, counselor for special needs

children, and prince in the King’s palace. Our en-
emies are fleeting like shadows, Dovid Hamelech

.אַשְׁרֵי הָעָם שֶׁכָּכָה לּו explains
Chaim Yehuda Meyer
Vues Master’s Note: It’s admirable that you’re a
proud Jew, and I agree that we should ONLY put
our faith in Hashem. That being said, we also need
to do our due diligence to protect ourselves while
trying to understand the signs and miracles that
Hashem is sending us.

BIKE 4 CHAI
Dear Vues Master

I had the privilege of spending time at Camp Sim-
cha during last week’s Bike 4 Chai event, and I

left inspired by what I witnessed. Even though
the weather was far from ideal, with rain falling

throughout much of the day, nothing could damp-
en the incredible spirit of the event.

This is Klal Yisrael at its very best.
Everywhere you looked, there were people of all
ages and backgrounds coming together for one

purpose. Young children stood alongside grand-
parents. Campers battling illness cheered next to

healthy families. Men and women lined the roads,
waving, clapping, and encouraging the hundreds

of riders who had pedaled countless miles to sup-
port Chai Lifeline and the precious children of

Camp Simcha.
The atmosphere was filled with warmth, unity,

and genuine joy. There was delicious food, activi-
ties for families, rides for the children, music, and

smiles everywhere. More importantly, there was

an overwhelming feeling of achdus that is so often
talked about but not always seen. At Bike 4 Chai,
it was impossible to miss.
The cyclists deserve tremendous credit for their
dedication and determination, especially in the
rain. Yet every volunteer, donor, spectator, and
organizer played an important role in making the
day such a success. Together, they raised millions
of dollars to ensure that Chai Lifeline can continue

providing hope, care, and unforgettable experienc-
es for children and families facing serious illness.

Events like Bike 4 Chai remind us what our com-
munity is capable of when we unite. It was truly a

beautiful Kiddush Hashem and a day that no one
who attended will soon forget.
RDS

Vues Master’s Note: Yashar Koach to all the peo-
ple who biked for Chai this year. Tizku l’mitzvos!

WE LOVE FETTERMAN
Dear Vues Master

As a proud Jewish American who deeply loves Is-
rael, I have been encouraged to see Senator John

Fetterman remain unwavering in his support for
the Jewish state, even when doing so has put him
at odds with many in his own party.
In today’s political climate, it often seems easier
for elected officials to follow the loudest voices
rather than stand by their convictions. Senator
Fetterman has shown that supporting Israel should

not be a partisan issue. Israel is America’s clos-
est ally in the Middle East, a fellow democracy

that has endured unimaginable challenges while
defending its citizens from terrorism.
I also appreciate Senator Fetterman’s willingness
to speak honestly about areas where he disagrees
with members of his own party. Whether people
agree with all of his political positions or not, it is
refreshing to see a leader who is willing to think
independently instead of simply following party
lines.

As Jews, we should recognize and appreciate pub-
lic officials who consistently stand with Israel dur-
ing difficult times. That does not mean agreeing

with every vote they cast or every position they
take. It simply means acknowledging courage
when we see it.
Our community has long valued leaders who

understand Israel’s importance and who are will-
ing to defend the U.S.-Israel relationship despite

political pressure. Senator Fetterman’s steadfast
support has earned the respect of many Jewish
Americans.
I hope more elected officials, regardless of
political party, will continue to support Israel,

condemn antisemitism in all its forms, and rec-
ognize that standing with our ally should unite

Americans rather than divide them.
IW
Vues Master’s Note: Amen!

24 SIX IS RAISING THEIR PRICES
Dear Vues Master
Like many frum families, my household has

enjoyed using 24Six since it first launched. It has
become a wonderful alternative to mainstream

music streaming services, providing a kosher lis-
tening experience that we can trust. That is why

I was disappointed to learn about the upcoming
subscription price increase.
I understand that operating a streaming platform is

expensive. Servers, storage, technology, and roy-
alties all cost money, and I appreciate that 24Six

has worked hard to compensate frum artists while
continuing to improve the service. I also recognize

that this is the first price increase since the plat-
form launched nearly four years ago.

Still, many families are already feeling the strain

of rising costs. Grocery bills, camp tuition, yeshi-
va tuition, housing, and countless other expenses

continue to climb. Even what may seem like a
modest increase adds up when families are trying
to balance their monthly budgets.
One of the reasons 24Six became so popular was

because it offered an affordable, high-quality ser-
vice for the frum community. I hope the company

remembers that many of its most loyal subscribers
are large families who rely on the platform every
day and may now have to reconsider whether they
can continue their subscriptions.
I sincerely hope this will be the last increase for

a long time and that 24Six will continue look-
ing for ways to keep its service accessible to as

many families as possible. It remains a valuable
resource, and I want to see it succeed, but I also
hope it remains affordable for the community it
was created to serve.
PWS
Vues Master’s Note: As you noted, operating a
streaming platform is costly. This service is not a
necessity, it is a luxury. And like so many luxuries
in life, we need to choose what is important to us
and what is worth spending on. They are a service
that has a right to charge a fee for their services.
As the consumer, you can choose if you’d like to
pay their fees or filter your music in another way.

A WAR HERO’S FUNERAL WITHOUT
MAMDANI’S INPUT
Dear Vues Master
I was pleased to learn that Mamdani did not speak

at the funeral of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Ramp-
ersad. A funeral for a fallen American hero should

be about honoring the life, sacrifice, and legacy

of the servicemember, not about providing a plat-
form for politicians. Especially the Jihadist social-
ist, Mayor Mamdani.

If reports are accurate that the family preferred he

not speak, I fully support that decision. A griev-
ing family should have the final say over who par-
ticipates in such a deeply personal service. Their

wishes deserve to be respected above all else.
As a Jewish American and a strong supporter of
Israel, I have strongly disagreed with many of
Mayor Mamdani’s positions, particularly on Israel
and national security. Those views have caused
many in our community to question whether he

represents our values. For that reason, I was re-
lieved that the focus of Sgt. Rampersad’s funeral

remained where it belonged, on a brave soldier
who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Army Sgt. Rampersad gave her life in service to
the United States. Her funeral should never have
become a political event or an opportunity for
public officials to gain attention. Instead, it served
as a fitting tribute to a courageous young woman
whose dedication and selflessness deserve our
lasting gratitude.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Sgt. Ramp-
ersad’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers. May

they find comfort in the love and support of their
community, and may her memory forever be a

blessing. We should always honor our fallen he-
roes with dignity, respect, and gratitude.

RP
Vues Master’s Note: Well said! May all of our
fallen soldiers who died protecting democracy and
our rights be remembered and honored for their
bravery.

EXORBITANT COST OF FLYING TO
ISRAEL
Dear Vues Master
The news that American Airlines has once again
postponed its return to Israel until March 2027 is
incredibly discouraging. With American Airlines

out of the market and United and Delta still delay-
ing their return, travelers have fewer choices than

ever before.
Unfortunately, the biggest loser is the average
family. With so little competition, airfare to Israel
has reached outrageous levels. It is hard not to feel
that El Al is taking advantage of the situation by
charging prices that many families simply cannot
afford. I would love to have my daughter come

home from Israel for Sukkos, but when a round-
trip ticket costs well over $2,000, it becomes near-
ly impossible. Families should not have to choose

between celebrating Yom Tov together and paying
their monthly bills.
For the Jewish community, traveling to Israel is

not just another vacation. It means visiting chil-
dren learning in yeshivos and seminaries, attend-
ing family simchos, caring for elderly parents, and

maintaining the close bonds that connect us across
the ocean. These trips are a necessity, not a luxury.

I certainly understand that airlines face higher op-
erating costs and security concerns, but the cur-
rent prices are simply beyond the reach of many

hardworking families. The lack of competition has
created an unhealthy market, and consumers are
paying the price.
I sincerely hope more airlines resume service to

Israel as soon as possible. Competition is desper-
ately needed to bring fares back to reasonable lev-
els so families can once again be together when it

matters most.
BT

Vues Master’s Note: Competition would be help-
ful, but in the meantime… Book your tickets well

in advance when possible and remember: this is
the cost of galus!