27 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.
STICKING TO OUR VALUES
Dear Vues Master
As Election Day draws near, I believe our community needs
to take an honest look at how we judge the candidates seek-
ing our support.
There is no question that elected officials can be valuable al-
lies. Our yeshivos, mosdos, and families depend on govern-
ment decisions that affect funding, education, and essential
services. Maintaining relationships with those in office is
both necessary and responsible. But should those relation-
ships determine our entire political outlook?
A candidate’s willingness to help our community is impor-
tant, but it cannot be the only measure of his or her worth.
What about personal values, positions on moral issues, atti-
tudes toward Eretz Yisroel, and the direction in which they
want to lead our country? These are not minor details that can
be brushed aside whenever a politician delivers something
beneficial to us.
Unfortunately, campaign season often brings an abundance
of public praise, smiling photographs, and enthusiastic en-
dorsements whenever an elected official provides funding or
assistance. Yet we rarely see the same energy devoted to ex-
amining that official’s broader record.
We teach our children that Torah values must guide our deci-
sions, even when standing by those values comes at a cost.
We remind them that not everything can be measured in dol-
lars. Shouldn’t those same principles apply when we enter
the political arena?
Supporting a candidate does not require agreeing with every
position he or she holds. Nor does working with an elected
official mean we must offer unconditional public approval.
There is a meaningful difference between cooperation for the
community’s benefit and giving someone our wholehearted
endorsement.
Our community deserves leaders who understand that dis-
tinction. We can pursue practical needs without losing sight
of our convictions.
Ultimately, the question is not simply what a politician can
do for us. It is also whether our choices reflect the values we
claim to live by.
RTP
Vues Master’s Note: Here’s your point that stuck with me
the most: “We teach our children that Torah values must
guide our decisions, even when standing by those values
comes at a cost. We remind them that not everything can be
measured in dollars. Shouldn’t those same principles apply
when we enter the political arena?”
HOCHUL OR BLAKEMAN: WHAT MATTERS
MOST TO THE FRUM COMMUNITY?
Dear Vues Master
As New York approaches Election Day, Orthodox Jewish
voters face an important decision: Should we prioritize ac-
cess to Albany and tangible benefits for our community, or
elect a governor who promises to take a stronger stand
against Zohran Mamdani?
Governor Kathy Hochul deserves credit for supporting the
new federal scholarship tax credit program, which could
provide meaningful tuition relief for yeshiva families begin-
ning in 2027. For families struggling to pay tuition, this is no
small matter. Her relationships with prominent askanim and
Chassidish leaders have also helped strengthen her standing
in parts of our community.
However, one cannot ignore the concerns surrounding her
relationship with Mamdani. Many frum voters are worried
about his positions on Israel, antisemitism, and public safe-
ty. They want a governor who will stand firm when City Hall
advances policies that conflict with our community’s values
and interests.
Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman has made these con-
cerns central to his campaign. Over the past six months, he
has met with rabbanim throughout New York, visited Jewish
institutions, and demonstrated his support for Hatzalah, in-
cluding a recent visit to the Hatzalah Museum in Lawrence.
Of course, meeting rabbanim and supporting Jewish organi-
zations does not automatically make someone a better gov-
ernor. Both candidates must be judged on their records,
policies, and ability to deliver.
Ultimately, this election is about more than party loyalty or
endorsements. Tuition relief matters, but so do public safety,
support for Israel, and confronting antisemitism.
Our community must carefully weigh these priorities and
decide which candidate will best protect our interests and
represent our values in Albany.
NY
Vues Master’s Note: This is a tricky election and our votes
count more than ever.
JUST WHAT THE KALLAH ORDERED
Dear Vues Master
There are moments when the true greatness of Klal Yisrael
shines through, reminding us what makes our people so spe-
cial. A remarkable story from Lakewood’s Hearthstone
neighborhood is a beautiful example of Mi K’amcha Yisrael.
With just 45 minutes remaining until shkiah on
Friday afternoon, a Lakewood family prepar-
ing for a Shabbos sheva brachos discovered
that its caterer had failed to arrive. The food for
an entire Shabbos was missing, and the chos-
son and kallah were expecting a beautiful sim-
cha.
What happened next was nothing short of ex-
traordinary.
Neighbors immediately mobilized. Families
opened their refrigerators and freezers, bring-
ing challahs, kugels and prepared dishes. The
Rietti family contributed food originally pre-
pared for their daughter’s bas mitzvah, while
bochurim from Hearthstone shul offered the
cholent and kugel prepared for their own Fri-
day night program.
Mr. Waldman and his family went far beyond
providing food. They organized the entire
event, arranging tables, centerpieces and all
the details needed to ensure that the chosson
and kallah would experience a beautiful sheva
brachos. Their efforts continued throughout
Shabbos, with neighbors, Green’s Catering and
others contributing to the meals.
Think about it: While everyone was preparing
for their own Shabbos, they took time, energy
and resources to help another Yid in distress.
Nobody stopped to calculate the cost or ask
whose responsibility it was. They simply saw a
fellow Yid who needed help and responded.
This is the essence of chesed. It is not merely
giving someone food; it is preserving another
person’s dignity, preventing disappointment
and ensuring that a simcha remains a simcha.
Mi K’amcha Yisrael! How fortunate we are to
belong to a nation whose members instinctive-
ly come together when another Yid needs help.
May we always hear such wonderful stories,
and may this spirit of achdus and chesed con-
tinue to inspire all of us.
TY
Vues Master’s Note: And I bet the homemade
food was better than the catered food would
have been!
GOOD MORNINGS MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Dear Vues Master
In Parshas Lech Lecha we learn that Hashem
told Avrohom that He will give a brocha to
anyone who blesses Avrohom.
Rav Shmuel Felder, shlita, noted posek in
Lakewood, wrote the following in a letter:
“V’avrocha m’varechcha – that which Hashem
told Avrohom applies to all of Avrohom’s de-
scendants for all generations. …When you say
“Good Morning” and “Good Night’’ – if you
mean what you say, then itis a brocha that the
person should have a successful morning or a
good evening. Therefore, if you say ‘Good
Morning’ to 10 people, you receive 10 brochos
from Hashem! That, in itself, is amazing, but
there is more!
In the Sefer Avodas HaMelech, it says that ev-
ery time a person has intention of giving his
friend a brocha, he is m’kayim the mitzvah of
‘V’ahavta l’reiecha k’mocha.’ It comes out
that if a person says ‘Good Morning’ to 10
people and he means what he is saying, he re-
ceives 10 mitzvos d’ Oraysa and he receives 10
brochos from Hashem.
Besides these two things, when you say “Good
Morning” to a person, you are m’chazek the
person because you are making that person feel
important. In conclusion, if a person accus-
toms himself to say “Good Morning” and
“Good Evening” with some thought to what he
is saying, during the course of a year, he can
receive thousands of brochos from Hashem
and thousands of mitzvos from the Torah.
This can bring a change in his whole life!!”
So, as a zehus for ourselves and our families
and for all of Klal Yisroel, may Hashem help
us to internalize the message of Rav Felder,
shlita. Please join the campaign to “Say Good
Morning!”
B’kavod,
Rabbi Dovid Flagler, remedial rebbi Mirrer
Yeshiva K’tana
Rabbi Ovadiah Mansour, author of The Power-
ful Hello
Vues Master’s Note: Good morning to you
and may your day be filled with bracha!
YERUSHA WOES
Dear Vues Master
It’s that time of year again. Chanukah time. It’s
the one time of the year when we hope our
monetarily comfortable parents will dig a little
deeper and not come up “basically empty-
handed”.
A few years ago I wrote in a letter to the Jewish
Vues about my wealthy parents. Were they su-
per wealthy ? No. But quite comfortable. Sure-
ly the money they had in savings they would
never use because of several reasons. They
didn’t need it. They were both receiving
monthly checks from different sources. Social
security. Retirement. 401k. IRAs. Investments.
You get my point. My parents would never
touch that money. It’s the yerushuh for the
kids, was what they told us and everyone else
!!
There’s only one problem. Even though in es-
sence it belongs to us, our parents find NO
reason to give us any of it until after 120.
There is an unspoken rule in all of Europe.
Once one parent passes away, the inheritance
is automatically divided in half. Half goes to
the surviving spouse and the other half is di-
vided amongst the children. Our parents are
European. Why is it that this was not done.
Mother passed away very recently. We could
all use the help. We really could. We are also
not getting any younger. And yet Father still
thinks that the shrouds have pockets. Doesn’t
Father realize that not only is this not helpful
but it’s a detriment in every way we feel !!!
We are so good to our father. Father can call
any of us and we JUMP. We RUN !!!
There was a post this week on social media. It
was very simple. There is a man standing in
front of a board holding post it notes.
This is what he says.
If you have adult children in their 30s 40s or
50s (he doesn’t even mention 60s)
Your adult children should not have to wait un-
til you’re gone to benefit from the inheritance.
Especially in these days when expenses far ex-
ceed income. Camps. Tuitions. Groceries. Gas.
Cars. Insurance. The list is endless.
If you own a home, have retirement accounts,
cash, or investments, you can
1. leave those assets for your children to in-
herit after you pass away which is the cop out.
Or….
2. . you may also choose to gift some of that
money to them now while you are still alive.
Not all. Just some.
And enjoy as you watch them use that money
for nice things. Hmmmm. Which parent are
you ???
LD
Vues Master’s Note: I’m sure you could use
the help right now, and yet… you sound pretty
entitled. At the end of the day, it’s your father’s
money. He gets to decide what he wants to do
with it and when he does it. As long as he’s not
a financial burden to you, there’s not much you
can say. In the meantime, it’s your job to honor
your father. But as a warning: If your father
mysteriously dies one day, I’m pointing the
cops to you…
SAY GOODBYE TO THE HORSES
Dear Vues Master
It is heartbreaking to think that New York
City’s iconic horse-drawn carriages may soon
become a thing of the past. For more than 150
years, these carriages have been part of the
character and charm of Manhattan, giving visi-
tors a special way to experience Central Park.
People from all over the world have enjoyed
taking a ride through the park. For generations,
it has been a memorable experience for fami-
lies, tourists and New Yorkers alike. It was also
a particularly popular choice for dates, with
countless couples enjoying a carriage ride
through the park. For many, it was the perfect
setting to pop the question and ask for some-
one’s hand in marriage, creating memories that
would last a lifetime.
Of course, the recent tragic accident that
claimed the life of an 18-year-old tourist is
deeply upsetting. His family deserves our sym-
pathy, and every reasonable effort must be
made to protect passengers, drivers and the
horses themselves. Animal welfare must be
taken seriously, with proper veterinary care,
safe working conditions, appropriate rest and
strict oversight.
But does the answer have to be eliminating the
entire industry? Rather than ending a tradition
that has brought joy to so many people, the city
should explore stronger safety regulations, im-
proved training and other measures that would
allow the carriages to continue operating re-
sponsibly.
More than 150 drivers and their families also
depend on this livelihood. There must be a way
to protect the animals and the public without
erasing a cherished part of New York’s history.
New York City is famous for its character and
traditions. Let us protect the horses, improve
safety and find a responsible solution that al-
lows future generations to enjoy this beloved
attraction and create romantic memories of
their own.
RTY
Vues Master’s Note: It’s very sad what hap-
pened to the tourist, and it’s a real tragedy. It’s
easier for NYC to fix the problem by getting
rid of it completely instead of looking for real
solutions.
A SMART SOLUTION TO THE
CHAREDI DRAFT
Dear Vues Master
There may be a practical response to the ongo-
ing conflict between the Israeli government
and the chareidi community over the drafting
of yeshivah bachurim.
The American frum community represents a
significant source of tourism to Eretz Yisrael,
contributing substantial sums to the Israeli
economy through airline travel, hotels, restau-
rants, shopping, and other expenditures.
If the Israeli government is unwilling to re-
spect the deeply held religious convictions and
sensitivities of the religious community, per-
haps it is time for American frum Jews to con-
sider exercising their considerable economic
influence.
A coordinated boycott of travel to Israel, until
the longstanding arrangements exempting full-
time yeshivah students from military service
are restored and the senseless imprisonment of
yeshivah students is stopped, would send a
powerful message. Such a measure would not
be undertaken lightly, given our profound at-
tachment to Eretz Yisrael and our desire to sup-
port its economy. Nevertheless, economic
pressure may succeed where appeals and pro-
tests have failed.
One suspects that if the financial consequences
became sufficiently apparent, government of-
ficials would sit up and take notice.
Yisroel Stayhome
Vues Master’s Note: Let me point out that not
every frum American Jew agrees with your
opinion. There are many frum American Jews
who think that ALL Israelis should serve in the
army, even chareidi Jews and women. Let’s
suppose for a moment that your views were
representative of the entire frum American
population… Oh wait a minute. Let’s be real.
Have you ever heard of Jews agreeing about
anything?
A DOUBLE STANDARD
Dear Vues Master
After Israel’s remarkable intelligence opera-
tion involving pagers and beepers used by He-
zbollah terrorists, one has to wonder: Could
Israel find a way to send a few beepers to
American politicians who seem to have trouble
hearing the truth about the Jewish state?
Brad Lander, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Oca-
sio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Zohran
Mamdani and Tucker Carlson come to mind.
How do we push back against those who show
such hostility toward Israel and so little under-
standing of the Jewish people’s struggle for
security? How do we hold accountable those
whose rhetoric repeatedly fuels anti-Israel sen-
timent and, at times, crosses the line into rheto-
ric that can encourage antisemitism?
These figures have repeatedly criticized Israel,
often with little recognition of the security
threats facing Israeli families. While they are
entitled to disagree with Israeli government
policies, there is a troubling double standard
when Israel’s actions are condemned while the
terrorism, hostage-taking and relentless threats
Israelis have endured receive far less attention.
Where is the same outrage when Jews are mur-
dered by terrorists? Where is the consistent
concern for Israeli families forced to spend
nights in bomb shelters, or for innocent people
abducted from their homes and held hostage by
Hamas?
We cannot afford to remain silent. We must
challenge misleading rhetoric, expose double
standards, support leaders who stand firmly
with the Jewish people and make our voices
heard at the ballot box. We must also demand
that elected officials be held accountable for
their words and actions.
The answer is not violence or intimidation. It is
political activism, public pressure and the
courage to speak the truth.
Perhaps what these politicians need most is a
wake-up call from the American people: The
Jewish people have a right to live in security,
Israel has a right to defend itself, and antisemi-
tism must never be excused or disguised as le-
gitimate political criticism.
GR
Vues Master’s Note: I couldn’t agree more!
A WEIGHTY ISSUE
Dear Vues Master
I always wondered why the airlines keep tell-
ing me that my luggage is overweight. Now,
after reading that more than one-quarter of the
baggage scales at Newark Airport failed accu-
racy tests, I finally understand. Perhaps the
problem isn’t my packing. It’s the scale!
Every time I check in, the airline tells me my
suitcase is over the limit, and I have to pay an
extra fee. I always assumed they were charging
me because I packed too much. But if the
scales are so inaccurate, maybe my suitcase is
actually losing weight somewhere between my
house and the airport!
Of course, I have a different problem. My bags
sometimes weigh over 100 pounds each. At
that point, I don’t think I need an airport scale.
I need a forklift!
Still, if one defective scale couldn’t register
500 pounds, perhaps I should have put all my
luggage on that one. Imagine the money I
could have saved!
The proposed legislation requiring annual in-
spections is certainly welcome. Travelers
shouldn’t have to pay overweight fees based
on scales that are about as reliable as a bath-
room scale after a big Shabbos meal.
I just hope the inspectors don’t take too long to
get to work. In the meantime, I have a sugges-
tion for Newark Airport: Before charging pas-
sengers extra, make sure the scale is accurate.
And if anyone knows where I can find the scale
that thinks 500 pounds weighs nothing, please
let me know. At these baggage fees, I might fi-
nally be able to afford my next vacation!
PS
Vues Master’s Note: Perhaps everyone should
bring their own scales to the airport!
PLEASE DON’T VOTE!
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH)
Dear Vues Master,
Elie Wiesel’s father said
“Silence aids the oppressor Never the VIC-
TIM’
We know that as we say SHTIKA KE-
HODAAH
So When ELECTION Day arrives
whom will you VOTE FOR.
Why spend sleepless nights
don’t vote; just stay INDOOR
(And you will have voted for the oppressor)
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH
if you stay home-
it’s a vote for Hochul and most any
Democrat that is on the ballot-who will legis-
late that WAY
Don’t dream of a lower Electric BILL
Hochul raised it by 60%
And IF still you WILL
Vote for her
Then PLEASE DON’T VOTE
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH)
NOW IF you want open BORDERS
Supplying criminals sanctuary QUARTERS
And if you want a Thousand genders
And don’t want logic As defenders
Then
PLEASE DON’T VOTE
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH)
Streets of FEAR
Worse each YEAR
Synagogues attacks worse than BEFORE
Insecurity FOREVER MORE
If that’s OK with you
Then
PLEASE DON’T VOTE
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH)
IF Mamdani is your WISH
Our only shield is Jessica TISCH
IF his rhetoric you do ABIDE
Hochul IS ALWAYS ON his SIDE
With laws DRACONIAN
Reminiscent of endorsement
by GERMAN REGIME
Spreading Blood Libels throughout the World
Not one good word is ever heard
Without an addendum
If you condone
Then
PLEASE DON’T VOTE
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH)
If in FACT
You SIMPLY LACK
The will to change
What’s in our RANGE
Then Bear In MIND
Sins of OMISSION
Are same as those of
Actual COMISSION
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH)
And if you’re thinking
Of ABSTAINING
In comfort of your
Home REMAINING
Then YOU -YES YOU- have SHED
The blood that’s LED
Our NATION’S SUFFERING
Our NATION’S DREAD
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH)
For if you think of
SITTING OUT
And shirk to tell
the WORLD OUT LOUD
“We Jews are here-
We’re here to STAY
IN peace until
That very DAY
When we CAN SING
That age old ‘HYMN’
Of our return
“JERUSALEM”
But until then
Make sure that NOW
You find your way
To vote SOMEHOW
Early or on VOTING DAY
But either WAY
Make sure to SAY
Not MAMDANI’S blatant HATE
Nor Hochul’s disregard the WAY
He Spouts his RHETORIC in OPEN
And she will also –
If she will WIN
(SHTIKA KEHODAAH)
IT’S OUR JEWISH OBLIGATION
To shield THE BRETHREN of OUR NATION
TO VOTE
Please VOTE And don’t you stray
JUST VOTE – with Emphasis we SAY
JUST VOTE
VOTE
VOTE!!!
AND PLEASE JUST VOTE!
Rachel Laufer Fischer
(NOTE IN NY REGISTRATION TO vote IS
TILL October 24th EARLY VOTING IS
October 24th- Nov 1st)
Vues Master’s Note: This is quite a creative
way to get your message across to New York
voters. I, for one, agree with you that it’s our
duty to vote, especially if we want change.
TAKING A TOUGH STAND
Dear Vues Master
President Donald Trump’s announcement that
he wants the death penalty for those who mur-
der police officers and firefighters is another
example of how his approach to law and order
resembles the tough policies long advocated
by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar
Ben Gvir.
Ben Gvir has consistently argued that crimi-
nals and terrorists must face severe conse-
quences for their actions, rather than being
treated with leniency. He has pushed for tough-
er penalties and a stronger response to those
who threaten the lives of innocent people and
those who protect them.
Now, Trump is making a similar argument in
America. By directing the Justice Department
to seek the death penalty for those who deliber-
ately murder police officers or firefighters in
the line of duty, he is sending a clear message
that attacks against those who risk their lives to
protect the public will not be tolerated. Of
course, the American and Israeli legal systems
are different, and the circumstances each coun-
try faces are not identical. But the underlying
principle is the same: A society must stand
firmly behind its law enforcement personnel
and emergency responders, and those who de-
liberately take their lives must face the most
serious consequences permitted by law.
For too long, many people have felt that crimi-
nals are given more consideration than their
victims. Trump’s announcement reflects a dif-
ferent philosophy, one that places public safe-
ty, accountability, and respect for those who
serve at the forefront. Whether one agrees with
every policy Ben Gvir advocates or not, it is
interesting to see Trump embracing a similarly
uncompromising approach to violent crime.
When it comes to protecting the people who
protect us, strong leadership matters.
SH
Vues Master’s Note: Two examples of leaders
who just don’t care about other people’s opin-
ions!