If we read one more article offering some brilliant, sweeping solution to the shidduch crisis that no actual individual can implement, we might just scream. You know the type: “Stop all 19-year-old girls from dating!” “Force all 21-year-old boys to start dating!” “Get tall girls to marry short boys!” “Get younger boys to marry older girls!”—and so on. The theories might be interesting, but let’s face it: none of us regular folks are in a position to singlehandedly rewrite the system. So no need to brace yourself—we’re not here with another grand solution. We’re here to rant about a part of dating that people can actually fix.

Dear Mommy and Totty, I hope this letter finds you both well, but I have to admit, I’m not doing so great, but you knew that already. There are things I need to tell you, things I’ve been keeping locked away inside for too long and I’m not sure if it is safe for me to express myself. I’ve been feeling so confused lately, like I’m stuck in a maze with no way out. You know how you’ve always talked about those people who claim to be victims, saying they’re just seeking attention? I’ve heard you, and I’ve nodded along, perhaps I even believed your line of thinking. But that was before “it” happened. And “it” was something that I’m not proud of. “It” is something that is still confusing to me. “It” is being abused myself.

I saw in the YWN Live Blog that a man whose daughter was getting married tonight was spotted wearing a sweatshirt that, instead of saying “Father of the Bride,” read “American Express of the Bride – Expires 3/31/25.” Cute? Sure. Funny? Absolutely. But behind the humor lies a serious problem that’s spiraling out of control. Parents, hear me out—because what starts as a joke is turning into a financial disaster for an entire generation. Let’s talk about the disaster unfolding in too many homes today: parents handing their newly married kids a credit card like it’s some kind of chesed trophy, only to watch them spend like drunken sailors on shore leave. No restraint, no sense, no chinuch—just a free-for-all with Mommy and Daddy’s plastic.

As a member of the Modern Orthodox community (yes, many of us read YWN!), I was stunned by the divisiveness of a letter from Rabbi Moshe Hauer, EVP of the Orthodox Union, regarding Agudath Israel and the OU. Instead of celebrating the shared commitment to Torah and Klal Yisrael that both organizations embody, the letter subtly drives a wedge between them, taking unnecessary potshots at the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudath Israel. We are living in turbulent times, and now more than ever, unity should be our guiding principle. Differences in approach or emphasis between Torah leaders should be acknowledged with respect, not wielded as a means of drawing lines of separation.

I would like to address something that had been keeping me up in the last few nights, which really shook me to my core. I am generally someone who keeps away from politics, especially in the frum world where we are really playing with fire. In that path, I made sure to keep away from the ongoing back and forth about voting in the WZO. I asked my Rav what to do and will following his psak. I avoid coffee clutches or groups in which they are talking about the controversy, as not to involve myself in Lashon Hora or even worse, Bizui Talmidei Chachamim. With that in mind, last night in shul, I couldn’t help but bump into a group of people talking about the merits of yes or not voting. Someone pulled out a video of Rav Chaim Kanievsky, where he allowed voting in the WZO.

Editor’s Note: Yeshiva World News (YWN) takes no official position in the ongoing debate regarding participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections. As always, YWN follows the guidance of its Rabbanim in determining what content to publish and which advertisements to accept. We urge our readers to do the same—seek the counsel of your Rav or Manhig and follow their direction regarding this, and any other hashkafic matter. __________________________________ The debate that has emerged regarding participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections has brought out passionate voices on both sides insisting that their position is the only legitimate one. Some have gone so far as to brand the opposing view as outright treif—even akin to a blatant chillul Shabbos.

To the author of the opinion piece defending Yeshiva University: Your letter argues that everyone connects to Hashem in their own way and that criticizing YU’s acceptance of alternative lifestyles is divisive and unnecessary. But this argument misses a fundamental point: Judaism has non-negotiable foundations. When those foundations are altered, what remains is not an “approach” to Judaism—it’s a different religion entirely, still masquerading as Orthodox Judaism. You wouldn’t tolerate a student walking into YU proclaiming that “J” Yemach Shemom is the real savior of the Jews, that we must heed his teachings, and that this is simply another legitimate way of serving Hashem. Why? Because that belief directly contradicts your core principles.

Your article about Yeshiva University is not only inaccurate—it fails to convey the full story, especially the deeper context. On top of that, it borders on motzi shem ra and lashon hara. Who do you and your readers think you are, playing God—pretending to know why things happen and focusing on finding fault in others? We are living in a time when the world is revealing its true colors toward the Jewish people. Haman, Hitler, and Hamas did not discriminate among Jews—they hated us all equally. The painful irony is that while the world unites in its hatred, we divide ourselves in the name of “defending God.” But God is big enough to handle His own judgment. He doesn’t need our help condemning others. What God truly cares about—and perhaps does not forgive—is how we treat one another.

A Letter to the Lakewood Community: Yesterday, I visited Judaica Plaza, and as I was leaving, I noticed a minivan with two young children inside. The doors and windows were closed, the ignition was off, and the oldest child appeared to be no older than four years old. There was no adult present with them. Initially, I felt uncertain about what to do. On one hand, I was reminded of the tragedy from last week, where a child tragically lost their life after being left in a car. On the other hand, the children seemed mobile and capable of opening the door themselves. I didn’t see the parent or guardian and wasn’t sure which store they had entered.

**Trigger warning – This article discusses the desire to commit suicide and how to intervene. It is written in the form of a 1st person account of one who is suicidal. The goal is to allow the reader into the mind of someone who is suicidal, what should and shouldn’t be done. If you yourself are suicidal, or if you know someone who is, please seek immediate help** In the USA and Canada, call 988 to reach the suicide hotline Dear Friends, I write to you today with a heart full of sorrow, yet also with hope—a hope that this letter can open a window of understanding into the silent, often invisible, struggles that lead someone to consider ending their own life. I know this is not easy to read. I know it’s a difficult topic, and one that may leave you feeling uncertain, even scared.