To the Editors:

Over vacation, I suddenly realized that I had not eaten since shabbos lunch, many hours before. Being that I'm a big guy and food is generally quite important to me, I ventured outside of my building, along with a friend, to look for some dinner. What did I find? No Time Out; No Papa Iggy's; No Mini Market; No Caf.; No Caf Store.

However, there was a light on in the YU community's latest establishment: Kaffiene. We walked inside and found it to have a wonderful atmosphere, excellent service by the delightful staff, and great food.

While shmoozing a little with the owner, I was told of certain practices that were being used against Kaffiene. He told me of people who were labeling his establishment as asur without ever having walked in. He had heard stories of people who walked by one night, thought they saw something not so kosher while passing by and then went on to spread rumors around both YU and Stern. An example was a reference to the waitresses. One rumor said that they had not been dressing in a modest fashion. However, in truth the owner mandates that the store's entire staff dress appropriately at all times while working. To take a minute, walk in to the coffee shop, and see the truth - was that too difficult for these people to do? It really bothers me that certain people feel it is ok for them to justify speaking lashon harah while hiding behind a blanket of frumness. Be dan le'kaf zechus, and give this new place a chance. They have every right to try and make a parnasa here, just like anyone else. As Kaffiene is under the hashgacha of SOY, there should truly be no problem in frequenting the establishment.

To be truthful, the reason that I hadn't gone in until now was because of these rumors as well. I later realized that these rumors had been circulating by guys who I personally know to have never been inside.

I had a wonderful experience tonight at Kaffiene, and I implore those who feel they need to continue the bad rumors to trek back to and try out Kaffiene for real, not just offer a baseless critique.

David Weinberg
YC '04