13 Oct SPEAK YOUR VUES WITH THE VUES MASTER
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views, please write a letter to the Vues Master.
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM OF THE YOMIM
TOVIM
Dear Vues Master,
On Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Bereishis, the Flatbush commu-
nity had the zechus of hearing from Rabbi Yosef Elefant shlita,
maggid shiur at Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, who shared pow-
erful messages about our purpose in life and the importance of
making Torah a central part of our daily routine.
Before Maariv at Khal Zichron Shlomo V’Chava, under the
leadership of Rabbi Ezra Rodkin shlita, Rabbi Elefant spoke
about how every individual is imprinted with Hashem’s unique
stamp. He explained the significance of the bracha of “Cha-
cham Harazim,” recited upon seeing a gathering of 600,000
Jews. Even among such a large crowd, Hashem knows and
cares for every individual and his unique needs. An oneg was
held later that Friday night at the Ganz home.
On Shabbos morning, Rabbi Elefant spoke at Khal Bnei Avro-
hom Yaakov, led by Rabbi Moishe Bergman shlita, and at Khal
Shaar Hashamayim, led by Rabbi Chanoch Posy shlita. Rabbi
Posy praised Rabbi Elefant for his dedication to addressing the
needs of each talmid. Rabbi Elefant discussed how, although
man can be a hunter or fisherman, our purpose is far greater
than our ability to capture other creations. We are here to learn
Torah and perform mitzvos.
He later addressed the Chaim Berlin Alumni Minyan, led by
Rabbi Moshe Baruch Kirzner shlita. At Shalosh Seudos in
Bais Medrash Meshivas Nofesh, Rabbi Elefant emphasized
the importance of using our spare time for learning. Even
those who have a designated seder should not limit their learn-
ing to those hours, and those without a seder should establish
one.
As we enter the long, dark winter months, this is an important
message for all of us. Let us carry the inspiration of the recent
Yomim Tovim into our daily lives, strengthen our commitment
to Torah, and make every moment count.
HJM
Vues Master’s Note: Thank you for sharing this beautiful
message, especially relevant as the dark days of winter ap-
proach.
OCTOBER 7 WAS NOT THE DAY TO ATTACK
ISRAEL
Dear Vues Master
There are days when politics should be put aside. October 7 is
one of them.
As a Jewish New Yorker, I find Zohran Mamdani’s treatment
of October 7 deeply disturbing. I already strongly dislike his
politics and what he represents, but his decision to use the an-
niversary of the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust as
another opportunity to attack Israel crossed a line.
October 7 should have been about the victims.
It should have been about the more than 1,100 Israelis mur-
dered by Hamas, the families slaughtered in their homes, the
young people murdered at the music festival, and the 251
people dragged into Gaza as hostages. It should have been
about their families, the survivors, and the thousands of people
whose lives were permanently shattered.
Instead, Mamdani devoted only a few sentences to the massa-
cre before turning his statement into an extended indictment of
Israel.
But there are 364 other days in the year to make that case.
On October 7, Jewish New Yorkers deserved something very
simple: remembrance.
Imagine a mayor marking September 11 by briefly remember-
ing those murdered and then spending most of his statement
listing America’s alleged wrongdoing in the wars that fol-
lowed. Most New Yorkers would recognize how inappropriate
that would be.
Why should Jewish New Yorkers accept anything different?
Mamdani says he wants Jewish New Yorkers to feel safe. But
words matter, timing matters, and context matters.
On October 7, he should have mourned the Jewish victims
without qualification or political caveat.
He couldn’t even give us that.
New York’s Jews deserved better from their mayor.
JT
Vues Master’s Note: Unfortunately Mamdani is part of the
victim blaming society, and this is just another example of his
horrible leadership.
WILL AI MAKE OUR LIVES EASIER?
Dear Vues Master
Jeff Bezos’ vision of the future certainly sounds appealing.
The idea that artificial intelligence could eventually allow
people to work only three days a week, support an entire fam-
ily on one income and enjoy a higher standard of living sounds
like something most people would gladly sign up for.
But I have to admit that I am skeptical.
We have been hearing for decades that technology will make
our lives easier and give us more free time. Instead, it often
seems to have done the opposite. We have smartphones, com-
puters, email, texting and countless other technological ad-
vances, yet people seem busier than ever. The more technolo-
gy gives us the ability to accomplish, the more
we seem to be expected to accomplish.
Maybe Bezos is right about what AI will eventu-
ally be capable of. Perhaps someday machines
really will handle enormous portions of the work
currently done by people. Perhaps productivity
will increase to such a degree that a three-day
workweek becomes realistic.
But will that happen in our lifetime? I am not
convinced.
There is another question that also needs to be
asked: If companies discover that AI allows
them to accomplish twice as much with the same
number of employees, will they really tell their
workers to go home after three days? Or will
they simply expect those workers to accomplish
twice as much?
Bezos’ vision is exciting, but I think it is much
more likely that AI will change what we do at
work than eliminate the need to work.
It sounds great. I just don’t expect to see it hap-
pen anytime soon.
RTY
Vues Master’s Note: I think it’s very likely that
AI will overtake the world in ways that are ter-
rifying.
HALACHIK CONCERNS ABOUT
ROLLING SHULS
Dear Vues Master
I recently saw an advertisement for something
called “The Rolling Shul,” and I have to admit
that I thought the idea was pretty clever. The
concept is simple: If you are having a family
event, retreat, weekend away or other gathering
in a location without a shul, a fully equipped
shul can be brought to you.
The service reportedly provides an aron kodesh,
bimah, amud, bookcases filled with siddurim,
chumashim and seforim, and even Sifrei Torah
and talleisim. It can also provide equipment for
a bris. In other words, instead of finding a shul,
you can essentially have one set up wherever
your event is taking place.
It certainly sounds convenient, and there are sit-
uations where it could be extremely useful. But
it also got me wondering about the halachic as-
pects.
Can a temporary setup like this actually be con-
sidered a shul for purposes of davening? Are
there specific requirements regarding the loca-
tion, the aron kodesh, the placement of a Sefer
Torah or the way the area is designated? Does it
make a difference whether the setup is being
used for one tefillah, an entire Shabbos, or sev-
eral days?
And what about bringing a Sefer Torah to a tem-
porary location specifically for an event? Are
there halachic concerns about moving a Sefer
Torah from its regular makom to such a setup?
I am not questioning the service at all. On the
contrary, I think it is a fascinating idea. I would
simply like to know from a competent posek
whether a “Rolling Shul” is completely kosher
l’halachah, and under what circumstances it can
properly be used.
BY
Vues Master’s Note: I can see how this would
be convenient in remote locations where shuls
aren’t available. However, I think there’s some-
thing very special about going away for a Shab-
bos and being able to explore a different com-
munity, with different minhagim, and different
types of people. Shabbos is something that
unites us and I fear a rolling shul might divide us
more. In answer to your questions specifically, I
wonder if the rolling shuls come with manuals to
answer these questions!
THE FAST TRACK
Dear Vues Master
I would like to publicly thank Councilwoman
Inna Vernikov for supporting legislation to make
it easier for New Yorkers to locate their vehicles
after they have been towed.
Anyone who has experienced having a car towed
knows how frustrating and stressful the process
can be. Trying to figure out where the vehicle
was taken, whom to contact, and how to retrieve
it can turn an already upsetting situation into a
major headache. People have enough expenses
and responsibilities without having to spend
hours trying to track down their own vehicles.
A centralized system for tracking towed vehicles
is a practical, common-sense solution that could
save New Yorkers valuable time, reduce confu-
sion, and make the process more transparent.
Residents should not have to navigate a compli-
cated system just to find out where their cars are.
I appreciate Councilwoman Vernikov for recog-
nizing this problem and working with fellow
Council Members to address an issue that affects
ordinary people across New York City. Too of-
ten, residents feel that their concerns go unheard
by City Hall. Taking action on everyday prob-
lems like this demonstrates an understanding of
what New Yorkers actually experience.
While there are certainly other important issues
facing our city, making government services
easier to navigate is a worthwhile goal. I hope
this legislation moves forward and results in a
system that is straightforward, accessible, and
helpful to every driver who needs it.
Thank you, Councilwoman Vernikov, for bring-
ing attention to this issue and working toward a
practical solution for New York City residents.
IW
Vues Master’s Note: Councilwoman Inna
Vernikov does it again!
SOCIAL MEDIA BATTLES
Dear Vues Master
In theory, Florida’s plan to restrict children’s use
of Facebook and Instagram is a great idea. I hope
New York will consider following its lead. How-
ever, I have one major question: How exactly do
they plan to enforce these restrictions?
We are living in a generation in which children
and teenagers spend countless hours staring at
screens, scrolling through videos and getting
caught up in social media. What was once a way
to communicate with friends has become an ob-
session for many young people, often at the ex-
pense of schoolwork, family time, sleep and re-
al-life relationships.
Parents are fighting an uphill battle. They can
establish rules in their own homes, but when so-
cial media companies design their platforms to
keep users scrolling for as long as possible, even
the most responsible parents face enormous
challenges. Features such as endless scrolling
and automatic video playback make it especially
difficult for young people to put their phones
down.
That is why Florida’s proposal is so appealing.
Restricting accounts belonging to younger chil-
dren, limiting teenagers’ daily usage and elimi-
nating features designed to keep them engaged
for hours could make a real difference. Technol-
ogy companies should bear some responsibility
for the impact their products have on young
people.
But how will the state determine someone’s age?
What will stop a teenager from creating an ac-
count using a parent’s information or switching
to another platform? And how will authorities
ensure that these restrictions are actually fol-
lowed?
These are serious questions that need answers.
Still, the fact that enforcement may be difficult
should not stop us from trying.
In theory, Florida is moving in the right direc-
tion. New York should study this proposal and
consider similar legislation. Protecting our chil-
dren from the harmful effects of excessive social
media use is a goal worth pursuing, provided we
can find a practical way to make it work.
WT
Vues Master’s Note: Maybe platforms should
ask you to upload an ID to verify your identity
before allowing you to create an account.
WOMEN IN POLITICS
Dear Vues Master
I found the story about Dr. Nechumi Yaffe and
Ziva Glanz particularly encouraging because it
highlights an important conversation taking
place within the Charedi community in Israel.
Both women have built impressive lives while
remaining deeply connected to Torah and fami-
ly. Dr. Yaffe is a Charedi wife and mother with
advanced degrees from Hebrew University and
Princeton who works in academia. Ziva Glanz, a
mother of five, is a business executive who helps
immigrants integrate into Israeli society. She is
also active in community initiatives, including
supporting bereaved mothers and helping ampu-
tees.
What makes their story especially significant is
their decision to enter politics through HaTzibur
HaCharedi, a new Charedi party seeking to ad-
dress problems within the community and build
a better future. Yaffe was placed third on the
party’s slate, with Glanz in fourth place.
Their candidacies send an important message: A
commitment to Torah, raising a family and pur-
suing professional or public responsibilities do
not have to be mutually exclusive.
There is no question that building a Torah home
and raising children are among the greatest con-
tributions a person can make. At the same time,
Hashem gives each person unique talents and
abilities, and we should encourage our children
to develop those gifts in ways consistent with
Torah values.
Sarah Schenirer faced opposition when she pio-
neered formal Torah education for girls. Today,
her vision is celebrated throughout the Jewish
world. Perhaps these women will similarly help
expand opportunities for the next generation.
The Charedi community can preserve its meso-
rah while embracing responsible change. Sup-
porting talented women who want to strengthen
their communities can only benefit Klal Yisrael.
RST
Vues Master’s Note: It’s a credit to these wom-
en that they are staying true to their values, rais-
ing families, and impacting klal Yisrael in a
meaningful way.
ANTISEMITISM BREEDS
STUPIDITY
Dear Vues Master
The disturbing report from Toms River, New
Jersey, about an injured man allegedly refusing
medical assistance from Orthodox Jewish EMTs
because of their appearance is sickening. If this
account is accurate, it should serve as a wake-up
call about how deeply antisemitism continues to
poison our society.
Think about the situation for a moment. Some-
one is injured in an accident, and trained emer-
gency responders arrive to help. Instead of being
grateful that people are putting themselves on
the line to assist him, he reportedly rejects their
help simply because they are Orthodox Jews.
What kind of hatred causes a person to turn
away help in a moment of need?
These EMTs are there to save lives, not to make
political statements or debate religion. They de-
serve the same respect as every other emergency
responder, and their willingness to help someone
who may despise them is a testament to their
dedication and professionalism.
What makes this especially troubling is that we
are living in America, a country founded on
principles of religious freedom and equal treat-
ment. Jewish people should not have to wonder
whether their appearance will cause someone to
hate them, threaten them, or refuse to accept
their help.
Frankly, if someone is so consumed by antisemi-
tism that he would rather reject lifesaving assis-
tance than accept help from a Jew, one has to
question whether such a person truly under-
stands the values that make America great. Ha-
tred of Jews is incompatible with the ideals this
country claims to uphold. We must speak out
against antisemitism wherever it appears. Si-
lence only allows this sickness to spread.
SW
Vues Master’s Note: You can add this kind of
hatred to the growing list of antisemitic rants
about Israel. Don’t use Waze to navigate your
trips, PillCam to examine your digestive system
non-invasively, or Israeli drip irrigation to water
your crops. And now, apparently, we can add
one more: refuse medical help simply because it
is offered by a Jew. All this proves is that anti-
semitism breeds stupidity.
PICTURE THIS
Dear Vues Master
I believe it is time for our community to have an
honest conversation about the growing expecta-
tion that pictures be included with shidduch re-
sumes. A shidduch should be about finding a
spouse with whom a person can build a Torah
home, raise a family and share a lifetime of val-
ues and commitment. Yet when a picture be-
comes a standard part of the resume, it risks
shifting the focus from who a person is to what
they look like.
Of course, physical attraction has a place in mar-
riage. Nobody is suggesting otherwise. But there
is a difference between attraction developing
naturally when two people meet and having a
photograph serve as an initial screening tool be-
fore a young man or woman has even had a
chance to be considered for their middos, per-
sonality, family background and values.
Pictures can also create unnecessary pressure,
insecurity and superficial comparisons. A photo-
graph cannot capture someone’s warmth, kind-
ness, intelligence, sense of humor or the quali-
ties that make someone a wonderful spouse. Nor
does it necessarily reflect how a person looks or
comes across in real life.
The shidduch process is already stressful enough
for singles and their families. We should not add
another source of anxiety or encourage a culture
in which people are judged prematurely based
on appearances.
Our mesorah teaches us to look beyond the su-
perficial and recognize the importance of char-
acter and middos. We should encourage shad-
chanim and families to focus first on
compatibility, values and the qualities that truly
matter in building a bayis ne’eman b’Yisrael.
A picture should never be a prerequisite for giv-
ing someone a fair chance.
AG
Vues Master’s Note: As the saying goes, “A
picture is worth a thousand words.” But a picture
doesn’t tell the full story. If someone suggests a
shidduch to you, try learning about the person
before you judge them by their picture. Would
you dismiss a person for a job position before
you interview them based on a picture? Same
idea. Sadly, there’s no real way to change this
system unless everyone goes along with the
idea. If you’re the only one who refuses to show
a picture, you’ll be the one without a date.
MUSICAL HALLEL
Dear Vues Master
I am increasingly troubled by a new trend in
some shuls: having the chazzan accompany Hal-
lel with a guitar on Rosh Chodesh and Chol
Hamoed Sukkos and Pesach. While the intention
may be to create a more uplifting atmosphere, I
believe we need to ask whether this approach is
appropriate for tefillah.
Hallel is one of the most beautiful expressions of
our gratitude to the Ribbono Shel Olam. On
these special days, we gather to praise Hashem
for His kindness, celebrate the nissim He per-
formed for our ancestors and recognize His pres-
ence in our lives. The words themselves carry
extraordinary meaning and do not need a musi-
cal performance to make them powerful.
There is certainly a place for music in Yiddish-
keit. Music can inspire, elevate the spirit and
bring people together. However, there is a differ-
ence between singing zemiros around a Shabbos
table, enjoying music at a simchah and introduc-
ing instruments into the regular tefillos of the
shul.
When a guitar becomes the centerpiece of Hal-
lel, there is a danger that the focus shifts from
the words of Tehillim and the mitzvah of prais-
ing Hashem to the melody, the musician and the
atmosphere being created. Tefillah should not
become a performance designed to make daven-
ing more entertaining.
Our mesorah has sustained generations of Yid-
den through centuries of challenges. We should
be careful before changing the character of our
tefillos in an effort to make them more appealing
or contemporary. Hallel is already uplifting
when said with kavana, feeling and genuine ha-
karas hatov. We do not need a guitar to remind us
Whom we are praising.
JN
Vues Master’s Note: Music can certainly in-
spire and enhance our praise of Hashem, and
there are halachic discussions regarding the use
of musical instruments during Hallel under cer-
tain circumstances. However, whether a guitar is
appropriate during Hallel on Rosh Chodesh or
Chol Hamoed is a question that should not be
decided on our own. Everyone should consult
their local rav, who can guide them based on hal-
achah and the minhag of their shul. The goal
must always be to enhance our tefillah and praise
of Hashem, while maintaining the proper respect
for davening.
GOING OUR SEPARATE WAYS
Dear Vues Master
Every year, when the Yomim Noraim arrive, my
wife and I face the same situation. We end up
davening at different minyanim because we en-
joy different styles of davening. My wife partic-
ularly enjoys a minyan with more singing, while
I prefer a different style of davening. As a result,
we spend these special days davening separate-
ly, and I have to admit that it bothers me.
My wife, however, sees things differently. She
argues that allowing each of us to daven where
we feel most comfortable is actually an example
of shalom bayis. In her opinion, there is no rea-
son to turn something as meaningful as the Yo-
mim Noraim into a disagreement simply be-
cause we have different preferences.
I understand her point. The Yomim Noraim are a
time for teshuvah, tefillah and coming closer to
Hakadosh Baruch Hu. If singing helps my wife
feel more connected to the tefillos, I certainly
don’t want to take that away from her. At the
same time, I always thought there was some-
thing special about a husband and wife sharing
these experiences together, especially on Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Is it unreasonable to want us to daven together,
even if one of us has to compromise on the style
of davening? Or is my wife right that shalom
bayis sometimes means accepting that we con-
nect to tefillah in different ways?
I would appreciate hearing what other couples
do. Do you believe that davening together on the
Yomim Noraim is important enough to compro-
mise on personal preferences, or should each
spouse daven where they feel most inspired? Af-
ter all, perhaps true shalom bayis means finding
the right balance between sharing our Yom Tov
experiences and respecting each other’s indi-
vidual needs.
AW
Vues Master’s Note: If you’re davening in an
Orthodox minyan, then you’re davening sepa-
rately anyway. Happy wife, happy life. Daven in
your separate minyanim or else join hers.
THE CHOICE BETWEEN POTATO
CHIPS AND A BANANA
Dear Vues Master
I recently read a report claiming that many
fruits, vegetables and grains contain significant-
ly fewer vitamins and minerals than they did 60
years ago. According to research cited in the re-
port, some foods have lost between 20% and
50% of certain nutrients. If these findings are ac-
curate, it raises some serious questions about the
food we eat every day.
The explanation offered is that modern agricul-
ture has focused primarily on increasing crop
yields, producing larger quantities of food while
paying less attention to nutritional content. The
report also points to declining soil health, chang-
es in crop varieties and even rising carbon diox-
ide levels as possible contributing factors.
If this is true, it is quite troubling. Generations of
Americans have been encouraged to eat more
fruits, vegetables and whole grains for their
health. Yet, if those foods are becoming less nu-
tritious, are we getting the same benefits our par-
ents and grandparents received? Could this help
explain why some people struggle to obtain ad-
equate amounts of essential vitamins and miner-
als despite having access to plenty of food?
At the same time, the report acknowledges that
not every food has lost nutrients and that some
scientific studies question how widespread these
declines actually are. Differences in growing
conditions and testing methods can also compli-
cate comparisons with the past.I would like to
know whether these claims are supported by a
scientific consensus or whether the findings are
being exaggerated. If the problem is real, why
haven’t governments, agricultural scientists and
food producers made nutritional quality a higher
priority?
We have made enormous advances in food pro-
duction. Shouldn’t ensuring that our food is nu-
tritious be just as important as producing more
of it?
RC
Vues Master’s Note: Some studies have docu-
mented declines in specific nutrients in certain
crops, while the scale and causes of broader his-
torical changes remain debated. If you’re decid-
ing between a banana and potato chips, the
healthier choice is still a banana!
MUSIC
Dear Vues Master:
I love davening, and I love davening on the Yom
Tovim even more. However, I’m undecided
about whether I enjoy the concerts chazzanim
have been giving in shul lately.
This past Sukkos, my chazzan ended the final
Kaddish after mussaf with the tune of the song
“Thank You Hashem” by Joey Newcomb. The
entire shul hummed the niggun for three whole
minutes! Another chazzan performed tune after
tune from Eitan Katz’s greatest hits.
Is that what shul is supposed to be about? I un-
derstand that music can help people connect to
davening, and I appreciate that. But should dav-
ening in shul feel like attending a concert?
AC
Vues Master’s Note: What would you say about
the concerts the Leviim put on in the Bais
Hamikdash 354 days a year, accompanied by a
hundred-piece band?!
MAMA
Dear Vues Master:
This coming Thursday is the yahrzeit of Rachel
Imeinu. Mama Rachel was the quintessential
mother, the mother of all Jews. Her life was
filled with hardship, yet she rose above it all. She
was a true Jewish woman and the mother of us
all. Do you think she was the most beloved
woman in Tanach? It always bothered me that
she wasn’t buried alongside Yaakov Avinu in
Me’aras Hamachpeilah. Yet, perhaps there is a
reason she was buried separately. Jews go out of
their way to visit Mama Rachel specifically,
pouring out their hearts and tefillos at her kever.
FR
Vues Master’s Note: A mother knows best—
and helps the most!