Let’s all give ourselves a big round of applause. Really, take a moment—because we did it. We’ve successfully created a chinuch system that preaches the importance of Torah values, while simultaneously fostering a culture where a child’s self-worth is measured by their ability to board a plane for midwinter break. Every year, we talk about it. Every year, parents like me—who actually live within our means—grit our teeth as we have to explain to our children why they’ll be the “nebachs” of their class for not jet-setting to Miami, Cancun, or Dubai. And every year, nothing changes. I pinch my pennies, I work hard, and my husband and I bring home a decent income.

(100% not edited and published as written) I feel the YWN must apologize for even allowing this week’s mailbag to be printed. The fact that you wrote that YWN writes that the mailbag article doesn’t represent the web’s views is inconsequential. At the end of the day, YWN  allowed slander to be published against the most pro-Jewish President EVER. In the last six days alone, Trump has proven to be an איש אמת, doing things that no other person could possibly do in terms of fighting the evil, twisted, Amaleki Left.

An astute observer would have noticed clear signs during the 2024 campaign. Trump repeatedly promised to end all wars and foreign entanglements. He demanded that the war in Gaza come to an end before his inauguration. His Vice Presidential pick, JD Vance, was aligned with the isolationist wing of the GOP and publicly disagreed with Kamala Harris when she referred to Iran as the greatest threat to the United States. Prominent figures like Mike Pence and John Bolton, who traditionally supported Israel, were no longer well represented. Instead, individuals like Tucker Carlson were given prominent roles at the RNC and MSG rally. This context leads us to the troubling situation we find ourselves in today at the onset of the second Trump administration.

The recent letter on YWN claiming that Donald Trump is essentially selling Israel down the river by forcing it into a bad ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Hamas are not only misguided but also ignore the broader strategic picture. This narrative falsely portrays a rift between Trump and Israeli leadership while undermining the carefully orchestrated policies at play. First, it’s important to recognize that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials have celebrated Trump’s re-election. This is no accident. Trump has consistently staffed his administration with individuals deeply aligned with Zionist priorities, reflecting his administration’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and long-term objectives.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House – hailed by so many pro-Israel voters – now looks like it could spell immediate disaster for Israel. His “art of the deal” has quickly devolved into “art of surrender,” as he forces Israel into a shocking and humiliating agreement with Hamas. While President Joe Biden may not have been perfect in his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, at least he didn’t compel Israel to capitulate to a terrorist organization. Trump, on the other hand, seems poised to sell out one of America’s staunchest allies. Let’s be clear: Hamas is calling Trump’s bluff. Trump issued a dramatic ultimatum—release all hostages by January 20th, or face consequences. This strongman posturing quickly unraveled into an embarrassing spectacle.

For many Orthodox Jewish families, “Yeshiva Week” has become synonymous with mid-winter travel. It’s a chance to escape the New York chill and recharge in warmer climates, with Los Angeles often at the top of the list. The city offers a unique mix of sunny weather, world-class attractions, and an abundance of shuls and kosher dining options. But this year, I urge you to reconsider. Los Angeles is facing extraordinary challenges. Wildfires have ravaged the region, threatening lives, homes, and communities—including its vibrant Orthodox neighborhoods. The Sunset Fire, just a few miles from the La Brea Jewish community, has left residents rattled. In an unsettling moment, one shul asked congregants to retrieve their donated Sifrei Torah in case of evacuation.

It’s disappointing to see the overwhelmingly negative coverage surrounding congestion pricing, particularly from platforms like YWN. While it’s understandable that any new fee is met with resistance—after all, few people welcome the idea of paying more—there seems to be a glaring omission in the broader conversation. The tangible benefits of congestion pricing have been largely overlooked. This week alone, traffic levels in Manhattan have noticeably decreased compared to just last week. Anyone who commutes regularly can attest to the frustration of inching along the city’s congested roads, wasting valuable time and energy. Fewer cars on the road translate directly to faster, smoother commutes. The result?

When Pesach comes around, many of us are very machmir – meticulously checking for every crumb of chametz and insisting on hand-made chabura matzah with all the chumros. But when it comes to the rest of the year, do we apply the same rigorous standards to what goes into our bodies? Or do we turn a blind eye when it’s inconvenient? Here’s a hard truth – if you’re vaping without doing your homework, you might be inhaling treif. Let me exain. E-cigarettes and vapes contain four base ingredients: 1. Propylene Glycol – Derived from propane, it’s safe, kosher, no issues here. 2. Nicotine – Not a kashrus concern. 3. Flavoring – Natural and artificial, case-by-case basis. 4. Glycerin – Here’s the kicker. Glycerin can be kosher.

There’s an old adage in Jewish tradition: Chochmah ba’goyim ta’amin—wisdom can be found among the nations. It reminds us that while we may have deep and justified differences with world leaders and governments, there is a time and place for everything. On Sunday, YWN failed to grasp this nuance, publishing an inflammatory article that labeled former President Jimmy Carter a “champion of terrorists” mere hours after his passing. Let me be clear – Carter’s record on Israel, particularly his soft approach to Yasser Arafat and his blind eye to Hamas, deserves attention. He made choices that many in the Jewish community found dangerous and offensive. But there is a line between holding someone accountable in life and spitting on their grave the moment they leave this world.

Every Chanukah, like clockwork, the same outrage resurfaces: “Donut prices are outrageous! Highway robbery!” And every year, I can’t help but ask – are we serious right now? Let’s break this down. When did stuffing your face with donuts for eight days straight become a core part of Chanukah observance? Yes, there’s an inyan to eat fried foods, but in case anyone forgot, that used to mean homemade latkes. When I was a kid (and I’m not that old), donuts were a treat – not a staple. You’d get one at the Chanukah mesiba in school and maybe another at the family party. That was it. Today? You can’t walk three feet without being assaulted by a pile of donuts, each one bigger, fancier, and pricier than the last. But let’s set aside the absurdity of donut overconsumption.