16 Nov 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.
SHABBOS PROJECT
Dear Vues Master:
I went this past Shabbos to the BJX Shabbos Project & I
just want to give a tremendous yasher koach to Rabbi Fingerer,
Rav Gav & Yehuda Green for doing a phenomenal job
this past weekend. I read the schedule in the Jewish Vues
last week & it definitely piqued my interest. Everyone there
seemed to have a great time. It’s amazing how much kiruv is
needed in Flatbush. One would think that there are so many
frum people in this area say that kiruv would not be needed,
but clearly it is. BJX-keep up the great work!
RYM
Vues Master’s Note: BJX always does great work. Great to
get a positive letter. We hope we get many more!
CARLEBACH
Dear Vues Master:
It seems that R’ Shlomo Carlebach gets bigger & bigger every
year. It’s Achrei Mos Kedoshim Emor. This year on R’
Shlomo’s yahrzeit thousands of people went to his matzevah
& they made a concert by his grave. People were singing
songs & playing instruments in a cemetery. Without a doubt,
he is the biggest Jewish music superstar in my lifetime. I’m
always amazed at the different types of people that like Carlebach’s
music. Modern, Yeshivish, Chasidish & not even
Jewish people enjoy his music. Yehi zichro Baruch!!!
AP
Vues Master’s Note: He is sorely missed. He died way too
early. What a talent.
SHIDDUCHIM
Dear Vues Master:
This Shabbos is Parshas Chayei Sarah, the parsha of shidduchim.
I think everyone that is reading the Jewish Vues
this week should think of three people that they know that
need a shidduch & try to set them up with someone. There
are so many almanas and people that are having a hard time
finding shidduchim. It’s very difficult for people to live by
themselves. All of Klal Yisrael should help one another.
BT
Vues Master’s Note: We need to work on these singles it is
like being mattir an Aguna!
KOSHERFEST
Dear Vues Master:
Last week I went to Kosherfest in New Jersey & it definitely
was not as busy as it was in years past. There were a lot less
vendors & a lot less people there. There were alot of liquor
companies. I still ate a lot and enjoyed myself because I was
able to see many people that I don’t see that often. I’m thinking
that because of the internet people don’t need to go to
shows like this anymore and that’s the reason for the low
turnout.
JY
Vues Master’s Note: Hey it’s free food so why not!
GARBAGE
Dear Vues Master:
Is it ok for me to throw my garbage in the garbage can of
someone that has his garbage in front of his house? The
other day I had the garbage from my lunch in my hand and I
saw a random person’s garbage can in front of his house & I
threw it into his garbage. After I walked by, I was wondering
if I was allowed to do that? What do you think?
HK
Vues Master’s Note: I can’t see a reason not unless you put it
in the wrong can and cause the guy to get a ticket.
TUITION
Dear Vues Master:
Why do the yeshivas in Eretz Yisrael charge so much money?
My son is in Eretz Yisrael this year. He finished high
school last year in a local yeshiva and almost his entire class
went to Eretz Yisrael this year. The yeshiva itself is costing
me $30k. The flight is over $1200 round trip. The extras
(food, traveling, extra trips, Shabbosim away from yeshiva)
are probably going to be in the area of another 4k plus my
family is going to visit him in January, another $10k. I have
5 other children in Yeshiva right now & my tuition is way
over $120k. I get scholarships that take off about $25k but
its still very difficult. How do people do it?
YB
Vues Master’s Note: With great difficulty. Remember your
tuition bill is not in your budget at the beginning of the year,
see the Gemara in Beitza.
ANTI-SEMITISM EVERYWHERE
Dear Vues Master:
I just read this online & I couldn’t agree with it more. Antisemitism
is non-falsifiable, and every attempt to penalize
it only makes it stronger. Suspend Whoopie, suspend Kyrie,
cancel business ties with Kanye — it only makes more people
share the neo-Nazi meme “To learn who rules over you,
simply find out who[m] you are not allowed to criticize.”
Has Kanye lost or gained standing in the Black community
after this past month? What is the lesson here? It seems to
me the lesson is that those who stand up against the Jews
have a lot to lose and are therefore brave. Antisemitism is
returning to the mainstream, and it’s a fantasy to believe we
can drum it out.
Vues Master’s Note: We know the only halacha ever brought
down in Rashi on the Torah is that we know that Eisav is
sonei le’Yaakov and that in fact some show it more and some
don’t.
IDENTITY
Dear Vues Master:
Here are the red flags from the Rosh Yeshiva’s words: “We feel that
the various ways of pressuring and controlling your son, etc.”
We – You and who else? “We” makes the argument sound legitimate.
Feel – “Think” is the word that men would use, especially a RY.
That – “That” is not an emotion or feeling. Try, I feel sad…
The – Hook me with fuzzy “feeling” and then wind me in with vitriol.
Various – How can I defend myself if you aren’t specific?
Ways of – A litany of what I’m doing wrong, not solution oriented.
Pressuring – How? Like telling him what I think about the yeshiva?
Controlling – Like asking him to take out the garbage?
Your son – The little bit of “truth” that gives life to this statement.
Ect. – I wonder what else there is or maybe this is hyperbole.
In short, the subject and predicate are vague. A person interested in making peace and getting to the truth would be detailed and would call and not make assumptions. Here is an example of the proper way to write, “I think, telling my student to take out the garbage is denigrating.” I would respond, “Model for us, take out his garbage and let him pay the bills.”
DG
Vues Master’s Note: : Enough bashing Roshei Yeshiva. I am mocheh on their behalf!
TELEGRAM
Dear Vues Master:
A year after their marriage, the couple were blessed with a son. The husband asked his close friend to send a telegram to his parents. It contained just a few words: “My wife gave birth to a son. Yaakov.” His friend said: “That’s not how to send a telegram. You shouldn’t write even a letter more than necessary. Yours has too many words. First, there is no need to write Yaakov. Your parents will understand that it’s you and not some stranger from the street to whom the baby was born. Second, why say ‘my wife’? It’s obvious that it wasn’t another woman who gave birth to the baby. Third, why say ‘gave birth’? The baby wasn’t delivered by a stork. Finally, why say ‘son’? Have you ever heard of anyone sending a telegram announcing that he had a daughter?”
MB
Vues Master’s Note: It is a good thing we don’t need to measure our words on Whatsapp.
VOTE
Dear Vues Master:
I work in a local Yeshiva and was disappointed to find out that several of my fellow teachers didn’t end up voting! If Yidden want our legislative needs met it’s important that we actually vote and make politicians beg for our precious votes. Not voting signals that politicians shouldn’t care about our needs and should favor other groups over us. I propose that we start a new litmus when giving tzedakah. Ask the beggar if they voted and if they didn’t, they shouldn’t get tzedakah from us. Last time I checked, voting is free, so no one has an excuse!
-AB
Vues Master’s Note: In NY, almost all Jews voted for Zelden and look where it took us!
WORK
Dear Vues Master:
A 5-year-old boy learned about Zevulin and Yissachar’s partnership. He asked his father: “Why did Zevulin have to work so Yissocher could learn? Why couldn’t Yissochor’s wife work?”
BM
Vues Master’s Note: I guess one wife’s salary is not enough!
POLITICS
Dear Vues Master:
Pundits, celebrities, politicians, and the common folk are still talking about the surprise of last week’s midterm elections. The expected result was a historic red tsunami unseen in decades. Instead, the result was a very, very, light red fizzle. Republicans were supposed to pick up governorships ranging from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Kansas, to New Mexico, but to much dismay, the Left took a victory lap in each of those races. As this letter is being written, the Democrats have narrowly won the Senate, while the House is still up for grabs. The reactions to the elections on the Republican side have revealed a civil war that was already brewed, come to the surface. Confusion, disappointment, and curiosity have been the emotions of our conservative movement in recent days. The high expectations ended up resulting in an abysmal result to the extent that Pennsylvania’s newest senator is soon to be a brain-damaged patient who cannot form coherent sentences if his life depended on it. Establishmentarian figures have blamed Donald Trump for the electoral failures of the night. Some even former Trump voters have switched boats to Ron DeSantis in the past week, due to their disappointment with the former president. However, those with their brains still screwed on realize that the blame rest on the shoulders of the leadership of the Republican party who were specifically tasked to win elections the past 2 years. These figures are GOP House Leader, Kevin McCarthy, GOP Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnel, GOP House Election leader Tom Emmer, and RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. Instead, we have characters like Paul Ryan and Chris Christie resurfacing, blaming Trump for the failures of the Establishment that they worship with such passion. The Establishment knew for the past 2 years that this was the year that a red tsunami was possible due to the incompetent, excuse me, incumbent “president”. Instead, McCarthy and McConnel were too busy transferring money to candidates which favored them staying in their leadership roles while withdrawing from embattled candidates in close races. The incompetency of these tactics is one of the main reasons why the GOP didn’t win as much last week. Another strategic mistake was not playing the Democrat’s game of getting more people to vote through mail-in ballots to increase GOP voter turnout. These “leaders” should not be anywhere near their positions of power anymore. The time for new leadership is way overdue. Furthermore, the likelihood of a 2024 GOP primary race with more than one candidate besides Donald Trump, increased last week. Donald Trump has attacked actual conservatives like Ron DeSantis and Glenn Youngkin due to the perceived threat, on Trump’s part, of a primary challenge. Those attacks have been foolish, unfunny, and not classy. Trump remains the leader of the party, but the attacks on figures of the party who are liked by all currently, should not be the strategy of this week. The main thing that President Trump needs to do is to root out the Establishment and to lay out a 2024 campaign which will be a mix of Trump 2016 with the events of the coming years. The Trump of 2016 is not the same Trump of today. Trump can win back the White House, but he should do it in a matter that is Trumpian, not dumb. Finally, this past election revealed the incompetence of election officials around the country, especially in Arizona, Nevada, and California. In Arizona, 25% of machines in the biggest county just suddenly stopped working on Election Day. In competitive Nevada last week, during the counting of one Nevada county, the cameras watching the count one night just mysteriously turned off. Many competitive states which have had early voting for weeks, apparently are not able to count votes within a night, even though the 2nd and 3rd biggest states in terms of population had no problems counting their ballots within a few hours. The phenomenon of Republicans being up by a lot on election night, specifically in competitive races, to then a few days later, magically losing almost every time, is a question that needs to be addressed. Our country is in trouble if we continue focusing on the wrong things. Instead of fighting each other, real conservatives have to fight the enemies of our country who want to destroy the country that so many used to know. The time for the full takeover of the Republican leadership by actual conservatives against the Establishment is the first step. We must unite because if not, a president who can’t speak English will be the least of our problems. Sincerely,
DSG
Vues Master’s Note:As much as things change they stay the same. Congratulations to the Democrats it only took them four days to get the votes to win the senate quicker than the Presidential elections!
MR. GORBACHOV, TEAR DOWN THIS WALL
Dear Vues Master:
Lo sikach- isha livni because he is in the freezer Even if the freezer takana might have been a noble idea when it started. (Rabbi Shlomo Miller holds it’s wrong to force Bachurim be oveir on divrei chazal) However, by now it undoubtedly is part of the cause for adding to the misery of the thousands of parents who have daughters to marry off. Widening the age gap an additional 4-5 months creates hundreds of Agunos, girls who will never get married. Every Shadchan for Yeshivish families will tell you that in his/her inventory there are at least 4-5 times as many girls than boys. Narrowing the age gap between boys & girls, will increase the Shadchan’s inventory of boys and will enable more girls to get married. IMAGINE If all the Bachurim stuck in the freezer were released right at the beginning of the Zman and added to the inventory of the Shadchanim how it will improve the situation. The Maharsha explains the Gemara (Shabbos 31) that after 120 one of the first questions one will be asked is Asakta bepirya verivya it doesn’t say kiyamtu but osakta because one will be asked if he was busy helping others get married. All those who want to be able to answer yes, I was involved with pirya verivya should get involved in helping to solve the catastrophic Shidduch crisis.
MF
Vues Master’s Note: How about a freezer for the girls too.
SUPERMAN
Dear Vues Master:
A man named Tom met a man named Clark at a cocktail party on the 12th floor of a building. They got to talking and, after a few drinks too many, Clark told Tom that the wind is just right so that if you jump out the window you will circle the building and fly right back in. Tom naturally didn’t believe him. Clark proved it by jumping out of the window a few times and coming right back in. Finally, Tom believed him and jumped out of the window, breaking every bone in his body. Clark’s girlfriend, Lois, turned to him and said: “You can be a real jerk when you’re drunk, Superman.”
DW
Vues Master’s Note: This sounds like a play.
DECREE
Dear Vues Master:
Where was Pharaoh when Moshe said Let
My People Go? In denial.
KJ
Vues Master’s Note: He must have had a sinking feeling!
NAP
Dear Vues Master:
Mrs. Rabinowitz was approached by the Rav after the Tefillah of Shabbos. “You know, I was a little disturbed over your husband walking out right in the middle of my drasha.” “Oh, don’t let it bother you,” Mrs. Rabinowitz said. “He always walks in his sleep.”
Vues Master’s Note: Sounds like a good dream!
ELECTIONS
Dear Vues Master:
“This district, among many others across the state, showed up at the polls in record numbers. A bold statement was made about where they stand on the issues and I hope that every elected official takes note. By working together in earnest, I believe we can chart a better path forward for all New Yorkers.”
ST
Vues Master’s Note: We will find you.
JUDGEMENT
Dear Vues Master:
Last week a professor published an article saying that we declare a pandemic amnesty because it was all done with good intentions even if it is now known that almost all restrictions were either not effective or overkill, this idea was also pushed by Randi Weingarten of the UFT. There is no question that there were major repercussions to the lockdown, children test scores plummeted, businesses were shut down, office buildings remain vacant, in our community a lot of hard feelings remain, neighbors informed on neighbors, people were ostracized, shuls lost members. etc. The question is should we let bygones be bygones or should we demand accountability?
CS
Vues Master’s Note: Definitely go for accountability as this will happen again with greater impunity!
STEALING
Dear Vues Master:
This summer we heard from many reports of people whose catalytic converters were stolen while their cars were parked right outside their homes. It’s been a problem nationwide. Thieves take the piece to a junkyard and sell it for scrap metal, earning hundreds of dollars very quickly. It doesn’t take much skill or time to steal catalytic converters, and it’s easier to do it in the summer months when the air conditioner muffles the sound of their crime. Here are some tips to avoid being a victim: Spray your catalytic converter a bright color using a high-temperature fluorescent paint. Write your VIN number on the surface making it traceable. Chances are that thieves won’t want to take it and a reputable scrap metal dealer might decline to buy it. Have your mechanic weld the converter to the car’s frame, making it harder to steal. Install a dash cam. Use your garage or driveway instead of city streets to park your car.
M K
Vues Master’s Note: It’s good, so we can daven shacharis after also!
SHIDDUCH
Dear Vues Master:
I read this on Vos Iz Neias. Tehillah was picked up for her date in the evening. She was waiting upstairs while the young man, Shlomo, made small talk with her parents at the dining room table. Her mother had put out an assortment of cookies and brownies that she had taken out of her freezer and Poland Spring water with some cups and napkins. Shlomo did not partake, but the conversation had gone well. Her parents eventually called her down, the introductions were made, and then they were off on their way. Shlomo had parked a half block away. Tehillah wondered why he did not park closer. Some young men are not so comfortable parking in front of the house, but half a block is a bit too far. It seemed to clash with the self-confidence that he had displayed with her parents, that she had overheard from upstairs. Shlomo cordially walked her to the door of his car and opened it for her. He pulled out of the spot somewhat abruptly. Tehillah dismissed it as the typical driving pattern of inexperienced male drivers. Generally, frum girls actually do drive much better than boys do at least in the first few years. Still, Tehillah thought that Shlomo’s driving was a bit rockier than what she would have expected. Once again, she detected somewhat of a disconnect between Shlomo’s conversational self-confidence and his less than stellar driving abilities. She was not the only one who found Shlomo’s driving somewhat wanting. “ “WEE-oww-WEE-oww” – went the siren accompanied by the flashing red light. Shlomo said, “I will handle this, just don’t say anything,” assuringly. Tehillah did not understand. Why would she say anything? The police officer approached the car and Shlomo rolled down his window. The police officer said three words, “License and registration, please.” Shlomo gave him his license and registration. “You do know why I pulled you over, right? “No. I do not.” “You were driving erratically. Wait here, please.” The police officer came back rather quickly. There was anger in his eyes. “This is NOT A LICENSE! THIS IS A PERMIT! YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE!” “Yes, I am, officer.” “What do you mean, you are allowed to drive. This is a permit, not a driver’s license!” The young woman accompanying me is an adult, she is over 21.” Now, Tehillah could no longer contain herself. She was unnerved by Shlomo’s smooth-talking, self-assured manners and method of behavior. She said, “Oh no, don’t drag me into this!” Then she directed herself to the police officer. “Officer, I have nothing to do with this! He did NOT TELL ME that he did not have a license!” “And the servant took ten camels from his master’s camels..” The servant, of course, is Eliezer and he was sent on a quest by Avrohom Avinu to find a shidduch, a wife, for his son Yitzchok. But what is the need to mention that they were his master’s camels? There was no Hertz Rent-a-Camel back then. Why then did the pasuk specifically mention that they were his master’s camels? Rashi explains (based upon the Midrash in Bereishis Rabbah 59:11), “they were distinguishable from other camels by the fact that they would go out muzzled to prevent robbery, so that they should not graze in the fields of others.” Still, we may ask that while this is an interesting fact, why does the Torah mention this incident in the context of finding a shidduch for Yitzchok Avinu? The answer is that the Torah is teaching us a valuable lesson, one that Shlomo, perhaps did not yet realize. Before we embark upon any important endeavor, especially one that will start the nation of Klal Yisroel, we must make sure to endow it with Kedusha, holiness. We must also make sure that all beginnings are completely ideal and reflect the highest of standards. Holiness means to both emulate and promote the values, ideals, and midos of HaKadosh Boruch Hu. Hashem does not like dishonesty or theft. The Torah is going out of this way to show us that this is how we should be conducting our lives – to sanctify the Name of Hashem in all that we do. This also answers a separate question that exists on the topic of Chanukah. Why did the Chashmonayim find it necessary to find pure oil? Why couldn’t they use impure oil? The halacha is that when doing things for the public, use of Tameh is permitted. Why did the Chasmonayim need to wait for the new and pure oil to arrive? The answer is that all beginnings should be completely ideal and reflect the highest of standards. This was the re-dedication of the Holy Beis HaMikdash. It should measure up to the highest standards. By the same token, when we date we should not employ subterfuge or not divulge information such as not having a driver’s license. Our main focus should be to sanctify Hashem;s Name. Hashem’s signet ring is emes – truth. Shlomo went about things incorrectly. After the police officer left, Tehillah asked Shlomo to drive her directly home. She neither wished to waste her time nor even Shlomo’s time.
YH
Vues Master’s Note: Funny story!
VISION
Dear Vues Master:
And he raised his eyes and he saw three men standing by him; and he saw them, and he ran to greet them from the tent door, and he bowed to the ground. – Berashis 12:2 Rashi: What does the repetition of v’yera, (and he saw), teach? The first usage is the simple meaning, to see, the second time means to understand. He saw them just standing there so he understood they didn’t want to bother him. Avraham had autonomy and understanding but what are the signs of someone dependent and superficial? Primarily, they only see what is in front of them, the first level seeing. Like robots, that are being controlled by someone, they engage only with their immediate environment. They lack foresight to see the consequences of their actions or more often, their inaction. For example, they can’t discuss ideas, express an opinion, or make a hypothesis. The only good news is, if they enjoyed understanding before being controlled there is a chance they can snap out of it and get better. However, it is almost impossible to happen if they are locked up with like-minded people and attached to the leader.
DG
Vues Master’s Note: Yes, I have a vision that you are consistent with your letters!
TRUST
Dear Vues Master:
With my experience in dealing with clowns in Bureaucracies like the DMV, IRS, and CUNY, how are we to believe blindly that there isn’t gross negligence with these polling stations that they aren’t miscounting votes? Joseph Stalin 1879–1953 Soviet dictator I consider it completely unimportant who in the party will vote, or how; but what is extraordinarily important is this—who will count the votes, and how. said in 1923; Boris Bazhanov The Memoirs of Stalin’s Former Secretary (1992); see Stoppard The Democrats want there to be distrust in our system in order to have people not turn out. How’s it sane to allow absentee ballots the way they are doing? COVID is one exception that shouldn’t have been the norm. No doubt these lefty communists learned a valuable lesson from Stalin.
Vues Master’s Note: Are you saying the Democrats are Socialists? Uh, You are right, hence we have AOC and Ilhan Omar!