18 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.
GREAT SUMMER
Dear Vues Master,
What a summer! I just want to thank Hakadosh Baruch Hu for an
excellent summer. My kids loved their camps. My son went to
Eretz Yisrael for the summer and, B”H, had no incidents. The
weather was great, and my OBBL baseball team played great.
As a teacher, I’m actually looking forward to going back to school.
I missed my students!
BT
Vues Master’s Note: Overall, it was definitely a great summer,
BH. Let’s daven that things remain peaceful in Eretz Yisrael and
around the world for all Jews.
COMPETITIVE FLIGHTS
Dear Vues Master,
I’m really hoping that flight prices to Eretz Yisrael finally start
coming down this month. With Delta and United starting to re-
sume their flights to Israel soon, I hope we will finally see some
real competition in the market.
El Al has been reliable throughout these difficult times, and we
certainly appreciate the fact that they continued to fly when many
other airlines stopped. However, let’s be honest: The prices have
been extremely high! There are families who want to visit their
children learning in Eretz Yisrael, parents traveling for Yom Tov,
and people who need to travel for simchos, and the cost of a ticket
has become a huge expense.
I understand that flying during a war and dealing with all the un-
certainty is extremely complicated. El Al has taken on a lot of risk,
and they deserve credit for that. But now that other major Ameri-
can airlines are returning, I’m hoping that the days of paying crazy
prices for a flight to Israel are coming to an end.
Competition is good for everyone. When Delta and United are fly-
ing again, passengers should have more options and, hopefully,
much better fares.
We love Eretz Yisrael, and we want to be able to visit as often as
possible. But at these prices, a family trip can cost a small fortune!
Let’s hope this month brings lower fares, more choices and much
more affordable tickets for everyone who wants to travel to Eretz
Yisrael.
YH
Vues Master’s Note: Seeing is believing… I certainly hope Delta
and United begin flying again, but over the last three years, they
have bailed out many times. El Al might be price gouging, but at
least they’ve gotten us back and forth relatively reliably.
END OF SUMMER
Dear Vues Master,
I can’t believe the summer is over! It was an awesome summer all
around in the Catskills. Things seemed to be back to normal, and
there were tons of things going on upstate this summer. It appeared
that most businesses did very well.
Thank you, Country Vues, for another great season! Can’t wait
until summer 2027!
AD
Vues Master’s Note: BH it was a great summer in the country.
We’re looking forward already to Summer 2027!
SAFE TRAVELS TO OUR KIDS
Dear Vues Master,
Elul has arrived, and with it comes that bittersweet moment many
of us know well: saying goodbye to our sons and daughters as they
return to Eretz Yisrael for yeshiva and seminary.
We’re filled with pride as they head off for a year of growth, Torah
learning and spiritual connection in the holiest of places. There’s
truly nowhere better for them to be. But as parents, it’s never easy
to let go.
Bein Hazmanim is such a special time. Having our children
home—even for a few short weeks—fills our homes with light.
The divrei Torah, the laughter, the Shabbos meals and the late-
night conversations—we cherish every moment.
And then Elul comes, the suitcases come out and the airport drop-
offs begin, along with that familiar mix of pride and heartache. We
know they’re where they belong, and we daven every day for their
hatzlacha. But yes, the goodbyes are still hard.
To all the fellow parents feeling the same way—you’re not alone.
And to our children: Thank you. Thank you for your dedication,
your growth and your commitment to Torah and to building a
bright future for Klal Yisrael.
May this Elul and the new year ahead be filled with deep learning,
spiritual aliyah and many simchas. And may we parents find com-
fort in knowing that we are still with you every step of the way.
LY
Vues Master’s Note: AMEN!
A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER
Dear Vues Master,
I just wanted to take a moment to express how much I absolutely
loved this summer. From the beautiful weather to the vibrant at-
mosphere all around, this season in the Catskills was one of the
best yet.
Every year, it seems to get better and better, and this summer truly
exceeded all expectations.
One of the highlights for me was reading The Country Vues each
week. It’s the perfect mix of inspiration, community updates, help-
ful information, fun questions, pictures, jokes and
a true reflection of our shared experiences upstate.
Your columnists are amazing. The paper always
brought a smile to my face and helped me feel
more connected to the frum community around
me. It truly is the “newspaper of Klal Yisrael.”
It’s amazing to see how the Catskills continue to
grow. There are more restaurants, more amenities
and, most importantly, more frum Yidden than ever
before. The sense of achdus and kedushah in the
mountains is so special, and it fills me with grati-
tude and pride to be a part of it.
Whether it’s bumping into familiar faces at min-
yan, enjoying new eateries with friends and family,
or simply taking in the fresh air and the beauty of
Hashem’s creation, this summer had it all.
As the season winds down, I already find myself
counting the days until next summer. May we all
be zocheh to return to the mountains in good health
and with simcha, and may each year bring even
more bracha.
Thank you again for enhancing our summer!
MY
Vues Master’s Note: IYH next year we will de-
liver door to door in Yerushalayim with the coming
of Mashiach!
FLAT TIRE
Dear Vues Master:
Did you know?
When traveling on the road and you see a Yid, even
a non-frum Yid, stuck on the side of the road, you
might be transgressing both a positive and negative
mitzvah if you don’t stop and try to help him.
MF
Vues Master’s Note: Hence, we have Chaveirim
to be our shaliach!
COUNTING MITZVOS
Dear Vues Master,
This coming Shabbos, we read Parshas Ki Seitzei,
which contains a remarkable 74 mitzvos, the most
of any parsha in the Torah. It got me thinking: Out
of the 613 mitzvos in the Torah, how many are ac-
tually applicable today?
As a male Yisrael living in chutz la’aretz, without
a Beis HaMikdash, and not being a Kohen or Levi,
I realized that many mitzvos simply don’t apply to
my situation. I asked about 20 different people, and
most estimated that between 200 and 250 mitzvos
are relevant today.
Curious to find a more accurate number, I turned to
AI for help. Here’s what I found:
The Rambam counts 613 mitzvos: 248 positive
mitzvos and 365 negative mitzvos. However, many
of these are dependent on:
The Beis HaMikdash, including sacrifices and
laws of purity
Eretz Yisrael, including terumos and ma’asros
A functioning Sanhedrin and judicial system
Special roles, such as Kohanim and Levi’im
The era of Moshiach
Once you remove those categories, many contem-
porary authorities estimate that approximately 270
mitzvos are still applicable today. For someone
like me—a regular Jew living outside of Israel—
that number is even lower. Roughly 200–230 mitz-
vos remain relevant, and of those, perhaps 150–
180 can be actively fulfilled on a regular basis.
Examples of mitzvos still fully in effect include
tefillin, tzitzis, tefillah, Torah study, mezuzah,
Shabbos and Yom Tov observance, as well as many
ethical mitzvos, such as honoring parents, giving
tzedakah, avoiding lashon hara and conducting
honest business.
The Sefer HaChinuch, which organizes the 613
mitzvos according to the weekly parsha, suggests
that only about 270 are currently applicable with-
out the Beis HaMikdash. For a non-Kohen living
in chutz la’aretz, that number is even lower.
Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l is quoted in some sourc-
es as estimating that around 200 mitzvos are rele-
vant and performable today.
I found it fascinating that in today’s world, only
about 200 of the original 613 mitzvos are practi-
cally relevant for someone like me. It really puts
into perspective how precious each mitzvah is and
how much we should value the ones we are able to
perform.
AH
Vues Master’s Note: How many mitzvos are
women obligated in modern times?
SELICHOS CONFUSION
Dear Vues Master,
Every year, as Elul starts, I find myself once again
standing in shul for Selichos. And every year, I
struggle.
I open the siddur or machzor and try to follow
along, but before long, I’m just mumbling the
words. I don’t really understand what I’m saying,
and the whole experience starts to feel hollow.
I know Selichos are meant to prepare us for the
Yamim Noraim. They’re supposed to stir the heart
and awaken us to teshuvah and rachamim. But of-
ten, I leave feeling more frustrated than inspired.
The Hebrew is difficult, the themes are heavy, and
the pace is fast. I feel disconnected from what
should be one of the most powerful times of the
year.
What can I do to change this? How can I make
Selichos meaningful rather than mechanical?
I’ve thought about reading a translation before-
hand or using a siddur with English alongside He-
brew. I’ve also considered listening to shiurim
about the meaning behind the piyutim. But even
with that, when I’m actually standing in shul, it’s
still hard to feel engaged.
I’m writing this because I suspect I’m not the only
one who feels this way. Maybe others have found
meaningful ways to connect to Selichos. If so, I’d
love to hear their suggestions.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, I don’t want to
just go through the motions. I want to connect—
with the words, with the tefillos and with Hashem.
TP
Vues Master’s Note: One idea: Choose a few to
study over the month in depth and say those with
extra kavana.
LOTTERY LOSER
Dear Vues Master:
I am so happy I didn’t win the lottery this past
weekend. I really didn’t want to have so much
money!
If I had a billion dollars, I’m sure I could give a lot
of tzedakah, but it would take up so much of my
time that I wouldn’t be able to learn anymore.
NM
Vues Master’s Note: As the Chofetz Chaim said,
“I can handle any nisayon, but the nisayon of ashi-
rus!”
A WASTED PRIZE
Dear Vues Master,
Am I the only one who is completely sick of get-
ting emails and text messages telling me that I
could win a Rolex watch? Every few days, another
yeshiva, organization or fundraising campaign is
sending me a message promoting a chance to win a
beautiful luxury watch.
The problem is, I don’t wear a watch!
I understand that these organizations are trying to
raise money, and I have nothing against supporting
yeshivos and worthy causes. In fact, I appreciate
the important work they do. But please, enough
with the Rolexes!
I don’t need a Rolex, I don’t want a Rolex, and
even if I could win one, I probably wouldn’t wear
it. I have a phone that tells me the time, and hon-
estly, that is good enough for me.
I also understand that these campaigns are meant to
get people excited and encourage them to donate.
But after receiving the same type of message over
and over again, it becomes more annoying than ex-
citing.
How about some different prizes? Maybe a grocery
gift card, a gas card, a vacation, or even good old-
fashioned cash! Those are things I could actually
use.
Again, I have tremendous respect for the yeshivos
and organizations raising money. They need our
support, and I am happy to help when I can. But
please, stop filling my phone and inbox with mes-
sages about Rolex watches!
BT
Vues Master’s Note: If you don’t want it, I’ll take
your Rolex…
PLAYERS IN THE OBBL
Dear Vues Master,
I’ve been playing baseball on Sundays in the
OBBL upstate for over 20 years, and I don’t under-
stand why the next generation isn’t playing.
I’ve made so many friends, and it’s a great work-
out. I really hope we get some new ballplayers
soon—otherwise, the league is going to fall apart.
LH
Vues Master’s Note: It’s really a shame. I remem-
ber watching my father play every Sunday. The
entire family would root for him, and we all loved
it.
Kids these days like to play on their phones and
video games. If they do play a sport, it’s usually
basketball, golf or pickleball—not baseball.
A TRAFFIC BREAK
Dear Vues Master,
I haven’t lived in Brooklyn for very long, but I’m
amazed by the phenomenon of Jews going upstate
or to New Jersey for the summer.
Traffic is so much better without you guys! If you
love it upstate so much, why not do us all a favor
and move up there?
AB
Vues Master’s Note: The best part is being able to
find parking in Boro Park on an Erev Shabbos!
TO LEIN OR NOT TO LEIN
Dear Vues Master,
A lot of yeshivas these days are telling bar mitzvah
boys not to lein their parshas. They believe it
causes too much anxiety for the child and isn’t nec-
essary. I disagree. I think every boy should at least
try to lein his parsha. If it’s too hard, let him just
lein an aliyah or do the haftarah.
If we don’t push these boys to lein, we may miss
out on discovering many talented future leiners.
BL
Vues Master’s Note: There seems to be a lot of
anxiety out there in this world, especially for chil-
dren. Perhaps if we reframe leining from being an
obligation to being a privilege, more boys would
see leining as a zechus and not anxiety-provoking.
MAZEL TOV, COUNTRY VUES!
Dear Vues Master,
Just wanted to wish the entire staff at The Country
Vues a big mazel tov on your 43rd anniversary!
Our entire family looks forward to the Country
Vues every week throughout the summer. We re-
ally enjoy your columnists, advertisements, fun
questions and jokes.
Keep up the great work!
YJ
Vues Master’s Note: Thank YOU!!! We appreci-
ate our readers and advertisers very much!
E-BIKES AND YESHIVAS
Dear Vues Master,
I am very happy to see that many yeshivas are
starting to prohibit students from riding e-bikes
and other electric vehicles to and from school. I
strongly support this policy.
Just look at how many Hatzalah calls involve chil-
dren who have been injured in e-bike and electric
scooter accidents. Our Hatzalah volunteers are
constantly responding to crashes involving young
riders. Unfortunately, these are not always minor
injuries. We are talking about broken bones, seri-
ous head injuries, hospitalizations and, tragically,
deaths.
We have reached a point where e-bikes are simply
too dangerous for young teenagers. Many of these
vehicles are incredibly powerful and can travel at
speeds that are difficult for young riders to control.
Add busy streets, distracted drivers, pedestrians
and teenagers who may not always make the best
decisions, and you have a dangerous combination.
Some people will say that responsible kids should
be allowed to ride them. I understand that argu-
ment, but a yeshiva has a responsibility to protect
its talmidim. If a school can eliminate one major
source of danger, why wouldn’t it?
There are plenty of other ways for children to get
to school. It may be less convenient for parents, but
safety has to come first.
Parents also need to support these policies rather
than looking for ways around them.
Our children are precious. No ride to school is
worth risking a child’s life or health.
Let’s be proactive instead of waiting for a tragedy
to happen, chas v’shalom.
Concerned Parent
Vues Master’s Note: A recent analysis found that
children went from essentially 0% of e-bike inju-
ries in 2017 to 13% in 2022. You definitely have
reason to be concerned!
CONCERNED ABOUT PRESIDENT
TRUMP’S HEALTH
Dear Vues Master,
I have to admit that the recent reports about Presi-
dent Donald Trump’s health have me concerned,
not just as an American, but especially as a Yid
who cares deeply about Eretz Yisrael and the secu-
rity of Klal Yisrael.
A prominent cardiologist recently raised questions
about bruising on the president’s hands, swelling in
his legs, episodes in which he appeared tired dur-
ing official events, and medical testing that has not
been fully explained publicly. At the same time, the
White House and Trump’s physicians have said
that he remains in excellent physical and cognitive
health.
I sincerely hope the doctors are right.
Whatever anyone thinks about President Trump
politically, there is no denying that his policies
have been extremely important to Israel and to the
Jewish people. His willingness to stand strongly
with Israel and confront those who seek to destroy
us has provided tremendous reassurance to many
of us. That is why reports about his health are par-
ticularly concerning. If, chas v’chalilah, something
were to happen to President Trump, I worry about
what that could mean for Israel and for the Jewish
community. We have seen how quickly the politi-
cal landscape can change, and there is no guarantee
that the next administration would have the same
approach toward Israel. Of course, everything is
ultimately min HaShamayim. Hashem is the One
who runs the world, and our emunah must always
come first. Still, we are permitted to be concerned
and to daven. May Hashem give President Trump
good health and strength, and may He continue
protecting Eretz Yisrael and Klal Yisrael.
Am Yisrael Chai!
LT
Vues Master’s Note: May Hashem grant President
Trump good health, and may he continue doing all
the good things he does for Klal Yisrael and Eretz
Yisrael.
CAMP TIPS
Dear Vues Master,
I can’t believe how much I had to spend on tips this
year. I sent my three kids to different sleepaway
camps this summer. Each one cost me between
$5,000 and $7,000 for just half a summer. My wife
and I went to camp last week to pick them up, and
I was shocked to discover that we needed to spend
another $800 on tips.
My kids were happy with their counselors, but giv-
ing every counselor $100 or more for half a sum-
mer seems ridiculous. The tuition is already so ex-
pensive. Why are parents expected to spend
hundreds of dollars more on tips at the end of the
summer?
HP
Vues Master’s Note: It’s a real bracha that your
kids liked their counselors. For better or worse, the
counselors, who are kids themselves, rely on tips
for spending money. It’s a good idea to factor tips
into your summer budget because it is not an op-
tional fee.
QUESTION MIX-UP
Dear Vues Master:
In last week’s Country Vues, you asked, “How
many days did Moshe not eat or drink on Har Si-
nai?” Your answer was 80 explicit in the Torah and
120 according to Rashi.
I think your answer is incorrect. As far as I know,
he only ate on Har Sinai once, Shemos, 24:14.
During the other 43,859 (120×365.25 -1) days of
his life, he did not eat on Har Sinai. So, the correct
answer is 43,859.
You asked “Which bracha can only be said on a
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, and is said
every week at least once?” The answer you gave is
“Borei meorei ha’aish.”
This answer is invalid. I have never said this bra-
cha on a Sunday, Tuesday , or Friday. The days
you can say this bracha are Saturday, Monday,
Wednesday, or Thursday. The only way to say this
bracha on Sunday, Tuesday , or Friday, is if you
hold havdala until after midnight.
Presumably, this was mistranslated from Hebrew,
in which yom rishon begins Saturday night. How-
ever, since you are asking this question in English,
talk English.
Similarly, you have often asked in the past, “Which
bracha can only be said on Wednesday or Thurs-
day?” Your answer “Eruv Tavshilin” is incorrect. If
the question had been phrased, “which MITZVAH
can only be performed on Wednesday or Thurs-
day?” it would be valid. But the bracha on Eruv
tavshilin is the same bracha that is said on Eruv
Techumin and Eruv Chatzeiros, which can be said
any day of the week.
I have the same objection to the question, “Which
bracha can only be said on Wednesdays?” with the
answer being Birchas hachama. While the Birchas
hachama can only be said on Wednesday, the bra-
cha we say can be said on any day of the week
when one sees lightning.
Please make sure your questions and answers
make sense.
Zvi Freund
Vues Master’s Note: Thank you for the correction
and for pointing out the nuances in language. We
will pass this message along to the author of these
questions.
JUDGEMENT DAY
Dear Vues Master
It’s Almost Judgement Day
Stop picking on that coffee bean
It’s always being “roasted”
Let’s now think of Judgment Day
And chase our angry gripes away
It’s Almost Judegment Day
I , for one am really proud
And sing their praises clear and aloud
I speak of those who every day
Come together just to pray
(and maybe sip a cup or two)
It’s Almost Judgement Day
They seem so happy as they gather
To meet their fellow praying brother
And sing the praises of Hashem
How can we see a fault in them
It’s Almost Judgement Day
Come join our Shul “Club” -it is free
It needs just heart’s camaraderie
A bit less talking would Suffice –
To that Madrega we can rise
(even if we have that cup of Java)
It’s Almost Judgement Day
T’would be great -if that “transgression”
Is all that we can ever mention
Let’s try to be on time for once
That really would be laudable
A deed that is applaudable
It’s Almost Judgement Day
Lets leave that Java bean alone
And try to concentrate
On meaning of the prayer we say
And keep our mondane thoughts at bay
It’s Almost Judgement Day
Now there are Clubs
That One can Join Choosing one
Just flip a coin
Phi betta Kappa Phi Delta Phi or
Delta THETA Phi
None of these tempt our people
The reason is so very simple
(They have their “club’ in shul)
It’s Almost Judgement Day
Let’s leave that cup of Java be
There’s more to life There’s more to see
How we can search within our heart
We’re on this Earth to play that part
To love and cherish our ’brother”
And show compassion for each other
It’s Almost Judgement Day
Just look at us,The Chosen Nation
We don’t belong to clubs we mentioned
We will not join the “Tomb of Yale”
We’ll join our Own “Club” and Regale
THE FERVENT LOVE FOR “HIM”ABOVE
It’s Almost Judgment Day
Stop picking on that coffee bean
It’s always being “roasted”
Let’s now think of Judgment Day
And chase our angry gripes away
It’s Almost Judgment Day
I , for one am really proud
And sing their praises clear and aloud
I speak of those who every day
Come together just to pray
(and maybe sip a cup or two)
It’s Almost Judgment Day
They seem so happy as they gather
To meet their fellow praying brother
And sing the praises of Hashem
How can we see a fault in them
It’s Almost Judgment Day
Come join our Shul “Club” -it is free
It needs just heart’s camaraderie
A bit less talking would Suffice –
And yet that “coffee”does arise
It’s Almost Judgment Day
T’would be great -if that “transgression”
Is all that we can ever mention
Let’s try to be on time for once
That really would be laudable
A deed that is applaudable
It’s Almost Judgment Day
Lets leave that Java bean alone
And try to concentrate
On meaning of the prayer we say
And keep our mondane thoughts at bay
It’s Almost Judgment Day
Now there are Clubs
That One can Join
Choosing one Just flip a coin
Phi betta Kappa
Phi Delta Phi or Delta THETA Phi
None of these tempt our people
The reason is so very simple
It’s Almost Judgment Day
Just leave that cup of Java be
There’s more to life
There’s more to see
How we can search within our heart
We’re on this Earth to play that part
To love and cherish our ’brother”
And show compassion for each other
It’s Almost Judgment Day
Just look at us the Chosen Nation
We don’t belong to clubs we mentioned
We will not join the “Tomb of Yale”
We’ll join our Own “Club” and Regale
THE FERVENT LOVE FOR “HIM”ABOVE
It’s Almost Judgment Day
Rachel Laufer Fischer
Vues Master’s Note: Beautifully written and a
timely reminder to focus on what truly matters.