20 Oct 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.
IT DEPENDS WHERE YOU ARE
Dear Vues Master
This past Sunday, Jews in Eretz Yisrael began adding v’ten
tal umatar livrachah in Bareich Aleinu of Shemoneh Esrei.
In the United States, however, we do not begin saying v’ten
tal umatar until Motzaei Shabbos, December 5.
This difference is especially important for those traveling
to Israel before December 5. While davening in Israel, one
should say v’ten berachah in Bareich Aleinu and add v’ten
tal umatar livrachah in Shema Koleinu, before the words ki
Atah shomeia. Upon returning to the United States, one
must continue this practice until December 5, when we be-
gin saying v’ten tal umatar in Bareich Aleinu.
It is important to remember that if one forgets to insert
v’ten tal umatar livrachah in Shema Koleinu while follow-
ing this procedure, one must repeat Shemoneh Esrei, ac-
cording to the applicable halachic guidelines.
There is also an important point for those serving as chaz-
zan. During chazaras hashatz, the chazzan should follow
the practice of the minyan he is leading, saying the appro-
priate text for that congregation.
These details may seem minor, but they are important parts
of our daily tefillos. With many people traveling back &
forth to Eretz Yisrael during this season, a timely reminder
can help prevent confusion and ensure that our tefillos are
said properly.
RT
Vues Master’s Note: This is an interesting halacha. Thanks
for the reminder!
A $50 TICKET — AND A VERY TROUBLING
MESSAGE
Dear Vues Master:
I would like to share an experience that happened to me
this week, and perhaps warn other homeowners to think
twice before providing their addresses when calling 311 to
report a problem.
After noticing that our block had not been cleaned by the
Department of Sanitation for quite some time, I called 311
to report the situation. That was it. I wasn’t rude, I wasn’t
confrontational, and I wasn’t asking for anything unrea-
sonable. I simply wanted our street cleaned.
Approximately 15 hours later, a Sanitation inspector ap-
peared at my home and issued me a $50 summons for a few
leaves in the street in front of my house. Not on my side-
walk. In the street.
But here’s where the story becomes even more disturbing.
The summons was written for 8:00 a.m., yet the inspector
did not appear at my door until 9:19 a.m. My front-door
security camera documents his arrival, and there is no foot-
age showing an inspector appearing at my door at 8:00 a.m.
Why was the summons issued with a time of 8:00 a.m.?
Was an inspection actually conducted at that hour? And if
so, where is the documentation?
These are legitimate questions that deserve legitimate an-
swers.
And there’s more.
Our entire block has leaves and garbage scattered along the
street. Yet, somehow, I was the only homeowner singled
out and issued a summons.
What an extraordinary coincidence!
I cannot prove what motivated this inspector, but the tim-
ing and selective enforcement certainly raise serious ques-
tions. Was this retaliation for having the audacity to com-
plain that the Sanitation Department wasn’t doing its job?
I want to make something abundantly clear. This is not
about $50. I can pay the $50. What I find deeply disturbing
is the possibility that a taxpayer who reports a legitimate
problem can suddenly become the target of enforcement.
We are constantly encouraged to call 311 when something
in our neighborhood needs attention. But what kind of
message does this send? Should residents be afraid to
speak up? Should we remain silent rather than risk being
singled out?
My advice to fellow homeowners is simple: Think very
carefully before giving your home address when making a
complaint to 311, unless it is absolutely necessary.
I have photographs and security-camera footage docu-
menting the circumstances surrounding this incident, in-
cluding the inspector’s appearance at my door.
If the Department of Sanitation believes this was simply
routine enforcement, I would welcome an explanation as to
why my property alone was targeted when the same condi-
tions existed throughout the block. I would also appreciate
an explanation for the discrepancy between the time on the
summons and the inspector’s documented arrival at my
door.
Public agencies are supposed to serve the public, not in-
timidate the people who ask them to do their jobs.
And to the Department of Sanitation, I would say this: A
$50 summons may seem insignificant to you, but the prin-
ciple behind it is anything but insignificant.
Caveat emptor — let the public beware.
A Concerned Brooklyn Homeowner
Vues Master’s Note: You have every right to
be suspicious! Thanks for sharing your story.
HIGH STAKES
Dear Vues Master
With Israel’s October 27 elections approach-
ing, every member of Klal Yisroel should un-
derstand how important this election is. The
outcome will affect not only who leads the
country, but also the future of the yeshiva
world and the ability of Torah institutions to
continue their sacred work.
The polls show a divided country, with nei-
ther political bloc assured of the 61 seats
needed to form a government. In such a close
race, every vote matters. A relatively small
change in turnout could determine which par-
ties hold the balance of power.
For the Charedi community, the stakes are es-
pecially high. The ongoing draft crisis, the ar-
rests of yeshiva bochurim, and the failure to
pass legislation protecting those who dedicate
their lives to Torah learning have created tre-
mendous uncertainty. Our representatives
must make it clear that protecting the right to
learn Torah is not a minor coalition demand. It
is a fundamental priority.
At the same time, internal divisions and frus-
tration with political leaders must not cause
people to stay home or cast protest votes with-
out considering the consequences. When the
margin between gaining and losing a Knesset
seat is so small, every vote can have an enor-
mous impact.
We may disagree about politicians and politi-
cal strategies, but we must recognize what is
at stake. The strength of our representation
can influence the decisions that affect our
mosdos, our yeshivos, and the next generation
of Torah learners.
This is not an election to take lightly. Every
eligible voter must follow the guidance of
Gedolei Yisroel and make sure to vote.
The future of the yeshiva world may depend
on it.
IBG
Vues Master’s Note: You can’t complain
about your leaders if you don’t bother to vote.
But in the case of Israeli elections, you’ll
probably be able to vote a second time. And a
third. Maybe even a fourth!
A MASTERFUL DVAR TORAH
WITH GEMATRIA
Dear Vues Master
According to Kabbalah, a letter with a dagesh
is doubled. So if you take the word “na” in the
phrase “Ana Hashem Hoshia Na,” which has
a dagesh in the nun, you get a nun, nun, and
aleph.
If you take the hidden letters of those three
letters (the letters you get when each letter is
fully spelled out), you get a vav and nun for
each nun, plus a lamed and pei for the aleph.
Taking the hidden letters of those six letters
gives you a vav, vav, and nun, twice, which
adds up to 124. Adding a mem, daled, and hei
brings the total to 173, the number of passen-
gers on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073.
According to Ashkenazic custom, the six
movements during Hallel are divided among
four words, with a forward and rightward
movement for “Ana,” followed by a back-
ward and leftward movement for “Hoshia.”
The final word, “Na,” is then accompanied by
an upward-to-downward movement.
In essence, this past Sukkos, we davened,
“Ana Hashem Hoshia”—Hashem, please
save us—followed by “Na,” as 173 passen-
gers descended on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073.
“Hodu LaHashem Ki Tov.”
Meir Miller
Vues Master’s Note: You lost me at “Dear
Vues Master…” but this is probably fascinat-
ing if you can follow it!
AN IRRESPONSIBLE RAFFLE
Dear Vues Master
I am writing to express my sincere concern
after seeing the advertisement promoting a
raffle featuring 11 bottles of expensive whis-
key in your community newspaper.
As a frum newspaper serving a Torah-obser-
vant community, I believe you have a respon-
sibility to consider not only what you publish,
but also the messages you communicate
through the advertisements you choose to ac-
cept.
How can you, on the one hand, educate our
children about kedushah, self-control, and
living according to Torah values, while on the
other hand prominently advertise a raffle that
celebrates bottles of whiskey as prizes?
Alcohol misuse is a serious concern in many
communities, including our own. Families
can suffer deeply from the consequences of
excessive drinking, and you should be espe-
cially sensitive to those who struggle with
alcohol-related problems, as well as the fam-
ilies who bear the consequences.
Of course, there is a place for wine and other
alcoholic beverages in certain Jewish set-
tings, and I am not suggesting that every
mention of alcohol is inappropriate. How-
ever, there is a significant difference be-
tween alcohol having a defined place in Jew-
ish life and actively promoting it as something
exciting, prestigious, and desirable to win.
Our newspapers help shape the atmosphere
and values of our community. They have an
opportunity to promote Torah, chesed, family,
achrayus, and healthy choices. Should we not
give serious thought to whether advertise-
ments of this nature are consistent with that
responsibility?
I am writing not to criticize, but out of genu-
ine concern and a desire to see our community
publications reflect the highest standards of
Torah life..
Respectfully,
AL
Vues Master’s Note: I appreciate your note,
but I believe our obsession with alcohol has
become extreme. Alcohol should be used re-
sponsibly. A raffle where the prize is expen-
sive alcoholic beverages doesn’t cause alco-
holism. Irresponsibility and excessiveness
cause alcoholism, just as excessiveness with
food causes obesity. This is a good opportu-
nity to teach our children that we can enjoy
fine wine and gourmet food with limits and to
drink responsibly around our children.
A FLYING FIASCO
Dear Vues Master
Elon Musk is once again pushing the bound-
aries of technology, with plans for a next-gen-
eration Tesla Roadster that could reportedly
perform airborne maneuvers using rocket-
powered thrusters. Production is being tar-
geted for 2028, although whether these ex-
traordinary capabilities will become reality
remains to be seen.
But this raises a serious question: Who is go-
ing to regulate these vehicles if they actually
take to the air?
Our government is already struggling to keep
up with the growing use of drones. Unauthor-
ized drones have raised concerns around air-
ports, public events, critical infrastructure and
sensitive government facilities. Authorities
are still working to establish effective ways to
monitor them, identify their operators and
prevent dangerous activity.
Now imagine thousands of privately owned
vehicles capable of leaving the road and en-
tering the airspace above our homes, high-
ways and neighborhoods. Who will determine
where they can fly? Will drivers need pilot li-
censes? What happens if one loses control
and crashes into a house or another vehicle?
Who will be responsible for enforcing air traf-
fic rules when someone decides to use a flying
car to avoid a traffic jam?
Our skies are already becoming more crowd-
ed, and the technology is advancing faster
than the laws designed to control it. The Fed-
eral Aviation Administration and other agen-
cies will need clear rules, enforcement pow-
ers and the technology to monitor these
vehicles before they become widely avail-
able.
Innovation is exciting, and Musk has every
right to pursue ambitious ideas. But techno-
logical progress must come with responsibil-
ity. We should not wait for a serious accident
before deciding how to regulate flying cars.
If we are having difficulty managing drones
today, are we really prepared for flying cars
tomorrow?
FT
Vues Master’s Note: I’m all for flying cars if
it means less traffic on the Belt Parkway!
A TALE OF TWO LEADERS
Dear Vues Master:
At a time when Israel faces enormous security
challenges and the future of the Middle East
remains uncertain, leadership matters more
than ever. That is why Prime Minister Benja-
min Netanyahu remains the right choice for
Israel.
President Donald Trump’s public endorse-
ment of Netanyahu sends an important mes-
sage. Netanyahu responded by thanking
Trump for his tremendous support and their
joint work, adding, “Together we will com-
plete the mission!”
Those words reflect something essential: Is-
rael needs a leader who understands that its
security depends not only on military strength
but also on strong relationships with America
and the ability to work with the president of
the United States.
Trump and Netanyahu may not agree on ev-
ery issue, but their cooperation is critical at a
time when Israel faces threats from Iran and
its terrorist proxies. The relationship between
Jerusalem and Washington can have a direct
impact on Israel’s ability to defend itself and
protect its citizens.
Netanyahu has faced tremendous criticism,
political opposition and difficult decisions
throughout the war. Agreeing with every deci-
sion he makes is not necessary to recognize
the enormous responsibilities he carries.
Leading Israel during wartime is an extraordi-
narily difficult task, and the stakes could not
be higher.
The question facing Israeli voters is not
whether Netanyahu is perfect. No leader is.
The question is who has the experience, deter-
mination and international relationships nec-
essary to guide Israel through this dangerous
period.
Trump’s endorsement reinforces the impor-
tance of maintaining a strong working rela-
tionship between the two leaders. At this criti-
cal moment, replacing experienced leadership
with uncertainty could carry serious conse-
quences.
Israel needs strength, experience and a clear
commitment to victory. Netanyahu has dem-
onstrated that he is prepared to continue lead-
ing that effort.
TP
Vues Master’s Note: The dream team will
prevail!
FEAR IN FRANCE
Dear Vues Master
Is it just me, or is the world getting scarier by
the day? The recent vandalism of a shul in
Paris, where furniture was smashed, religious
items were scattered and tefillin were left ly-
ing on the floor, should send a shudder
through every Yid.
A shul is a makom tefillah, a place where Yid-
den come to daven to Hashem, learn Torah
and connect with the Ribbono Shel Olam. To
see such a place desecrated is heartbreaking.
It is not merely an attack on a building; it is an
attack on Klal Yisrael and on the freedom to
live as Yidden without fear.
What makes this even more frightening is that
the attack comes amid widespread riots and
violence across France. Jewish residents are
increasingly worried about their future, won-
dering whether their children will be able to
grow up safely in the country where their
families have lived for generations.
We have seen this pattern throughout history.
When hatred and lawlessness spread, Yidden
too often become targets. Antisemitism that is
ignored today can become a much greater
danger tomorrow. Governments must under-
stand that protecting Jewish communities is
not optional. Those who attack shuls and
threaten Yidden must be held accountable.
As Yidden, we know that ultimately, every-
thing is in the hands of the Ribbono Shel
Olam. We must strengthen our tefillos, in-
crease our limud haTorah and remain united
as a community. At the same time, govern-
ments must take real action to protect their
Jewish citizens.
It is frightening to see what is happening in
the world. We must never become complacent
or accept antisemitism as the new normal.
May Hashem protect Klal Yisrael wherever
Yidden live and bring us the geulah sheleimah
speedily in our days.
DC
Vues Master’s Note: It’s a scary world, espe-
cially for Yidden.
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 enjoy different styles of davening. My
wife particularly enjoys a minyan with more
singing, while I prefer a different style of dav-
ening. As a result, we spend these special
days davening separately, 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 reason to turn something as mean-
ingful as the Yomim Noraim into a disagree-
ment simply because we have different pref-
erences.
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 te-
fillos, I certainly don’t want to take that away
from her. At the same time, I always thought
there was something special about a husband
and wife sharing these experiences together,
especially on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kip-
pur.
Is it unreasonable to want us to daven togeth-
er, 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 connect 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
compromise on personal preferences, or
should each spouse daven where they feel
most inspired? After all, perhaps true shalom
bayis means finding the right balance between
sharing our Yom Tov experiences and respect-
ing each other’s individual needs.
AW
Vues Master’s Note: If you’re a frum person
you are davening separately anyway. Happy
wife, happy life. Daven in your separate min-
yanim 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 signifi-
cantly fewer vitamins and minerals than they
did 60 years ago. According to research cited
in the report, some foods have lost between
20% and 50% of certain nutrients. If these
findings are accurate, it raises some serious
questions about the food we eat every day.
The explanation offered is that modern agri-
culture 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, changes in crop varieties and even
rising carbon dioxide levels as possible con-
tributing 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 nutritious, are we getting the same bene-
fits our parents and grandparents received?
Could this help explain why some people
struggle to obtain adequate amounts of essen-
tial vitamins and minerals despite having ac-
cess 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 wide-
spread these declines actually are. Differenc-
es in growing conditions and testing methods
can also complicate comparisons with the
past.
I would like to know whether these claims are
supported by a scientific consensus or wheth-
er 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
production. Shouldn’t ensuring that our food
is nutritious be just as important as producing
more of it?
RC
Vues Master’s Note: Some studies have doc-
umented declines in specific nutrients in cer-
tain crops, while the scale and causes of
broader historical changes remain debated.
That being said… if you’re choosing between
a banana and potato chips, the healthier
choice is still a banana!
POLITICAL EXCLUSION
Dear Vues Master
I have generally supported Binyamin Netan-
yahu and believe he has been the right leader
for Eretz Yisrael during some of its most dif-
ficult years. However, the recent accusation
by Itamar Ben-Gvir that Netanyahu secretly
promised European governments that Ben-
Gvir and Otzma Yehudit would be excluded
from the next government is deeply troubling.
Let me be clear: These are allegations, and
Likud has strongly denied them. Ben-Gvir
has not publicly presented documentary evi-
dence, and the claims have not been indepen-
dently verified. Nevertheless, if they turn out
to be true, I would have to reconsider my sup-
port for Netanyahu.
Israel needs a strong right-wing government
that stands firm on security, fights terrorism
and puts the interests of the Jewish people
first. If Netanyahu is privately promising for-
eign governments that a legitimate right-wing
coalition partner will be excluded, while pub-
licly telling Israeli voters something different,
that raises serious questions about his honesty
and priorities.
Why should European governments have a
say in who serves in Israel’s government? Is-
raeli voters, not foreign leaders, should decide
the direction of their country. We cannot de-
mand that Israel stand independently against
international pressure while secretly making
political promises to gain acceptance abroad.
I am not automatically in favor of everything
Ben-Gvir says or does. However, this is big-
ger than one politician. It is about trust, trans-
parency and whether Netanyahu is being hon-
est with the people who support him.
I have supported Bibi, and I would prefer to
continue doing so. But loyalty cannot mean
giving any politician a blank check.
If these allegations are proven true, Netanya-
hu should not win my vote. Israel deserves
leadership that stands behind its commitments
and puts the country first.
MS
Vues Master’s Note: The world at large
seems to think they have a say in how Eretz
Yisrael runs its government. Why should Eu-
rope be any different?
A PRIVATE MATTER
Dear Vues Master
This is absolutely crazy. Rav Dov Lior is a
tremendous talmid chacham and one of the
most respected rabbonim in the Religious Zi-
onist community. The idea that Israeli author-
ities are even considering a criminal investi-
gation against him over a halachic ruling is
deeply troubling.
According to reports, Rav Lior issued a hala-
chic ruling permitting Jews to harvest olives
from Palestinian-owned groves. An organiza-
tion called Rabbis for Human Rights claims
that this ruling could encourage Jews to enter
private property and take olives without per-
mission. Based on that complaint, the authori-
ties are considering whether he should be in-
vestigated for incitement and other alleged
offenses.
But there is a major difference between a rov
issuing a halachic ruling and explicitly in-
structing people to commit a crime or engage
in violence. Rav Lior’s ruling reportedly con-
tains no explicit call for violence, and even
legal officials have acknowledged that the
grounds for prosecution are unclear.
If people disagree with Rav Lior’s interpreta-
tion of halacha, they can challenge his ruling
through legitimate religious and legal chan-
nels. But why should a respected talmid cha-
cham face the threat of a criminal investiga-
tion simply because his halachic position is
controversial?
Of course, nobody should assume that private
property can be taken unlawfully. The details
of the ruling and the circumstances matter.
But those questions should be examined fair-
ly, without rushing to treat a rov like a crimi-
nal.
Our rabbonim dedicate their lives to Torah
and Klal Yisrael. They deserve respect, and
any attempt to criminalize a Torah ruling must
be approached with extreme caution.
BTY
Vues Master’s Note: Stay off of private
property and respect your Rabbanim. Two
great lessons in this letter!