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Something for everyone.
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The Star in the Sukkah.
And in the Supermarket.
Tiramisu-Inspired Pie
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp instant coffee granules
½ cup boiling water
1 Lieber’s Graham Pie Crust
1 7.5-oz container Lieber’s Vanilla Cookie Crumbs, divided
1 3.2-oz package Lieber’s Instant Chocolate Pudding
1 cup milk (dairy or pareve — I use almond milk)
1 8-oz container whip
2 Tbsp Lieber’s Chocolate Cookie Crumbs
DIRECTIONS
A quick and delicious pie that will have everyone asking for seconds — so go ahead and double the recipe!
RECIPE BY FAIGY MURRAY | YIELDS: 8 SERVINGS
1. Dissolve the coffee granules in boiling water; set aside for a few minutes to cool.
2. Add 2/3 cup vanilla crumbs to the coffee; mix to incorporate.
3. Immediately remove the crumbs from the coffee using a slotted spoon or strainer. (Crumbs will be a little soggy.) Place crumbs on the bottom of the pie crust and gently spread them out to cover.
4. In a small bowl, combine pudding mix with milk and mix until thick. Pour pudding on top of crumbs in pie crust.
5. Sprinkle ¹/3 cup vanilla crumbs over the chocolate pudding.
6. Using an electric mixer, beat the whip until stiff peaks form. Spread on top of pie.
7. Sprinkle whipped cream with remaining vanilla crumbs and chocolate crumbs. Freeze until firm.
8. Remove from freezer about 10 minutes before serving to thaw slightly.
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תבשה-רכיכ
HASHABBOS RAMAT ESHKOL לוכשא תמר RAMAT ESHKOL SHAMGAR
YIRMIYAHU והימרי YIRMIYAHU והימרי
ROMEMA הממור ROMEMA הממור ROMEMA
הלואג GEULA הלואג GEULA הלואג GEULA הממור
SOROTSKIN ןיקצורוס SOROTSKIN ןיקצורוס עפש-בר RAV SHEFA עפש-בר RAV SHEFA עפש-בר
HASHABBOS תבשה-רכיכ KIKAR HASHABBOS RAMAT ESHKOL לוכשא תמר RAMAT ESHKOL SHAMGAR ROMEMA הממור ROMEMA הממור ROMEMA
RAMAT ESHKOL לוכשא תמר RAMAT ESHKOL
SHAMGAR רגמש SHAMGAR רגמש SHAMGAR Everyone has a place in Yerushalayim.
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INBOX
READ AND REMEMBER
(Re: No Place to Hide, Issue 255)
It sounds like a strange thing to say, but my favorite part of The Boro Park View is the Holocaust serial. It’s absolutely riveting and the first thing I turn to each week. I always make my husband and kids read it too.
The atrocities committed by the Nazis are hard to fathom. The story is so skillfully told in the voice of a young woman, you can literally see it all happening in front of your eyes. It’s a must-read for everyone so our children will know what our grandparents endured.
Thank you for consistently printing quality and enriching reading material.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
(Re: Snack Attack 2024, Issue 249)
My second-grade daughter is participating in the snack contest. Last year, her teacher celebrated healthy snacks in the classroom, so it’s something that my daughter feels very positive about. This makes the challenge much easier for her.
Last week, I sent her to school with two kiwis sliced up in a little container. That afternoon, she came off the bus and gleefully told me about two snacks girls traded with her, each for one slice of kiwi! She came home with a Crunchee bar and a snack bag (neither of which went against the contest rules, phew).When I heard about this, I thought to myself that there are probably mothers out there who wouldn’t believe how much their kids are craving wholesome, sweet fruit. Give it a try!
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benefit from eating healthy. It definitely helps them concentrate better in school.
A Grateful Mother
COMPASSION IN CRISIS
(Re: To Live and Let Live, Issue 245)
Although this letter is long overdue, I would like to share my comments on your wonderful diary serial, To Live and Let Live
The story was exceptionally well written. As someone who’s gone through a medical crisis of my own, I was emotionally connected to Debbie until the very end. However, the conclusion to the story was extremely disappointing. Family and friends were distant and cold, and they were hurt that Debbie and Gavi didn’t share. Instead of putting aside their feelings in the face of Debbie and Gavi’s pain, they held on to their hurt as if they were the ones who had suffered most in this saga.
In situations of crisis, some people are up to sharing and some aren’t. (Sometimes they have a choice; sometimes they don’t.) Anyone offended has never been in such a situation. True friends do not judge!
Keep up your wonderful work,
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Anonymous
P.S. I second the suggestion to put the following POV question out there: “What was the most helpful/hurtful comment you got during a medical crisis of your own?” I believe the feedback will be both interesting and eye-opening to the public.
END THE DIFFUSERS
(Re: The Nose Knows, Your Say, Issue 252)
I have something to add to the discussion on the use of chemical diffusers in our schools. Last year, on the first day of school, I walked in to begin teaching and was assaulted by the new “air freshener.” Within moments, I had a terrible headache and was having trouble with my speech. I could not remember or properly pronounce typical words that I use frequently. I was experiencing symptoms similar to those of a stroke!
I asked my students (high school girls) to open the windows immediately, and that helped a bit. Afterward, I asked around and found that other people also get headaches from chemical diffusers, and very few said they actually liked “the new strawberry smell.” It took many calls to the building manager to stop the madness. He didn’t believe that some people are sensitive to chemicals and joked that my symptoms were all in my head. I totally agreed; headache, dizziness, stroke symptoms — they were all in my head.
I surveyed ten classes of about thirty students each, and the overwhelming majority complained about headaches, dizziness and lack of focus. Baruch Hashem, we no longer have to suffer. I urge everyone to speak up.
A Local Teacher
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TELL US SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR SUKKAH.
Our sukkah is super cozy and gorgeous. The nicest part is the decorations, and the most beautiful one is a picture of my fatherin-law benching lulav and esrog. He passed away a few years ago, so it’s especially meaningful. – A Reader
In our sukkah, we have a policy of no complaints, because all the neighbors can hear you! Not that it always works… – A Reader
A floral hoop masterpiece that was featured in The Boro Park View a few years back takes center stage in our sukkah. – A Reader
WE HAVE A NICESIZE SUKKAH, AND WE ONCE MADE A BEAUTIFUL BAR MITZVAH THERE. – A READER
I still have my kids’ crafts from when they were in nursery hanging in the sukkah. It’s so nice for them to see it every year and enjoy it again. –R.L.R.
When people complain about how they have to schlep out to the sukkah in their backyard, I stare at them in wonder. I grew up in Manhattan in an apartment building, and the landlord did not allow a sukkah to be built in the courtyard. My father therefore ate in the large community sukkah built for the shul where he was a shliach tzibbur, which was located a full seventeen blocks away! On Yom Tov, my mother would heat up the Yom Tov foods in pots. Midday, she would look at the clock and say, “They must be up to Kedusha now.” She would then take the food off the stove, quickly pack it into a little contraption of pots that nestled one on top of the other, wrap it up in dish towels, and say, “Run, quickly, run!” And I would run the seventeen blocks, hoping that some vestige of warmth remained in those little pots. I would stay to serve the meal to my father, and I never realized that my mother always ate alone on Yom Tov.
Somehow, I always loved Sukkos. Every year, however, I was envious of the girls who had the fun of putting up sukkah decorations in their apartment buildings’ sukkahs and only had to schlep four or five flights down with the cutlery and food. (Their families had to take turns, though, with each family allotted a specific time for their meal as there was limited space for the families who lived in large apartment buildings.) So if you have to walk to your backyard, or your porch, or even move in with your in-laws — enjoy, enjoy! – Mimi
We have 91 mini lights around the sukkah, for the gematria of amen . – A Reader
I live in an apartment building with limited space in the courtyard to build sukkahs, with a hierarchy system in place of who gets a spot to build. Last year, we decided to build a tiny, narrow sukkah in a narrow part of the alley that none of our neighbors have used before. It is truly a sukkah’la ah kleine! – A Reader
We bought our sukkah boards a few months after we moved into our very own home. My husband purchased cheap boards (from Home Depot for about $100 total) that have to be put up the oldfashioned way, with screws and a drill. We thought it would last us just a few years until it would no longer hold up, by which time we’d be able to afford to buy a nicer and more convenient sukkah. So far, however, it’s lasting quite nicely, and we’re about to use it for the fourteenth time! – A Reader
OUR SUKKAH IS FULL OF DECORATIONS THAT WE MADE OVER THE YEARS IN SCHOOL AND DAY CAMP. EVERY YEAR WE ENJOY GOING THROUGH EACH PIECE AND REMINISCING ABOUT WHEN IT WAS MADE AND BY WHOM. – A READER
Something special about our sukkah? I don’t know. But we are lucky to be living in an apartment building where we get a spot to build one! – A Reader
WE HAVE AN OUTDOOR SUKKAH THAT IS INSULATED, SO IT’S NICE AND WARM DURING THE COLD NIGHTS. – A READER
My birthday is on Sukkos; that’s what makes it special! – A Reader
We put up a lot of small lights to create a beautiful, elegant vibe. – Miriam
OUR SUKKAH IS A FOUR POLE STRUCTURE WITH S’CHACH, BUT WITHOUT WALLS! ALTHOUGH PRETTY UNCOMMON, IT IS HALACHICALLY CORRECT, AND SO WE SIT WITHIN THIS STRUCTURE BUNDLED UP IN COATS AND ENJOY OUR YOM TOV GOODIES. – A READER
Our Bubby and Zeidy come to us every Sukkos; it makes our Yom Tov oh-so-special! – A Reader
One year, we painted beautiful wooden serving trays, which are very helpful for carrying dishes of food to and from the sukkah. – P.G.
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OUR SUKKAH HAS ALL OF OUR KIDS’ CRAFTS FROM OVER THE YEARS, AND NOTHING ELSE. WE HAVE NO STORE-BOUGHT SUKKAH DECORATIONS. – A READER
My parents hang all the sukkah crafts us kids made over the years. There’s always a special excitement when we get to see projects we made years earlier, and my kids love it when I point out the crafts I made in preschool! – H.R.
Our sukkah is decorated with old-fashioned sukkah stars (shterns), all of them unique and self-designed! For us, the beauty of a sukkah decoration is the sentimental value of its being homemade A to Z. And believe me, it’s absolutely beautiful! – F.S.
WE HAVE A ROLL-DOWN SUKKAH WITH A JERUSALEM STONE PRINT, WHICH GIVES OUR SUKKAH A REAL ERETZ YISROEL VIBE. – A READER
What makes our sukkah special are the homemade decorations made by the kids. – H.L.
Sukkos is really special. Since we have a shul at home, we have all the congregants come over one night just to farbreng and sing! We actually have four sukkahs: one big one for the shul, a small one for the shul entrance near the coffee station, another big one for our family, and another mini one on the front porch in case it rains and the shlock is down on the big one, so the men can grab a bite to eat in the small one! – A Reader
Please submit your answer by Tuesday night, October 29, for a chance to see it in print!
Email or text pov@thebpview.com Fax 718-408-8771
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A Heartfelt Esrog SUKKOS
Y. Levenstein
The shuk was a hub of activity. Men crowded around tables laden with esrogim, inspecting the fruit carefully. There were esrogim from Kfar Chabad, Yanove, Chazon Ish and others. There were also lulavim and hadassim of varying degrees of perfection.
Energetic vendors went from customer to customer, showing their wares and hoping to make a sale amidst the tumult and din. Little boys sat in corners with boxes of homemade “koisheklach” — lulav holders they had personally woven out of lulav branches.
Everyone was rushing about in the Erev Yom Tov frenzy, hoping to acquire the most beautiful set of arba minim possible.
To the side stood a table that especially attracted the crowds. Drawing near, you could see that this was not a stand selling daled minim; behind the table sat several rabbanim who had been recruited to help shoppers with any halachic questions they might have as they purchased their sets.
only specific questions and concerns to the rabbanim for evaluation. Nobody came just for a general opinion on a specific esrog. That is, nobody besides Avraham*.
Avraham walked over to the table of rabbanim with three lulavim in hand and asked, “What does the rav say to these lulavim?”
years ago, I made aliyah to Eretz Yisroel, and I decided to learn about Yiddishkeit. I want to be close to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and I want to do this mitzvah right. But I don’t know how! I don’t know the basic halachos of daled minim. Can the rav please tell me if these are good for me and my two sons?”
It was impossible to turn Avraham down after hearing his tale.
The rabbanim looked over all three lulavim and were amazed to see that each one was mehudar to the highest level. How could it be, they wondered, that someone who doesn’t know the halacha was able to pick out such perfect pieces, one after the other? They were each beautiful — completely closed and straight, a vibrant green color, and of perfect shape.
The chances of someone picking out one such perfect piece without knowing what to look for are very slim. Yet this man had picked three. “How did you do this?” they asked, incredulous.
I want to do this mitzvah right. But I don’t know how! I don’t know the basic halachos of daled minim
Behind the table hung a sign that stated explicitly that the rabbanim were available for specific questions people may have on particular minim. General questions, such as if an esrog is mehudar or which lulav to choose, would not be answered.
This takanah was the result of years of experience. In the past, the masses in the crowded Yerushalmi shuk thronged around the dayanim, and it was simply impossible for everyone to be heard. The organizers of the shuk realized that the situation was unsustainable and decided to limit the shailos in this manner.
Everybody seemed to understand, and the system worked. People brought
Around him, eyebrows shot up. This was exactly the kind of general inquiry that the policy was designed to limit. Surprised, the dayanim tried to decide whether to say something or simply point at the sign. They didn’t want to start a new trend, but they didn’t want to hurt the man, either.
Before they had a chance to respond, Avraham explained, “I know. I shouldn’t be asking. But please understand that I just don’t know the halachos. You see, I grew up in Russia, behind the Iron Curtain. There, we were not allowed to even mention the word, ‘daled minim.’ A few
Avraham shrugged and said, “Give me a few minutes. I want to choose three esrogim and hear what the rabbanim have to say.”
In a matter of minutes, Avraham was back, toting three esrogim. The scene repeated itself. The dayanim inspected each one thoroughly. “Wow! Gorgeous! Mehadrin min hamehadrin! Each one.”
The rabbanim looked at each other. How could it be that in just a few minutes, without inspecting the esrogim all that much — or even knowing what to look for in the first place — this man had managed to lay his hands on such perfect
How could it be that in just a few minutes, without inspecting the esrogim all that much — or even knowing what to look for in the first place — this man had managed to lay his hands on such perfect specimens?
specimens? The shape, color, size, and flawlessness of these esrogim were hard to come by even for the most savvy and knowledgeable shopper.
“How did you do that?” one of the dayanim asked Avraham.
“As I said,” Avraham replied, “when I left Russia and took on Torah and mitzvos, I was determined to learn everything. But I didn’t get to the halachos of arba minim yet.
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“Before I entered the shuk, I told Hashem, ‘When I lived in Russia, I wasn’t able to keep Torah and mitzvos. Baruch Hashem, I was zoche to come to Eretz Yisroel, and my goal is to be mekayem mitzvos b’shleimus. Ribbono Shel Olam, since I don’t know enough about this mitzvah, please — You choose mehudar arba minim for me!’
“That’s exactly what happened,” Avraham concluded. “I went to the stands, and took the first lulavim I saw. When I heard from the rabbanim that the lulavim were mehadrin min hamehadrin, I understood that Hashem had heard my request, and I then went to get my esrogim…”
* * * * *
Chazal teach us that each of the daled minim corresponds to a part of the human body. The esrog is compared to the heart.
Says Rav Yechezkel Shraga of Shineve, zt”l: Hakadosh Baruch Hu assigns each esrog according to a person’s heart. According to how much heart one invests in the mitzvah, that’s how special the minim he merits to receive will be.
*Not his real name.
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Three generations, one vision— To strive for uncompromising quality and loyalty.
Even though CEDEV, the renowned European kosher wine producer, only recently entered the American market through Noble Wines, its exclusive American importer, their American success represents many years of hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurship in the world of kosher wine. Every bottle in the CEDEV and Noble Wines portfolio tells its own story, but also forms part of a wider narrative— about family, tradition, and a firm commitment to principles without compromise.
To help explore this story, which spans the globe, I sat down to speak to, and share a glass of wine with, Rabeini “Robby” Israel, founder of CEDEV Wines, and his son Abraham Israel, CEO of Noble Wines. Here is part of our conversation.
Joshua London (JL): Let’s start with the latest developments. How did Noble Wines come about?
Abraham Israel (Abe): We established the company in November 2022, in New York, and though independent, it is es-
sentially an extension of my father’s business in Europe. Sort of the American branch, if you will.
In a very real sense, though, the seeds of Noble Wines were first planted decades ago, when my father innovated in estab-
lishing a network of supermarkets on the European model in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which became the reference in that country.
JL: Wow, Central Africa seems remote. Okay, so let’s pause on Noble Wines for the moment as Africa beckons—Robby, how did you wind up working in the Congo?
Robby Israel (Robby): Well, our family connected with the Belgian Congo in 1925 when my uncle left the historical Jewish community of Rhodes, almost 100 years ago, followed by my father, for whom my son, Abraham, was named. My father taught me his vision of business, always in the frame of loyalty and goodness.
JL: Rhodes? You mean the Greek Island in the Aegean Sea?
Abraham: Yes, that’s right. Our family hailed from the Jewish community in Rhodes going back many generations, when it was part of the Ottoman Empire.
[Note to readers: Until the mid-20th century, Rhodes was home to a sizable Ladinospeaking Jewish community that had been expelled from Spain in the 15th century. Their Jewish customs, cultural identity and way of life was typically Judeo-Spanish. Like many Rhodian Jews, the Israel family fled the island in the aftermath of WWI. The Jewish community of Rhodes had thrived under Ottoman rule, swelling to around 4,000 strong (accounting for roughly a quarter of the population of Rhodes), but began to wither as global politics overwhelmed, and the economy faltered when the island fell under Italian leadership, severing its ties with the oriental Mediterranean world.]
JL: My understanding is that many Rhodian Jews left for economic reasons. Is that why your family left?
Robby: Yes, after the Italians took over Rhodes [in 1912, following the Italo-Turkish War], the economic
situation deteriorated, people were looking for new opportunities, and the Belgian colonies in Africa (formerly a private property of King Leopold II for whom worked the famous explorer Stanley) welcomed Europeans for trade and development. Many Rhodians started flocking to the Congo, among other places.
My father was the youngest of a big family, but he was an orphan, as his father had been drafted by force by the Ottomans and died during the war, so he followed his older brother to the Congo.
The Israel family settled for a time in what was becoming a flourishing Jewish community of mostly former fellow Rhodians.
JL: You mentioned having long roots in Rhodes. Can you give us a sense of your family’s history?
Abraham: Our forebears were part of a distinguished and important rabbinical family in Rhodes, as the Israel family rabbis were the spiritual leaders of Rhodes for almost 12 generations, and counted luminaries like Rabbi Moshe Israel, the famous “Masas Moshe “ (cited by the Chida [Rabbi Chaim Joseph David Azulai; 1724-1807] in his Shem HaGedolim, and by Rabbi Akiva Eiger [1761-1837]). Among others , Rabbi Chaim Palaggi mentions Rabbi Michoel Yaakov Israel and the whole family in exceptionally eloquent terms.
JL: Wow, that’s a solid yichus. I also understand that on your mother’s side, you belong to the Sasportas family, whose glorious, most prominent figure is Rabbi Yaacob Sasportas [1610-1698] who served in the Portuguese kehillah of Amsterdam, and whose father was the 10th generation descendent of the Ramban [Rabbi Moses ben Nachman; 1194–1270].
Robby: Yes, this is commemorated in the CEDEV logo which is based on the shieldlike emblem designed with six doors which appears on the grave of Rabbi Yaacob Sasportas, and which was also featured on a famous work from the Dutch artist Pieter Stevens van Gunst [16581732]. The emblem has six doors on it to commemorate the Sasportas name—originally “Seis-portas” which is Catalonian for “six gates.” The Sasportas name runs deep in our family.
JL: Very nice. So how does that link back to the Congo?
Robby: After studying in yeshivos in France [Strasbourg] and the United States [Mir Yeshiva in Flatbush], I eventually found myself back in the Congo for my parnassa, where I started my career as a legal advisor to a highly reputable group of companies founded by two Italian Jewish brothers. The wife of one of them had been repatriated from Auschwitz through a flying bridge organized by my father after WWII.
Abraham: Like many frum Yidden in Europe, we are multilingual. My father’s French is especially fluent, and he is particularly good at connecting with people, and really found his calling, his métier, in the Congo. He is also very good at recognizing business potential and building connections.
JL: Very interesting. So what’s the connection between the Congo and kosher wine?
Robby: As said before, one of the enterprises I was involved with was a very large chain, a network, of supermarkets in the Congo. I set up the network and established this chain around 2005. These were not small stores. Keep in mind that we are talking about a very large country.
Abraham: The DRC is the second largest country in Africa in terms of landmass, with tens of millions of people, and my father had a broad vision for the country when he set this up. These supermarkets were the first of their kind there and dramatically raised the standards for retail across Central Africa.
[Note to readers: There are many mainstream-media business stories extolling Robby’s business ventures over the years. Typical of this coverage is this October 29, 2009 story from Jeune Afrique, a leading African media outlet, which noted that the company managed by Robby “innovated the most” in the retail sector. Similarly, the Worldfolio, an international business publication, noted in a January 16, 2017 profile that this business venture in the DRC had “become a reference point in the country’s business community” and extolled its “exemplarity performance” across the region “representing renowned brands” in a way that “protects not only the reputations of its partners, but also its own, and allows it to build on quality.”]
JL: Ah, so a picture is emerging here—these mega stores presumably sold wine too, right?
Robby: Yes, this is the key—wine was very important. As a former Belgian colony, the DRC is not only a French speaking country but also has many strong cultural and business connections to Europe, so while Belgians are more famous for producing beer, and drinking wine was not really in the habits of the Congo population, this new style of business built on the European model managed to bring wine to a new status and it became a must on lots of African tables. So wine was an especially important part of this network of supermarkets that I set up.
JL: Okay, but surely by this time, the Jewish community was mostly gone, and your clientele were not Jewish, right? So why kosher wine?
Robby: Yes, our market was almost 100% non-Jewish. The simple fact was that I was not comfortable with the prospect of commercial involvement with non-kosher wine. I decided at the outset, in 2005, that the only wine I would deal in would be kosher certified.
JL: How did you make this decision?
Robby: I consulted various rabbinic authorities, but the possibility of trade in non-kosher wine just did not sit well with me and so I made the decision to be machmir. It made much more sense to me.
Abraham: One of the renowned luminaries that my father consulted, and who was also his rav in Antwerp, was Rabbi Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss zt”l [26 August 1926 – 29 July 2022; this was before Rav Weiss became the Gaon Av Beis Din, or GAVAD, of the Eidah HaChareidis of Yerushalayim].
The bottom line is that my father simply doesn’t play around with these sorts of things. With him, everything has to be 100% in order halachically and to his standards, or it is simply not happening.
Robby: Maintaining this approach without compromise has always worked out beneficially in the long term. It is a personal commitment of ours and is absolutely part of our successful approach in business. In hindsight, it is even clearer that this was the correct decision for us.
Because we were matzliach using this machmir approach from the beginning in Africa, we are determined to continue this approach now, despite the sometimes significant financial and logistic costs.
Abraham: Since the Congolese clientele desired a diverse yet high-quality range of European wines, and since my father insisted that the wine his stores carried be strictly kosher, he wound up creating a fine portfolio of European wines that happened to also be kosher certified—even though his customers did not require kosher wine.
JL: So how did you bring kosher wine to Central Africa and beyond?
Abraham: So, my father set himself the task of sourcing high quality wines for his supermarket network—but wines which would also be fully kosher according to his standards of kashrus.
He partnered with all the major kosher wine players in the United States and Europe. He not only sourced existing wines, but also had wines produced specifically to cater to the Congolese market. We are talking about high volumes, too.
As the wine part of the business grew, his wines became the primary source for quality European wines in many markets across the region. They happen to be kosher, but it was 100% only the quality and provenance that mattered in Africa.
Robby: When the French Embassy or the US Embassy, for example, served wine at their events, it was our wine, which is to say it was kosher wine.
Abraham: Because of the volume involved, my father quickly became a major player in the kosher wine industry—even though he was providing for non-Jewish clients in Central Africa, very far from any concentration of kosher consumers.
My father threw himself into this side of the enterprise, becoming more and more involved in every facet, and along the way quickly recognized that his portfolio of wines held great potential to appeal to kosher consumers.
This somewhat roundabout process also resulted in the creation of some significant kosher wines that just weren’t available at that time to the kosher consumer, at least not until my father separately decided to focus on the kosher market in Europe.
JL: Ah, so is this where CEDEV enters the picture?
Robby: Yes. I recognized that I was well positioned to service the European kosher market, and then eventually the market in Eretz Yisrael, and then later also the US market. This vision started to become a reality with the help of an exceptional team in CEDEV Antwerp managed first by my son in law, Yoel Moshe Apter, and then, today, headed by Moshe Cik, with total, talented dedication and loyalty, to source and produce wines with the highest standard of quality and kashrus.
Thus, when we launched CEDEV in Antwerp 12 years ago, the ultimate vision was to expand to all the major kosher markets—bringing high-quality and great value kosher wines to every community where there are Jews who need kosher wine. The launching of Noble Wines
last summer was, thus, part of this original plan. I am happy to say that this vision, successfully implemented, showed the way to major kosher producers which also began to implement their kosher certification. CEDEV grew quickly and we began exporting to 25 different countries.
We want to help Jews access kosher wine wherever it is needed. In some of the smaller, more remote, communities there are some Jews who are used to drinking non-kosher wines. When they learn that kosher wine has become available in their community, however, they begin to shift, and to buy and drink kosher wines. Even if it amounts to little more than one or two pallets a year, it is still worthwhile for us. For example, I was recently in a small European country to visit a business acquaintance, stumbled across the only kosher store there, and wound up selling them a pallet.
JL: Okay, so, the wines you had been bringing to the Congo, which had been your primary concern until this point, were also the first steps in establishing the now-world famous CEDEV brand of kosher wines?
Abraham: Exactly! Though this is the abridged version, obviously. It has been an incredible journey.
JL: Clearly. When you established CEDEV in Antwerp in 2012, did you jump right into producing wines as well?
Robby: No, we started by distributing kosher wines produced by others, but the goal was better quality and kashrus, and we finally jumped on producing ourselves. Keep in mind that CEDEV is not just a Europe-based producer but also a European retailer. CEDEV is an acronym that stands for Centrale Européenne des Vins, or the European Wine Center.
BUBBLING SUCCESS –BAGLIETTI KOSHER WINES MAKE A SPLASH
JOSHUA E. LONDON
The Baglietti brand of sparkling Italian wines has “made a big splash in the kosher market,” says Avrumi Israel, CEO of Noble Wines, the exclusive US importer for CEDEV (Centrale Européenne des Vins or the European Wine Center), the Antwerp, Belgium based producer and distributor of European kosher wines.
Avrumi notes that CEDEV, the parent company, which was founded by his father, Robby Israel, “has had to dramatically increase production of Baglietti to meet consumer demand.”
The kosher production began in 2022, effectively introducing the Baglietti brand to both the USA and Israel. In its native Europe, however, Baglietti was already widely recognized as a successful and innovative brand in the mainstream, nonkosher market.
Baglietti wine brand was created for the non-kosher market in 2018 as a luxury-styled modern take on traditional Italian sparkling wines. The Baglietti name, according to the brand’s website, is a tribute to Marco Baglietti, a winegrower who cultivated vineyards in the hills surrounding Veneto for 45 years. The Baglietti range of wines are designed to be classic, bold, yet also fun and unpredictable, and always presented in style.
The Veneto is one of Italy’s most productive wine growing areas. In the 1990s, the Veneto region, in the northeastern corner of Italy, began to attract global attention and critical recognition with its distinctive reds and whites, and especially with the region’s spumante (sparkling) and frizzante (semi-sparkling) wines.
“From the quality of the wine to the distinctive style of the bottle,” Ranzi, one of the people behind this brand, explains, “Baglietti focuses on creating elegant wines for everyday luxury.”
Ranzi notes that the brand was initially launched with a primary focus on Prosecco, a very popular Italian sparkling wine made mostly from the Glera grape (at least 85%, in keeping with production regulations). Baglietti found success across Europe in very short order with their Italian bubbly, and among the unexpected but very welcome responses was an inquiry from CEDEV about possible kosher production.
“From the beginning of our meeting with Moshe [Moshe Cik, CEDEV’s managing director],” Ranzi explains, “I was really excited by the prospect of ‘kosher.’” It was not only a chance to do “something that, to us, was new and different,” he says, but they “were also very taken with the whole mindset behind the kosher production.”
They also recognized that a kosher wine was not only a path to the United States market but was also a welldefined and reasonably thirsty market segment.
“We decided to do a Moscato together with CEDEV starting with the 2022 vintage,” Ranzi recalls, “which we approached, more or less, as the Prosecco of the Jewish community.”
The Baglietti Moscato is made from Moscato Fior d’Arancio (literally “orange blossom Moscato”) which is a local variation of the Moscato Giallo (yellow) grape. It is a sweet and aromatic variety that is often produced in a sweet and sparkling version and is considered a typical expression of the Euganean Hills area where the grapes are cultivated.
The vineyards are situated in the Euganean Hills Regional Park, a protected natural area located in the Veneto region, near the city of Padova (about 50 km or
31 miles from Venice, Italy). The terroir there, which is particularly well suited to the Moscato Giallo family of grapes, is unique owing to its historically volcanic origins. The vineyard soil is rich in trachyte, chalk and clay mixed with marl and loam.
The climate of the Euganean Hills is also ideal for this particular Moscato grape variant as the winds that come from the mountains balances the humidity of the Lagoon of Venice. Also, the biodiversity, the slope of the hills, the different exposition of the vineyards and the peculiarity of the microclimate really helps to bring out the best in the Moscato Fior d’Arancio variety. The vineyards are situated in a truly majestic landscape around the beautiful early 16th Century Villa dei Vescovi, an historic Renaissance-style residence in Torreglia. Harvesting is, as might be expected, done entirely by hand.
Baglietti’s wines are made sparkling using the traditional Italian “tank method,” in which the second fermentation of the wine, which results in the formation of bubbles, takes place in large, pressurized tanks called autoclaves. This approach makes the wine sparkling while preserving the natural fresh, fruity flavors and aromas of the Moscato grapes.
Baglietti’s first production of the kosher Moscato proved a huge success. “The quality turned out really great, and the kosher consumers seemed to love the product,” notes Ranzi.
The kosher Baglietti wines include the hugely popular sparkling Baglietti Moscato No 5, as well as a sparkling Moscato Rosé, and the Baglietti Brut No. 7, a Prosecco, as well as a Rosé.
“In addition to its delicious taste,” says Ranzi, “the Baglietti range is presented in a distinctive and elegant cut-glass bottle that brings an additional level of luxury and richness to the table.”
“Baglietti has been receiving a lot of very positive feedback from consumers across all markets,” says Avrumi Israel of Noble Wines. Indeed, the Baglietti kosher wines are, in fact, a best seller in the Jewish community.
The delicious and elegant Baglietti kosher wines will add another festive note to your Shabbos or yom tov table.
We have a retail store in Antwerp, catering to a discriminating European kosher clientele in person and online, selling all kosher wines—both the wines CEDEV produces, and also the wines that others produce. We sell throughout Europe, so we have a very clear picture of the larger kosher wine market, and we also have a clear sense of our consumers’ buying habits.
On the production side, CEDEV produces kosher wines at prestigious and often also historic wine estates in France, Italy, Spain, and Hungary. Baruch Hashem, we have enjoyed a lot of success and expansion of our portfolio, but we approach growth slowly and purposefully.
JL: Please expand on this— what is your approach?
Robby: Our approach to kosher wine is uncompromising—we do not compromise on wine quality and we never compromise on kashrus. The field of commercial kashrus is big and diverse, and there are many reputable kashrus authorities out there serving a variety of different communities. If you look at our labels, we have multiple hashgachos, but the primary authority we have partnered with, and which suits our approach perfectly is Kedassia, from the United Kingdom.
It often makes things a little bit more difficult, and maybe more expensive, but as I said before, we were matzliach in Africa with this policy, so I want to keep the same stringency and the same strategy going forward.
JL: How do you decide what wines to produce?
Robby: As you know, wine is by turns simple and yet
complex, often with rich history, and frequently with strong emotional attachments. Any kosher wine can be used for kiddush, but a good wine is more mehudar
At one level wine is just fermented grape juice, but at another level wine is a sign of civilization, of working with nature in partnership, cultivating grapes and with Hashem’s help teasing out and raising them to their ultimate expression of a given geographic area and doing this from vintage to vintage.
The question of what wine has many considerations. It is not lechatchila strictly a commercial question. Or at least it should not be.
In more practical terms, we try to find wines that do not already exist on the market. There are lots of superb kosher wines already, so in general there is nothing added by doing something that is already available. That said, we make a point of offering a range of high-quality mass-market wines as well as high-end, distinctive wines, so there are lots of considerations. Wine is diverse and some areas, some regions, have many points of potential differentiation.
In brief, there are mainly three ways we decide what to produce: first, we try to connect with the market demand. Secondly, through chance encounters with wine growers and producers who are interested in partnering with us to make kosher wine, or similarly through growers and producers that we come into contact with through our existing network of wine partners. Finally, and more simply and perhaps more beautifully, we decide to produce wines based on our
appreciation of a wine and its region and our desire for the kosher consumer to discover and love it as we do.
Abraham: Bordeaux is a huge region, for example, and there is such a high volume of demand, that offering something that is distinguished more by price, or by appellation, or by grape variety, or by style, or by value, or by quality, and the like, may prove a sufficient basis for our investment.
So, sometimes demand is great enough that the market will embrace wines even though that category of wine is already represented more generally.
Robby: Also, as we service many different markets, our approach is necessarily broad. It happens, for example, that some of our wines are big sellers in one market but not in another. Some countries and some communities have their own distinctive tastes, their own preferences.
A wine that sells poorly in France, for instance, may be a great seller in South America. So some of our wines are proven successes in some of our markets but not in all our markets. Yet we may anyway still offer such a wine in multiple markets to see how it progresses, or to try to develop it in the different markets. Sometimes these things take time. Not every wine will be a runaway success.
Abraham: Interestingly, taste differences run to the labels as well, not just the wine. A label that people like in America, for example, may be hated in France. So, we sometimes will change label designs between markets. We try to adapt.
JL: How do you evaluate wines for possible kosher production, or for that matter, possible wine producers for potential partnership?
Robby: We cannot taste their wines, of course, so we consider their reputation and critical reception within the industry, and then we also have our Bordeaux-based œnologue [French for enologist, or specialist winemaker] taste their wines, and review samples in a laboratory setting to make sure the wines are of sufficiently high quality. He will make a thorough evaluation of their wines, usually across multiple vintages. He then sends us a report of his analysis and his recommendations.
We also consider the wider kosher market, and the rest of our portfolio. We want to be certain any decision we make fits rationally into our big picture. We do a lot of due diligence before any final decision will be made.
Once we’ve started more serious engagement, we also work to create a business relationship that will demonstrate that working with us will be sufficiently lucrative for potential partners. Our more stringent approach to kashrus entails a level of complexity that may seem intimidating, so we want them to envision the benefits more clearly than the challenges.
JL: Do you just approach potential partners you’ve identified, cold-call style, and ask them to consider doing a kosher production?
Robby: Yes, often. Sometimes we follow leads, and sometimes, as I said before, existing partners connect us with their colleagues.
JL: Are these strictly order-fulfillment arrangements, or more real partnerships?
Robby: We strive always to build proper partnerships, strong, trusting relationships with the wine producers. Indeed, sometimes the wines we choose to produce kosher are as much driven by our partners as anything else.
JL: For example?
Robby: One that speaks more to my own personal tastes, is our Plume de Paloumey from Bordeaux. This wine from the Haut-Médoc did not even exist before we introduced it, because in fact we created it with the winemaker.
He is a very passionate and talented man who is very focused on environmental responsibility and sustainability. He had been wanting to create a wine that encapsulated his philosophy while also giving voice to the terroir of his land. We hit it off well—a great “meeting of the minds” moment.
We asked him to translate his concept into reality and produce for us a high-end USDA-certified organic red wine made with no added sulfites that captures something essential about his terroir. It is delicious! He liked it so much that he even added it to his regular staple of wines for the mainstream market.
JL: Wow, so these partnerships with the various wine producers are really very important?
Robby: Yes, very much so—indeed they are crucial for us. Relationships are key—this is another of our fundamental ap-
proaches. We always strive to work towards strong, long-term relationships with the partnering wineries.
Not just the owners, whose orientation is naturally business-driven, but also the chai director, the winemaker, who is typically allergic to having strangers, foreigners, poking around his cave and manipulating tanks, pumps and pipes— and to do this correctly and earn their trust and respect is to make a kiddush Hashem
I tell my people all the time that we are going to these wineries not just to make wine, and not just to make money, but also to make a kiddush Hashem. It is very important.
This approach is often more expensive in the short term, but then so is our approach to kashrus. Those we partner with invariably come to understand how much we value working with them, just as they recognize how authentic are our religious commitments. We earn their respect the old-fashioned way, by being true to our principles without compromise.
JL: Okay, so let’s take it back to the United States, and to Noble Wines. What prompted the decision to target the US market?
Robby: The United States is so massive and diverse; it is more like 50 different countries when compared to Jewish Europe.
Abraham: To build on this initial success, we then decided to take the next logical step and establish our own distribution operation. The market seemed very receptive, and we had good feedback, and all along my father’s vision had been to eventually enter the US kosher wine market.
JL: Were you living here already?
Abraham: Yes, I came to the US 16 years ago.
JL: Were you always into wine?
Abraham: Yes, growing up in Europe inclines one to develop a healthy attitude towards wine. Also, I used to travel a lot with my father on his business trips and through that I received a world of experience that is very hard to fully describe.
When I arrived here in America, I stayed attached to wine. I even built a wine cellar in my home well before I got involved in importing wine. Once I launched Nobel Wines, of course, I
was able to take my love of wine to a whole new level.
Most meaningfully of all, though, Nobel Wines has afforded me the opportunity to work even more closely with my father, to extend the family business to yet another country, and to join with him in expanding the world of kosher wine and providing even greater options to kosher consumers. The kosher wine world has never been so strong, and being a part of that is really wonderful.
JL: With so many kosher wines available on the market, why does Noble stand out as the most sought-after wine company? What is the secret to its success?
Abraham: We are fortunate to have access to incredible terroir and great fruit. We’ve been so well received in the discerning US kosher market because of our wines’ quality and exceptional craftsmanship, and because of the partnerships my father has developed with specialist growers over decades. Our kashrus is uncompromising, and so is our quality; our Bordeaux-based œnologue tastes every wine before we invest in it, and reviews samples across multiple vintages in a laboratory setting to make sure the wines are of sufficiently high quality.
Our success has surpassed our most ambitious goals, which we attribute entirely to siyata dishmaya, Hashem’s help and inspiration.
JL: Baglietti has earned the reputation of being very successful and sought-after table wine, with incredible popularity. What do you believe contributed to this overwhelming success?
Abraham: The quality and characteristics of the wine is unquestionably an important factor. The innovative, luxury focused pack-
aging for the brand is clearly an important factor as well. This also all requires incredible people doing extraordinarily good work — from the vineyard to the boardroom, and at every stage in-between. Everyone plays an important part and contributes to our overall success.
None of this matters, however, without Hashem’s help and guidance.
JL: Which other wines would you recommend for this Yom Tov season?
Robby: Wine preferences are highly subjective. I always encourage consumers to trust their own judgement. But personal tastes can change, expand, and adapt— as we explore the new and different.
You might want to consider the wonderful Chateau Du Vieux Puit, or “VIP” for short. This is a lovely and popular red wine from Bordeaux, France, that is earthy and fruity, with dark fruit notes that linger on the palate. It pairs well with a range of meat dishes.
Another great option, also from Bordeaux, is our Chateau La Perriere Bordeaux Supérieur. This is an outstanding, rich, deep, flavorful red, sourced from vineyards near the famous Saint-Émilion region, which encapsulates many of those same complex terroir-driven characteristics but, thankfully, at a much lower price point.
A third option, for those wanting something a bit more premium, is the Aimé Arnoux Vacqueyras, a red blend from France’s world-renowned southern Rhône Valley wine region. This is a first-time kosher release from this particular mountainous appellation. It is grown and produced in a historic village where wine has been crafted for hundreds of years, by a wine growing family that has been working this land since 1717. Located not far from the Mediterranean Sea, the region benefits from a long, hot summer, allowing the grapes to ripen beautifully, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavor. Ready to enjoy as soon as the bottle is opened, even without decanting, it will continue to develop as it breathes and pairs with food, and will reward cellaring too. This wine can be enjoyed alongside rich and elegant or hearty and rustic meat dishes, grilled meats and poultry, mushroom-heavy vegetarian dishes, or hard and semi-hard French cheeses.
Whatever wines you choose, the Israel family of CEDEV and Noble Wines sends their best wishes to you as we offer you the best fruits of our wine labors. May they elevate your yom tov gatherings and bring joy and blessings to your table.
The art of wine
Federal Agencies Ready for Sukkos, with Advisories Describing Traveling With Lulav and Esrog
With air travel before and during Sukkos becoming increasingly popular, Agudath Israel of America has once again worked with federal agencies to avoid the potential problems of traveling with lulavim and esrogim
Both the Transportation Security Administration and United States Customs and Border Patrol issued bulletins to their personnel at airports and border crossings. In addition to explaining that the arba minim have religious significance, the bulletins are intended to prevent the potential problems of federal agents mishandling or damaging these delicate plants and fruit.
ington Director Rabbi Abba Cohen thanked both agencies for taking the steps to allow Jewish passengers to travel with their lulavim and esrogim
“We are gratified by the ongoing sensitivity of these agencies to the religious concerns of our community,” said Rabbi Cohen. “They are taking meaningful and appropriate steps to accommodate our religious needs.”
Keeping Adams on a Tight Leash, Hochul Calls the Shots at City Hall
Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to remove embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams from City Hall following his indictment on federal charges, and with Election Day less than a month away, the prevailing sentiment is that keeping him in place may be the wise political move, at least for now.
According to reports, Hochul is concerned that ousting Adams will alienate suburban African-American voters, which could have that demographic casting their ballots for Donald Trump, instead of Kamala Harris, in the November 5 presidential election.
The TSA guidelines explain that lulavim, esrogim, hadassim and aravos are all allowed to be brought through airplane security checkpoints, but that they will be subject to inspection by agency personnel. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for potential screenings.
The CBP advisory notes that all four of the arba minim will be inspected by its agricultural specialists to ensure that none are harboring invasive pests or harmful diseases. Travelers will be asked to unwrap their own esrogim so that they can be checked for pests or insect stingers; should any of those be found, the esrog cannot be brought into the country. Both lulavim and hadassim will be inspected for pests or symptoms of diseases. Aravos present a more complicated situation, with European aravos prohibited in the United States, while all others will be checked to ensure that their stems are not green, and that they have no soft tissue or sprouting buds that will enable them to be planted and regrown.
Both the TSA and the CBP bulletins emphasize the importance of treating travelers of all faiths with the utmost respect. Agudah Vice President for Government Affairs and Wash-
Just last month, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, publicly slammed Hochul for the Republican takeover over the House of Representatives after the 2022 elections, saying that she hadn’t done enough to support her fellow party members. With four Democratic congressional seats flipped in that election, Pelosi lost her prestigious role as House speaker because Republicans suddenly held the majority in Congress.
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Sources have said that Hochul has told Adams he needs to make major changes in City Hall if he wants to keep his job. Numerous members of Adams’ inner circle, including first deputy mayor Sheena Wright, former NYPD commissioner Edward Caban, senior advisor Timothy Pearson, health commissioner Ashwin Vasan, chief counsel Lisa Zornberg, schools chancellor David Banks and deputy mayor for public safety Philip Banks have all stepped down in recent days, with Mohammed Bahi of the city’s community affairs unit arrested last week on charges of destroying evidence and witness tampering.
With City Hall clearly floundering, filling all those positions with qualified candidates is anything but simple, leaving Adams with a major challenge.
“Who in their right mind is going over to the Titanic?” asked one Democratic political operative.
Whether or not Adams stays in City Hall after the November elections is anyone’s guess. Primaries for next year’s mayoral election will be held in June, with Hochul said to be leery of paving the way for Andrew Cuomo, her former boss, to throw his hat into the ring. While Adams’ supporters have argued to let him have his day in court, others have criticized Hochul for her current approach to the mayoral chaos.
“This whole thing of throwing the pirate overboard and leaving Captain Hook in charge is just ridiculous,” said John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany. “It’s just completely cynical politics. Again, who got indicted? Not the deputy mayors who are all resigning.”
Kohein Alert: EL AL Ends Special Aron-Free Flights Out of JFK
A two month trial period that had EL AL designating its 5:30 p.m. flight out of JFK Airport as coffin-free has come to an end, leaving kohanim who prefer to fly on flights without niftarim back to booking their tickets out of Newark.
EL AL announced last summer that as of the beginning of August, no bodies would be transported on JFK flight LY2 on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with further decisions to be announced as warranted. While the airline has a psak that its flights are kohein-friendly, since all coffins are placed inside a custom-made box in a manner that satisfies all halachic concerns, there are kohanim who hold otherwise. That’s why EL AL made the decision to experiment with setting aside one flight without any niftarim to accommodate their needs.
But it soon became clear that LY2’s 11 a.m. arrival in Israel was ideal for levayas, allowing them to be held on the same day, and that its absence often left aveilim faced with an extra day of shivah That reality left the airline evaluating how best to balance the needs of be-
reaved families with those of kohanim who will not fly on EL AL flights with niftarim. An official policy change notice was sent to travel agents and funeral homes on September 30.
“After consultation with our valued travel industry partners regarding the demand for coffin-free flights, we determined that returning to our previous system of Newark being coffinfree and JFK transporting niftarim to kevurah in Eretz Yisrael on any flights, was the simplest and most efficient,” EL AL project manager Shlomo Katz told The Boro Park View
In addition to its Newark flights, which never carry meisim, EL AL’s flights out of Boston and Fort Lauderdale continue to remain coffin-free.
Suspicious Car Prompts American Dream Mall Evacuation
There were some tense moments at the American Dream mega-mall last week, when a car with an open door triggered an evacuation that lasted for more than three hours.
CBS News reported that the scare began when a security team noticed a Tesla with an open driver’s side door at approximately 5:30 p.m. on October 8 in the mall’s C-level parking area. New Jersey State Police issued a public safety alert after two of American Dream’s canine units got what was described as “a positive alert” after sweeping the car, warning of an emergency situation, and advising shoppers, tenants and employees to evacuate the building immediately, without using any of the mall’s many elevators.
State troopers and the Bergen County bomb squad both responded to American Dream and searched the vehicle, with no explosive devices found despite two more canine sweeps also yielding positive results.
Video footage showed crowds milling around in the parking lot while the mall was closed, with its doors finally reopening shortly before 9 p.m.
YOM TOV SPECIALS
CHANIE SPIRA
There were four chairs around the table. Rabbi and Mrs. Czinner were already seated, so Kaily had a choice of two seats.
She hesitated in the doorway. Which seat to take?
Her future mechutan — she hoped — was seated at one end of the table, and his wife sat at his right.
She took the awkward seat at the other end of the table, which was both too close and too far from both of them. She studied the table. There was the requisite sparkling water, glasses, a platter of store-bought rugelach — all the usual pre-shidduch fare.
They nodded at her as she sat down.
She smiled tightly. She was happy to be here, and it was her third time doing this, so she could totally handle it: a nod here, a shake of the head there, a constant smile, throw in a word or two, and then, hopefully, the meeting would end.
She could practically offer a workshop on how to navigate meeting the mechutanim solo.
“Hi.” The wife — Leah — smiled at her. She gestured toward the rugelach, which Kaily waved away.
Leah was tiny. Kaily had no other description for the woman sitting at the other end of the table. She resisted the urge to check if her feet were dangling above the floor. Her smile, though, was another story. There was strength and genuine warmth. It was a smile belonging to someone much larger and stronger than this woman looked. She so badly wanted to dislike her, but there was no way you could hate a woman of this size with a brood of twelve.
“So Levi and I were thinking…” Leah began — and to emphasize the point, Levi nodded — “that Bina would love to start off in Boro Park, near us.”
She looked at Kaily to check for her reaction. Kaily just sat.
“It’s just the way it is. A girl belongs near her mother, at least in the beginning.”
Kaily nodded. Of course a girl belonged near her mother. So what if she would lose Sruly in the process?
In sync, Levi said the next sentence: “And, of course, we’ll help. You know apartments in Brooklyn aren’t cheap.”
“Not cheap is the understatement of the century,” Leah said.
Levi chuckled. “Rent for a basement apartment is three thousand dollars,” he said emphatically.
Kaily nodded again. She picked up a delicate glass and circled the rim with her finger. She knew she was supposed to chuckle, or at least smile. But she wasn’t in a chuckling mood.
OF COURSE A GIRL BELONGED NEAR HER MOTHER. SO WHAT IF SHE WOULD LOSE SRULY IN THE PROCESS?
“That’s generous,” she said instead.
Leah nodded. “Sruly seems like a lovely boy.” She smiled some more.
Kaily remained silent. Finally, Leah’s smile faltered just a bit.
Kaily circled the rim again and again. She had to respond, but the words were stuck in her throat. It should be the happiest day in her life. Her baby, her Sruly, was about to get engaged.
But… Brooklyn?
She could already picture it. Sruly and Bina smiling at
each other, her soft sheitel bouncing as they showed up for Shabbos — kibbud eim and all. It probably wouldn’t take too many weeks for Bina to say, “Enough. This is not a Shabbos table. You, me and your mother. Awkward!”
Brooklyn will swallow Sruly the same way Lakewood had swallowed Gedalya and Chaim.
And that would be it, save for Chanukah, maybe Purim, and some rare visits. She’d get pictures, a phone call, but for the most part, she’d be alone.
“Is something the matter?” Leah asked gently.
Kaily shook her head slowly. She would not cry. She would not cry. Instead, she straightened her shoulders, put on her happy face. Because she was happy. Twenty years ago, would she have believed that she’d be up to here one day? That she’d be marrying off her youngest to a wonderful, sweet girl? How ungrateful to get hung up on the city he’d be living in!
Only… how was it fair that Levi and Leah Czinner had all their children surrounding them, all five marrieds and seven singles? While she would have to knock at a neighbor’s door to hear Havdalah, or wait until midnight for her brother Eli to remember her and her mother?
“I’m okay,” she finally said. “I’m just excited.”
SO SHE CONTINUED NODDING BRAVELY AS LEAH AND LEVI FINISHED EACH OTHER’S SENTENCES WHILE SHE SAT ALONE, HUNGRILY EYEING THE STALE RUGELACH
Leah looked at her uncertainly. Was she having second thoughts? It was an almost tempting thought. Then Sruly would come back home with her, come home every Shabbos, make Kiddush, Havdalah, ask her how her week went.
But she knew it was hopeless. The kids were as good as engaged.
So she continued nodding bravely as Leah and Levi finished each other’s sentences while she sat alone, hungrily eyeing the stale rugelach (she hadn’t touched food all day, and no one had been around to say, Eat, it’s important to eat even though your stomach is a mess). She continued nodding all through the endless sentences starting with So Levi and I were thinking… Levi and I were saying… Levi and I will help…
While she remained Kaily. Just Kaily. On her own.
* * * * *
Perela always told people her afternoons worked like a plot diagram. Introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and if she was lucky enough, a resolution.
All day, she worked on remaining calm, holding on tightly as Yanky woke up from his nap and Charni walked through the door. The conflicts would start building soon enough.
There were internal conflicts: Perele versus Herself, when she had to squelch her desire to yell, scream, sigh or hide.
NEW ARRIVALS
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Then there were additional conflicts: usually Boys versus Boys, which started as soon as the boys tumbled in. And every day, at about six o’clock, there was a dramatic rise of panic.
It was a daily climax.
Then Ezriel would walk in, and she’ll be the main character in the story. Break up fights, serve, serve, help the kids with homework, serve, listen to all the kids at once, and serve, without anyone realizing that she also needed to eat.
Today, to add to the daily drama, the phone rang.
“Ma!” Leiby screamed. “Kaily is on the phone!”
“I can hear you when you talk,” Perele said. “And it’s Tante Kaily.” She took the phone. Who called busy homes at such an hour?
Kaily. Who had no idea what it was like to live such a life.
“Perele,” Kaily said as soon as she answered. There was a note of something in her voice.
Perel moved out of the kitchen to be able to hear her own voice.
“It’s happening!” Kaily said. “Tonight!”
“Wow!” Perele shrieked, momentarily forgetting everything around her. “Wow! Kaily! Zul zein mit mazel! ”
She knew it would happen any day now. Ezriel had helped with the information calls — his brother knew the Czinners from shul. But until the l’chaim was actually scheduled, so many things could go wrong.
Slowly, slowly, all of her kids moved out of the kitchen and surrounded her in the narrow hallway.
Sheva breathed dangerously close to her.
“Ma! What?” Leiby shout-whispered.
WHEN ALL OF HER KIDS WERE MARRIED AND OUT OF THE HOUSE, SHE’D GO TO ALL THE L’CHAIMS IN THE WORLD
“Who’s getting engaged?” Sheva asked.
“If you’d be quiet I’d be able to hear!” Perela snapped. “Sorry, Kaily. Tell me everything!”
“The l’chaim is scheduled for ten. Think you can make it?” Kaily’s voice had a hopeful, almost demanding, tone.
“Of course,” Perela said. “I wouldn’t miss Sruly’s l’chaim!”
She closed her eyes for a moment. Sure, if she imagined all her responsibilities away, she could make it in a jiffy, with time to spare.
But when she opened her eyes and saw all the little feet around her, she knew she’d need many miracles to make it. Her eyes landed on her oldest, Leiby. He was almost bar mitzvah, really old enough to babysit. If he were a girl, that is. She couldn’t imagine him giving the baby a bottle or getting a single kid into bed. Besides, he had bar mitzvah lessons tonight.
Sure. When all of her kids were married and out of the house, she’d go to all the l’chaims in the world.
Kaily was still on the line, her voice slightly shaky. “Thanks,” she said quietly. “Thanks. At least you’ll be there. I mean, Mommy is coming, I’ll order an Uber for her later.
This winter
musical talent
Hey…” Kaily paused, and Perele knew what was coming. “Maybe you can join her? At around eight? I’ll be calmer knowing you’re with her. She’s not herself, you know.”
luck.
Before she’d had a bite to eat, it was seven-thirty. Time for Ezriel to leave.
“Um, I’ll let you know,” Perele said. “Eight is kind of early here.”
She would travel two hours each way to wish Kaily mazel tov. That’s what sisters did for each other, no? Besides, it wasn’t simcha. It was Kaily’s baby was getting engaged. She still remembered being a ninth-grader when Kaily walked through the door, her three children in tow. She remembered quietly moving all of her possessions out of her room and into the cramped guest room to give Kaily and her boys
Kaily called again. “You didn’t call me back. Can you join Mommy in the car? I’m not comfortable with her coming by herself.”
“I’m still not sure about a babysitter, so no.”
BESIDES, IT WASN’T JUST ANY SIMCHA. IT WAS KAILY’S BABY WAS GETTING ENGAGED
“Aha. Okay, I guess. I hope you find one soon.”
“I’m trying,” Perele said.
But trying wasn’t enough, apparently.
And now Sruly was getting en-
She was dizzy. The kids were clamoring for supper, the baby needed to be fed, and she had to be in Brooklyn in four hours.
How? How?
Fifteen minutes later, Ezriel walked in. Calmly, he hung up his jacket, removed his hat and entered
Leiby bounced off Sruly, and the kids started out-shouting each other.
“Sruly is becoming a chasan! Can I go to the wedding?”
“One at a time,” Ezriel said patiently. He sat down at the kitchen table, which was her cue to start serving, and he listened to the excited jumble from the kids.
Ezriel turned to her, “You have to go?” he said, in a questioning tone. He had that question-statement way of saying things.
“I can go if you babysit.”
It was cruel of her, she knew. Ezriel taught seventh graders all day and still put in two hours of learning before coming home. At night, he gave bar mitzvah classes, which Leiby would be joining.
As much as he wanted, he couldn’t babysit.
Ezriel tried. He bathed Charni while she made some phone calls to see if she could find a babysitter. No
She was up to the last name on the list when Yiddy called. Her brother’s voice came onto the line.
“I’ll order the Uber and add a stop,” he said airily. “Are you gonna be ready in ten?”
“No,” she said icily, “I will not be ready in ten.”
“Oh?”
“I don’t have a babysitter,” she said.
“That’s it ? Send me the balance and I’ll Zelle it over.”
“It has nothing to do with the money,” Perele said. “And everything to do with the fact that I can’t find one!”
“Come on. There are a million high school girls in Monsey.”
Because everything was so easy. Wave a wand, and they’ll come running.
She hung up the phone. A car honked once and then again. Her phone rang. Her mother.
“Nu, Perele? We’re waiting outside.”
She saw her reflection in the hallway mirror — ragged housetop, washed-out face, and very, very deep scowl.
“Perele?” her mother repeated.
She struggled to keep the frustration and anger out of her voice.
“I’m not coming,” she said finally. “There’s just no way.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
YAAKOV ASTOR
Chapter 15
Recap: The Ukranians begin to attack the Jews of the ghetto.
Outside, there is a thick white layer of snow on the ground — spotted with red blood stains.
There’s complete mayhem. People are running in all directions. Most are shouting, hollering, screaming or crying. The Yiddish words “Gevalt! Gevalt! Gevalt! ” ring through the air.
Many are running from the north to south. Rachel is running in the opposite direction, with a purpose, toward the stream. Kayla finally catches up with her. She grabs Rachel’s hand. However, rather than pulling Rachel with her, she decides to follow Rachel. They hold hands and run together.
In the distance, perhaps 50 yards ahead, they see the stream. Its waters are white with froth, its banks blanketed in snow. The stream is too wide and deep to be waded
through. They must swim across. The far bank is elevated with high grass. If they can reach the high grass, they can hide or flee.
Rachel and Kayla reach the edge of the stream. For the first time, they notice people inside. But the waters are too strong. An older man is struggling, drowning, being carried away in the current.
Then — gunshots.
Rachel and Kayla look around for the source of the gunfire. In front of the brush perhaps 20 yards upstream, Nazis and Ukrainians have set up guns in anticipation of the Jews trying to escape across the stream.
They have not yet noticed Rachel or Kayla, but the
Rachel and Kayla reach the edge of the stream. For the first time, they notice people inside. But the waters are too strong
two young women are trapped. The stream is impassable. And even if they manage to swim across it to the other side, the murderers will be there waiting for them.
Suddenly, a bullet whizzes by. Kayla reaches for her neck. Blood spurts out of it. Rachel looks at Kayla. They share a terrified glance.
On instinct, Rachel grabs the kerchief off Kayla’s head and wipes the area of the blood. She gives the kerchief to Kayla and helps her tie it around her neck over the wound.
“We’re going to die,” Kayla cries. It is a moment of truth. Rachel is terrified. She feels like giving up. What else is there to do?
And then time slows down. Sounds are muffled. The people running all over are moving as if in slow motion. Rachel hears a voice deep down inside say, “Hashem, please don’t let me die!”
Suddenly, time and sound return to normal.
“We’re not going die,” Rachel tells Kayla in a voice mature beyond her years, a voice even she can’t believe is so strong.
“I was shot!” Kayla says.
“It’s only a surface wound. You’ll be okay.” Rachel grabs Kayla’s hand. “Quick, we have to run. Now!”
“Where?”
“Follow me.”
Rachel runs with a purpose, as if an angel is pushing her from behind and directing her forward.
Bullets continue to whizz by. Still holding Kayla’s hand, Rachel comes to a house with a wooden porch. On the porch is a bench. As if she has been there before, Rachel picks up the bench and slides back a plank. There is a hole underneath, deep enough to make the perfect hiding spot! Rachel jumps in hands and head first, followed immediately by Kayla.
She slides the plank cover back on top.
Thin, dust-filled rays of light coming through the cracks reveal their
tense, frightened faces. Suddenly, they are flooded with light. Someone has pulled back the plank to expose their hiding spot.
“Who are you?” a woman asks.
Next to her is a man, obviously her husband. “It doesn’t matter,” he says.
“Just get in.”
The husband and wife and their son — who is about five years old quickly climb inside. There are also a man and woman, middle-aged, with them. They also climb in.
The wife looks at Rachel and Kayla.
“How did you get here? Who told you about this place?”
Rachel just sits quietly. Now is not the time for talking or explaining. Gunshots and shouting ring out beyond their hiding place. The husband puts his finger on his mouth, motioning to his wife to be quiet. Suddenly, the sound of heavy boots rattle from above on the wooden porch. They hear voices speaking in Ukrainian. A beam of light casts itself on Rachel’s eyes. She closes them.
She hears the Ukrainians overhead ransacking the house, looking for Jews. More cursing in Ukrainian. Then silence. The murderers have gone.
Rachel opens her eyes. Vapor rises from her nostrils.
The hiding place is literally a hole in the ground. There are no wooden walls or a wooden floor. There is no room to stand up. Rachel and the six others are huddled together. The others have their eyes closed, but are clearly breathing.
Rachel closes her eyes again.
Memories flood her mind. Suddenly, she thinks of her father — what happened to him? She remembers hearing gunshots coming from upstairs when she first crawled out of the cellar. Yes, she remembers it clearly. At the time, it didn’t make sense. Now, she realizes what it means. The murderers had gunned down everyone in the “infirmary,”
NEW ARRIVALS
Suddenly, the sound of heavy boots rattle from above on the wooden porch. They hear voices speaking in Ukrainian. A beam of light casts itself on Rachel’s eyes. She closes them
including her father.
But can she be sure? Maybe he escaped. Should she leave the hideout and look for him? If she leaves they will never let her back in. It’s a big risk. But it’s also her father. Maybe he needs her.
Before there is time for further thinking, an overwhelming fatigue overcomes her, and she dozes off.
* * * * *
It is minutes later. Or hours. Or days. Or eternities.
Everyone in the hiding place is awake now. It is still freezing cold. The husband and wife and their little boy are huddled together under several blankets. The other couple also has several blankets. Rachel and Kayla have no blankets.
The wife whispers to Kayla, “How did you find this place?”
“I didn’t,” Kayla replies. “She did.” She motioned with her head toward Rachel.
The wife turns to Rachel. “How did you find this place?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know? Someone must have told you about it.”
“I promise,” Rachel says. “No one told me anything.”
“Impossible.”
“It’s true,” Kayla says. “She just took my hand and started running.”
“An angel,” Rachel suddenly interjects.
They look at Rachel.
“What?”
“An angel,” Rachel tells them. “I just knew I had to run here and that there was a hiding place somewhere.”
The wife and husband look at each other. After a moment, the husband
removes his blanket and offers it to Rachel and Kayla.
* * * * *
More time passes. More eternities.
Rachel watches the little boy playing with a large glass thermometer that has its top broken off. He is using it like a shovel, digging up dirt and making a little hole.
The wife whispers to her husband, “Do you think it’s safe to go outside?”
He slowly and sadly shakes his head.
“Mama,” the boy says loudly. “Look!”
“Shhh,” his mother tells him.
“Look,” the boy whispers.
The boy has dug a hole deep enough to hit water. The hole is filling up with a little pool of water. The husband grabs the thermometer, shakes out some of the dirt and dips it in the water. Then he slowly takes a sip.
The others wait longingly to see his reaction.
He rolls the water around in his mouth, then nods his head and motions that it is good.
The mother clasps her hands in thankfulness.
* * * * *
Within a day, the little hole of water has become a hole the size of a kitchen sink filled with plenty of water. The wife gives Rachel the thermometer filled with dirty but life-giving water.
By the next day, the little hole has grown into a deep tub. However, now the water is coming in much too fast.
Rachel whispers to Kayla, “We can’t stay here anymore. At night, we must leave.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
A version of this story is available under the title Nothing Bad Ever Happens, published by Menucha Publishers.
IT JUST TAKES A PEN TO LOSE WEIGHT
*Pictured items are not a promise of a particular model to be placed in residence. Images are for promotional use only. Restrictions apply. **No measures guaranteed. Program approval pending ( 7 1 8 ) 3 7 2 - 3 0 0 0 i n f o @ s a v e 1 2 3 . o r g w w w . s a v e 1 2 3 . o r g ( 7 1 8 ) 3 7 2 - 3 0 0 0
A VERDANT OASIS
Roizy Weiss
Ushering in the Yom Tov of Sukkos is a sublime moment of joy. It is the culmination of weeks spent in soul-searching and tefillah, preparing the finest foods, and investing thought and labor into the sukkah, our temporary abode. It’s the Chag Ha’asif. It is the time to reap the rewards.
In honor of this Yom Tov, when there’s an emphasis on beautifying our surroundings, we turned to nature’s best to create this lush and inviting oasis for our time spent in the sukkah’s embrace.
SOFT LIGHT
Solar-powered light fixtures make a great sukkah solution. (Available on Amazon)
תכסמ ןייוו
COZY CONFINES
A soft yet vibrant theme captures the natural sukkah ambience: bamboo-like accents in rustic wood, greenery generously adorning the surfaces, and some soft white textured to remind us of the Ananei HaKavod, which the sukkah represents.
GREEN ENERGY
Adorning the sukkah with greens lends freshness and energy to this abode of beauty.
Besides the table and chairs, the ceiling, wall and poles can all serve as a canvas for verdant art.
STRUNG FROM ABOVE
Fill hanging vases with sprigs, blooms or even faux flowers. Dangle them from the ceiling or arrange them on the sukkah walls for an elegant display of nature’s palette.
(Available on Amazon)
SUKKAH SCAPE
Lining the table with a timeless piece of lace creates the perfect backdrop for elegant tableware. Here, a eucalyptus garland meanders along the lace to form an understated table runner.
Frosted white glasses and lower ribbed tumblers fit right in with the vibe, upping the ambience. The coasters pair well, completing the look.
These rattan chargers pick up and celebrate the natural wood peeking through the lace. And like the best things in life, the cutlery is under wraps, with only the black tips a pop of starkness against the muted tones.
A SEAT IN THE SUKKAH
Garden seating and comfy cushions create that welcoming space that you just won’t want to leave.
Turn the pillows over when in use to prevent stained surfaces.
Benches help accommodate a crowd in smaller spaces.
ZMAN SIMCHASEINU
L’CHAIM!
A wine cart is especially convenient for the sukkah, where space on the table is at a premium.
Bedding used in the sukkah can pose a storage problem. A trunk on wheels keeps the stray blankets out of sight and can double as a wine cart. Storage benches are another great solution for bedding.
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
TULIP & TWINE
Lush greenery transforms any space, creating a cozy Sukkos retreat.
In this sukkah, I arranged fern, eucalyptus and English climbing ivy to bring natural warmth to this space, bringing on a vibe of celebration.
When considering which flowers or foliage to get for your sukkah, opt for long-lasting blooms that won't wilt after the first rainfall.
MY FLOWER FAVES
The following are flower suggestions that will complement the natural beauty of the sukkah's ambiance and s'chach:
Wax flowers are dainty blooms with a waxy texture and whimsical character. They are inexpensive and long-lasting, staying fresh for up to three weeks!
Hydrangeas are classy and can stay fresh for two weeks when purchasing stems from a reputable florist. They come in a wide variety of pretty pastel tones. If they start shriveling up, simply put them upside down in cold water for an hour, and watch it get reinvigorated.
Eucalyptus is known for its calming fragrance and sage green-blue leaves. If you're a minimalist, you likely love the beauty of these aesthetic stems! They are also naturally detoxifying and will keep the sukkah air clear and fresh.
SAVE YOUR STEMS
To keep your greenery and flowers looking their best, try these simple tips:
Add a teaspoon of vodka to the water. Yes, you read that correctly — even flowers need a little happy hour to thrive! The alcohol will kill the bacteria that causes flowers to wilt.
Trim the stems of your flowers at an angle to help them absorb water better.
Keep your arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent drooping.
Change the water completely every five to seven days. (No, spritzing more vodka doesn't count here…)
With these easy hacks, you can extend the lifetime of your blooms to last through the entire Yom Tov, and perhaps even longer!
FLORALS AND FOLIAGE
Tulip & Twine
Boutique flower studio specializing in preorders of hand-crafted floral arrangements for Shabbos, simchas and events. 845.402.8863 | www.tuliptwine.com
FROSTED WINE
GLASSES
Bénie Home Furnishings
Bénie offers a combination of trendy items, refurbished pieces, antiques, and other beautiful and rare items that have a unique story to tell. www.beniehomefurnishings.com
TABLECLOTH AND LINENS Parlux
Parlux’s high-end tablecloths and table linens are available at fine linen and gift shops. parluxsales@gmail.com
WINES Wine on 59
For all your wine and liquor needs. 845.368.3463 | 421 Route 59, Airmont, NY
STATEMENT PIECES
HomeQ
Flatware, wine goblet, challah tray, candlesticks and tray are all part of HomeQ’s highend collection of tableware and decor items. 845.318.4663 | 14 Spring Valley Marketplace, Spring Valley
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HOSPITAL CHESED ROOMS AND SUKKAH LOCATIONS
Hospital for Special Surgery
2nd Floor West - Room 167
Sukkah Location:
70th St. ramp near vendor entrance. Enter from 70th St., ramp on left side.
Englewood Hospital
3rd Floor - Room #3-225
Sukkah Location: Garden area - near the library
NY Cornell Hospital
2nd Floor - Room #107 North
Sukkah Location: Right outside hospital by the walk-in ER
Mount Sinai Guggenheim
2nd Floor West N02-172- next to the shul
Sukkah Location:
Mount Sinai Morningside
6th Floor, Room 6A-144, near Unit 6 West
Sukkah Location: No Sukkah
Columbia Milstein
Columbia Childrens
6th Floor Lobby - Room #662
Sukkah Location: Front of Heart Center building, 165th St.
Columbia Allen
1st Floor - Room 1019, near Labor & Delivery
Sukkah Location: 2nd Floor. Garden area
Lenox Hill 4th Floor - off the Lounge
Sukkah Location: Porch next to Chesed Room
Hackensack-Helena
Theurer Pavilion
7th floor - Room 7018A
Sukkah Location:
Apartment - 312 Atlantic St. across women's and children's building
Hackensack Main
4th Floor - off MICU waiting area
Sukkah Location:
Apartment - 312 Atlantic St. across women's and children's building
Hackensack
NYP Methodist
First floor lobby behind security
Sukkah Location: Wesley bldg, near parking lot. ( Across from main bldg)
Alaris Health/ Select Home
1st Floor, past elevators on the left
Sukkah Location: Left side of bldg next to dialysis center
Trinitas Hospital
6th floor North
Sukkah Location: 210 Building - in front of building
Overlook Medical Center 4th Floor - next to cafeteria vending machine area
Sukkah Location: Outside - Near child care room
Catskill Regional
5th Floor - Room #501
Sukkah Location: 1st Floor. Yard, across the volunteer office
Good Sam (Suffern)
Northern Westchester First Floor of the lobby - Room W156
Sukkah Location: Janet Field's Garden, right off cafeteria
Ellenville Hospital
Off the main lobby
Sukkah Location: Ask Security for location
Calvary Hospital
3rd Floor - across family lounge
Sukkah Location: 1st Floor - side entrance
Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital 1st Floor of the Cafeteria
Sukkah Location: Right outside the main lobby
Nyack ER
Annenberg Patio Area. Access from the Madison Ave Lobby. Memorial Sloan Kettering 1st Floor - Room C-172
Pediatrics - Next to nurse's station
Sukkah Location: Front of building
6th Floor, Hudson South, room 6-112
Sukkah Location: Front of Heart Center building, 165th St.
Valley Hospital ER
Across Rm E40, lock 2-4-3
Sukkah Location:
Left side of main entrance and at Shabbos house
Womens and Baby 5th Floor West - Room #121
Sukkah Location:
Apartment - 312 Atlantic St across women's and children's building
Main Lobby
Sukkah Location: Left side of main entrance and at Shabbos house
Sukkah Location: Recreation Dept. 15th floor
Sukkah Location: Outside 2nd fl
entrance, near parking garage
SPECIALTY SIDES
MIRIAM PESSY WERCBERGER
Vegetables find their spotlight in side dishes, where they get to shine in their delightful colors and textures. There’s no better time than Yom Tov to add these stunning dishes to your repertoire.
PHOTOS MOSHE GRUNFELD 845-422-0720
TABLECLOTH COURTESY OF PARLUX TABLECLOTHS PARLUXSALES@GMAIL.COM
FLOWERS COURTESY OF TULIP AND TWINE 845-402-8863
STICKY POTATOES AND RAINBOW CARROTS
Irresistibly sticky and sweet, these gorgeously glazed vegetables are an ideal Yom Tov side.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. fingerling potatoes
1 lb. rainbow carrots
3 T. oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
SAUCE
1 T. soy sauce
3 T. corn syrup
2 T. sugar
1½ T. ketchup
3 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ tsp. sriracha
1 T. sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. Cut the potatoes and carrots in half lengthwise. Alternatively, you can leave them whole if desired.
3. Place the vegetables on a lined cookie sheet. Drizzle oil over the vegetables, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until crisp and golden, approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, mix the sticky sauce ingredients in a bowl. When the potatoes and carrots are done, cover with sauce, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
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JEWELED MINI EGGPLANTS
An easy and impressive side dish that sings with flavor. Serve on a platter for a stunning presentation.
INGREDIENTS
4 baby eggplants
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for drizzling
3 T. tahini
1 T. sesame oil
½ T. honey
3 cloves garlic, crushed
Pomegranate seeds
Fresh or dried parsley for garnish, optional
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. Rinse the eggplants and cut in half lengthwise. Place the halves face up on a baking sheet, and score the eggplants by cutting a slit down the center, but not through the skin. Sprinkle salt and pepper, and drizzle generously with olive oil.
3. Flip the eggplants so they are face down, and roast for 40 to 60 minutes, until caramelized.
4. In a small bowl, mix the tahini, sesame oil, honey and garlic. Drizzle over the eggplants, and top with pomegranate seeds and fresh or dried parsley.
AUTUMN SALAD
The magic of this seasonal salad is the combination of sweet, crunchy and spicy. Check it out.
INGREDIENTS
1 sweet potato
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 T. olive oil
1 Honeycrisp or Gala apple
2 watermelon radishes
5 oz. salad greens
½ cup Meah Shearim spicy nut mix, for topping
DRESSING
2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 T. olive oil
1 T. honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. Cut the sweet potato into small cubes, and toss with salt, pepper and olive oil. Roast until caramelized.
3. Slice the apple and radishes thinly. Toss with the salad greens and sweet potato.
4. Combine dressing ingredients, and pour over the salad right before serving. Top with spicy nut mix.
Stunning
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GARDEN GARNISHES
MIRIAM PESSY WERCBERGER
For festive plating, all you need is to embellish your dish with some thoughtfully placed garden-fresh goodness. Your dish will appear finished, composed, and a delight to behold. Be intentional when plating, to ensure that the garnish is the right fit for the dish. For example, while black sesame seeds will enhance any dish with Asian flavors, you won’t use them over a Hungarian chicken paprikash. A sprig of herbs will elevate fish, meat and poultry, but not sushi salad. The goal is always to complement and enhance the primary ingredient. Let’s get garnishing! PHOTOS MOSHE GRUNFELD 845-422-0720
TABLECLOTH COURTESY OF PARLUX TABLECLOTHS PARLUXSALES@GMAIL.COM
FLOWERS COURTESY OF TULIP AND TWINE 845-402-8863
DRIED CITRUS SLICES
Dried citrus slices are beautiful little discs that will enhance a dessert, cocktail or meat board. Thoroughly wash and rinse citrus of your choice. Cut into thin slices, and lay in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle them with sugar, and bake at 215° for approximately two hours. Allow to air-dry until fully dehydrated, and store in an airtight container.
FANCY FRUIT
In your local supermarket, look out for a virtual rainbow of options in the form of beautiful, fresh fruit. These can include gooseberries, currants, pomegranate seeds, dragon fruit, blood oranges and more. These will perform utter magic in sprucing up your dessert plate. Explore these stylish options that will upgrade your dessert from average to amazing.
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BEETS AND RADISHES
Golden beets, candy cane beets, watermelon radishes; these naturally gorgeous vegetables are available in a plethora of colors and are exceptionally attractive. Simply slice them up thinly and use raw to liven up any dish.
BLACK AND WHITE SESAME SEEDS
Starting with a topping for challah or sprinkled over a plated side or fish dish, two-tone sesame seeds look sophisticated and sharp without much effort.
SCALLIONS
Cut scallions or chili peppers into thin, diagonal slices for a pop of flavor and flair on side dishes, fish or meat.
HERBS
Herbs are my go-to for all of my garnishing needs. They finish off any dish with finesse, be it savory or sweet. Dill, parsley and rosemary, to name a few, are always a welcome addition to a savory dish, while mint, thyme, and even parsley or microgreens will glorify any dessert. Luckily, there are many herbs available that are pre-checked and ready to use.
SPROUTS
A handful of sprouts piled atop a piece of meat or poultry adds instant appeal.
MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms, whether raw, cooked or roasted, will add elegance to salads and mains. Try scattering a couple of raw white beech mushrooms over a bowl of soup for superior presentation.
HONEY-ROASTED CHILI PEPPERS
Drizzle chili peppers with honey and roast at 400° until slightly charred. Use to embellish a meat dish or meat board.
Similarly, you can roast mini colored carrots or tomatoes on the vine with olive oil, salt and pepper, and perch them over your fish or meat for a restaurant-worthy dish.
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“AND YOU SHALL TAKE FOR YOURSELVES ON THE FIRST DAY THE FRUIT OF A BEAUTIFUL TREE (ESROG), BRANCHES OF PALM TREES (LULAV), BOUGHS OF THICK TREES (HADASSIM), AND WILLOWS OF THE BROOK (ARAVOS), AND YOU SHALL REJOICE BEFORE HASHEM FOR SEVEN DAYS”
(VAYIKRA
23:40).
The arba minim are rich with deep meanings, with each species representing different aspects of Am Yisroel and our relationship with Hashem.
On Sukkos, we bind these species together and wave them in all six directions — north, south, east, west, up and down — symbolizing that Hashem is everywhere and does everything. The binding together also represents achdus among Klal Yisroel, emphasizing that every Yid has a unique role and contribution toward the collective service of Hashem — even Yidden likened to aravos, who are lacking in Torah and maasim tovim
ESROG
The
esrog has both a pleasant taste and fragrance, symbolizing the complete tzaddik who has both Torah and maasim tovim. It’s often likened to the heart due to its shape, representing the center of emotion and devotion in avodas Hashem.
THE PITOM OF REB NACHUM’S ESROG
Reb Nachum of Chernobyl was very poor. In those days, poor didn’t mean a beat up car, no air conditioning or no vacations. It meant no food.
As Sukkos approached, the need to acquire an esrog weighed heavily on him. He possessed nothing of value — nothing, that is, except for a pair of tefillin handed down from the Baal Shem Tov himself. He decided to trade his cherished tefillin for an esrog
When he brought the esrog home, his wife asked him where he got the money to buy it. When he told her that he sold the tefillin, she was so distraught that she bit off the pitom. His esrog was pasul! Nevertheless, he remained completely calm, to such a degree that his wife asked him how he could be so composed.
“The Baal Shem Tov’s tefillin I don’t have,” he replied. “The esrog I don’t have. Shalom bayis I also shouldn’t have?”
His response demonstrates the idea of the esrog representing the tzaddik. Just as the esrog has a pleasing fragrance and a beautiful appearance, Reb Nachum’s response mirrored the qualities of someone who is complete both inside and out, in both thought and action — a true tzaddik
SHALOM BAYIS: A DAVAR SHE’BI’KEDUSHA
Rav Yisrael Reisman, shlit”a, takes this idea a step further. He retells the story of Reb Nachum of Chernobyl and adds, “The lesson is that shalom bayis is no less a davar she’bi’kedusha than tefillin. A Yiddishe marriage isn’t just about a relationship. It’s a davar she’bi’kedusha. The Gemara says that when there’s shalom bayis between husband and wife, Shechinah shruya beineihem, the Shechinah dwells between them. It means this literally. When husband and wife have shalom, the Shechinah is physically there.”
Rav Reisman also cites an example from Rav Pam, zt”l, who said that when a husband sees his wife spend money they can’t afford, he should look at it like hiddur mitzvah. For hiddur mitzvah a person spends a little extra money — sometimes a lot of extra money. So too with marriage; the husband should look at it as extra money spent for the hiddur mitzvah of shalom bayis.
LULAV
The lulav has taste but no scent, symbolizing those who study Torah diligently but are not complete in the performance of mitzvos. Like the lulav , they are upright, but they are lacking something in their avodas Hashem.
WHAT TO THINK DURING THE NA’ANUIM
The lulav represents those who learn Torah but are not yet complete in their mitzvos. They don’t necessarily connect their Torah to their mitzvos; they are missing something inwardly that renders these actions incomplete. According to Rav Avigdor Miller, zt”l, the most common inner failing is a lack of gratitude to Hashem. Rav Miller cites the na’anuim, the waving of the arba minim, as a prime opportunity to fix this.
“When you take the lulav in your hand,” he says, “you must do it with a sense of gratitude. You stood for two hours picking out an esrog. Maybe you even looked around for three hours. You feel pretty good about yourself. You pat yourself on the back — I’m pretty good; Hashem owes me a lot.
“But when this man shakes his lulav, is he grateful to Hashem? Is he thinking, My heart is only toward You, Hashem? He should be thinking, My backbone is only to You, Hashem. And from You come all good things to me. That’s what it means, you know. I appreciate all this plenty You have given me. I have all this overflowing gratitude. That’s why I’m making na’anuim toward You.”
Rav Miller offers several concrete examples. “Here’s a man who married off four daughters. As he’s making nanu’im and saying Hodu, let him have in mind that he married off his first daughter. What happiness! He should be singing this happiness. Ah, I thank You, Hashem. How lucky I am that she got married… and she’s still married… and she has children, too!
“When he gets to the second Hodu, he should have in mind his second son-in-law. The man isn’t meshuga, and my daughter is still married to him. And they have children, too! And so on with each Hodu.”
Rav Miller offers other examples, and then he concludes: “I know many of you think this is nonsense. You think this man should be thinking about the sheva olamos, the sheva rekiyim. No! He should be thinking about the gratitude he has to Hashem for his sons-in-law. As he says, Hodu laHashem ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo he should be detailing in his thoughts all chesed Hashem has done for him.”
That’s how to connect one’s Torah to one’s mitzvos and make them shaleim, complete.
HADASSIM
The hadassim, which have a good fragrance but no taste, represent those who perform good deeds but do not engage in Torah study. The leaves of the hadas are shaped like eyes, hinting at the potential for Torah enlightenment. Some Yidden may not be steeped in Torah learning but perform mitzvos with full hearts. This concept is illustrated with a story told by Rav Yisrael Meir Lau.
SUKKOS IN THE SUEZ
On the eve of Simchas Torah, sometime in the 1970s, Second Lieutenant Yehuda sat with five other officers, all older and more senior than he, in a command car beside the Suez Canal, waiting for orders. As they sat, a truck pulled up. On it stood a sukkah. Two Chabad men invited the young officers into the sukkah to drink a l’chaim, eat some cake, and recite birchas netilas lulav
The officers tried to avoid the request, explaining that even in civilian life they did not keep the laws of Sukkos — and they were even less inclined to do so now, in the middle of a war. But the Chabad’nik did not give up.
"What do you care?” he said. “At any rate, you're just sitting here doing nothing. Come on up, the whole thing will take no more than ten minutes."
The officers looked at each other and decided to accept his offer. They went into the truck, partook of pieces of cake and small cups of sweet wine, and prepared to recite the blessing over the lulav. Suddenly, they heard a deafening explosion. They threw themselves onto the floor of the truck and covered their heads.
When they glanced outside afterward, they discovered that the command car, where they had been sitting a minute ago, had taken a direct hit. Not a fragment of it remained.
When quiet reigned once more, Second Lieutenant Yehuda said to one of the Chabad men, "You would probably call what happened here a miracle."
"What would you call it?" the man asked.
Yehuda nodded in agreement. He looked at the Chabad men, then pointed upward and said, "I feel I owe Him something. My life was saved just now because you insisted we get into your truck and recite the blessings."
The Chabad man proposed that Yehuda take upon himself the daily mitzvah of wearing tefillin, and Yehuda agreed. The Chabad’nik then asked for his name and unit number, and promised that in a few days, after the Yom Tov was over, he would have his own pair of tefillin
From that day on, Yehuda put on the tefillin with a full heart, eventually becoming a frum Yid.
ARAVOS
The aravos, which have neither a taste nor a smell, symbolize those who lack both Torah and good deeds. The willow’s leaves resemble lips, suggesting the potential for tefillah and teshuvah.
INCLUDING THE POSHEI YISROEL
Chazal tell us that any fast that doesn’t include participation of the poshei Yisroel, the “sinners of Israel,” is not a real fast. To illustrate that, they cite the ketores, which included spices that had a bad smell. Yet when combined with the pleasant-smelling besamim, those poor-smelling spices made the entire ketores mixture much sweeter and aromatic. So too, Chazal say, the intensity of a fast day can only be achieved when all parts of Klal Yisroel are included.
Similarly, the arba minim include the aravos, which have neither smell nor taste, representing those who have neither good deeds nor Torah. Nevertheless, the arba minim are not complete unless all four of the minim are held together and taken as one.
The following story illustrates this point.
THE BIGGEST TZADDIK
In the years before World War I, a young man approached the Ahavas Yisroel of Viznitz, zy”a.
“Rebbe,” he asked, “please daven for me not to be drafted into the army.”
The Rebbe’s method was to have the person tell him one mitzvah he did, and then he would say, “Ribbono Shel Olam, this person is keeping kosher (or Shabbos, or whatever the mitzvah was); in that zechus, please save him.”
The Rebbe looked at the young man and asked, “Do you daven every morning?”
“No,” he said. “I don’t wake up until long after noon, and then I go to play soccer.”
“Do you keep Shabbos?”
“How can I? Saturday is reserved for the most important soccer games.”
“Do you eat kosher?”
“It’s cheaper to eat pork.”
The Rebbe persisted, but time and again received the same answer. The young man did not have even one single point of merit. Finally, the Rebbe said to him, “I envy you.”
“You do?”
“Yes. Can you imagine, in one moment you can become a greater tzaddik than I.” “Really?”
“Yes. You see, someone who does teshuvah out of fear has his sins erased. But someone who does teshuvah me’ahavah, out of love of Hashem, has his sins turned into merits. And you definitely have more sins than I have merits. In one minute, you can turn everything around and end up with more zechusim than I!”
A reflective, thoughtful look flashed across this young man’s face. Without batting an eye, he said, “Rebbe, wait another year, and you’ll envy me even more.”
And with that, he turned and left the room, resolute in his decision to turn a new leaf.
REUNITING WITH OUR LOST SELVES
Rosh Hashanah is the time to achieve forgiveness for our wrongdoings. Since we don’t want Hashem to judge us negatively, we try to distance ourselves from our aveiros as much as possible. We do this out of yirah We don’t want Hashem to judge us harshly. Sukkos comes after the judgment is sealed. We’ve already been forgiven. Therefore, it is the first opportunity to do teshuvah me’ahavah, purely out of love. Teshuvah me’ahavah means we love Hashem so much that we can’t believe we did those sins in the past. We feel an incredible urge to come closer to Him than ever before, an urge that would not have been possible if not for the acts that created the distance to begin with. The aveirah therefore becomes the prime motivating force in the cause of good.
That’s why only Sukkos is called Zman Simchaseinu, the “Time of our Rejoicing.” On Sukkos we turn our aveiros into mitzvos. And not only our aveiros; we also welcome back and include the aravos, those souls we thought were lost. Sukkos brings together all the diverse elements of Klal Yisroel in celebration and in avodas Hashem
This simcha of Sukkos is the joy of reunion with a part of ourselves given up for lost (both individually and collectively). That joy is a sense of completion and wholeness, “if you never saw, you never saw joy in your life.”
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While the Ribnitzer's lofty avodah surely impacted the world in ways we can’t know, the Rebbe was also there to sustain each Yid individually and fill his world with warmth. A portal for miracles he drew down from the very Heavens, the Rebbe never gave up his calling.
The Ribnitzer Rebbe, Reb Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz, zt”l, was niftar on Isru Chag Sukkos, 5756.
SHEVY HOLLANDER
PHOTOS: JDN
PILLAR OF WORLDS
“I’m going to the Ribnitzer.”
It’s a line often uttered by a man shouldering a burden too heavy to carry, who sets out to the Viznitz Beis Hachaim in Monsey to unload at the kever of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, zt”l. The Ribnitzer will intercede for him, he knows; in the Ribnitzer, he has an advocate. And when he leaves, his heart is lighter, his back straighter, and he heads home with the confidence that better days are coming.
They come from all over the world. People who need yeshuos. People who were hit hard by life. People in search of hope. People in search of connection. People hoping for hatzlacha. Lonely people who need a shoulder to cry on. Grateful people who want to share their simchos, their successes, their salvations.
They come in cars bearing license plates from Maryland, from Georgia, from Massachusetts. They come in groups on tour buses. They come hitchhiking down Route 306 to the gates of the beis hachaim in which the tzaddik was laid to rest.
It’s now almost three decades, 29 years, since the Ribnitzer Rebbe has departed this world, leaving his chassidim orphaned. But at his resting place, visitors continue to feel his warmth, his care, his kedusha, his mesirus nefesh for every Yid, as he continues his holy work of looking out for Hashem’s children from a better world.
Those who frequent the beis hachaim in Monsey say that they’ve never seen the Ribnitzer Rebbe’s kever without visitors. Minutes to the zman, minutes
after Shabbos, while snow is falling heavily… you’ll see a silhouette, or many, softly swaying at the kever, pouring out their hearts at the tzion of the tzaddik
RAISED AS A REBBE
The exact year of birth of Reb Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz, the Ribnitzer Rebbe, is unknown. He was born in Botoshan (Botosani), Romania, at the turn of the 20th century to Moshe and Yuta Tzippora Abramowitz.
Orphaned by his father at the tender age of two and a half, Reb Chaim Zanvil was brought by his mother to be raised in the home of his father’s Rebbe: the Stefenishter Rebbe, Harav Avraham Matisyahu Friedman, zt”l, who was a grandson of the Ruzhiner.
The Rebbe of Stefenisht didn’t have children of his own. Toward the end of his life, when he was ill, his chassidim expressed their lament that they would
be left without a Rebbe. The Stefenishter turned toward Rav Chaim Zanvil silently.
The Ribnitzer shared that at that time, his Rebbe, who was like a father to him, told him, “I’m giving you my ruach hakodesh, my tzurah and my chein.” On his deathbed, the Stefenishter asked who was standing at his head, and when he heard it was the tzaddik he’d raised like a son, he said, “Ah chiddush! ” And so, his dynasty was bequeathed to the Ribnitzer.
A TRAIL OF KEDUSHA
Rav Chaim Zanvil served as Rebbe under communist rule in Rybnitsa, Romania (present-day Transnistria, Moldova), and the “Ribnitzer Rebbe” he would always remain.
In the aftermath of the Holocaust,
people sought to leave Russian-occupied countries, where they would be barred from the free world by the communist gates soon to clang shut. But the Rebbe chose to remain in Ribnitz to serve as Rebbe for the Yidden who remained there. And though over the years he had opportunity to leave, he stayed, a shining beacon of light for the Yidden in the area until the Iron Curtain finally fell.
Right under the noses of a communist regime determined to snuff out
every last bit of Yiddishkeit on the frozen tundra, the Ribnitzer openly spread Torah and kiyum hamitzvos. He would travel for hours across the entire region to perform bris milah, shechitah and kiddushin, never refusing a request.
Once, the Ribnitzer was arrested for his activities, and the judge ruled that for his “crimes” he deserved the death penalty — ten times. But the judge’s wife was ill, and when the Rebbe promised the judge that she would have a full re-
covery, he released the Rebbe. And so it was. The judge’s wife recovered, and the Ribnitzer returned to his sacred work, risking his life multiple times a day by defying the law of the land to defend the Law of Hashem.
It was only when the Iron Curtain fell that the Ribnitzer relocated to the Mattersdorf neighborhood in Yerushalayim. Locals and visitors quickly got wind of the fact that there was a holy man and poel yeshuos in their midst, and the line in front of his apartment stretched into the street as the Ribnitzer tried to adjust to the kind of formal court you see only where Yiddishkeit is kept freely.
Later, the Rebbe moved to the U.S., living in Miami, Los Angeles, Boro Park, Seagate, Brooklyn, and then finally Monsey, sprinkling embers of sublime kedusha and hope in Yiddishe communities across the USA.
UPHOLDING THE WORLD
A gaon of Torah, a tzaddik known for his incredible avodah, and a man who was there to help any Yid in need, the Ribnitzer embodied the three pillars upon which the world stands, upholding lives and shaking the heavens with his deep dveikus Is it a wonder the Rebbe still effectuates miracles and yeshuos from worlds beyond?
TORAH: A LIVING CHIDDUSH
At the Stefenishter Rebbe’s side, a young Chaim Zanvil soaked up the entire Torah, later sharing that by the time he turned eighteen, he knew all of Shas by heart, with Rashi.
In his formative years, he also studied and mastered the complex halachos of both shechitah and milah, two mitzvos he risked his life on a daily basis to perform for Yidden living under communist oppression.
Once, as a young child, when Reb Chaim Zanvil was with the Rebbe and a group of chassidim,
PILLAR OF WORLDS
the Stefenishter Rebbe opened a Gemara to a random page and asked the child to look at the page number and share a chiddush on that daf. Reb Chaim Zanvil did not disappoint, leaving the chassidim to marvel. But he wasn’t done. The child turned to the tzaddik who was raising him and asked that now the Rebbe should share a chiddush on the daf. Smiling, the Stefenishter Rebbe replied, “Du bist mein chiddush.” And he was, until his last day.
And though the miracles the Ribnitzer orchestrated and his intense avodah are more widely spoken about, his gabbaim attested that every spare moment would find the Rebbe immersed in Gemara or Shulchan Aruch with a sweet dveikus as he drank in Hashem’s Word.
AVODAH: WITH HIS ALL
The Ribnitzer’s avodah is hard to fathom. He embodied a depth of mesirus nefesh unheard of in this generation. The Ribnitzer served Hashem with every fiber of his being, sacrificing his wellbeing and any sense of pleasure for ruchnius
The Rebbe would tovel a minimum of twice a day, once before Shacharis and again before tikkun chatzos. Back in Russia, the fact that there was no mikvah in Ribnitz didn’t deter him, nor did the fact that he was putting his life in danger. The outdoor frigidity could easily freeze the blood in his veins. The KGB could take his life in a second if they caught him. Yet deep in the winter cold, he’d take an ax with him and crack the ice in the frozen Dniester River to tovel. Without hesitation, he’d jump into the icy water, toveling numerous times consecutively.
The nearby city of Chernowitz had a hidden mikvah, and the locals said that upon the Rebbe’s arrival to Chernowitz, even on the coldest of days, he’d head straight from the train station to the mikvah.
The Ribnitzer barely ate. He fasted every
day when it was halachically permissible to do so for between 50 and 60 years, never having breakfast before 11 p.m. — after Maariv, and after various audiences with people seeking his counsel and his brachos
The Rebbe would sit wrapped in tallis and tefillin for hours of uninterrupted tefillah. He was above time, above human needs, serving Hashem in a realm all his own.
Tikkun chatzos was an avodah only those closest to the Rebbe would be privy to. The Ribnitzer would sit every night in torn clothing, a sackcloth over his head, with neither socks nor shoes. With ash upon his forehead he’d cry the heartrending tears of someone grieving over the fresh grave of a loved one. This intense mourning could go on for between four and six hours every single night.
Once a year, on Tisha B’Av, the Rebbe mourned the Beis Hamikdash out in the open. The Ribnitzer would enter the shul. He’d walk up to the aron kodesh holding a sharp knife. Reciting the bracha of dayan ha’emes with great fervor, he would rend his coat down to his chest. Then he would sit on the floor, ashes scattered about, sackcloth on his head and wearing neither socks nor shoes, and cry the words of Eicha in anguish.
It was a sight a person could never forget.
GEMILAS CHASADIM: AN ADDRESS FOR ALL
It would seem that a person — no, an angel — with an avodah this lofty, and such abstinence of worldly pleasures, would not be able to truly understand human troubles or appreciate suffering of Olam Hazeh. The Ribnitzer, however,
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was right there in the trenches, the address for thousands seeking brachos and deliverance. His ahavas Yisroel was so deep and so heartfelt that he’d shed tears of anguish over the plight of those who sought his brachos. He used to say that it was the pain that he felt that brought about the yeshuos for those suffering.
The Ribnitzer was a baal mofes and a poel yeshuos, something that was seen time and time again. When the Rebbe said something, you knew you could trust his word. For every wondrous story you tell about the Ribnitzer, you will hear another ten. And you will never hear them all.
When the Ribnitzer made a promise, or just stated a fact, his gabbaim knew that the deal was done. “Just say amen and leave!” they’d instruct visitors, who’d have disbelief written all over their faces.
GLIMPSES FROM UP CLOSE
The awe-inspiring stories witnessed by those in the Rebbe’s inner circle can fill volumes. And indeed, they do. Here are a select few encounters.
IN THE ICY DEPTHS
Reb Mendel Futerfas, zt”l, was a famous mashpia in Chabad who established the underground Torah school network in Soviet
Russia. He lived in Chernovitz, near Ribnitz. He once shared this story at a farbrengen.
Once, I paid a visit to Ribnitz in the middle of the winter. The Ribnitzer greeted me and said, “Reb Mendel, m’geit in vasser.” We’re going down to tovel
We trudged down the hill on which the Ribnitzer lived, down to the Dniester River. The Ribnitzer hacked a hole in the ice in the frigid cold and said, “Nu, Reb Mendel, ah tevilah.”
I resisted. It didn’t seem safe or doable. But the Ribnitzer said, “The Baal Shem Tov promised that one tevilah will never hurt.”
I had no choice, I jumped into the water, doubting that I’d make it out alive. I came out, shivering, even colder than before now that I was wet.
The Rebbe quickly got undressed and jumped into the water. Trembling from the cold, I counted as the Rebbe went in and out 310 times. Shai tevilos, al pi kabbalah. He finally came out of the water. His skin was bluish. He quickly got dressed and sprinted up to the
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top of the hill at a pace so quick, I could not keep up with him.
As we reached the top of the hill, a gentile woman walked by. The Rebbe turned around and went right back into the water for another 310 tevilos.
FLAMING KEDUSHA
Rabbi Mordechai Werdyger’s introduction to the Ribnitzer Rebbe took place one Motzaei Shabbos when his brother-in-law urged him to accompany him to see the tzaddik.
“The Rebbe was electrifying,” the famous singer tells of that first encounter that led him to become a fervent chassid and a close meshamesh of the Rebbe. “He was so simple, so humble, so holy. He smiled at everyone and always had a good word. I was hypnotized. I couldn’t sleep after that first encounter.”
Reb Mordechai stayed, watching the Rebbe that entire night until 7 a.m. After a couple of months a position opened up, and he was honored to accept the role as the Rebbe’s official gabbai, remaining at the Ribnitzer’s side for five years, day and night.
In an interview with Reb Yoel Gold for Hashkifa, Reb Morde-
chai shared memories of a time he was in Eretz Yisroel with the Ribnitzer, and he pressured the Rebbe to come with him to the Kosel:
As we were entering Yerushalayim, I asked the Rebbe, “Rebbe, we’re going to the Kosel Hamaaravi. Would you like to come with us?”
“No,” the Rebbe said. “You don’t know what I had there.”
“What happened?”
The Rebbe told me how the previous time he’d been in Eretz Yisroel, the sofer Rav Yaakov Klein, a”h, who took care of the sifrei Torah at the Kosel, offered to take him to the spot directly across the location of the Kodesh Hakadoshim.
“He took me mul Kodesh Hakadoshim,” the Rebbe said. “And suddenly, three pillars of fire shot out of the wall! I ran for my life…”
I still wanted to see the Rebbe’s reaction to the makom haMikdash. A gabbai is a gabbai, and so I pressured him to come again. He agreed.
The Rebbe came out of the car, and he did not look up even once, keeping his eyes on the ground. His face was
flaming fire, and after a few steps toward the Kosel, he begged, “Please take me away from here. It’s too much.”
Before leaving, I asked him to bentch me. He put his holy hands on my head and bentched me there.
After we left, I asked the Rebbe if he would like to do tikkun chatzos at the Kosel.
“I would never live through it,” he said.
A HOME FOR A TZADDIK
Rabbi Avrohom Braun, shlit”a, who had the zechus to be the Ribnitzer’s neighbor for one summer, shared this story:
When he settled in Monsey, the Ribnitzer Rebbe lived on Old Nyack Turnpike (the Ribnitzer cheder is currently on that location). At one point, the Abramowitz home required extensive repairs and needed to be vacated for several months.
Two doors away from our home stood a farmhouse that was originally built by a farmer during the Civil War era — the same farmer who had owned our home. The old farmhouse was on Viola Road, in a different section in Monsey, and the farm was behind it. At one point, Rabbi Abba Berman, zt”l, lived in that house.
Mr. David Paikin, a builder who had
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overseen the development of other Monsey areas, purchased the farmhouse and decided to extend it. He added on many rooms, seemingly in no particular layout, then covered the entire conglomeration in beige vinyl siding and put this unique home up for rent.
It was just then that the Rebbe needed to move, and this home on Viola Road presented the perfect solution. There were various rooms to accommodate the people seeking an audience or spending the night near the Ribnitzer. It was as if the home had been custom-made for this purpose.
As neighbors, we had the zechus to occasionally complete a minyan, and I remember the gabbai coming to borrow a havdalah candle on Sunday at 4 p.m.; such was the Ribnitzer’s avodah
The Rebbe spent the summer season on Viola Road, after which he moved back to Old Nyack Turnpike, and the
home on Viola Road was then sold to an investor who rented it out to some family who was on welfare.
After a number of months, the family, who wasn’t paying their rent, was evicted. The next day the entire home went up in flames, apparently an act of arson.
The house was burned to the ground, and the following day a bulldozer came and razed the property, which remained empty for ten years until it was
purchased by a Torah’dig family who built a beautiful home on it.
The Rambam writes that sometimes a gentile acquires great wealth, and employs hundreds of servants to build a palace, just so that a hundred years later, a tzaddik should be able to stay in that home for one night.
And this is what happened. A century before the Ribnitzer needs a temporary home, a farmer builds this farmhouse, which is purchased by Paikin decades later and expanded to serve the very specific needs of the Rebbe, and as soon as the Rebbe moves away, the house is no longer. All this just so the Ribnitzer Rebbe, the tzaddik we were privileged to have in our midst, could spend the summer there.
ABOVE TIME AND DISTANCE
Harav Avraham Hakohen Cohn, Rabbi Romi Cohn, zt”l, one of New York’s foremost mohelim, enjoyed a close friendship with the Ribnitzer and spent much time accompanying him. About him the Ribnitzer said, “Reb Avraham is mein bester, gitter freint.” He was privy to countless incredible events, and at one point started to keep a journal of their interactions, later publishing a book. This is an excerpt from his journal that originally appeared in a tribute in Mishpacha magazine for Rabbi Romi Cohen.
Late one afternoon, we had a bris in Monsey, but we had to rush to a pidyon haben in Brooklyn before nightfall. It was already just around shkiah, and I
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didn’t think it possible. To make things more difficult, as we were leaving the home of the baal simcha in Monsey, a neighbor stopped the Rebbe to share a tale of woe about his daughter, whose husband refused to give her a get. The unfortunate woman had been chained for more than ten years.
The Rebbe listened, ignoring my entreaties that we had to hurry. Finally, the Rebbe spoke. “She’ll go free — either he’ll give the get or the other way” [meaning with his death].
The Rebbe headed to the car; it was already growing dark. “Don’t worry so much,” he told me, “we’ll make it.”
I began to drive. The Rebbe closed his eyes, turning his head to the back seat and saying “shalom aleichem” three times. Then he began to turn his cane in front of him, as if controlling the car. A little sports car suddenly appeared in front of the Cadillac, and I swung into the lane behind it. Traffic seemed to open before the tiny vehicle, and we didn’t let up, following it as we passed through traffic all around. The Rebbe seemed to be dozing, but as we pulled up in front of the Brooklyn destination, the Rebbe sprung awake and opened the door.
“Nu, we made it on time, baruch Hashem,” he exclaimed.
The next morning, the father from Monsey came to tell the Rebbe that his son-in-law had agreed to give a get.
“Ich veis, I know,” the Rebbe said quietly.
CORNER OF COMFORT
The Ribnitzer made it known that he did not want to be buried in Eretz Yisroel. He asked that he be laid to rest in the beis hachaim in Monsey, so that Yidden could come to his kever. His wish was that we should have someone here, in our corner of chutz l’aretz, whom we can turn to for support, for help.
And turn to him we do, taking advantage of a tzaddik, an ish kadosh. Although the Rebbe is in a better world, we know he always has an eye out and a heart open for the Yiddelech he left behind.
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A case dismissed. A contract signed. A shidduch sealed.
The Ribnitzer Rebber, Reb Chaim Zanvil ben Reb Moshe, orchestrated yeshuos for Klal Yisroel that have defied nature and inspired miracles — both in his lifetime and after his passing.
ENCOUNTERS
GOOD INTENTIONS
As told to Naomi Blau
My family and I were fortunate to host the Ribnitzer Rebbe, zt”l, several times during his lifetime. In that capacity, I was witness to many interesting incidents. Following is one such story.
Chaim sounded frantic when he called me late one night. “You must get me into the Ribnitzer Rebbe. I’m in deep trouble.”
Slowly Chaim’s story came out. It started with good intentions — he had been involved in raising money for a good cause. Then he heard about government funding available for similar causes, and had fallen into the trap of falsifying records to make it appear that his cause was eligible. And he had been caught.
Chaim was convicted for fraud and was now awaiting sentencing. The charges were severe, and the prosecutor wanted him behind bars. He was facing a penalty of 25 years in prison.
The trial was called for Friday before Purim. Chaim begged me to get him an audience with the Ribnitzer Rebbe, to beg for a yeshuah for the court case that was fast approaching. It was late at night, past one a.m., when Chaim entered my house. But the Rebbe gave the pale, red-eyed Yid his full attention as he listened to his tale of woe.
Chaim poured out his heart, and the Rebbe remained silent, deep in thought. After half an hour, the Rebbe requested some cake and bronfen. The Rebbe made a bracha, drank l'chaim… and then asked to wash for a seudah.
It was already two in the morning, but if the Rebbe wanted a seudah, there would be a seudah. There were five people present in the room, myself among them, and we all washed and sat down to eat a seudah. When it was time to bentsch, the Rebbe proclaimed, “Kos yeshuos esu,” and directed Chaim to lead Birchas Hamazon. But then the Rebbe waited. He only wanted to bentsch with a minyan.
in distress. He seemed bothered by something, “Rebbe, did something happen?”
“Yes,” the Rebbe said. “Why didn’t I hear back from that Yid? I know that everything worked out. It was a difficult trial, the prosecutor wanted to lock him up, and I had to literally wrangle with the prosecutor until I triumphed. Why didn’t the Yid tell me anything?”
I hurried to call Chaim.
“Nissim! ” Chaim boomed into the receiver. “The prosecutor wanted me to get 25 years behind bars, but the judge refused to give me anything more than five years probation. The prosecutor claimed the sentence was legally wrong, and the judge threatened to banish him from the courtroom for the next 30 days.”
“Rebbe,” I said tentatively. “We’re five people here. Where are we going to find a minyan at three in the morning?”
“I need a minyan,” was the Rebbe’s reply.
With no alternative, I woke my neighbors. They washed, ate some bread, and soon there was a minyan for bentsching at three in the morning.
After bentsching, the Rebbe handed a distraught Chaim a coin. “Hold this coin during the trial,” the Rebbe advised. “All will be well.”
Friday afternoon, the day of the trial, I came home from work and saw the Rebbe sitting on the porch, his face masked
“So why didn’t you call the Rebbe with the good news?” I asked reproachfully.
“Oh, I figured I’ll tell him Motzei Shabbos,” Chaim said. “You know how hectic Friday is…”
But for the Ribnitzer Rebbe, Motzei Shabbos was too late. He had taken the time to listen to Chaim’s pain, carried the pain, and fought for Chaim in his mystical way. The Rebbe had intervened for a miracle, and now he wanted to hear it.
Even today, when we visit the Rebbe’s kever and plead for salvation, the least we can do is come back and convey our thanks for the salvation and miracles this saintly tzaddik continues to orchestrate from Above.
A PHONE CALL AND A PRAYER
Hindy Stein
One afternoon, I was standing outside the tzion of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, zt”l, when the bitter cold finally prodded me back to my car. As I got in, I noticed that I had missed a call while I was davening With the heat blasting, I called back the unfamiliar number, and a woman picked up.
“Hello,” I said. “My name is Hindy Stein; I’m returning a missed call.”
“Oh!” the woman said. “I’m so sorry, I dialed your number by mistake.”
Sounding harried, she quickly explained that I’d been her daughter’s counselor some years back. She still had my number saved, and had hit the call button by mistake.
I remembered her daughter, a sweet girl I’d seen last when she was ten years old. And just because she sounded so frazzled, I said, “I’m by the tzion of the Ribnitzer Rebbe. Is there something I can daven for?”
There was silence for a moment, and then the woman said, “Yes. A close family member, who is actually named for the Ribnitzer Rebbe, is going through a crisis right now. Can you daven for him?”
Could I? What a question. Obviously, I was meant to daven for this boy tonight, at the price of a wrong number, a callback, and a name that was just begging to be mentioned at the Rebbe’s tzion.
ENCOUNTERS
SIMAN TOV
As told to Hadassah Steinman
The Katzes were growing increasingly frustrated. Their son Baruch was getting older, and while there was finally a shidduch suggestion that appeared to be very suitable, the girl’s side, the Friedlanders, kept schlepping for no apparent reason.
Mrs. Katz had already seen the girl, and Mr. Friedlander had already seen the boy. Both sides had researched each other, and everything checked out. There was no discernible reason not to go ahead. But the Friedlanders, while still expressing keen interest in the shidduch, weren’t ready to proceed.
Baruch was redt other shidduchim in the meantime, but for the Katzes, nothing seemed as suitable as the stalled Freidlander shidduch. Oddly, the Friedlanders weren't saying no; they kept telling the shadchan that, yes, they were still interested in pursuing the Katz shidduch. But still, they weren’t ready to move ahead.
As the weeks went by, the Katzes grew more and more anxious. What could be holding up the other side? Why weren’t the Friedlanders ready to move on to the next step? Why were they dragging their feet?
Baruch Katz was a regular visitor at the tzion of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, zt”l He used to pop in whenever he was in the area to daven both for himself and
for those around him.
Unbeknownst to him, Mr. and Mrs. Friedlander decided to visit the tzion to gain some clarity. The girl’s mother had heard miraculous stories about the Ribnitzer Rebbe, and she told her husband that she wanted to visit the tzion to daven for clarity and for a sign — some kind of siman that this shidduch was her daughter’s bashert
As they arrived at the beis hachaim, Mr. Friedlander noticed a bachur approaching the tzion of the Rebbe. The longer he watched him, the more deeply impressed he became with the bachur’s temimus, eidelkeit and obvious yiras Shamayim. What a gem this bachur appeared to be!
Suddenly, Mr. Friedlander caught sight of the bachur’s face. Instantly, he recognized him as Baruch Katz, the very boy who had been suggested for his daughter – the shidduch that had brought him to the tzion today.
Mr. Friedlander continued observing Baruch, and when he returned to his car a few minutes later, he and his wife had the sign from Hashem they’d been davening for. They called the shadchan with their go-ahead while still in the parking lot, and the couple was engaged a day later. L’chaim!
Names have been changed.
SHIPPING EXPRESS
As told to Goldie Hirsch
It was in the beginning of July when the unthinkable happened.
I own a company that sells winter hats, which is really a seasonal business. I order my products months in advance so that I can be sure that the items will arrive on time. But on that day in July, I received an email that my shipment was delayed. Some $50,000 worth of merchandise would arrive after the winter season. This was a disaster for my business, my income and my family.
A few days passed. There was another email in my inbox. The company wanted to know if I wanted to pay an additional $7,000 to ship my order via express shipping.
Quick calculations. The shipment would arrive sooner, but not soon enough. The estimated date of arrival at the airport would be the actual day that I needed the items in the store. If I were to then add the expected days (possibly weeks) for the delivery to clear customs, it might be too late — at a loss of another $7,000 on top of everything else.
But I needed to do it. I couldn’t afford to lose the possibility of the merchandise arriving a bit earlier than expected. I gave my go-ahead, wired an additional funds, and waited anxiously for the shipment to arrive
A day after Sukkos, I shared my anguish with a friend. The merchandise had not yet arrived, and
even when it did, there was no knowing when customs would release the shipment.
My friend urged me to go to the Ribnitzer Rebbe's kever
“It's the Rebbe’s yartzeit today. You won’t lose out.”
No, I probably won’t, I thought as I made my way to the tzion. The Rebbe was known for his amazing yeshous. Maybe he would be able to intercede on my behalf? I cried, pleaded and prayed, and gave a hefty donation for Mosdos Ribnitz.
Shipment day arrived, and an email landed in my inbox at twelve noon. The airplane with the merchandise had arrived. My relief, however, was short-lived. The packages still had to clear customs. Due to the volume of the order, this could take time. Lots of time.
At one p.m., my phone pinged. The entire shipment of merchandise had cleared customs! I immediately called the delivery company to pick up the boxes, but they refused to schedule the pickup. They insisted that it wasn’t possible for anything to clear customs when the flight landed only an hour before. They had to call customs directly before they believed that the unbelievable had happened.
I got the hats into the stores that very same day, and amazingly, I sold my entire stock that season.
Such is the zechus of the Ribnitzer!
A HOST OF ZECHUSIM
T. Gestetner
My grandfather, Reb Yisrael Meir Schwartz, zt’’l, had the opportunity to host the Ribnitzer Rebbe twice, for three months each time, in his home in Los Angeles. The stories of those stays were part of my grandfather’s repertoire, and as children, we listened, enraptured, as he repeated them with an ever-present twinkle in his eye.
We heard how our grandparents’ private home turned into one large beis midrash, with masses of people coming and going at all hours. We heard of the kapparos, shechted right in the dining room on Erev Yom Kippur, of how they convinced the firemen — who demanded that the large sukkah be dismantled — to give them a week’s grace period to remove it, and of the Lag Ba’omer fire that devoured bottles and bottles of special-run kosher cooking oil. We heard how our grandmother devotedly closeted herself in the kitchen for hours on end, sometimes changing meals from fleishig to milchig at a moments’ notice, upon the Rebbe’s request, and how many a bris was brought in from New York, and all that those simchos entailed…
Along with their round-the-clock efforts, the family was keenly aware of what a tremendous zechus and shemirah the Rebbe’s presence brought. When he left, the Rebbe’s parting words reverberated: “Ich vel nisht shildig bleiben.”
Several decades later, my grandfather, who was left with only one healthy lung after the Holocaust, was hospitalized with trouble breathing. He was placed on a respirator, and we were distressed to watch his condition rapidly decline.
My grandfather was so much larger than life and such an influential part of our lives! We simply couldn’t watch this happen. And he so badly wanted to live!
After seeing my grandfather on Thursday afternoon, his pulmonologist apologized that he was going to be off for the weekend. He made it clear that he didn’t believe he would find us in the hospital when he returned on Tuesday.
We didn’t let the pessimistic reports deter us, but rallied around the clock. A minyan of einiklach went to daven at the Ribnitzer’s tzion. A Rebbe’s promise stands even after his petirah, and we felt a special “protekzia.”
Over Shabbos, the situation was precarious. But as Motzei Shabbos approached, there were signs of improvement. Against all odds, by Sunday morning, the respirator tube was removed, to the cheers of the nurses who remarked, “Keep praying! Your prayers are very effective.”
It was a miracle.
A few days later, my grandfather was discharged — weak, but fully coherent. After several days of rehab, we welcomed him home. Our excitement knew no bounds, especially when we saw how delighted he was to be home.
The next three months until my grandfather’s passing were very meaningful. We celebrated Pesach together, and he shepped so much nachas seeing nearly all of his many grandchildren over the course of Yom Tov. We recognized every day as an extra gift.
To us, his family, the words of the Ribnitzer clearly made their mark, and we continue to feel their protection to this day.
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Bnei Yisroel left Mitzrayim and followed Hashem into the desert. Va’yisu, vayachanu — they traveled and camped, then traveled again and camped again.
ON YOM TOV, OUR SUKKOS REPRESENT THOSE DESERT DWELLINGS.
But even today, there are nomadic tribes who live their lives in the desert, traveling and camping as they journey from place to place.
SIVI SEKULA
edouins have wandered across the Arabian Peninsula for millennia, and their nomadic, pastoral lifestyle has remained much unchanged almost since the beginning of time.
The Bedouins are nomads and animal herders, who have to move around their harsh desert environment in search of food and water for both themselves and their livestock. During the summer months, they live in cultivated areas or in the mountains. They move into the desert during the rainy winter season, when new growth of grass and sedge transform the arid landscape into grazing grounds for their herds.
TRIBAL LIFE
Today, there are eight million Bedouins living across 21 desert nations in North Africa and the Middle East, from Morocco to Syria to Oman.
The Bedouins are a tribal people. There are hundreds of Bedouin tribes; between 20 and 30 live in the Sinai desert alone. Each tribe is made up of several clans, which themselves are divided according to a number of variables, like which animals they herd — camels are one common choice. The leader of the tribe is the sheikh, who settles disputes between clan members, clans and other tribes.
Most people view deserts as barren, inhospitable environments, but Bedouins own the secrets of the desert. They know how to locate water; where to find and grow herbs that can be used for cooking, cosmetics and medicinal purposes; and where the many desert predators lurk.
The desert landscape is constantly in flux, as strong winds cause dunes to shift. Morning dunes look completely different by the time nightfall arrives. Yet the Bedouins know their home, no matter what shape it takes. The Bedouins are the desert — a fact reflected in their very name, which is derived from the Arabic word for desert: bayda.
When a Bedouin toddler takes his first steps, he’s encouraged to walk without shoes. Walking barefoot on the sand is an important part of a Bedouin child’s education as it teaches him to be cautious about where he steps, thus learning and respecting the harsh environment he will call home for the rest of his life.
A HUMBLE ABODE
A typical Bedouin dwelling is a large tent made of goat skin and draped with colorful hand-woven carpets (reminiscient, l’havdil, of the coverings over the Mishkan). The tents can be 30 to 100 feet long, with the sheikh living in the largest tent. Drapes are used to divide tents into several areas. The largest area is the men’s section, which is also the main lounging area that is used for gatherings and hosting visitors. The women have a separate section that may also be the kitchen and storeroom. At night, blankets, pillows and mats are laid out for sleeping. The tent is often eschewed in favor of sleeping beneath the starry sky.
Bedouins keep their possessions to a minimum so that when it’s time to move, packing up is as small a hassle as possible. The only things a Bedouin really needs to
live comfortably are cushions and rugs for lounging and sleeping, and pots for cooking. Nearly everything else is expendable.
While women are strictly segregated from the men, they carry out a great bulk of the duties. They have the usual traditional responsibilities, like cooking and child-rearing, but they are also
tasked with running the household when the men and boys are away herding the animals. As such, they must be proficient at fetching water from the well and gathering firewood. They milk the goats and make cheese and yogurt. They also herd the smaller livestock and poultry, which are kept in enclosures closer to home.
You
Healthy Relationship CHECKLIST:
I am treated with respect.
I feel heard and cared for.
I have a separate identity with unique needs and interests.
I can take time and space for myself. I can express an opinion even if it means disagreeing. I can change my mind. I can set limits that feel right to me.
I feel safe in my relationship at all times.
HONOR AND HOSPITALITY
Hospitality is written into the Bedouin code of honor. Due to their extreme habitat, Bedouins must rely on one another for survival. Trust is essential in the desert, and this virtue demands that any stranger — even an enemy — be shown utmost generosity in time of need.
An unexpected guest is offered food and lodging for three nights, no questions asked. After that, the host may inquire, “Where are you coming from? Where are you going?” or say, “You are free to leave and go your way.”
Coffee drinking is a sacred Bedouin ritual. Since coffee is an expensive commodity in the desert, it’s only served when there are guests and at special occasions.
The coffee beans are freshly roasted and ground by hand. The process is a long one, so while the coffee is being prepared, guests are entertained with music. The instrument? The coffee grinder! The Bedouin coffee grinder is essentially an oversized mortar
and pestle, both of which are ornately carved. The grinding process doubles as a music session; as the pestle bangs against the sides of the tall mortar, it forms a melodious beat. The sound of the coffee grinder beat announces that visitors have arrived, and by the time the coffee is ready, the entire tribe has gathered to greet the guest.
When the coffee is ready, the sheikh pours a little bit into an espresso-sized mug for the guest, who is the first to be served. The small amount is by design. A quarter-cup of coffee is an excuse for one refill after the other, allowing the
gracious Bedouins to prolong the visit. Coffee must be imbibed while sitting — never while lounging — and the cup must be held with one’s right hand. The host will only pour a cup for himself once his guest has finished his own coffee.
At ordinary meals, tea is served. Bedouin tea is made from black tea combined with herbs, and heavily sweetened.
DESERT BREAD
No matter in which region they reside, all Bedouins have the same curious method for making bread called “arbood.” It looks like a large pita when ready, but all resemblance ends there.
Flour and water are mixed by hand in a metal bowl, and the dough is flattened into a large circle. The dough is then placed directly onto burning coals for several minutes. More coals are piled on top of the dough until it’s entirely covered to ensure an even baking process. Sometimes, the bread is also buried beneath the sand for a while. When the arbood is ready, the ash and sand have to be removed from the bread.
The hard bread is beaten with a stick like a dusty rug to shake off the ash and sand, and any remaining specks of ash are scraped off by hand. Before being served, the crusty bread is broken into chunks.
Bread is served at every meal and is useful for scooping up food, which is typically served on one large platter. Plates and utensils, being heavy and breakable, are not travel-friendly, so the Bedouins do without. Everybody eats from the same platter at the same time, using their right hand to scoop food right into their mouth.
BEASTS OF BURDEN
For millennia, Bedouins have relied on beasts like camels, donkeys and horses for transportation. Camels are especially prized in the desert. Not only can they carry people, possessions and large containers of water from the well, they also provide milk that is high in fat and nutrients, as well as meat and leather.
Camels are such an essential part of the Bedouin fight for survival that the nomads have 160 names for the animal. In recent decades, however, camels have made way for pickup trucks, which enable Bedouins to live even farther away from water sources.
Camel racing is a traditional Bedouin sport that celebrates the animal that is crucial for their nomadic lifestyle. Every year on January 10, at 7:30 a.m.,
dozens of camels gather with their teenage riders in Wadi Zalaga, Southern Sinai, for a 30-kilometer camel race in the desert, while hundreds of spectators in pickup trucks keep abreast with the racing beasts.
The Zalaga camel race takes place between two Egyptian Bedouin tribes — the Tarabeen and the Muzeina. Officially, there are rules. Unofficially, anything goes. Like the year when the race
SHABBOS MODE:
Your Kitchen Freezer Shabbos Mode Explained for
Frigidaire Model
FFUE2022AW
To activate Sabbath Mode, follow these steps:
1. Turn the temperature control knob to OFF. Wait for the green light to turn on.
2. Turn the knob to Recommended when the light turns on.
3. Repeat this process (OFF, then Recommended) two more times.
4. After the final switch, you should hear a beep, indicating the unit is in Sabbath Mode.
To exit Sabbath Mode, repeat the steps above.
Frigidaire Model
FFUE2024AW
To activate Sabbath Mode, follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the Temp and Freeze Boost buttons at the same time for 5 seconds.
2. One LED on each side of the Recommended setting will be lit while the unit is in Sabbath mode.
To exit Sabbath Mode, repeat the steps above. Alarm buttons for 10 seconds (make sure the Lock button is unlocked)
2. The light on the control board will shut off.
To exit Sabbath Mode, repeat the steps above.
The rest of the freezers come with a switch located either inside on the right side or under the top-right hinge. To enable Shabbos mode, just tape the switch in place.
began without warning one hour earlier than normal. After being beaten by the Muzeida for two years in a row, the Tarabeen figured they’d win the race — by setting off while their competition was still asleep!
Camel races in other regions can have thousands of camels competing. The winner is often awarded a long sword.
CHANGING TIMES
The 19th and 20th centuries saw modern technological advancements that enabled humans to survive in the harshest environments, including the desert. As such, the nomadic lifestyle that the Bedouins had clung to for millennia became increasingly unnecessary.
At the end of World War I, the Arabian Peninsula, which had been part of the Ottoman Empire, was divided into separate states with clearly established borders. Overnight, it became impossible for Bedouins to travel across the desert as they had always done. With the size of their grazing lands diminished, the
Bedouins were forced to decrease the number of livestock they owned, which in turn meant a decrease in livelihood and sustenance. Many Bedouins ultimately made the decision to abandon the nomadic life altogether. Since then, the Bedouin way of life has become under threat of extinction.
Over the last three decades, technology like motor vehicles, electricity (via generators and solar power) and modern communication have infiltrated the Bedouin communities, connecting them to a world that had previously been not only inaccessible, but more
importantly, unattractive. With glittering city lights now beckoning, young Bedouins have embraced the 21st century and permanent housing. Thirty years ago, migratory Bedouins numbered 25 million. Today, that number has declined by more than two-thirds.
Thus, modern-day Bedouins increasingly find themselves straddling two worlds. Their culture is inherently tied to the desert, yet for many Bedouins, the fully nomadic lifestyle is no longer an option. The largest Bedouin city in the world is Rahat, in the Israeli Negev. Here live the Bedouins who want to move forward with the world, while attempting to maintain a connection to their heritage. Some have permanent tents next to their houses, along with some chickens and small herds of goats or sheep. For weddings and other special occasions, the residents of Rahat return to their roots and build tents.
They may be grounded now, living the city life in their stone houses, but in their heart, they still sing the songs of the nomads.
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COMING HOME
Sukkos commemorates our journey into the unknown.
We traveled blindly in the desert, and the miraculous ananei hakavod were both our guide and our home.
Generations later, we’re wandering again.
We travel blindly, on unexpected paths, with detours and destinations that we never envisioned for ourselves.
THREE JOURNEYS TO DIVINELY DETERMINED DESTINATIONS
CLOSED DOORS
As told to Hadassah Steinman
Anticipation filled our home. A new housing development had been constructed especially for kollel families, and our young family had been approved by the board to purchase a unit.
The deposit was a modest $10,000, and the down payment was also reasonable. The development was close to my in-laws’ home, which meant moving away from where my parents lived, but the good price made the move worthwhile. The development was also close to many stores and conveniences — perfect for a young family like ours.
Best of all, my older brother had also been approved to purchase a unit, and we were embarking on this exciting adventure together.
Tzvi, my husband, wired the deposit, and we eagerly looked forward to the move. No more rental apartment; instead we’d be enjoying a new apartment with sunny rooms, a beautiful kitchen, and an airy porch.
Bubbling over with enthusiasm, we invited my in-laws for a tour of the apartment. As we walked from one room to the next, Tzvi and I pointed out every feature in the apartment, showed off all the closets, and shared the view from every window. Finally, we gave them a full tour of the attractively designed shared space outside, and the visit commenced with happy wishes for a home filled with simcha, bracha and mazel
A few days passed. One beautiful afternoon, Tzvi got a surprise call from one of the men on the board of the development, which was in charge of selecting prospective homeowners.
Hemming and hawing, the caller apologetically informed my husband that they were retracting their decision. After meeting us in person, they decided that we were too upper-class for the neighborhood they were trying to create. We’d been pushing a fashionable stroller (it had been a gift from my in-laws, who are pretty well off),
I’d been wearing my better kallah jewelry (also gifts), and somehow, they just felt like we weren’t a great fit for the neighborhood.
“What do you mean?” I asked in shock when Tzvi informed me that our dreams were going up in smoke. “They already accepted our application! And we already gave a deposit!”
“They’ll return it,” Tzvi said heavily.
“But we’re a yeshivish kollel family!” I burst out. “I don’t understand!”
And we were a kollel family. My husband stayed in learning for many years after our marriage, during which time I worked incredibly hard to support our family.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN?” I ASKED IN SHOCK WHEN TZVI INFORMED ME THAT OUR DREAMS WERE GOING UP IN SMOKE. “THEY ALREADY ACCEPTED OUR APPLICATION!”
Every morning I’d frantically rush out with our babies, schlep first to the babysitter, then to playgroup, and then to work — and I wasn’t doing it for fun. I was doing it to pay the rent so my husband could sit and learn.
Who were these people to say that we weren’t enough of a kollel couple? The judgment stung.
My mother-in-law was the one who steadied me through the days that followed. The disappointment was searing, especially since the board’s decision was based on something so personal. But my mother-in-law kept telling me, “You’ll see, everyone is bashert something else, and what’s meant to be theirs comes their way. This wasn’t meant to be your home; something better is out there waiting for you.”
I took her words to heart. I also made a decision to improve the level of my tznius in some way — which I still keep up to this day — in order to consciously feel that yes, we were an ehrliche, Torah-true family, and that I was the wife of a talmid chacham
But still. It wasn’t easy to swallow this disappointment. Especially since my brother’s family would be moving to their new home shortly, while we’d be staying behind in our rental.
Some months passed, and a new opportunity arose. A beautiful townhouse was for sale, also in a prime neighborhood. It was an end unit, which meant tons of light and air, and even though the asking price was slightly more than the unit in the kollel development, this one came with an apartment that we could rent out.
We moved to our new house, and we loved it. Obviously, this was meant to be our home.
Some years passed, and we outgrew that house. Fortunately, we were able to sell it at a profit, and we purchased our next home, in which we still live today. Hindsight is always rosy, but my mother-in-law was right. As difficult as it was to rise past our disappointment and aggravation, that chapter in our lives impacted us in ways we couldn’t have predicted. And even more significantly, our home was elsewhere — only we didn’t know it.
HERE OR THERE
As told to Shira Lederman
As soon as sheva brachos were over, my brand new husband and I moved to Eretz Yisroel. We didn’t have an exact plan for how long we’d live there; I just knew my husband would likely want to stay a few years, just as his older brothers did.
In Yerushalayim, my husband was like a fish in water. His passion was learning, and he made somewhat of a name for himself in yeshiva. Bochurim would ask him questions in learning, and he formed a relationship with his rosh yeshivah. I was lucky to have a good job in an office close to our apartment. It was in a creative field, and I felt good about being able to support our young family. We had no plans to leave, but as nice as things were, I knew we also had no plans to stay.
When my daughter turned five, we began considering schools for her. As per the psak of my husband’s rosh yeshivah, we decided not to send her to a school geared toward an American crowd, which takes money from the Israeli government. However, we could not find a suitable school within the chareidi Israeli school system, either. At that point, we began to think about moving back to America.
I didn’t take it too hard. I loved Eretz Yisroel, sure, our cozy apartment, our wonderful neighbors, my husband’s yeshiva — but we’d always known we wouldn’t be there forever. And we didn’t think too deeply about where to move either; it was obvious. We’d be moving to Lakewood.
I’d actually grown up in Monsey, and my parents still lived there. But they’d purchased a retirement home in Lakewood years before, and they’d be moving soon too. It was a comforting thought, to live close to my parents as they got older. Besides, in Lakewood we’d have the right schools, my family and our extended family.
With much siyata d’Shmaya, we were able to get our children into school in Lakewood relatively easily, and I thought the hard part was over. But time passed, and just weeks away from the big move, we still hadn’t found either an apartment or a kollel.
One evening, my husband came home, smiling broadly. He told me that he’d found both — a kollel and an apartment.
“The only problem,” he said, “is that they’re in the wrong place.”
Wrong place?
The perfect apartment and kollel turned out to be in Monsey, so that’s where we moved. Even though it was lastminute, we were able to secure spots in Monsey schools. My daughter would go to my alma mater, the school my worked in for many years.
Things in Monsey turned out nicer than I had expected. My husband was very happy in his new kollel, and the kollel provided an apartment for us. Additionally, I was lucky to find a job in a creative field where I was able to work remotely.
My parents were both offered jobs in Lakewood a few months after we moved back. They sold their house in Monsey and moved out a year after we moved in. Being far from family is the one thing that’s hard for us here. My husband is a good sport, though, and we drive down to visit as often as we can.
Someone recently asked me if I regret not moving to Lakewood. I was surprised by the question. When all the signs from Hashem pointed to Monsey, we wholeheartedly made our home right here.
The life we had in Yerushalayim was so beautiful, and we assumed life in America would be different. We never envisioned that any other place could offer us so much that we had in Yerushalayim: a good kollel for my husband, a good job for me and a close-knit community of like-minded families.
I thought we had it all planned out: Eretz Yisroel, and then Lakewood. Finding ourselves in Monsey may have come as a surprise, but it’s clear to us that we were led here by Hashem Himself.
Start T heNew Year
THE WINNER
As told to Esther King
Can you win a lottery you never entered? Yes, if your husband entered and forgot to mention it to you.
I learned that the hard way.
We’d been married for a few years at the time and had two small children. We were living in our cute little newlywed basement apartment in Lakewood, but we weren’t newlyweds anymore, and it wasn’t feeling quite so cute. I knew we needed more space, but I also knew we couldn’t afford to buy a house. But the last thing I wanted to do was rent a house and pay someone else’s mortgage. I felt pretty stuck in that small apartment, and I knew that it would only be getting smaller.
When the phone rang one afternoon, there was nothing to indicate that our lives were about to change. Nothing portentous about the moment; I wasn’t even waiting for an important call. It was just an unfamiliar male voice who asked for my husband and, when I said he wasn’t home, hesitated just enough for me to note a certain suppressed excitement in his voice.
“I’ll just tell you why I’m calling,” he said. “I was at the drawing for the new affordable housing development, and you won.”
“What?” I said blankly. “We didn’t enter the drawing.”
“I’m telling you, you won,” he said, and ended the call.
I vaguely remembered hearing about the drawing. The government required the township to create a certain amount of affordable housing units, which would be sold to eligible buyers at a fixed price not subject to regular market rates. There was also a government grant available for five thousand dollars toward the purchase price.
The homes were being developed by a frum developer who had designed the units with the needs of a frum family in mind, and because they were so desirable, anyone who wanted to buy one had to enter a lottery. Winners won the right to purchase a unit.
Honestly, I had never even considered entering the lottery. It just wasn’t the way I thought. We would never win. It didn’t even seem worth the 30 minutes to fill out the paperwork. Had my husband told me he was entering? I couldn’t remember.
And now this random guy who had been present at the drawing and knew my husband had called to say that, incredibly, we had won.
I was so skeptical about the whole thing, I wasn’t even excited. But when my husband came home, he confirmed
I WAS SO SKEPTICAL ABOUT THE WHOLE THING, I WASN’T EVEN EXCITED. BUT WHEN MY HUSBAND CAME HOME, HE CONFIRMED IT WAS TRUE
it was true. Incredibly, out of the thousands of applicants, we were among the 58 winners who won the right to buy an affordable house! It was literally, without exaggeration, the only house in the entire Lakewood that we could possibly afford to buy.
I still had misgivings. I had grown up in a quiet, beautiful, upper-class neighborhood, and didn’t think I would like living “in a development.” And something in me rebelled at the sense of not having a choice. And maybe part of it was just that I was caught by surprise, and all change is hard, even good change. But I was incredibly grateful, and when we went to see the house we were thrilled: a private, corner unit, with enormous, gorgeous windows, a spacious layout and lots of character.
There are so many things that have to fall into place to make a move successful. Good neighbors. A sense of neighborhood loyalty. A shul where you feel comfortable. And the extras — close to family, close to stores.
We got it all.
I only have one sibling in town, and she lives a block away from our new neighborhood. We couldn’t research or choose our neighbors, but they were picked, as we were, by lottery — the hand of Hashem. I’ve made many close friends here, and they have enhanced my life in so many ways. My daughter, one girl surrounded by a bunch of boys, found a best friend in a “girl family,” where she is an honorary sister. The neighborhood is pleasant and well kept, with many special people who are role models for us, living lifestyles we aspire to. And the rav that was hired shortly after we moved in has been a gift — a true leader who understands us and guides us and our neighbors, and whose wisdom we benefit from every day.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that our lives changed completely just because of where we live. It’s not what I would have chosen, if I had been given the choice. At first I didn’t believe it, and then maybe I didn’t appreciate it enough. But now I thank Hashem every day for leading us here.
ROADS YET TRAVELED
Excursions sponsored by:
Dear Readers,
As we present our latest Excursions guide, please keep the following in mind.
We took great care to present up-tothe-minute information. However, before heading out anywhere, we advise you to verify the hours, inquire about prices, and make reservations in advance whenever possible. Some venues will not let you in once full, and others require reservations even though they did not state so.
We present this list for informational purposes only; it is not an endorsement of any specific attraction, and discretion should be used.
Wishing you all a wonderful Yom Tov and a lovely Chol Hamoed experience.
The Boro Park View
Disclaimer: All content featured in Excursions is for informational purposes only. The Boro Park View does not endorse the destinations listed and does not take responsibility for any informational or typographical errors. Please call the vendors to verify details before setting out.
ךרדה תלפת
Emergency Phone Numbers
HATZOLOH: Brooklyn: (718) 387-1750; Rockland County: (845) 425-1600 In case of emergency in a different locale, please call 911. For non-urgent situations, call your local branch for guidance.
CHAVERIM: Brooklyn/Manhattan/Catskills: (718) 431-8181; Rockland County: (845) 371-6333 (NEED) For Interstate Chaverim and branches in other cities, please call your local branch.
THEBUBBYTRAPUSA@GMAIL.COM
LIPSCHITZ HALL 5000 14TH AVE.
MOTZEI’’S OCT 19 9:00
SUNDAY OCT 20 8:30
MONDAY OCT 21 4:30 & 8:30
TUESDAY OCT 22 4:30 & 8:00
BAIS RACHEL 145 SADDLE RIVER RD. MOTZEI’’S OCT 19 9:00 SUNDAY OCT 20 8:30 MONDAY OCT 21 8:30 TUESDAY OCT 22 4:30 & 8:00
MOTZEI’’S OCT 19 9:00 SUNDAY OCT 20 4:30
B.Y.H.S. 277 JAMES ST. MOTZEI’’S OCT 19 9:00 SUNDAY OCT 20 8:30 MONDAY OCT 21 8:30
TUESDAY OCT 22 4:30 & 8:00
Parks and Nature
Please be advised that some parks have parking fees.
Bear Mountain State Park
3006 Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, NY 10911
845-786-2701
Great hiking, climbing, picnicking and grilling destination with lake, zoo, museum, carousel and boating in warmer weather
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes
Dawn to dusk. Trailside Zoo: April 1 through October 31. 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Park: Free. Parking: $10 per vehicle. Trailside Zoo: Suggested donation $1.00 per person
Blauvelt State Park
Blauvelt, NY 10913
Undeveloped state park with hiking trails and WWI-era tunnels, rifle range and ruins. Access points detailed in Issue 103 of The Monsey View.
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Free
Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-222-9939
Beautiful park with novel play areas, sand areas, carousel, swings, slide mountain, marsh garden and more. Limited parking — best visited by public transportation.
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 18 minutes
6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Free
Buttermilk Falls County Park
199 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack, NY 10994
845-364-2670
Well-maintained trails with great views and waterfalls (weather permitting) cascading down the mountain
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Free
Bushkill Falls
138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324
888-287-4545
Color-coded trails of different lengths amid waterfalls and beautiful scenes of nature
MONSEY: 1 hour 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 50 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Last trail entry at 5:00 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Last trail entry at 4:00 p.m.
General Admission: $20; Seniors (62+) $19; Children (4–10) $10; Children 3 and younger: Free
Celery Farm Nature Preserve
Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ 07401
500 feet after Cottage Place at small parking lot
Untouched wetland, one-mile trail around lake, with meadow and small streams and sightings of birds, butterflies, fish and other animals
MONSEY: 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Free
R, SCHORR PRESENTS BLACKOUT
BORO PARK
ATERES GOLDA 1370 50TH ST.
MOTZEI’’S 10/19 9:15
LAKEWOOD
MONSEY
ATRIUM 401 WEST RT 59
SUNDAY 10/20 4:30, 8:30 & *10:15
10:15: REIGER HALL 1362-50
MONDAY 10/21 4:30, 8:30 & *10:15 10:15: REIGER HALL 1362-50
TUESDAY 10/22 4:30 & 8:15
YESHIVA KTANA 120-2ND ST. MOTZEI’’S 10/19 9:15 SUNDAY 10/20 9:00 MONDAY 10/21 4:30 & 9:00
TUESDAY 10/22 8:15
MOTZEI’’S 10/19 9:15 SUNDAY 10/20 4:30 & 9:00
MONDAY 10/21 4:30 & 9:00
TUESDAY 10/22 4:30 & 8:15
Endorsed by noted mechanchos
For women and girls only | Admission: $40 | Call: 929-549-2441 to organize a showing at a different location.
Central Park
New York, NY 212-310-6600
Sprawling 843-acre park with pedicabs, biking, boating, picnicking, zoo, carousel and lots of grass
MONSEY: 43 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Free
Clark Recreation Center
59 Campbell Avenue, Airmont, NY 10952
Shaded park with large playground, basketball and tennis court, and picnic tables
MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Free
Children’s Park
11 Grotke Road, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Beautiful park with three playstations, pond, picnic tables and benches, shaded trails, and basketball court
MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Free
Croton Landing Park
1 Van Wyck St, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Beautiful scenic waterfront park/walkway.
MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
5:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Free
Croton Gorge Park/ Croton Dam
35 Yorktown Road, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
914-827-9568
Breathtaking man-made falls with dramatic drop and spillway, with playground, picnicking and hiking
MONSEY: 42 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Note: Park does not allow cars in once parking lot is full.
Free
Dutch Gardens
21 New Hempstead Road, New City, NY 10956
845-364-2670
Small historic garden with walking paths, gazebo, and tea house behind Rockland County Courthouse
MONSEY: 14 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
Sunrise to sunset. 2-hour limit in parking area
Free
Demarest Kill County Park
57 New Hempstead Road, New City, NY 10956
Hiking trail, picnic area and benches around a pond
MONSEY: 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Free
Ellenville Fault Ice Caves
400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor, NY 12420
845-647-7989
The Ice Cave Trail offers beautiful views and includes caves with ice.
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ice Cave Hike open in spring and summer. Other hikes open all year round.
Parking: $10 per vehicle. Online parking reservations are required weekends and holidays from April 15 through November 15. Parking lot fills up early and is closed when full.
BORO PARK
Anshei Sfard 4502 14th Ave.
10/19 Motz''sh - 9:00
10/20 Sunday - 4:45 & 8:45
10/21 Monday - 4:45 & 8:45 10/22 Tuesday - 4:45 & 8:15
STATEN ISLAND
Lawrence Hall 240 Woodward Ave.
Crown Ballroom 70 Highview Rd.
10/19 Motz''sh - 9:00
10/20 Sunday - 4:45 & 8:45 10/21 Monday - 4:45 & 8:45 10/22 Tuesday - 4:45 & 8:15 LAKEWOOD
10/20 Sunday - 9:00 CHICAGO
Agudath Isreal Peterson Park 3541 W.Peterson 10/20 Sunday - 8:15
Bnos Devorah 360 Oak St.
10/19 Motz''sh - 9:00 10/20 Sunday - 8:45 10/21 Monday - 8:45 10/22 Tuesday - 4:45 & 8:15
Beis Rochel 224 Pleasant Valley Rd. South Fallsburg
10/21 Monday - 8:45
ANGELES Main Auditorium 7353 Beverly Blvd. 10/20 Sunday - 8:15 TORONTO
- 8:30
Eugene MemorialLevyPark
920 Rte. 45, Pomona, NY 10970
Beautiful park with lush, grassy areas, novel play equipment, trails, pond, picnic tables and stargazing platform
MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Free
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona, NY 11368
718-760-6565
Spacious park with playground, carousel and bike rentals on-site
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 30 minutes
6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Free
Finch Park
194 Church Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446
Beautiful, sprawling park with sandbox, benches, picnic table, playground and medieval era-themed equipment
MONSEY: 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
Free
Grace Lord Park
Plane St, Boonton, NJ 07005
973-402-9410
Park with adorable playground and hiking path alongside a river that also features a waterfall
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
Free
Goosepond Mountain State Park
1198 New York 17M, Chester, NY 10918
845-786-2701
Undeveloped state park with woods, fields, trails and wetlands
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 19 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Free
Gregory R. Sikorsky Children’s Park
35 Lime Kiln Road, Suffern, NY 10901
Sunny fenced-in playground with nearby jogging path around a pond with a water fountain
MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Free
Gravesend Park
18th Avenue between 56 and 57 212-639-9675
Exciting playgroud equipment for all ages with plenty of sitting areas, and small bike trail
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: Local
6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Free
Kakiat Park
668 Haverstraw Road, Montebello, NY 10901
This is a beautiful 376-acre park with paths for hiking and many picnic tables at the bottom. Views of NYC skyline when on the mountain.
MONSEY: 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
7 :00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
EXCELLENT TRIP FOR FOR BOCHURIM
Haverstraw Bay County Park
21 Gagan Road, West Haverstraw, NY 10993
Park bordering the Hudson River with great playgrounds, grassy picnic areas with grilling, boardwalk and walking path
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 30 minutes
Dawn to dusk Free
Leif Ericson Park
6600 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11219
212-639-9675
A cozy park spanning several blocks with a nice playground for younger kids
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 12 minutes
6:00–1:00 a.m. Free
McKinley Park
7th Avenue and 75th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11228
212-639-9675
A cheerful neighborhood park with expansive fields and kiddie park
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 8 minutes
6:00–1:00 a.m.
Free
Kingsland Point Park and the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse
Tarrytown Light-Kingsland Point Path, Palmer Ave., Sleepy Hollow, NY; Accessible from the Palmer Avenue Bridge over the Metro-North tracks (at the very end of Palmer Avenue, where it meets Riverside Drive) 914-366-5109
18-acre park on Hudson River shore with overlook areas of Tarrytown lighthouse
MONSEY: 32 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year–round. The lighthouse is closed but can be viewed from the outside.
$10 parking fee between Memorial Day and Labor Day; rest of year free
Lake Welch Beach
800 Kanawauke Road, Stony Point, NY 10980
845-947-2444
Gorgeous half-mile man-made beach open for picnicking in the fall and winter
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., picnicking only. No swimming or wading allowed.
Parking: $10 (cash only) during swimming season
Manny Weldler Park
148 W. Maple Avenue, Monsey, NY 10952
Large park with playground, sand area, tennis and handball courts, and bike trails. Brand new playground was recently added.
MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
Dawn to dusk Free
Mianus River Gorge
167 Mianus River Road, Bedford, NY 10506 914-234-3455
Well-maintained trails with beautiful views of river and Havemeyer Falls
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
April 1 to November 30, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Free
Minnewaska State Park
5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
845-255-0752
Preserve with breathtaking views, trails, sky lakes and a lot of beauty to behold
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours
9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Parking: $10 per vehicle
Nyack Beach State Park
698 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960
845-358-1316
Hudson River park with small beach for children and long riverside trail with benches that leads to Rockland Lake Park
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Parking: $8
EXCELLENT DESTINATION FOR ALL AGES. BRING BIKES AND BIKE TO ROCKLAND LAKE STATE PARK ALONGSIDE THE HUDSON RIVER.
Overpeck County Park
50 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
Make a right at the first traffic circle, go past the wooden bridge and down the road until you hit a second traffic circle. On your right will be the parking lot. 201-336-7275
Great park with fun equipment and jungle gyms, water views, walking paths, and boat rentals in warmer seasons
MONSEY: 38 minutes BORO PARK: 40 minutes
6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Free
Paterson Great Falls
72 McBride Avenue, Paterson, NJ 07501
973-523-0370
Magnificent falls with bridge and paths, and easy foot access close to the falls
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Park grounds are available 24 hours a day. Free
Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower
Tower Road, Stamford, NY 12167
Set GPS to 34 Main Street (NY Route 23) in Stamford, NY. Make a right on Mountain Avenue. This road will become very steep. Continue until the dirt road on the left, Tower Road. If you want to hike up to the summit, park at the sign you see at the corner of Tower Road — or continue up Tower Road to reach the summit by car.
The summit of this 3,214-foot mountain with its restored fire tower (which can be climbed for spectacular views) can be reached by a one-mile gravel road either by car, or by hike.
MONSEY: 2 hours and 15 minutes
BORO PARK: 3 hours 10 minutes
Open around the clock Free
Nyack Memorial Park
4 Depew Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960
Park with pier, playground, gazebo, splash pad and great river views
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Metered parking at the parking lot by the boat
Parking lot is closed. Park at the Nyack Municipal Boat Launch and cross the Nyack Memorial Park Inlet Bridge.
Owl’s Head Park
Colonial Road and 68th Street and Shore Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220
212-639-9675
Scenic park with panoramic city and riverfront views featuring a skate park, a playground and biking paths
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 15 minutes
6:00–1:00 a.m. Free
Perkins Memorial Tower Observatory
Perkins Memorial Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986 845-786-2701
Breathtaking scenic drive or hike up Bear Mountain with parking on summit and along the way, with breathtaking 360-degree views at the top
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes April 1 to November 30, weather permitting.
Free
TOWER
Piermont Pier
Piermont, NY 10968 – From Paradise Ave. or Pier
Ave., follow signs to the pier
Pier with scenic views extending a mile into Hudson River that can be biked, walked or driven through
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Free
Ramapo ReservationValley
608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430
201-327-3500
Reservation with hiking trails, pond, waterfall and breathtaking views
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset
Free
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY 10570
914-631-1470
Scenic paths through wetlands, woodlands, meadows, fields, streams, rivers and lakes, and traversing bridges and carriage roads
MONSEY: 39 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Dawn to dusk
Free
Prospect Park
Brooklyn, NY 11225 — entrances along Ocean Avenue, Parkside Avenue, and Prospect Park West and Southwest 718-965-8951
A vast 526-acre oasis in the heart of Brooklyn — and the only local park with a lake — offering bike and boat rentals
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 15 minutes
6:00 a.m–1:00 a.m.
Free
Rockland Lake State Park
299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage, NY 10989
845-268-3020
Ringwood Manor State Park
1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
973-962-2240
Beautiful 4,400-acre park with trails, picnicking and streams. NJ Botanical Gardens and Shepherd Lake is part of the park but accessed via a different point.
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Free
Park with picnic tables, grilling, hiking trails, novel climbing equipment and a bike path around Rockland Lake
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Free
Conger’s Bike Rental is 3 minutes from Rockland Lake (11 minutes from Nyack Beach State Park) 845-268-3315
107 Lake Rd, Congers, NY 10920
Ross Dock Picnic Area
Fort Lee, NJ, GPS: 40.860425, -73.955772 201-768-1360
Gorgeous scenic waterfront park with picnic tables, trails, playground and views of the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge
MONSEY: 38 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Free
Ruach Hachaim Park
111 Ivy Lane, Monroe, NY 10950
49 Larkin Drive, Monroe, NY 10950
845-774-7275
Park featuring separate boys’ and girls’ sections with a variety of interesting equipment and activities
MONSEY: 33 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes
Free
Scenic Hudson Park
Irvington, NY 10533
914-591-7736
Well-kept park with playgrounds and a walkway with amazing Hudson River views
MONSEY: 31 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Free
Seven Lakes Drive
Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
Scenic drive of almost 18 miles going through Harriman and Bear Mountain State Park
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
All day
Stony Point Battlefield State Park
44 Battlefield Road, Stony Point NY 10980
845–786–2521
Park at the site of the 1779 Battle of Stony Point featuring a museum, a historic lighthouse and beautiful views of the Hudson River
MONSEY: 26 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 30 minutes
Grounds open Wednesdays to Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sundays: 12:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m.; Museum open Wednesdays to Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Sundays: 12:00 noon–4:30 p.m.
Site closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Free
Saddle River County Park
Wild Duck Pond: 1133 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-336-7275
Saddle River Area Bike Path stretching for nearly six miles along a linear park system
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Free
FANTASTIC PARK FOR BIKING AND ROLLERBLADING.
Scenic Hudson Riverwalk Park
250 W. Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-631-8347
Waterfront park with riverside esplanade and magnificent views, which can be reached via Tappan Zee Express
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Free
State Line Lookout
Closter, NJ, GPS: 40.988412, -73.908272
Lookout point right off the Palisades Parkway
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Free
HIKES ALONGSIDE THE HUDSON RIVER. ASK FOR HIKING RECOMMENDATIONS AT THE INFORMATION OFFICE.
Sunset Park
7th Avenue and 43rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 212-639-9675
Park with novel play equipment, biking and jogging paths and great city views
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 6 minutes
6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Free
Tallman Mountain State Park
Route 9W, Sparkill NY 10976
845-359-0544
Shaded park with trails, paths, picnic areas, tennis court and small playground
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Parking: $8
The Battery
Along State Street, New York, NY 10004
212-344-3491
Large historic nature park with playground, walking paths, views of Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty, with ferry service to both islands
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Park: March 2 to October 31;
Open 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Free
Teatown Lake Reservation
1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining, NY 10562
914-762-2912
Tranquil nature reserve with a great lakeside loop with swinging bridge and interesting nature center
MONSEY: 39 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
Dawn to dusk; nature center: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Parking: $7
Walkway Over the Hudson
Highland Entrance: 87 Havilland Road, Highland, NY 12528
Poughkeepsie Entrance: 61 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845-454-9649
1.28-mile elevated pedestrian bridge over the Hudson River with 21-story elevator (elevator may close in extreme weather)
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 1 hour 50 minutes
7:00 a.m.–sunset. Elevator opens: 9:00 a.m. Closes: 90 minutes prior to park closing.
Free
Note: Elevator closed during winter months.
Willow Tree Park
Willow Tree Road, Wesley Hills, NY 10952
Massive willow trees cascading over beautiful lake with bike path around the lake
MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
Dawn to dusk
Free
The Louis WaterfrontEngelPark
160 Westerly Road, Ossining, NY 10562
845-941-3189
Park with amazing Hudson River views, great to visit in conjunction with Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry
MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
8:00 a.m. to dusk. Note: Park does not allow cars in once parking lot is full.
Free
Watkins Glen State Park
1009 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
607-535-4511
Rocky cliffs, cascading waterfalls and scenic views from rim trails, plus lakes for trout fishing
MONSEY: 3 hours 30 minutes BORO PARK: 4 hours 20 minutes
Park is open year round, dawn to dusk.
Parking: $10
Winter’s Park
47 East Ramapo Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Childrens’ park with playground, gazebo, pond and geese feeding
MONSEY: 14 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Free
fascinating new antiques tour will be shown this chol hamoed visit our newly renovated perek shira section
chol hamoed schedule:
motzei yom tov first days open from 9pm to midnight
men-only tours 8pm & 9pm nightly 9am-8pm daily tours hoshana rabbah open until 3pm
tours every hour on the hour
no appointment necessary during chol hamoed.
877-plan-a-tour • 1601 41st street, brooklyn, ny 11218 877-752-6286
Botanical Gardens
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
718-623-7200
Premier public gardens spread over 52 acres
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Adults: $22; Seniors (65+): $16; Students 12+ with ID: $16; Children under 12: Free
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
610-388-1000
Vast collection of flower gardens, greenhouses and fountain shows
MONSEY: 2 hours 34 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 10 minutes
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Tuesday closed; Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Timed admission tickets required.
Adults (19+): $32; Seniors (62+): $28; Youths (5–18): $17; Children (0-4): Free. SNAP/EBT/PA cardholders: Card and matching Photo ID required; max 4 people per card: $2
Laurelwood Arboretum
725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne, NJ 07470
973-831-5675
30-acre botanically diverse property with woodlands, gardens, ponds and streams
MONSEY: 28 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes 8:00 a.m. to dusk Free
New BotanicalJerseyGardens
Ringwood State Park, Morris Road, Ringwood NJ 07456
973-962-9534
Well-maintained Tudor revival manor home with a selection of formal and seasonal gardens
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes
8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily; winter until 6:00 p.m. Free
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458
718-817-8700
250-acre verdant landscape with over a million plants, voted as one of the best botanical gardens in the U.S.
MONSEY: 44 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
The garden is open 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Adults: $35; Students (with valid ID): $31; Seniors (65+): $31; Children (2–12): $15; Children under 2: Free. Free admission on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
םישודיח
Untermyer Park And Gardens
945 N. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701
914-613-4502
Relaxing landscaped park on over 40 acres, centered on a walled Persian Garden, with gorgeous Hudson River views, trails and picnic spot
MONSEY: 37 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Free
Wave Hill Public Gardens
4900 Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471.
Only off-site parking is currently available, with shuttle service to park 718-549-3200
This stunning 28-acre estate of public horticultural gardens is situated on slopes overlooking the Hudson River.
MONSEY: 43 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Last admission is at 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Parking: $13. Adults: $10; Students: $6; Seniors (65+): $6; Children (6+): $4. Admission is free on Thursdays.
Farms and Orchards
Abma’s Farm
700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
201-891-0278
Well-maintained farm with petting zoo, fresh produce and plants; food for the animals available for sale
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; last entry at 5:00 p.m.
Petting Zoo: $5.50 per person. Children under 2 enter free. Every Wednesday, enjoy free admission if you are a grandparent.
Apple Dave’s Orchard
82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-1684
Apple-picking orchard with eleven varieties of apples
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 35 minutes
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
There are no entrance fees on weekdays. Wagon rides, parking and entertainment free; a half-bushel bag of apples is $40 and a full peck bag is $25.
Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930 908-879-7189
Current attractions include petting zoo, and on Monday and Tuesday, pony rides, wagon train rides and bounce house
MONSEY: 1 hour 4 mins BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes Call for current hours and prices.
Demarest Farms
244 Werimus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
201-666-0472
Peach picking in the summer and apple picking in the fall
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Dr. Davies Farm
306 Route 304, Congers, NY 10920
845-268-7020
Historic 35-acre apple orchard with trailer rides
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Weekends and weekdays: August 31 to November 20; 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is $17 per person. This includes a halfpeck bag (7–10 lb.). This is required for all guests over the age of 3. You may upgrade to a larger bag, $62 for a half bushel (25–30 lb.). The large bag includes admission for up to 5 people. Cash only.
Goldschein’s Homestead
196 Revonah Hill Road, Liberty, NY 12754
646–808–4762
Big farm with variety of animals. Kids can enter animal enclosures. Many exciting activities and hike with gorgeous views.
MONSEY: 1 hour 19 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 10 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Admission: $17; under 2 free
Jenkins - Lueken Orchards
69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-0999
Apple picking in September and October.
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 2 hours
Berry picking season begins in July.
Lawrence Orchard and Farm
306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY 12550
845-562-4268
Pick-your-own farm with play areas
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 45 minutes
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
$7 per person Monday through Thursday, and $10.00 per person Friday through Sunday and holidays. Children 2 and under enter free. Additional fees for pick-your-own.
Family Fun Farm
65 Friedman Road, Monticello, NY 12701
347-480-FARM (3276)
Thrilling adventure farm for all ages offering petting zoo, bumper boats, laser tag, wagon rides, zip line, ball blaster, pony rides, parakeets, jumping pillow, and many more fun attractions. Recently added state-of-the-art electric go-karts, zoom tubing and VR
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 5 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Prices start at $22 per person.
Harvest Moon Farm
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560
914-485-1210
Farm with apple picking in the fall
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kelder’s Farm
5755 US-209, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
845-626-7137
Picking farm with playground, mini golf, petting zoo, corn maze and many other activities
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 15 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Every guest (adults and children 3–79) must purchase a day admission ticket. Ages 2 and under, and 80 and over, enter free. Day admission ticket weekends and holidays: $22.95 per person; Day admission ticket weekdays: $16.95 per person. Pick and play combo tickets weekends and holidays: $27.95. Pick and play combo tickets weekdays: $21.95. Save by purchasing tickets online.
Masker Orchards
45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-1058
Apple-picking orchard
MONSEY: 42 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is FREE, Parking is FREE, Bags are provided FREE, and best of all, eat all the apples you wish while visiting. $33.95 per half bushel (2 pecks)
DinaPerlstein Presents
Motze Shabbos: October 19
FILMED IN ISRAEL POLAND AND DENMARK
Boro Park: The New Ballroom - 1371 51 St. 9:00pm
Monsey: Yeshiva Spring Valley - 121 College Rd, Suffern 9:00pm
Lakewood: Tiferas Hall - 613 Oak st 9:00pm
Catskills: Bais Yaakov of South fallsburg - 5478 Route 42 9:00pm
Monday: October 21
Boro Park: The New Ballroom - 1371 51 St. 4:30 & 8:30 pm
Monsey: Yeshiva Spring Valley - 121 College Rd, Suffern 4:30 & 8:30 pm
Lakewood: Tiferas Hall - 613 Oak St. 8:30pm
ENDORSED BY NOTED MECHANCHOS
Monday: October 21
Catskills: Bais Yaakov of South fallsburg - 5478 Route 42 8:30pm
Tuesday: October 22
Boro Park: The New Ballroom - 1371 51 St. 4:00 & 8:00 pm
Monsey: Yeshiva Spring Valley - 121 College Rd, Suffern 4:00 & 8:00 pm
Lakewood: Tiferas Hall - 613 Oak St. 8:00pm
ADMISSION: $40 please bring exact change
ADMISSION: $25 ADMISSION: $25
FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS ONLY
Och’s Orchard
4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-1591
Offers pick-your-own apples, tomatoes and veggies, and picnic area with sweeping views
MONSEY: 47 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 50 minutes
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Per bushel and rentals
Rockland Bee Tours
179 West Maple Avenue, Monsey, NY 10952
(located in West Maple Farm)
845-288-1978
Tour of honey bee farm
MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
Advance reservations required.
$20 per person
Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ 07930
908-879-5353
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes
9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Thursdays until 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Weekdays: $2; Weekends (includes activities): $14–$18; pay for picking per pound.
Muscoot Farm
51 Route 100, Katonah, NY 10536
914-864-7282
Great farm with over 50 animals, hiking trails, picnicking, and historical barns and buildings
MONSEY: 41 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Free
Pennings Orchard
169 Route 94, Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-7080
MONSEY: 49 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
$40 per half bushel. Cash only. (Up to 22 pounds.)
Stuart’s Farm
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY 10527
914-245-2784
Autumn apple and pumpkin picking and hayrides on weekends
MONSEY: 47 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Pay for what you pick, cash or check only.
Sun High Orchards
19 Canfield Avenue, Randolph, NJ 07869
973-584-4734
Pick your own seasonal fruits, purchase flowers, and pet a donkey and alpaca; hayrides on fall weekends
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
Weekends: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Weekdays: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pick-your-own is not open on Mondays.
Weekdays: Entry fee $2 per person; Weekends: Entry fee $4 per person. Apples $2.99 lb.
West Maple Farm
179 West Maple Avenue, Monsey, NY 10952
845-288-1978
Petting zoo for all ages, hayrides, play and picnic area
MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday to Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Hoshana Rabbah: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
$9 general admission. Under age 1 free. Hay ride: $4; feed for animals: $5 for 3 cones.
White Post Farm
250 Old Country Road, Melville, NY 11747
631-351–9373
Fun farm with animals, bird aviaries, monkey barn, giraffe experience and playground.
MONSEY: 1 hour 40 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
110:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
$29.95 per person. Children under 15 months free.
5 Wits
Indoor Fun
4270 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994; Top floor between Target and AMC
845-533-2666
A multi-room immersive adventure experience with special effects that adapts to group’s performance
MONSEY: 18 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; Friday: 12:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.;
$29 per person for first adventure
Area 53
53 Bridge Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 347-305-7448
Indoor adventure park with ropes course, rock climbing, paintball, laser tag, mini bowling and more
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Arena STEM
1 Garden State Plaza Blvd, Paramus, NJ 07652
201-301-8144
Eight exciting interactive play zones with remote control drones, cars, boats and more
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
Monday to Thursday: 11:00 a.m. –7:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Closed Sundays
1 activity starts at $25; 3 activities start at $59. Additional packages available.
Prices vary. Starts at $20. THE ULTIMATE TEEN EXCURSION.
Beat the Bomb NYC
247 Water Street, Suite 106, Brooklyn, NY 11201 917-983-1115
Paint blast-themed escape room
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 22 minutes
Advance reservations required. Chol Hamoed hours.
Prices start at $49.95 per person.
Billy Beez
1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10944
845-535-9277
Play arena with slides, trampolines, obstacle courses for safe, hands-on fun
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
Monday to Thurday: 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Friday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Admission desk closes 1 hour before listed closing time.
Children (4–17): $21.95; Toddlers (1–3) $17.95; Infants (0–11 months): Free with paid child or toddler, or $15.95 for infant and adult. First adult (18+): $8.95; Second adult (18+): $10.95; Senior (65+): Free with paid child or toddler. Mega 10-packs available for children or toddlers.
PERFECT FOR PRESCHOOL AND YOUNG ELEMENTARY-AGE CHILDREN.
Bounce Safari
3 North Street, Waldwick, NJ 07463
201-857-4000
Play area with structure, slides and bounce castles
MONSEY: 19 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Availability based on booked events; call to reserve
Open Bounce: $20 per child
Bowl 360 Brooklyn
1 Bouck Court, Brooklyn, NY 11223
718-336-6700
A large 32-lane bowling alley
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 16 minutes
10:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
$7 per game before 4:00 p.m.; $10 per game after 4:00 p.m.; Sunday: additional $3 per game; shoe rental: $8
Brooklyn Escape Room
Industry City, 68 34th St Building 6 second floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232
718–408–1221
Choice of adventures in this fully immersive Brooklyn escape room
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 15 minutes
Call or check online for hours and availability.
Prices depend on the game.
Bounce and Play
20–21 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11105
718-777-7529
This kiddie bouncing park is ideal for kids under 6 years old, but there are some new fun activities for older children as well.
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 31 minutes
Hours vary by the day; verify online or by phone before heading out.
Admission is $17 per child during a non-holiday or non summer weekday, and $15 per child on holidays or weekends. (Each additional adult is $10 weekday, non-holiday and $15 on a school/or US holiday or weekend.
Bounce! Trampoline Sports
612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage, NY 10989 845-268-4000
Indoor trampoline area with foam pits and lots of jumping space
MONSEY: 29 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: Toddler Time: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.; Open Bounce: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday: 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
1–hour Open Bounce (ages 6 and up): $25; Junior Bounce (ages 5 and under): $18. Mandatory bounce socks are available for $3. Call to see if there are any special deals on those days.
Break Point Bowl & Entertainment
40 S. Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993
845-429-8000
Formerly Hi-Tor Lanes. Bowling alley with laser tag and arcade
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes
Call to check open bowl hours.
Monday to Thursday: $6 per game or $35 per hour; Friday, until 6:00 p.m.: $6 per game or $35 per hour; Motzei Shabbos and Sunday: $40 per lane per hour. Shoe rental: $5.50 per person.
Build-A-Bear Workshop - NYC
22 W 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 212-863-4070
Children can choose, stuff, name and clothe their own stuffed animals.
MONSEY: 48 minutes BORO PARK: 31 minutes
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Weekdays: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Price depends on bear.
Build-A-Bear WorkshopWest Nyack
3771 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994
845-353-1895
Children can choose, stuff, name and clothe their own stuffed animals.
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Weekdays 10:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Price depends on bear.
Catch Air Indoor Playground - Nanuet
424 Market St, Nanuet, NY 10954
845-640-4373
Kids indoor play with soft play toddler area, ball cannon, play structure, tiny town and interactive dance floor
MONSEY: 19 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes
Weekday: Child 0–2: $14.99 + tax, Children 3+: $24.99
+ tax, Adult: $7.99 + tax; Weekends & Holidays: Child (0-2): $15.99 + tax, Child (3+): $25.99 + tax, Adult: $7.99 + tax.
Children (3+): $24.99; Toddlers (2 and under): $14.99; Adults: $7.99
Catch Air Indoor Playground - Paramus
224 Route 4 East at Forest Avenue, Lower Level, suite 102, Paramus, NJ 07652
201-620-2125
Kids indoor play with soft play toddler area, ball cannon, play structure, tiny town and interactive dance floor
MONSEY: 26 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Weekday: Child 0–2: $15.99 + tax, Child 3+: $24.99 + tax, Adult: $7.99 + tax; Weekends & Holidays: Child 0–2: $16.99 + tax, Children 3+: $25.99 + tax, Adult: $7.99 + tax.
Children (3+): $24.99; Toddlers (2 and under): $14.99; Adults: $7.99
PERFECT FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOL-AGE KIDS.
Chuck E. Cheese’sParamus
275 Route 4, Paramus, NJ 07652
201-487-1088
Token-operated rides and arcade games
MONSEY: 27 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Cipher Seeker Escape Room
168 Franklin Turnpike #104, Waldwick, NJ 07463
201-251-CLUE
60-minute escape room challenges
MONSEY: 18 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Rooms are available by appointment seven days a week between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Players under 14 must have at least one person over 18 present.
$30 per person
Chuck E. Cheese’s - Nanuet
250 W. Route 59, Nanuet, NY 10954
845-627-2788
Token-operated rides and arcade games
MONSEY: 12 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m
Chuck E. Cheese’sBrooklyn
139 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-783-4570, 718-230-8245
Token-operated rides and arcade games
MONSEY: 1 hour 25 minutes BORO PARK: 18 minutes 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Climbzone- Palisades
3594 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY 10994 845-605-9555
Themed climbing walls. Best entrance is near the Cheesecake Factory and then go up the escelator straight to Climbzone. Additional location in Lakewood.
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
Chol Hamoed: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
$19.99
Color Me Mine - Ridgewood
210 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-445-4898
Paint-your-own-pottery studio
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 57 minutes 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Color Me Mine - New City
169 S Main St, New City, NY 10956
845–358–5050
Paint-your-own-pottery studio
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Color Me Mine - NYC
123 Baxter Street, New York, NY 10013
212-374-1710
Paint-your-own-pottery studio
MONSEY: 56 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m; Closed Monday. Thursday and Friday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m
Crayola Experience
30 Centre Square, Easton, PA 18042 610-559-6604
Hands-on crayon activities, other activities and exhibits
MONSEY: 1 hour 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 35 minutes
Hours vary. Chol Hamoed Hours: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
At the door: $29.99; Online: $25.99. Age 2 and under free.
SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
Escape Room NJEnglewood
36 N Dean St, Englewood, NJ 07631 201-815-1784
Sixty-minute escape adventure for teams of between 2 and 18 people
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
By Reservation
Price starts at $100 per person and goes down with each additional person. Group of 18 is $400.
Dome 2030
321 East Broadway, Monticello, NY, Suite#8 845-999-3663
Futuristic multi-sensory 7D roller coaster adventure and arcade room
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 15 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 12:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. Mondays: Group reservations only.
Dome ticket: $12:95
Escape Room NJ - Hackensack
157A Main St Hackensack, NJ 07601 201–815–1784
Sixty-minute escape adventure for teams of between 2 and 18 people
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
By Reservation
Price starts at $100 per person and goes down with each additional person. Group of 17 is $390.
Escape Room NJ - Pompton Lakes
200 Wanaque Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
973 520-8360
Sixty-minute escape adventure for teams of between 2 and 18 people
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
By reservation
Price starts at $100 per person and goes down with each additional person. Group of 12 is $315.
Escape the Room NYC
24 W 25th Street, Floor 8, New York, NY 10010
347-954-9160
Boasting the largest variety of escape rooms by far, this very highly rated game room is lauded for its clever and creative puzzles.
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 32 minutes
Times vary by day. Reservations required.
Prices start at $39 per person weekdays; $41 per person on weekends.
eVRest
5604 New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219
347-563-0964
Over 200 VR games of fun and adventures
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: Local
Sundays, holidays and off-school days: 1:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Reservations and parties accepted all week.
Single person: 1 hour $40; half hour $30. Family of 5+: 1 hour $35 (per person). Party or private booking for 10 people: $320, plus each additional person: $18
Florham Park Roller Rink
192 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932
973-377-0465
Roller skating rink for simple fun
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Call for open skating sessions. Admission: $10.00; skate rental: $5
Escape the Mystery Room
3681 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994 845-208-2919
Thrilling escape rooms of different difficulty levels
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
By Reservation
Group Size 1–3: $32.99, Group Size 4–6: $29.99, Group Size 7+: $26.99.
Extreme Play
38 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811
203-456-6242
Indoor adventure center with high ropes course, arcades, laser tag, rock wall and warrior course
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesdays.
Pay per activity
FAO Schwarz
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
800-326-8638
Massive toy store in NYC with demonstrations and small interactive activities
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Fun Station USA
3555 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314
718-370-0077
Indoor fun, sports and adventure for kids with rides, laser tag, batting cages, bowling, bumper cars and virtual reality sky ride
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 25 minutes
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Funtime Junction
400 Fairfield Road, Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-882-9777
Roomy adventure center with lots of things to climb and ride, plus arcade games
MONSEY: 36 minutes BORO PARK: 52 minutes
Closed Monday–Wednesday. Thursday and Friday: 12:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. 90–minute appointments. Must preregister.
Under age 16: $13.95; Adults and non-mobile infants: $9.95
Glassworks Studio
151 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
973-656-0800
Glass-fusing studio where mosaics of all levels can be created
MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Hours vary. Call for Chol Hamoed hours.
$5 studio fee. Pay per project. Prices start at $25.
SUPER FOR TEENS.
Humdingers
Hobby House
11 Main Street, Monsey, NY 10952
845-290-1919
MONSEY: Local
3624 12th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218
845-290-1919
BORO PARK: Local
Plaster, ceramics and mosaics for all ages
Grand Prix New York Racing
333 N. Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
914-241-3131
Go-karting track with bowling, a Ninja course, and arcades on site
MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 12 minutes
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
1 race $28.95, 2 races $51.95, 3 races $67.95
GREAT FOR FAMILIES.
High Exposure Rock Climbing
266 Union Street, Northvale, NJ 07647
201-768-8600
Rock climbing gym. No strollers allowed.
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Sunday night: 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Men and Boys only. Monday night: 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Women and girls only.
Standard Day Pass: $27.00; Boulder & Ropes: $20; Toddlers (ages 2–3): $15. Weekdays after 8 p.m.: $18 (not available during holiday season).
531 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
845-290-1919
MONSEY: 51 minutes BORO PARK: 17 minutes
6 Taylor Ct, Kiryas Joel, NY 10950
845-290-1919
MONSEY: 33 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 22 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours (all locations): Sunday and Monday 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. and nights by appointment.
Prices depend on piece you choose
64 E. Midland Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
201-701-1900
Bowling, arcades, batting cages and laser maze
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Price depends on activities
iFly Indoor Skydiving (Paramus)
211 E. NJ-4, Paramus, NJ 07652
201-733-4359
Indoor skydiving with pressurized flight chamber for bodyflight
MONSEY: 28 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
Hours vary daily. Call or check online.
Prices start at $104.99 for two flights; Super Saver deal online for certain times at $74.99 for two flights.
iFly Indoor Skydiving (Yonkers)
849 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710
914-449-4359
Indoor skydiving with pressurized flight chamber for bodyflight
MONSEY: 33 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
Hours vary daily. Call or check online.
Prices start at $104.99 for two flights; Super Saver deal online for certain times at $74.99 for two flights.
Jill’s Ceramics
180 Germonds Road, West Nyack, NY 10994
845-623-4975
Huge variety of plaster pieces or glazed ceramics. Option for take-home projects.
MONSEY: 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Monday to Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday evening: 7:00–9:30 p.m.; Friday: 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. For Sunday hours, call to inquire.
Prices vary based on ceramic you choose.
Jumpz Trampoline Sports
21 Prindle Lane, Danbury, CT 06811
203-942-2449
Part of Thrillz Danbury, Jumpz offers 45,000 square feet of glow-in-the-dark wall-to-wall trampoline adventures, airbag zone, swings and slides with a dedicated toddler area.
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 1 hour 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 12:00–8:00 p.m.
Prices start at $16 for 30 minutes. Ages 5 and under: Prices start at $11. Laser tag starts at $20 for 30 minutes.
K1 Speed (Formerly Autobahn Indoor Speedway)
2272 Palisades Center Drive #A200, West Nyack, NY 10994
845-535-1515
High speed karting. They now also offer VR and axe throwing.
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
It™ Adventure Ropes Course
41 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511
203-812-9981
The world’s largest indoor ropes course with liquid fireworks, water show, zip lines and amazing courses. By reservation only.
MONSEY: 1 hour 37 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
Regular hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Hours are subject to change due to private events; please call ahead to check.
One-hour option not available on Sundays. Adults and children 48” and up: 1-hour regular climb and zip: online $28. 2 hours: $42. Climb-It Walls: $12; Little-It for children under 48”: $12.
Jumpin Jax
600 Winters Avenue, Suite B, Paramus, NJ 07652
201-261-3000
Interactive indoor and outdoor playground
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Open Play: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Toddlers: $13; Children: $18; Adults: $5
Kids ‘N Action
1149 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-377-1818
This popular and fun indoor amusement center, with its twisty slides and ball pits, is a much loved attraction in the heart of Brooklyn.
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 8 minutes
Sunday-Thursday - 11:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
Toddler section (softplay): $13 weekdays; $15 weekends and holidays. Action Package (softplay and rides) : $26 weekdays; $28 weekends and holidays. Adults: $8.
Kids Fun House
6273 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood, NY 11385
718-418-5437
2-hour sessions: Tuesday to Friday, $16 per child. THE
Races start at $29. An annual $7.95 Speedway License is required to race.
This indoor fun park with its triple slide, maze obstacle course and more, is specifically geared for children ages 1 to12.
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 30 minutes
This Chol Hamoed Open Play only on Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Land-O-Fun
2955 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235
718-891-5263
Fun indoor park for kids aged 2–12, with bumper cars, cannon balls, bowling lanes and even some virtual reality experiences. Other attractions as well.
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 19 minutes
Open every day 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday: $10 per child and two adults. Sundays/holidays/school breaks: $15 per child and two adults. Each additional adult: $5.
Legoland Discovery Center
39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710 914-775-6015
Lego-themed activities. Suitable for preschool and younger elementary children.
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Hours vary. Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission starts at $24.99 per person at select times.
SUITABLE FOR PRESCHOOL AND YOUNGER ELEMENTARY-AGE CHILDREN.
MetroRock Brooklyn
321 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237
929-500-7625
Bright, clean and fun indoor climbing experience for all ages. Children under age 5 not allowed; visitors are required to fill out waiver online prior to visiting.
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 29 minutes
“Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Day Pass: $30; $240 for a 10 punch pass
Monster Mini Golf
49 E. Midland Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
201-261-0032
Indoor glow-in-the-dark golf course. Additional locations in Fairfield, Edison and Yonkers.
MONSEY: 26 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
Monday to Friday: 2:00–9:00 p.m.; Sunday: 12:00–8:00 p.m.
Mini Golf: Adults: $14; Children: $13; Seniors: $11. Mini Bowling: $5.00. 1 round of Mini Golf and a $10 Arcade Card: $20. 1 round of Mini Golf, 1 game of Mini Bowling, and a $10 Arcade Card: $23.
Laser Bounce Family Fun Center
80-28 Cooper Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385
347-599-1919
A super-fun indoor park with a laser maze, laser tag games, bowling, ball pits, VR games and more!
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 38 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Attraction packages start at $20.95 per person.
Liberty Heights
1939 NY-52, Liberty, NY 12754
845-747-8080
Indoor adventure park with trampolines, climbing walls, laser tag, VR and a Ninja Zone. Suitable for all ages.
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Prices start at $27.99 per person.
SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES.
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (Right below the Walkway of the Hudson Bridge)
845-471-0589
Children’s Museum with activities and interactive exhibits aimed at entertaining and educating young children
MONSEY: 1 hour 20 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 45 minutes
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Friday: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays
$14.50. Children under 1 are free. $3 per person when you present a valid EBT card.
Montvale Lanes
14 W. Grand Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645
201-391-3400
Bowling alley
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Hours vary. Call before to check if there is open bowl.
Monday to Friday, until 5:00 p.m.: $5 per game; $3 for seniors. After 5:00 p.m. and weekends: $6 per game. Shoes: $6. Cash only.
New City Bowl and Batting Cages
90 N. Main St, New City, NY 10956
845-634-4977
Bowling alley and batting cages
MONSEY: 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hours vary. Call before to check if there is open bowl.
Monday to Friday, before 6:00 p.m.: $6.25 per game for seniors; $7.25 for juniors; $7.75 for adults. Monday to Friday, after 6:00 p.m.: $7.75 per game. Sunday: $7.75 per game. Shoe rental: $6.25 per pair. All bowlers must wear bowling shoes.
Plaster Spot
1037 53rd Street, Brooklyn NY 11219
718-436-1899
Charming local plaster painting shop
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: Local
Chol Hamoed hours not yet posted at time of printing.
Rab’s Country Lanes
1600 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10305
718-979-1600
This family-friendly venue has a 48-lane bowling alley, plus an exciting laser maze
MONSEY: 1 hour 25 minutes BORO PARK: 19 minutes
Hours vary. Call to check if there is open bowl.
Weekdays: Until 6:00 p.m.: $32 per hour; after 6:00 p.m.: $40 per hour. Friday to Sunday: Until 6:00 p.m.: $42 per hour; after 6:00 p.m.: $47 per hour. Shoe rental: $6 per pair.
Seaglass Carousel at Battery Park
Water Street & State Street, New York, NY 10004. Located in The Battery (Formerly Battery Park) 212-344-3491
Carousel made of fiberglass fish inside building at The Battery.
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Monday to Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
$6, or $55 for a 10-pack
Palisades Climb Adventure
Palisades Center, 4590 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994
845-727-3500
The world’s tallest ropes course boasting 85 feet and five levels, on Level 4 of the Palisades Mall
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday closed.
$27.99; $11.99 for SkyTykes (under 48”)
Pottery and Glass Land
1730 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230
917-744-1887
Pottery, glass and canvas painting, bling art; book your pottery wheel appointment in advance.
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Erev Yom Tov: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Prices vary.
RPM Raceway
600 West Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
203-323-7223
Races need to be booked, but there are other attractions for the rest of the family
MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Hours vary. Call for days and hours of operation. $30 per race. Member rates: $20 per race.
Sloomoo Institute
475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Activities and projects involving slime
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Hours vary. Timed tickets are sold online.
Tickets are required for each guest age 2+. General admission starts at $38 per person online. Prices are higher at the door.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park - Allendale
80 Commerce Drive, Allendale, NJ 07401
551-223-1717
Indoor trampoline park featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball and so much more. Reservations required. Waiver must be signed before visiting.
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Hours vary. Call or check online calendar.
Prices start at $28.99 for 90 minutes + socks (required)
Sportime USA
2 Lawrence Street, Ardsley, NY 10502
914-592-2111
Indoor amusement center with rides, arcade games, batting cages and indoor playground
MONSEY: 28 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Hours vary. Call or check online.
Pay per attraction.
Teaneck Speedway
545 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-530-7879
Entertainment center with scale slot car tracks, large laser tag, two-lane bowling, arcades and more.
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
Hours Vary. Call for current hours.
Prices vary per activity.
The Gravity Vault (Hoboken)
1423 Clinton St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-740-1423
25,000+ square-foot indoor rock gym with overhangs, bouldering, arches and hours of climbing fun
MONSEY: 41 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Sunday 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Monday 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Many package options. Prices start at $30 per person.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park - Springfield
25 US-22, Springfield Township, NJ 07081
973-671-5100
Indoor trampoline park featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball and so much more. Reservations required. Waiver must be signed before visiting.
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 40 minutes
Hours vary. Call or check online calendar.
Prices start at $31.99 for 90 minutes + socks (required)
Tac Ops
373 US-46 d110, Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-753-2651
Tactical laser tag. Unless you book a private session, there may be other players during your session. Appropriate for teens and adults.
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
Reservations required.
Prices start at $40 per person for a 75-minute game; reservation required. Private games start at $350 for up to 10 players with an additional charge of $30 per extra person.
The Funplex
182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936
973-428-1166
Indoor family amusement center with go-karts, bumper cars, laser tag, arcades and more. Additional location: Mount Laurel, NJ.
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Chol Hamoed Hours: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Either pay per activity or purchase wristband.
Prices vary, starting at about $29 + tax online for weekday band; $47 + tax online for weekends.
The Gravity Vault (Upper Saddle River)
107 Pleasant Avenue, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
201-934-7625
13,500+ square-foot indoor rock gym with overhangs, bouldering, arches and hours of climbing fun
MONSEY: 18 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Many package options. Prices start at $25 per person.
SUNDAY 10/20: M ON DAY 10/21: TUES DAY 10/22: 10am pm 12pm pm 12pm pm
The Other Tales –Escape Rooms
245 Diamond Bridge Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506
973-963-4142
At this escape room destination, all games are private.
MONSEY: 28 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
By reservation only. Hours vary by day.
$39.95 per player; for team of 4, online special of $35.96 per person
Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park
5 Prindle Lane, Danbury, CT 06811
203-942-2585
Part of Danbury Jumpz, this world’s first indoor wipeout-style action adventure park features 28,000 square feet of zip lines, ninja, obstacle and ropes courses, trampoline launch pads, rock climbing walls, and many more attractions.
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 1 hour 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 12:00–8:00 p.m.
Prices start at $21 for 60 minutes.
The Painted Pot –Park Slope
188 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-768-8379
Studio for paintings and mosaics. Walk in and start creating! No reservation necessary.
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 29 minutes
Reservations required.
$10 studio fee plus price of the item you choose to make.
Urban Air Adventure Park
69 Wesley St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606 201-212-6454
Trampoline park with climbing walls, obstacle courses, tubes playground, battle beams and amazing adventures
MONSEY: 29 minutes BORO PARK: 46 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Ultimate Attractions Pass: $33.99; Deluxe Pass: $28.99; Basic Pass: $25.99; 5 & under Pass (Deluxe access for children 5 and under): $16.99. Single play on Virtual Reality: $7.99. Urban Air socks (required; no personal socks allowed): $3.49. Parent Pass (same attractions as child): 50% pass price.
Outdoor Fun
Adventureland
2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735
631-694-6868
Amusement park with about 30 rides
MONSEY: 1 hour 11 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday and Monday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
General (2–24): $49.50; Adult (25+): $39.50
Adventure LandNY (Formerly Ring Homestead)
257 Lybolt Road, Middletown, NY 10940 845-361-3842
Treetop ropes course, paintball and downhill tubing
MONSEY: 49 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 55 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:45 a.m. to dusk
$64 per person for ages 5 and up; $44 per child ages 3 and 4; free for children 2 or younger
Adventurers Park
1824 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11214
718-975-2748
Amusement park with 25 rides and attractions
MONSEY: 1 hour, 5 minutes minutes BORO PARK: 19 minutes
Chol Hamoed: Opens at 11:00 a.m.
City Island Stables
(Formerly Bronx Equestrian Center)
9 Shore Road, Bronx, NY 10464
718-885-0551
Pony rides, horseback riding and riding lessons offered
MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
9:00 a.m.–dusk
Pony rides: $10; Horse rides (2 laps): $15; Trail rides: $70. Private Trail Rides $85 per person
Diggerland
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
856-393-5992
Tractor-themed rides, stunts and digging fun for all ages
MONSEY: 2 hours BORO PARK: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
$45.99
Braden Brook Stables
19 Mountaindale Road, Greensfield Park, NY 12435
845-647-7556
1-hour trail rides at $60 per person; at this time of year it’s for ages 10 and up.
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 14 minutes
Call for hours and prices.
Camelback Mountain Adventure
243 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372
570-629-1663
Sunday: Sunbowl Tubing and UTV Tours open.Mountain coaster, zip lines and mini golf available all days of Chol Hamoed.
MONSEY: 1 hour 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 55 minutes
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Monday to Friday: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Pay per ride; prices vary.
Denos Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
3059 Denos D. Vourderis Place, Brooklyn, NY 11224 718-372-2592
Famous Coney Island amusement park, featuring landmarked Deno’s Wonder Wheel with 16 kiddie rides and 5 adult rides
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Pay per ride; prices vary.
Dorney Park
4000 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA 18104 610-395-3724
Theme park with coasters, thrill rides, waterslides, plus Snoopy-themed kids’ area.
MONSEY: 1 hour 55 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 50 minutes
Sunday: Fall Festivals, Open 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Closed Chol Hamoed Monday and Tuesday. Price starts at $39.99
Dutch Wonderland
2249 E. Lincoln Hwy., Lancaster, PA 17602
866-386-2839
Amusement park with 44 acres of roller coasters, water slides, kids shows and a castle
MONSEY: 3 hours 3 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 40 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Tickets start at $34.99
Family Fun Farm Adventure Park and Zoom Station
65 Friedman Road, Monticello, NY 12701
347–480–FARM (3276)
Thrilling adventure farm for all ages offering petting zoo, bumper boats, laser tag, wagon rides, zip line, ball blaster, pony rides, parakeets, jumping pillow, and many more fun attractions. Recently added state of the art electric go karts, zoom tubing and VR. VR and diggers are indoor.
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 5 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours:12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Prices start at $22 per person.
Hersheypark
100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
800-437-7439
Hershey’s chocolate-themed park with rides, kids activities, dining and live shows.
MONSEY: 3 hours BORO PARK: 3 hours
Exclusive Chol Hamoed Event Monday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Tuesday.
Special price $57.50
Jamaica Bay Riding Academy
7000 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11234
(right off Belt Parkway)
718-531-8949
Ages 12 and up. No reservations necessary.
MONSEY: 1 hour 12 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes
Group trail rides (Minimum 2 people, no reservations.) Sunday/holidays: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. By appointment only. Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00p.m. Tuesday/Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
$90.00 per person 12 years and older; minimum two people. $120 evening rides prepaid by appointment only. $25 pony rides (10 years and under).
Extreme Motorsports
Kiamesha Lake, NY 12751
848-240-0086 (text), 845-807-8557 (call)
ATV tours on over 100 acres of thrilling mountain trails for individuals (ages 15 and up) and families (from ages 4 and up)
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours
By reservations only
PERFECT FOR THE INTREPID BOCHUR.
Flagstaff Extreme
59 Mt. Arlington Rd., Ledgewood, NJ 07852
888–241–4582
Amazing treetop ropes course with 5 levels. Also seperate zip line course with more than 30 zip lines. Height requirements need to be met.
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Chol Hamoed Hours: Open only on Sunday by reservation.
Adventure course or zipline course: Ages 12 and up: $57 per guest + taxes and fees (about 4 hours minimum); ages 9–11: $39 per guest + taxes and fees. Access to the first three courses only. 10% off online reservations on Chol Hamoed with code: Sukkot10.
IDEAL FOR TEENS, BOCHURIM AND ADULTS.
Hunter Mountain
64 Klein Avenue, Hunter, NY 12442
800-486-8376
Scenic skyride in the summer with hiking trails
MONSEY: 1 hour 45 minutes BORO PARK: 3 hours
Scenic skyride closed Chol Hamoed.
Jiminy Peak
37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA 01237 413-738-5500
Adventure park with mountain coaster, alpine slide, Soaring Eagle, scenic chairlift, giant swing and children’s activities. Note: Only the mountain coaster is open on Chol Hamoed.
MONSEY: 2 hours 25 minutes BORO PARK: 3 hours 20 minutes
Closed this Chol Hamoed
Single ride: $13; two rides: $20
Keansburg Amusement Park
275 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg, NJ 07734
732-495-1400
Keansburg Amusement Park offers over 40 rides including kiddie, family and thrill rides with access to the ocean in the back of the park.
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Pirchei rents it out and sells discounted tickets. Sunday: 12:30–5:30 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday: 2:45–8:00 p.m.
$20 unlimited rides, including go-karts. Cash and checks only.
LEGOLAND
1 Legoland Boulevard, Goshen, NY 10924
845-410-0290
Sprawling theme park with Lego structures and amusement rides
MONSEY: 44 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
Chol Hamoed: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Monday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
Online prices start at $59.
Pocono Outdoor Aventure Tours
1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA 18334
570-839-6061
One-hour guided UTV tours on over 1,000 acres of the historic Pocono Manor, along streams and mountaintops with gorgeous views
MONSEY: 1 hour 48 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 15 minutes
By reservation, must arrive 30 minutes prior to reservation time.
Must have a valid driver’s license to operate the vehicles; length of time approximately 1 hour. Double-seater UTV: $160; Four-seater UTV: $235; Paintball is $40 for basic package.
Lake Compounce
185 Enterprise Drive, Southington, CT 06010
860-583-3300
Family-friendly theme park featuring roller coasters and other rides, plus a water park
MONSEY: 2 hours BORO PARK: 2 hour 20 minutes
Open Sunday Chol Hamoed for Phantom Fall Fest: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Phantom Fall Fest Discounted Tickets: $32.49
Luna Park
1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224
718-373-5862
Park with 30 rides and lots of games at Coney Island Beach
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 22 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Monday & Tuesday: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Pay per ride or wristband option. The Extraordinary Wristband: 48 Inches and Above: $64.99; Under 48 inches: $49.99
Payne’s Motor Sports
1550 Route 17B, White Lake, NY 12786
845-583-1000
ATV rentals for use in their facility
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 20 minutes By reservation only.
Pocono TreeVentures
1575 Fairway Villas Blvd., East Stroudsburg PA 18302
800-446-0231
Aerial forest adventure with five ropes courses and dual zip racers. Also kids section.
MONSEY: 1 hour 25 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday 10:00 & 12:00 slot. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Reserve online. $55 per person
Quassy Amusement Park
2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT 06762
203-758-2913
Family-oriented amusement park with more than 20 rides, including the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster
MONSEY: 1 hour 47 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours
Closed this Chol Hamoed
Prices start at $41.99. They have special pricing for tickets from 4:00 p.m. until closing.
Rockland Lake Bike Rental
2 Lennox Avenue, Congers, NY 10920
718-982-5576
Bike rental a few minutes from Rockland Lake. They offer kids bikes, adult bikes and ebikes.
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Price starts at $29.99 for 2 hours.
PERFECT FOR TEENS, BOCHURIM AND FAMILIES.
Tappan Go Karts
116 Route 303, Tappan, NY 10983
845-359-0642
Go-kart track, batting cages, mini-golf and driving range
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
Go karts: Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays.; Batting cages: Every day from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m; Mini golf: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Mini golf: Adults (over 10 years): $9; Children (10 and under): $8. Go-karts (four laps): Single car: $10; Double car: $15. Coupon book is good for six races. A single gokart coupon book costs $54; double costs $84. Batting cages: $3 for 15 pitches.
Rail Explorers
70 High St, Phoenicia, NY 12464
877-833-8588
Ride the rails on our pedal-powered Rail Explorers with stunning views.
MONSEY: 1 hour 30 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 35 minutes
No Chol Hamoed availability
River Run Tour Pricing (8-mile round-trip with electric pedal assist): Tandem Explorer from $95 (two riders, $47.50 per person); Quad Explorer from $175 (up to four riders, $43.75 per person); 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply).
Staten Island FunPark
215 Schmidts Lane, Staten Island, NY 10314
718-982-5576
Go-karts, mini golf, batting cages
MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Pay per activity.
Six Flags Great Adventures and Safari
1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527 201-862-0250 (NCSY), 732-928-2000
Huge park with 14 coasters and 52 other attractions; Off-Road Adventure Safari entrance included in admission (NCSY event)
MONSEY: 1 hour 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
Chol Hamoed: Sunday: Open to public 10:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. (Frightfest: 6:00–11:00 p.m.) Monday NCSY Event. Theme Park: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., Safari: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Tuesday: Park closed.
NCSY Presale: Safari: $25, Theme Park: $55; Parking: $22; Day of: Safari $27, Theme Park: $63; Parking: $26.
Regular Admission: Amusement park: Online advance starting at: $65, at the park $99; Parking: $40; Drive-thru safari: $32 per person; Seniors and children under 48”: $20
The Castle Fun Center
109 Brookside Avenue, Chester, NY 10918
845-469-2116
Adventure center with go-karts, arcade, rock climbing and more
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Pay per attraction.
OVER 2 HOURS of an action packed drama filmed in Dubai!
Historical Sites and Museums
9/11 Memorial
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10007
212-312-8800
8-acre park in memoriam of 9/11 heroes with guided tours available
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 20 minutes
8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Free
Battleship New Jersey
100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ 08103
856-966-1652
Battleship that served in WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars that gives a glimpse into military life
MONSEY: 2 hours BORO PARK: 1 hour 45 minutes
The Battleship New Jersey is open for self–guided tours every day, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last boarding at 4:00 p.m. and a limited number of guided tours at 12 p.m.
Adults: $30; Seniors and children 12 and under: $25
Brooklyn Navy Yard Center
63 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11205
718-907-5932
A museum featuring the history and innovation of the Brooklyn Navy Yard
MONSEY: 57 minutes BORO PARK: 18 minutes
Building 92. Thursday through Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
9/11 Memorial Museum
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10007
212-312-8800
Museum with exhibitions and hands-on learning about 9/11 and its effects
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Wednesday through Monday 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Adults: $33; Children (7–12): $21; Teens (13–17): $27; Seniors (65+): $27; Under 6: Free. Family passes available for less. Free Admission on Mondays from 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Limited quantities available. Limit 4 tickets per person. Reservations available starting each Monday at 7:00 a.m. and are first come, first served.
Boscobel House and Gardens
1601 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524
845-265-3638
A 19th-century Georgian mansion with gardens, orchards and striking views
MONSEY: 42 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 28 minutes
Grounds: Friday to Monday: 9:00 a.m.–sunset. Please note the house is currently closed as Boscobel continues renovations following the Library ceiling collapse.
Gardens and Grounds: Adults: $14; Seniors: $12; Children (4–18): $7; Toddlers (4 and under): Free. House, Gardens and Grounds: Adults: $24; Seniors: $21; Children (4–18): $13; Toddlers (4 and under): Free.
Color Factory
251 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
347-378-4071
Colorful and interactive modern art exhibit
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m; Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; reservations required.
Prices start at $39 per person.
Empire State Building
350 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10118
212-279-9777
Observatory deck on 86th floor of the Empire State Building
MONSEY: 49 minutes BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Entry door closes at 10:15 p.m.
Main Deck (86th Floor): Adults: $44; Children: $38; Seniors: $42. Main Deck + Top Deck (86th +102nd Floors): Adults: $79; Children: $73; Seniors: $77
George Washington Headquarters The DeWint House
20 Livingston Street, Tappan, NY 10983
845-359-1359
George Washington’s headquarters at four different occasions during the Revolution, the DeWint House, carriage house and surrounding grounds are open to the public to view and explore.
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Free
Imagine That! Museum
4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
973-966-8000
Interactive museum and activity center with fun areas for young children
MONSEY: 47 minutes BORO PARK: 52 minutes
Chol Hamoed: Sunday & Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Closed Monday.
Children (ages 12 months to 10 years): $21.99; Adults (11+): $6.99
Kykuit - Rockefeller Estate
381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 914-366-6900
Landmark estate offering tours of a 40-room home, gardens and art collection, plus panoramic views.
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour
Chol Hamoed: Open Wednesday to Monday. Check online or call for tour times.
Tour prices begin at $25 per person. Tours recommended for ages 10+. Reservations required.
FDR Home and Library
4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538
800-337-8474
History-rich tours of FDR’s property, home and library
MONSEY: 1 hour 13 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 50 minutes
Open 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
$15.00 adult admission tickets.
Harbor Defense Museum
230 Sheridan Loop, Brooklyn, NY 11252
718-630-4349
This 19th-century fort, NYC’s only military museum, is located within the grounds of Fort Hamilton.
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 10 minutes
Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Free
Jewish Children’s Museum
792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213
718-467-0600
Interactive three-story Jewish-themed museum
MONSEY: 1 hour 24 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Child (2–5): $19; Adult (16+): $17; Senior (65+) $16; Disabled (1 free chaperone): $16
Liberty Science Center
222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305 201-200-1000
Amazing interactive science experience for learning and fun
MONSEY: 54 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours not yet posted at time of printing
Advance admission: Adults: $31; Children (2–12): $26. Same-day admission: Adults: $36; Children (2–12): $31. Theater Shows: $8.
FABULOUS FOR ALL CURIOUS HUMANS, YOUNG AND OLD. LOVE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS? THIS IS FOR YOU!
Living Torah Museum
1603 41st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218
718-851-3215
Museum displaying artifacts mentioned in Torah and in Jewish history; located in the heart of Boro Park
MONSEY: 1 hour 21 minutes BORO PARK: Local
9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. by appointment.
Each exhibit is $10 per person ages 3+ (under 3 free). Museum exhibits are 1 hour long each. Additional exhibits per day is $8 per person. Groups of 10 people or more are $8 per person for each exhibit.
Lucy the Elephant
9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate City, NJ 08402
609-823-6473
Quirky waterfront landmark, a six-story elephantshaped building built in 1881, with tours and views
MONSEY: 2 hours 20 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 10 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Adults (13+): $8.50; Children (3–12): $4; Toddlers (2 and under): free
Merchant’s House Museum
29 E 4th Street, New York, NY 10003
212-777-1089
Built in 1832, this is the oldest NYC home perfectly preserved — both inside and out.
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Self-guided house tour: Open Wednesday to Sunday: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (Last entry 4:30 p.m.)
Self-guided house tour: $15.50; Seniors (65+): $10.50. Guided house tour: $20.50. Private tours required for groups larger than 10 people.
Museum of Jewish Heritage
36 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280 646-437-4202
The museum is showcasing a fascinating living memorial of the Holocaust, with many new objects from Auschwitz that have never been seen before.
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Adults: $18.00; Seniors: $12.00; Children (12 and under): free. Admission to the museum is free on Thursdays between 4 and 8 p.m. To reserve your advance free admission, please choose a Thursday from our admission ticketing calendar, and change the time dropdown to 4 p.m.
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
103 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002
877-975-3786
Historical landmark museum showcasing actual tenement apartments
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
$30 per pesson
Madame Tussauds
234 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
212-512-9600
The museum of famous figures located in the heart of Times Square
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Advance prices online start at $33.99 per person. Regular price starts at $43.99.
Museum at Eldridge St. Shul
12 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10002
212-219-0302
Historic restored 1887 Eldridge Street shul houses a museum as well as weekly Shabbos services.
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes
10:00 a.m–5:00 p.m.
Adults: $15; Students and seniors: $10; Children (5–17): $8. “Pay What You Wish” admission offered Mondays and Fridays.
National Museum of Mathematics
11 E. 26th Street, New York, NY 10010 212-542-0566
Museum that brings mathematics to life
MONSEY: 52 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Adults: $25; Children (2–12): $20; Seniors: $20. These prices reflect an online purchase discount. Tickets purchased at the door have a $1 surcharge.
Newport Rhode Island Mansions
Preservation Society of Newport County: 424 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
401-847-1000
Opulent and magnificent preserved mansions used as summer homes for families like the Vanderbilts and the Astors
MONSEY: 3 hour 40 minutes BORO PARK: 3 hours 45 minutes
The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Rosecliff open on Chol Hamoed. Rosecliff open on Chol Hamoed from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. the others are open 10:00a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Prices start at $29 for adults and $10 for youths (6–12).
NYC Fire Museum
278 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
212-691-1303
Fascinating 1909 firehouse museum for kids and adults
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Temporarily closed
Adults: $15; Youth (3–17): $6; Seniors and students: $8. $3 for Adults/Children with a valid EBT card. Up to four people per EBT card with ID
Philipsburg Manor
381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
914-366-6900
1700s trading center and colonial manor with exhibits and hands-on demonstrations recreating the era
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chol Hamoed: Sunday and Monday. Hours vary.
Advance purchase: Adult: $18; Senior: (65+); $15; Young Adult (18–25): $15; Child (3–17): $13; Children under 3: free. $2 more for same day admission.
Northlandz
495 US-202, Flemington, NJ 08822
908-782-4022
Miniature railway museum built on 16 acres with over 8 miles of train tracks and 40+ bridges
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Indoor tickets online: Adults: $40; Children (2-11): $30; Disabled: Free. Outdoor train ride tickets (nonrefundable): $25
One World Observatory
285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007
844-696-1776
Admission to three floors of One World Trade Center, with views, observatory, elevators and exhibits
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Online prices start at $44 per person + $2.50 booking fee.
South Street Seaport
12 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038
212-748-8600
Museum housing paintings, ship models, scrimshaw and more with vintage ships docked outside
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Wednesday through Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 P.m.
General Admission tickets are Pay What You Wish. Options are as follows: Full-price admission is $18 per adult and $5 per child. Half-price admission is $9 per adult. One-dollar admission is $1 per adult and per child.
Spyscape
928 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
212-549-1941
Learn the art of espionage in these thrilling, selfguided tours.
MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Last entry 90 minutes before closing.
Prices start at $25 per person.
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
(formerly Stony Point State Park)
44 Battlefield Roat, Stony Point, NY 10980
845-786-2521
Site of Battle of Stony Point with lighthouse, museum and weekly artillery drills and soldier camps reenactment
MONSEY: 26 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chol Hamoed: Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; Museum open Sundays: 12:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Free
The Edge
30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
332-204-8500
Protruding observation deck 100 stories high, with a glass floor, bar and 360-degree views
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 30 minutes
Open daily from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Prices start at $43.55
The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)
47-01 111th Street, Corona, NY 11368
718-699-0005
NYSCI is located near Flushing Meadows Park and is one of NY’s best museums for interactive science.
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Last entry: 4:00 p.m. Please note: The museum hosts many school groups on weekdays from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Please visit after 2:00 p.m. if you want a quieter experience.
General admission: Adults: $22; Children, students and seniors: $19.”
Touro Synagogue Tours
85 Touro Street, Newport, RI 02840
401-847-4794
A historic tour of the oldest shul in the U.S. and one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings
MONSEY: 3 hours BORO PARK: 3 hours 30 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Tours run every 45 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. with the last tour at 1:45 p.m. (10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15, 1:00, 1:45)
Tour admission fees include interactive exhibits in the Loeb Visitors Center. Adults: $14; Seniors: $12; Students: $10. No fee for children 12 and under.
The Franklin Institute
222 N 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-448-1200
Interactive museum that brings scientific concepts to life with fascinating exhibits
MONSEY: 2 hours 5 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 45 minutes
Open daily from 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Adults: $25; Children (3–11): $21
The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space
Pier 86: W. 46th Street and 12th Avenue 212-245-0072
Military and maritime history museum inside original battleship
MONSEY: 42 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; last entry at 4:00 p.m.
Adults (13–64): $36; Seniors (65+): $34; Children (5–12): $26; Children 4 and under: Free. The museum offers free admission for EBT cardholders and up to three guests. Must have valid photo ID. Tickets can be redeemed at the box office.
The Vanderbilt Mansion
119 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538
845-229-7770
54-room well-preserved mansion with magnificent grounds and gardens
MONSEY: 1 hour 17 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday
Daily Admission (includes access to the grounds and open portions of the mansion, but not the planeterium): Adults: $12; Seniors: $10; Children (2–12): $8; Under 2: Free
Transit Museum
99 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-694-1600
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Thursday through Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Adults: $10; Children (2–17): $5; Seniors (62+): $5
Waterfront Museum
290 Conover Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
A museum dedicated to education about maritime history
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes Closed this Chol Hamoed Free
Aquariums and Zoos
Bailiwick Animal Park and Riding Stables
118 Castle Rd, Catskill, NY 12414
518-678-5665
The Animal Park is home to over 30 exhibits of domestic and exotic animals. Horseback riding available at the stables.
MONSEY: 1 hour 26 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 10 minutes
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Zoo: Adult (13+): $18; Seniors: $17; Children (3–14): $14; 2 and under: Free. Pony rides (up to age 6): $10. Horse-pony rides (ages 7+): $15. Trail rides also available.
Central Park Zoo
64th Street and 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10021 212-439-6500
State-of-the-art zoo with variety of habitats, featuring snow leopards to tropical birds
MONSEY: 48 minutes BORO PARK: 40 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Adults (13+): $19.95; Seniors (65+): $16.95; Children (3–12): $14.95; Children 2 and under: Free
West Point Museum
2110 New South Post Road, West Point, NY 10996 845-938-3590
Military academy museum with galleries showcasing history of U.S. army, warfare and weapons
MONSEY: 32 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes 9:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; closed Monday Free
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
856-365-3300
Aquarium with shark bridge, penguin island and touch pool
MONSEY: 2 hours 2 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Adults (13–64): $27.99–$47.99; Children (2–12): $17.99–$37.99; Seniors (65+): $25.99–$45.99
Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460
718-367-1010
Metropolitan zoo with 265 acres that harbors 4,000 animals in replicas of their native habitats
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Starting prices: Adults (13+): $37.75; Seniors (65+): $33.25; Children (3–12): $28.75; Children 2 and under: Free. Wednesday tickets are reduced. Advance tickets are required for Wednesday reduced admission and are made available at 5:00 p.m. the Monday before. Maximum of four tickets per order. Parking: $20.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 732-899-1212
Small aquarium with a large variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, seals and octopuses
MONSEY: 1 hour 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Adults: $18; Seniors (65+): $13; Children (3–11): $12; Children 2 & under: Free
Long Island Game Farm Park and Zoo
489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville, NY 11949
631-878-6670
Scenic farm with a smaller selection of animals, but the petting zoo is loads of fun. Kids can feed and even hold baby goats and chicks! The hours are limited but the shows are nice.
MONSEY: 1 hour 45 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Thursdays to Sundays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Adults (13–61): $26.95; Seniors (62+): $22.95; Children (3–12): $19.95; Children 2 and under: Free; Family Fun Pack (12 individuals): $210
Maritime Aquarium
10 N. Water Street, Norwalk, Connecticut 06854
203-852-0700
Great aquarium with many species and fascinating exhibitions for the entire family
MONSEY: 47 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Adults (13–64): $33.95; Seniors (65+): $29.95; Children (3–12): $24.95
New York Aquarium
602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224
718-265-3474
Newly renovated state-of-the-art aquarium with sea lion show, penguins, sharks and many fish
MONSEY: 1 hour 9 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Opens 10:00 a.m–5:00 p.m. Last entry 4:00 p.m.
Off peak: Adults (13+): $29.95; Seniors (65+): $27.95; Children (3–12): $25.95; Children 2 and under: Free
Prospect Park Zoo
450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
718-399-7339
More than 125 species within the confines of a 12acre menagerie suitable for all ages
MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Adults (13+): $9.95; Seniors (65+): $7.95; Children (3–12): $6.95
Long Island Aquarium
431 E Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-208-9200 ext. 426
Aquarium with fascinating exhibits and many interesting marine animals and fish
MONSEY: 1 hour 47 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 50 minutes
Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Adults (13–61): $48.99; Seniors (62+): $35.99; Children (3–12): $34.99; Children 2 and under: Free
Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-5955
Amazing aquarium with thousands of fish, exotic marine animals and fascinating outdoor exhibits
MONSEY: 2 hours 7 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 50 min
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Prices vary by day. Prices are between $31 and $42. Children 2 and under are free, but do need a ticket. Groups of 10+ automatically receive a 10% discount.
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-243-1100
Huge children’s zoo with incredible creatures and many fun activities
MONSEY: 2 hours 8 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 50 minutes
The zoo is open from 9:30 a.m–5:00 p.m. Last admission at 3:30 p.m. Advance online registration required for general admission. There will be a sukkah on site.
Reservations required. Adults (12+): $25; Children (2–11): $20. Parking: $19
Queens Zoo
53–51 111th Street, Corona, NY 11368
718-271-1500
18-acre zoo with trails, aviary, domestic animals, sea lion pool, bears, pumas, parrots and bison
MONSEY: 49 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Adults (13+): $9.95; Seniors (65+): $7.95; Children (3–12): $6.95; Children 2 and under: Free
INDIVIDUAL RIDES
$185+tax
3% charge for CC’s
Starting at $300 for 1/2 hr 4 OR 6 SEATER ALL AGES FAMILY RANGERS
GROUP DISCOUNTS FOR 5 OR MORE
Space Farms Zoo and Musuem
218 County Road 519, Sussex, NJ 07461
973-875-5800
Zoo and museum with over 500 animals in their natural surroundings
MONSEY: 1 hour 9 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Last entry 4:00 p.m.
Adults (13+): $24; Senior (65+): $23; Children (3–12): $20
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
973-731-5800
Excellent zoo for children, with great animals, pony rides, feedings, train, paddle boats, ropes course and more
MONSEY: 48 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Adults (13+): $20; Seniors (62+): $17; Children (2–12): $17; Children 2 and under: Free
Staten Island Zoo
614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310
718-442-3100
Small suburban zoo with nice variety of animals and animal feeding
MONSEY: 1 hour 4 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes 10:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Adults (15–59): $12; Seniors (60+): $9; Children (3–14): $8
Van Saun County Park
216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
201-336-7275
Zoo with playground, train, carousel and trails, and animal shows in the summer
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 52 minutes
Chol Hamoed: Sunday: Closed for private event; Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m
Adult (15–61): $8; Child (3–14): $5; Child under 3: Free; Seniors (62+): $2 (Fee only charged until November); carousel: $2; train: $2; pony ride: $5
Boating and Ferries
Bradley Boat Rentals
220 Lindholm Road, Hurleyville, NY 12747
845-807-1145
Kayak and canoe rentals on the Neversink Reservoir
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 2 hours 20 minutes
Closed this Chol Hamoed
Single kayak: $36/day; Tandem kayak: $45/day; Canoe: $45/day
Circle Line Cruises
Pier 83 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
212-563-3200
Cruises for views of Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline, landmarks and more
MONSEY: 43 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Several cruises available every day. Reserve in advance.
Prices depend on the type of cruise.
Gene’s Boats
3429 State Rte. 55, White Lake, NY 12786
845-583-9787
Speedboat, pontoon boat, pedal boats and rowboat rental
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 5 minutes
Closed this Chol Hamoed
Prices vary depending on boat type.
Greenwood Lake Marina
38 Lakeside Road, Hewitt, NJ 07421
973-728-9100
Luxury boat rental for relaxing cruise on beautiful Greenwood Lake
MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes
By reservation. Call for hours and prices.
Hessian Lake Pedal Boats
3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
845-786-2731
Paddle boat rentals at Bear Mountain State Park
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Prices have not yet been posted as of time of printing.
Laurel Hill Paddling Center
36 Laurel Hill Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094
201-920-4746
Canoe and kayak rental at Laurel Hill Park
MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 40 minutes
Closed this Chol Hamoed
CANOE (per four hours): $30 per paddler; $15 per passenger. You must have two paddlers per canoe. Fits up to three adults, or two adults and 1 to 2 children (depending on size). KAYAK (per four hours): $30 per paddler. No passengers. Single and tandem kayaks available
Governor’s Island
Ferry Departs Manhattan: Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street, New York, NY 10005; Also departs from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park
212-440-2200
A recreational island off Manhattan where no motors are allowed. It can be reached by ferry and offers bicycle rentals of all kinds, a museum and fun outdoor activitites.
MONSEY: 57 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Ferry departs every half-hour between 7:00 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Round-trip ferry ticket: Adults: $5; Seniors (65+); Children under 12: Free. Ferry free on Sundays before noon.
Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry
30-34 Girling Drive (off 9W), Haverstraw, NY 10927
1-800-53FERRY
Commuter ferry that transports passengers between Haverstraw and Ossining
MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ferry operates for commuters by New York Waterway. Ferry leaves Haverstraw about every half hour starting at 5:47 a.m. Last morning ferry departs at 8:42 a.m.
First afternoon ferry from Haverstraw departs at 5:21 p.m. and last ferry departs at 9:22 p.m. Ferry Leaves Ossining about every half hour starting at 6:01 a.m. Last morning ferry departs at 8:57 a.m. First afternoon ferry from Ossining departs at 5:06 p.m. and last ferry departs at 9:41 p.m.
One-way fare: Adults: $4.50; Seniors, Disabled, Children (6–11): $2.25; Children (under 5): Free. Two children ride free with each paying adult. 10-trip fare: $38.25.
Hoboken Ferry
1 Hudson Place, Hoboken, NJ 07030
800-533-3779
Commuter ferry from Hoboken to Pier 11 or World Financial Center in Manhattan
MONSEY: 58 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Runs all day at 35-minute intervals
Prices start at $7.50/adult. Prices depend on the route.
Morningside Park Campground
11 Morningside Pk Rd, Hurleyville, NY 12747
845-434-5877
Boat rentals at Morningside Park
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 5 minutes
Closed this Chol Hamoed
28 meals just like that
Now offering delicious homemade meals cooked and prepared to your imagination.
NYC Ferry Service (formerly East River Ferry)
Multiple stops
844-469-3377
A lovely transportation alternative that will take you up and down the East River to all the exciting new parks popping up on our coastline
Modified service for Chol Hamoed based on what is needed. Sukkos schedule is posted online.
Adult one-way: $4.50; 10-Trip Pass: $29; Children under 44”: Free; Seniors and those with disabilities: $1.45
Overpeck County Park Kayak Center
54 Fort Lee Road, Palisades Park, NJ 07650
201-957-3085
Kayak rentals at Overpeck County Park
MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 40 minutes
Closed this Chol Hamoed
Paradise Boats
15 Paradise Ave, Piermont, NY 10968
845-359-0073
Canoe, kayak and rowboat rentals. Starts in the marsh in Piermont and opens to the Hudson River.
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes
Closed this Chol Hamoed
Prices start at $35 for first hour.
Payne’s Water Sports
1550 NY-17B, White Lake, NY 12786
845-583-1000
All types of boat rentals at White Lake
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours
Chol Hamoed: by reservation
Varies by boat
Shepherd Lake Boat Rental
Shepherd Lake Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456
201-540-9199
Boat rentals at Shepherd Lake
MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes
Closed this Chol Hamoed $20 per hour
Swinging Bridge Marina
371 Starlight Rd, Monticello, NY 12701
845-794-6530
Motor boat rentals
MONSEY: 1 hour 15 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 5 minutes
Call for hours.
Prices depend on the boat and duration.
Statue City Cruises (Formlerly listed as Ellis and Liberty Island Ferry)
Ferry departs from Manhattan: 22 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004; From New Jersey: Liberty State Park, Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
877-523-9849 (Statue Cruises)
Tours that include cruise and access to Liberty and Ellis Islands
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 40 minutes
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; reservations required
Price starts at $25 per person.
The Staten Island Ferry
4 Whitehall Street, New York, NY 10004
718-876-8441
Free 25-minute commuter ferry between Manhattan and Staten Island
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Operates 24/7. Ferry departs every 30 minutes, with increased service (every 15 to 20 minutes) during weekday rush hours (6:00–9:00 a.m. and 3:30–8:00 p.m.).
Free
Tours
Central Park Carriage
In front of 240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
347-873-9213
Open-air ride through Central Park in horse-drawn carriage. Max four adults per carriage, or three adults and two children, two adults and four children, or one adult and six hildren (children must be 12 years old or younger).
MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 45 minutes
Sunday: 8:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Monday to Friday: 9:45 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
Pricing is per carriage, not per person. Price starts at $139 for 60-minute tour.
Fulton Fish Market
800 Food Center Drive #65B, Bronx, NY 10474
718-378-2356
Nocturnal expedition to experience the sight of fish vendors selling their goods
MONSEY: 47 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Monday through Friday 2:00 a.m.–7:00 a.m. Closed Sunday.
Walk-ins: $3
Central Park Pedicab Tours
8 West 58th St; near 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
917-405-1303
Offering 1- to 3-hour pedicab tours through Central Park
MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 40 minutes
Tours run from 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Prices start at $50 per person.
Above the Clouds Balloon Rides
100 Airport Road, New Hampton, NY 10958
845-360-5594
Half-hour to an hour scenic ride up in the clouds on a picture-perfect hot air balloon
MONSEY: 47 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 35 minutes
Reservations required
Prices start at $375 per person
Liberty Helicopter Tours
6 East River Piers #212, New York, NY 10005 212-786-5751
Birds’-eye view of New York City and surrounding area
MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes
Advance Reservations Required
Prices start at $189 per person
The Roosevelt Island Tramway
60th Street and 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10022
212-832-4555
Aerial tramway that spans East River and leads to Roosevelt Island, where there’s a beautiful park
MONSEY: 46 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes
6:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m., every 15 min; during rush hour (7:00–10:15 a.m. and 3:00–8:00 p.m.), service is increased to every 7.5 minutes
Anyone above 44” tall: $2.90 per way. MTA MetroCards required for pay. (MetroCards are available for purchase at the Tram Station from vending machines for $1.) Up to three children 44” tall and under ride for free on the Tram when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Airplane Observation
Aviation Hall of Fame
400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro, NJ 10604
201-288-6344
Museum with models of military aircraft and history of aviation
MONSEY: 32 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes
Closed Chol Hamoed
Adults: $15.00; Seniors: $12; Children (3–12): $12
John F. InternationalKennedyAirport
New York, NY 11430
AirTrain is free and gives children a fascinating bird’s-eye view of this bustling airport. Parking lots 2 and 5 offer nice views of airplanes taking off and landing.
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 30 minutes Free Newark
3 Brewster Road, Newark, NJ 07114
AirTrain is free in the airport; best spot of watching is from the parking lot of Ikea at 1000 Ikea Drive in Elizabeth, NJ.
MONSEY: 46 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Free
Planeview Park
Ditmars Boulevard, East Almhurst, NY 11369 212-639-9675
A park right near La Gaurdia airport with awesome views of planes landing and taking off (parking may be difficult)
MONSEY: 47 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes
6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Free
By Seville Manor
Skydive the Ranch
55 Sand Hill Road, Gardiner, NY 12525
845-255-4033
Viewing area to watch people skydiving
MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 50 minutes
Call for hours before coming
Free
Teterboro Airport
111 Industrial Avenue, Teterboro, NJ 10604
East of the airport, on Redneck Drive, there are some playing fields with great views of aircraft taking off.
MONSEY: 32 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes
Free
Stewart International Airport
1180 1st Street, New Windsor, NY 12553
On the far left, at the end of the field all the way in the back, there’s an excellent spot to watch the airplanes take off and land. There’s also access to the departure hall, where you can see the screens and conveyor belts.
MONSEY: 44 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 35 minutes
Free
Westchester County Airport
240 Airport Road, White Plains, NY 10604
This airport is less busy and way less overwhelming than the international airports. There’s an observation deck on the third floor where airplanes can be watched taking off and landing.
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes
Free
American Dream Mall
Activate
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 201-636-7588
Interactive challenging games. One to three minutes each, with varying difficulty levels.
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sunday: $29.99 per player; Monday to Thursday: $24.99 per player
Angry Birds Mini Golf
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 833-263-7326
Miniature golf
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. $20 per person. Save $3 when purchasing online
Blacklight Mini Golf
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
833-263-7326
Glow-in-the-dark mini golf
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
$20 per person. Save $3 when purchasing online.
Blast 7D
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
551-248-4943
Fully interactive and fully immersive 7D ride
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Monday & Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Prices start at $15 for 1 game. 15% off online booking with coupon code SUKKOT2023!
Geoffrey’s Express
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
551-600-8697
Geoffrey’s Express is a train ride that starts and ends at the Toys R Us store
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Monday & Tuesday: 1:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
$10 per person. Children under 2 ride free. Up to 16 people can ride the train at once.
Mirror Maze
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
833-263-7326
Mirror maze experience
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
$10 per person. Buy online in advance and save $3
Big Snow
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 973-864-6600
Indoor skiing and snowboarding with equipment rental. Lessons available. New option of Snow Tubing and Play as well as Sno-Go Bikes.
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Monday & Tuesday: 1:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Prices vary by activity and length of time.
FOR TEENS AND UP, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!
Dreamwheel
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
201-800-4261
Observation wheel at American Dream with views of Manhattan and the surrounding areas
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Monday & Tuesday: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Adults (12+): $24.48 per person; Children (5–11): $18.67 per person
Legoland Discovery Center
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 551-234-6381
Various interactive activities including Miniland made of Lego, Lego softplay, earthquake tables and much more.
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Last entry is 3:30 p.m.
Prices vary. Starting at $30.99 per person.
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 833-263-7326
The biggest indoor theme park in the Western Hemipshere
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
All-Access Pass: $59
Paradox Museum
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
551-733-6081
Interactive exhibits that create unforgettable memories and photo opportunities
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
The Escape Game
833-263-7326
Six fun and challenging escape rooms
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Advance reservation required.
$44.99 per person
Weekday: $23 per person; Weekends: $24 per person Notes:
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
The Rink
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
833-263-7326
Massive ice skating rink at American Dream Mall
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Non-Peak Days: $25; Peak Days: $35. Save $5 by booking online in advance.
Sea Life
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
551-234-6382
Family-friendly aquarium with a variety of sea creatures and exhibits
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Last entry: 7:00 p.m.
Prices online start at: $34.99/adult
The Gameroom by Hasbro
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 (201) 762-6278
Attractions and games featuring the Hasbro Game theme
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Pay per game
The Tilt Museum
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 (201) 762-6278
An interactive 3D museum that takes you inside art and tilts your viewpoint
MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes
Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
$15.00 per person. Purchase online to save $2 per ticket.
Letter of Gedolei Yisroel
BS”D Elul 5784
The issue of wigs containing Indian hair has been a subject of discussion for over twenty years. In 5764 (2004), a psak was issued by the gedolei hador forbidding these sheitels as tikroves avoda zara.
Many have relied on a heter based on the opinion that the hair tonsuring performed in the Indian temples is not done with the intention of sacrificing the hair to the avoda zara. Furthermore, the lenient opinion maintained that even if the practice was indeed tikroves avoda zara, it was presumed that the hair used in sheitels did not originate from these temples.
Recently, there has been more clarity based on many testimonies and much detailed research. It has become clear that the practice of hair tonsuring is indeed a form of tikroves avoda zara . It has also been established that the vast majority of hair used in sheitels comes from this source. Therefore, the issue is relevant again with full severity.
As of the present time, an acceptable heter has not been presented for this serious issue. According to many Rishonim the transgression of deriving benefit from tikroves avoda zara is in the category of sins for which the halacha is yehoreg v’al yaavor (one must give up one ’s life rather than transgress).
It is our opinion that there is no way to avoid this severe problem other than ascertaining that the hair is not from the temples, through strict supervision of the hair from when it is cut off the head until the completion of the production process. As of now, such supervision is something which is almost non existent.
The difficulty that this imposes on the tzibbur is well understood. However, our ancestors throughout the generations sacrificed their lives al kiddush Hashem so as not to be contaminated by the impurities of avoda zara, r”l.
Chazal say “l’fum tzaara agra,” according to the greatness of the difficulty so is the greatness of the reward. The Torah has already promised (Devorim 13;18), “No part of the banned property should attach to your hand, so that Hashem will turn back from His anger, and give you mercy and be merciful to you and multiply you …”
In the merit of abstaining from avoda zarah and its accessories, may Hashem make us worthy of the time when all avoda zara will be destroyed, with the revelation of Hashem ’s kingdom, may it be speedily in our days, Amen.
Elya Ber Wachtfogel
Aharon Feldman Aryeh Malkiel Kotler
Yaakov Shraga Horowitz Yisroel Tzvi Neuman
Sariel Rosenberg
It is clear and simple, and I have already publicized it as such, and anyone who has a drop of Yiras Shamayim will be careful at least for the future and his reward is very great!
My father in law HaGoan HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv zt ”l was very stringent regarding hair that comes from India, and it is appropriate to abide by the Psak of Maran zt”l
The words of my brother in law HaGoan HaGadol Azriel Auerbach are true and firm
Moshe Shternbuch Azriel Auerbach Yitzchok Zilberstein
Moshe Mordechai Karp
The clear opinion of Maran HaGoan HaRav Elyashiv zt”l is well known concerning the hair from India which is in the category of tikroves avoda zara. In order to clarify the topic due to the fact that certain Rabbanim have different opinions, in the year 5778 I was part of a group of prominent Rabbanim who heard the testimony of a witness who was sent to the temples in India and returned with clear proofs that it is tikroves avoda zara. Therefore I hereby repeat the opinion of Maran that there are severe transgressions in this matter.
Nachum Eisenstein
REMINDER!
THE BORO PARK VIEW’S
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
The contest runs for the first 30 days of school.
You must eat at least one fruit or vegetable for snack in school each day. More is better!
Your other snacks may not contain any MSG, nor food coloring.
You may not take any shehakol nosh or candy to school.
TWOLUCKY WINNERS WILLBE CHOSEN!
Glad you asked! Here are some better-for-you snack ideas:
Fruit, like apples, grapes or melon
Vegetables, like peppers, carrot sticks or celery sticks
Whole grain tortilla chips
Popcorn
Use this calendar to TRACK YOUR SNACK . Sign your initials on each day you keep all the contest rules, and send it back by TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024, for a chance to win $100 AT PERSONALIZATION STATION
Pretzels
Whole wheat crackers
Veggie chips
Nuts or nut bars
Protein bars
PROLOGUE
NEVER MIND HIM. HIS SON ALEX DIED TWO YEARS AGO IN A FIRE. LET’S GO BURN THE JEWS’ SYNAGOGUE NEXT.
I COULDN’T SAVE YOU…
I’LL SAVE YOU. I CAN… WHAT?!
I’LL SAVE YOU.
ONE YEAR LATER:
I SAVED YOU, ALEX. I SAVED YOU.
BUT I’M NOT ALEX. MY NAME IS ZUSHA RUBINOV. I WAS WOUNDED, AND I COULDN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING.
BUT NOW THAT I’M STRONGER, I REMEMBER. I’M ZUSHA! YES, THAT’S RIGHT. YOU SAVED ME.
NO!!! YOU’RE ALEX!!! ALEX, STAY HERE WITH ME!
BITS OF WITS
SHEVY HOLLANDER
SPELL IT OUT
The Tribeca neighborhood in Lower Manhattan was originally written as TriBeCa. It is a syllabic abbreviation representing “Triangle Below Canal [Street]). And if you ever wondered about the Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn, it is an acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.”
ON GREENER GRASS
Just a century ago, Boro Park children frolicked around on fields of grass connecting their backyards to those of their neighbors.
It is widely known that George Washington wore dentures made of wood. While it is true that our first president took office with but one of his original teeth in his mouth, and wore dentures for a large part of his life, they were made mostly of animal teeth, ivory and human teeth, and not of wood. How do we know this? Some of Washington’s dentures are still around and have undergone testing.
PIECE OF HISTORY
FLOWER POWER
Use the following letters to list 5 words, each using 7 letters and up. Only the center letter must be used, and letters can be repeated. Bonus points for pangrams (words that use all seven letters).
G A E D L C N
you’re telling time (9:00 + 5 hours).
The four mitzvos of Purim, since Purim is observed in Yerushalayim on Shushan Purim.
WORDS YOU MAY NOT KNOW THAT SAY THINGS IN A WHOLE NEW WAY
Lollygag is a useful verb that means to “fool around and waste time,” making it a synonym of the word dawdle. Oh, but surely you never lollygag like I do.
THE WORLD’S LARGEST SUKKAH IS LOCATED ON KIKAR SAFRA IN YERUSHALAYIM. IT MEASURES OVER 2,600 SQUARE FEET AND CAN HOUSE UP TO 650 PEOPLE. RECORDED! I SAW A KITTEN EATING CHICKEN
It is illegal to plant certain types of bamboo in New York. That is so since they are invasive and spread fast in all directions.
We welcome local trivia, historical facts and photos, and Torah-themed riddle submissions. We’d also love to hear if you have additional answers to our puzzles! Email comments@thebpview.com to add your very own bits of wits. Please include your name and contact information.
The Boggle Tournament will resume after Yom Tov
BOGGLE TOURNAMENT
HOW TO PLAY:
1. Gather round the table to play a family game of Boggle, using this Boggle board.
2. Once you have a winner, fill out the form below in its entirety
3. Email the form to comments@ thebpview.com or fax to 718-4088771 by Sunday at midnight.
4. Two winners will be drawn each week, each of whom will receive a $15 gift card at Judaica Corner!
PLAYING RULES:
Find words on the board containing four letters or more. Letters of a word must be connected in a chain (each letter should be adjacent to the next either vertically, horizontally or diagonally), and each letter can only be used once in a given word. The following are not allowed in Boggle: Adding “s” to a word • Proper nouns • Abbreviations • Contractions • Acronyms
POINTS
4-letter words: 2 points | 5-letter words: 3 points | 6-letter words: 5 points | 7-letter words: 7 points | 8-letter words: 9 points | 9+ letters: 12 points
HINT
Each Boggle board hides a word of nine letters or more!
W L I V L A D F E B T A H N S N I G R O C K P E S
Full mailing address:
Full name of winner:
Amount of points:
Full names of competing players:
List some words only the winner found:
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF COLOR ME PRETTY!
Thank you to the hundreds of readers who sent in beautifully colored pages! Keep coloring!
Classifieds
FOR SALE
NEOCATE/BABY FORMULA
Neocate $46.99 per can. Kendamil Similac L’Mehadrin in stock!! We buy off any formula for a good price and trade as well. Call for other types of formulas. New! Option of shipping case of 6 Kendamil directly to you from England. Formula Trade 347.369.4886
DOONA STROLLER
Doona Stroller, multiple colors available! cll/txt 1-201614-4045
BEBE ORGANIC SET
Looking to sell a natural color bebe organic set, size 3 mths, with matching bonnet and blanket, beautiful for vachnacht. Please call 347 382 0905
CANON CAMERAS
2ND HAND:
SNAP SOURCE 87 Penn St suite 111 Sunday 1:30-2:30, Tue 8:30-9:30. 347-871-2330
Shipping $10. Beautiful G16 in stock
REAL ESTATE
MIAMI BEACH
Newly renovated beautiful ocean view 1 bedroom apt. for rent. 347.760.0570
REAL ESTATE
Fam Handy Man Special Home Deposit ny $5k Rent
Roll Monthly 212. 470. 1708. Txt. Or. Message
SUKKOS BY LINDEN LUXE
New Pristine Cathedral
Ceiling House. 6 bedrooms. 3 bathrooms. Stocked Playroom. Patio Seating. Swing Set. Trampoline. All Amenities included. 5 min to shul. call/text 718-989-1406.
WEST PALM BEACH
No. 1 Real Estate Broker. Aaron Rose 561.308.5766
LAKEHOUSE VILLA
Luxurious 3 bedroom lake house villa in Case Grande Arizona. Private pool fully stocked kosher kitchen. 520.251.4459
WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA
For the best Real Estate deals call Mrs. Debby Schwartz 203.667.2785
MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA
Carriage Club North, beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath, ground floor, for rent. Call: 347.499.0031
WEST PALM BEACH FOR SALE
Wellington M, 2 Bedroom apt. Ground Floor FOR SALE. Call: 347.760.0639
MONSEY VACATION/ SIMCHA RENTAL
Beautiful fully furnished Shabbos equipped 6 bedroom 4 bath house Highview/College. Call/ whatsapp 718-541-0292
NORTH MIAMI FL
2-bedroom, 2-baths with private heated pool and spa. From $325 per night. Call/ Text: 917-382-4810, email: 1752nmb@gmail.com
SUKKOS MONTICELLO RENTAL
Private house beautifully renovated and furnished available for rent. Located on Landfield Ave in Monticello. Near shul and shopping. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, large kitchen, huge dining room/ living. Front porch, driveway and backyard. linen and towels included. Available for the whole y”t of Sukkos for $2,000 Serious inquiries only 347-533-3467.
LINDEN VACATION
Exlusive beautiful fullyfurnished house, all amenities included, 5 bedrooms sleeps 11+2 cribs 7 min walk to shuls Beautiful In ground Heated pool. Call/Text 601-675-2665/ Crownprincevilla@gmail.com
AIRMONT RENTAL
Airmont, NY - 6 bedroom house, 20+ total beds. Near Lorna Park. Weekday, Shabbos, or Short Term. Call 347-451-9432
AIRMONT GETAWAY
Furnished 5 bedroom House. 2 Bath, Deck, Lg. Playground, near shul. Linen, Towels, and all amenities included. Avail for weekend, weekly or monthly. Call: 347-6786565/347-485-4149
PRIVATE HOUSE SHORT TERM
Fully equipped furnished 7 bedroom house (18+beds) with linen/towels hotel style in Blooming Grove. Rent for days, weeks, or weekends. Breathtaking beautiful grounds. Call/text 845-2385633
AIRMONT GETAWAY
Furnished 5 bedroom House. 2 Bath, Deck, Lg. Playground, near shul. Linen, Towels, and all amenities included. Avail for weekend, weekly or monthly. Call: 347-6786565/347-485-4149
HELP WANTED
BUS DRIVER
Transport older adults to medical appointments and errands, following assigned routes. Full time (35 hours/week) based in Brooklyn. Requirements: CDL Class B with Passenger endorsement, Clean driving record and good reference, 3 years of NYC driving experience, Able to lift 30 lbs., sensitive to seniors. Pay $24-$25 per hour. Email to: careers@jccgci.org or call: 718.449.5000 Ext. 2298 JCCGCI Inc. is an EOE.
NURSERY ASSISTANT
TITLE 1 TEACHER
Seeking a Title l Literacy Teacher for a BP girls school 3rd and 4th Grade small groups. Twice a week from 1:45-3:30. Please send resume to perel.spitzer@ catapultlearning.com
JOBS AVAILABLE
& Full-time jobs available. Email
Director Of Operations
$150k-$250k Brooklyn, NY
Homecare RN
$140k-$150k New York, NY
Yeshiva Administrator
$100k-$150k Williamsburg
Fundraiser/Project Manager (Non profit Org)
$100k+ Flatbush
Team Lead (IT)
$100k-$150k Brooklyn
Staff Accountant (Construction)
$70k-$100k Brooklyn NY
Salesman (IT)
$60k-$100k+ Commission Brooklyn NY
Executive Assistant (Female Environment)
$700+/Weekly Brooklyn
Sales Lady P/T (Children’s Retail)
$30-$35/Hourly Williamsburg
Admin Assistant (Female Environment)
$28/Hourly Brooklyn
Email:
Leah@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
COO (Healthcare)
$250k Brooklyn, NY
E-Commerce Account Manager (Construction Supply)
$150k+ Williamsburg
Salesman (Security Camera Co)
$100k Brooklyn
Mortgage Loan Processor (EXP A Must)
$70k+ Brooklyn, NY
Email:
RLefkowitz@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
CFO/Controller (Construction)
$175k-$225k Staten Island
Internal General Contractor (Mental Health Clinic)
$125k-$175k Central PA
Supervisor
$90k-$100k Williamsburg
Office Secretary (One Girl Office)
$30-$35/Hourly Boro Park
Office Secretary
$25-$30/Hourly Boro Park
TobyF@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Operations Manager
$150k-$200k Linden NJ
CFO (Yiddish Speaking)
$100k-$150k Brooklyn
A CANDIDATE, GET $500 ONCE HIRED
Client Relationship Manager
$80k-$100k
Brooklyn
X-ray Tech
$80K-$100K
Monsey
RN (Homecare)
$80k-$100k
Rockland County
RN (Homecare)
$80k-$100k
Bronx
Office Manager (Dr’s Office)
$70k-$90k Brooklyn
CSR (P&C Insurance)
$60k-$80k Brooklyn NY
Salesperson (Spanish Speaking Preferred)
$40k-$50k, Northern NJ
Email:
Yisroel@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Director Of Marketing & Business
Development (Home Healthcare)
$150k-$220k Travel
Director Of Operations In Homecare
$150k-$200k Philadelphia
Director/Healthcare Administrator
$120k-$180k Philadelphia
HR Manager (Home Healthcare)
$70k-$100k Philadelphia
Coordinators Manager (Home Healthcare)
$70k-$100k Philadelphia
Accounting/ Bookkeeping
$60k-$70k Boro park
Licensed Teacher (Preschool UPK)
$68k Manhattan, NY
Inside/Outside Sales (Low Voltage)
$52k Or Commissions Brooklyn
Inside/Outside Sales (Trucking)
$1000/Weekly +Commissions NY
Office Secretary (RE)
$25-$30/Hourly Boro Park
Email:
Sophia@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Bookkeeper
$70k Passaic
Brocha@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Amazon Listing Manager
$100k-$150k Brooklyn NY
Project Manager (Doors/Trim)
$100k Central NJ
Production Engineer (Awning)
$60k-$150k Sloatsburg, NY
Buyer
$90k-$100k Bayonne NJ
Graphic Artist
$85k Bayonne NJ
Marketplace Manager
$50k-$60k NYC
Email:
RickyR@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Care Manager (Exp with CCMP Home Healthcare preferred)
$65k-$100k Bronx, NY
Life Insurance Agent
Commission Base NY/NJ
Email: ChanaF@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Controller
$100k (Great Potential) Yonkers
Director Of Operations/ office Manager
$70k+ Great Neck NY
Low Voltage Technician
Great Pay Long Island (Some Travel)
Loan Processor (Entry Level)
$23-$25/Hourly Linden
Email: Peri@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Payroll Tax Processor
$28/Hourly Brooklyn
Accounts Receivable
$25/Hourly Five Towns
Pending Representative
$25/Hourly Brooklyn, NY
Email: Hindy@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Sales Rep/Outside Sales
$80k-$100k+ Commissions Wood-Ridge NJ
Service Coordinator
$55k Williamsburg
Accounts Receivable (RE)
$20-$25/Hourly Boro Park
Email: Rivka@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Employee Engagement Manager
$55k-$60k Brooklyn
Career Specialist
$50k-$55k Brooklyn
Email: Rutie@SwiftStaffingGroup.com
Classifieds
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Ivdu Schools in Flatbush seeks f/t Administrative Assistant who is efficient, organized, able to multitask, detail oriented, strong computer skills. Opportunity for growth. Excellent environment and competitive salary. Email resume ivdu@ou.org
IT TECHNICIAN
Heimishe office in Boro Park is seeking a full time IT technician. Must have experience in Azure. Please send resume to: itjob0924@ gmail.com or fax to: 718-2286350
LEAD POSITION
Hamaspik Choice is looking to hire a Team Lead in our Brooklyn Office. Leadership experience required intake or homecare experience preferred Pay $40 per hour great benefits send resume to jobs@hamaspikchoice.org
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Looking for a dynamic and rewarding job? Join our team and make a positive impact! An amazing Home Care Agency is looking for full-time employees. We have a friendly and supportive work environment in an all-female office and offer competitive pay and benefits package. Send your resume to: hiring@hamaspikcare.org
SOCIAL WORKER WANTED
Seeking dedicated Social Worker to lead individual and group sessions at girls’ schools in BP and Flatbush. If you’re passionate about supporting social-emotional growth, we’d love to connect with you! Must have LCSW, LMSW, or NYS Guidance Counselor certification. Email: Talent@ EncoreSupport.org
ABA PARAS AFTER SCHOOL HOURS AND WEEKENDS
Work one on one with children with Autism after school hours and weekends. Flatbush location, $24-$30 an hour. All training provided, High school diploma required. To apply email: smarkovic@yeled.org Or call/ message: 347.946.4506
GREAT JOB OPPORTUNITY AFTER SCHOOL AND WEEKEENDS
Looking for responsible heimishe girls to work with Boro Park children with additional needs. After school and weekend hours. $45 an hour with BA/MA. $30 an hour with HS Diploma. Call & leave message: 347.946.4506
1:1 PROVIDER
Seeking a provider with a BA to assist a 5-year-old boy with behavioral challenges after school hours. Excellent support provided. Call 718500-3765 ext. 103 or email f.gluck@naaseh.org.
SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
Yeled V`Yalda Boro Park 2 positions available One position-3 runs a day. One position-1 run a day. Email: lfischer@yeled.org Call: 917.863.3733
ABA PARAS
Amazing special Ed program in the heart of Boro Park is looking to hire Full Time Female ABA PARAS for the upcoming school year. HOURS ARE AVAILABLE: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM 12:30 PM-4:30 PM 2:30 PM-4:30 PM. Please Call/ Text: 917.968.2292
WORK FROM HOME
Great opportunity to manage your own business from home. No experience needed, no computer necessary. Huge potential to grow big. Call: 438.529.1216
CLASSROOM AIDE/ BUS MATRON
Full time position in Boro Park, Classroom assistant, one bus route daily. Exceptional environment and benefits. Salary $36,000. Plus. Call: 718.686.2422 Email: jobs@yeled.org
ABA PARA
Female Social-group ABA para needed in Boro Park, starting right away. Excellent Pay. All woman environment. Call/Text: 917.968.2292
CAREER SPECIALIST
Coordinate job opportunities, provide career counseling, and prepare clients for interviews and workface entry. Full time (35 hours/ week) with travel between Boro Park & Crown Heights. Requirements: Knowledge of NYC employment & community organizations. Strong oral and written communication. Tech-savvy, proficient in social media and MS office, Yiddish bilingual preferred. Salary: $60,000-$80,000 annually. Email to: careers@jccgci.org or call: 718.449.5000 Ext. 2298 JCCGCI is an EOE.
MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITY:
Provide 1:1 support teaching communication, social, and life skills to children with autism. Midwood: M/F After sch. hrs & wknds. Bay Ridge: M/F After sch. hrs & wknds. Boro Park: M, Skver, Bobov, Viznitz Cheder. M/F After sch. hrs & wknds. Bensonhurst: M, Boys’ sch., sch. hrs. Staten Island F, girls’ sch: , sch. hrs. HS diploma req. Email: Talent@ Encoresupport.org
HELP WANTED
Looking for a full / part time Heimish woman/girl with great phone skills for office work in a health food store office in BP, Serious inquiries only. shfcoffice@gmail.com
Classifieds
HUMAN RESOURCES
ONBOARDING SPECIALIST
Full time, Boro Park office, Experience required, Excellent phone & computer skills, efficient & detail oriented, good people skills, able to multi-task, Excellent communications skills. Salary range: $45,000. Send resume to: lfischer@yeled.org Or Call 718.686.2422
PARAS WANTED
Yeled V Yalda Head Start Boro Park Location. Amazing opportunity for Special-Ed training and supervision. Seeking Paras from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM. Additionally from 2:30 PM-4:30 PM Rate $25-$32 per hour. High School Diploma needed. Call/ Text: 929-475-5628 Email: ygutman@yeled.org
ABA POSITION
Amazing ABA position for new grads in heart of Boro Park from 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM. Great pay. Excellent Heimishe environment. Call/Text: 917.968.2292 to learn more!
PART TIME JOB
Looking for a warm, experienced, Yiddish speaking teacher for playgroup 2 1/2 times a week in the 19th ave area. For September. Please call 347-598-3952.
CHILDCARE
DAYCARE
2 voucher slots left for toddlers being 18 months in Jan. call DoodleDo located on 45 &10 347-853-9465
NON VOUCHERS PLAYGROUP
Playgroup 12th/42 for children 18-24 months. Walk in, nice, spacious & lechtig. Also a big yard. With an option until 4:30. No transportation. Text 347-2327608/ call 718-633-3263
SERVICES
MR. WERTZBERGER’S RENTALS
We rent out wireless wi-fi, tablets, laptops, clarinets, violins. Prices are between $13-$25 per week. Clarinet and violin comes with free MP3 lessons in Yiddish or English. We also offer private keyboard lessons on the phone. Call hotline 718-4351923
PHOTO EDITING
Professional photo editing, many years of experience. Special rate for photographers. Also specializing in Custom photo albums, Chosson, wedding, etc. Photo Dreams 347.563.5153
GARTLECH
We fix knitted & crochet Gartlech & make beautiful professional fringes. We also teach how to knit & crochet. call: 917-414-3281
HANDYMAN & ELECTRICIAN
Electrician, plumber, sewer service, Carpentry, sheetrock, locks, etc. 718.9510090
LIGHT ALTERATIONS
Please Call: 718.450.4700
WOOD REPAIR
PROFESSIONAL REVAMPING, REPAIRS & TRANSFORMATION TO UR KITCHEN THRU DESIGNER COLOR CHANGE. WE ALSO RESTORE ESTATE FURNITURE, REFURBISH, REDECORATE UR EXISTING DRM, CHAIRS, BDRMS, LIBRARIES, STAIRCASES, EXTERIOR WOOD DOORS.
UPGRADE UR ORIGINAL PCS. THE QUALITY OF YESTERYEAR, DESIGN OF TODAY! TXT FOR DECORATORS CONSULT, BEST PRICING & SVC. 212-991-8548.
ELECTRICIAN
All Electrical work, outlets, switches, fixtures, new lines for washer/dryer or a/c, shabbos clocks, circut breakers. 718.951-0090
MAKEUP ARTIST
Certified makeup artist for all your special occasions. Call: Yides Neuwirth 917.309.6000 or 718.858.0815
CONSTRUCTION
Bathrooms, kitchens, closets, decks, extensions, additions, Basements, all electrical, plumbing, Carpentry. Lowest prices, fastest service. 718.951-0090
PIANO AND KEYBOARD LESSONS
Great oppurtunity , now offering beginners keyboard and piano lessons for an amazing introductory price call Esty at 718-755-2661
HANDYMAN & PAINTING
Experienced & Reliable handyman. Small jobs our specialty! Plumbing, Electric, construction, Locksmith, painting, plastering. Shabbos clocks, outlets/switches, call: 347.275.5408
AYIN HORAH
The renowned Rebetzin Aidel Miller from Yerushalayim Is now available to remove “Ayin Horah” over the phone. Call: 718.689.1902 or 516.300.1490
BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE GARTLECH
Hand crochet, Hand knit, Silks & more with beautiful Gartel bag. Text or call: 718.283.4589 Wholesale orders available.
FURNITURE REPAIRS
Furniture, Cabinet & General Repairs, specializing in Chosson-Kallah Apartments. Call: 718.633.6231
NEW WEBSITE?
Get your Beautiful, Fast, SEO-Friendly Website done in 14 days, guaranteed. Email efraim@rapidquill.com
Classifieds
HANDYMAN/PROF CARPENTER
Repair all cabinets, Table & chairs, doors, locks, hinges, tracks, drawers, blinds, shelves, bookcases & furniture assembling and cutting, hang pic frames & more, free est, warranty on service, 917-7043514 YEHUDA
WHOLESALE FISH
Buy by the case & save. Baby & Regular Salmon. Hashgucha Volove Rav. Free delivery to your home. Call Eli: 516-270-6755
WRITING SERVICE
We put a pen to your voice! For all your writing needs. Samples upon request. Call 929.549.2700
GARTEL FRINGES
We make professional gartel fringes and mend gartelach. Same day service. In the heart of BP. (347) 693-4920 or (718)435-7644
YH APPLIANCE REPAIR
Herman’s Appliance Repairs. Ovens, Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators & Freezers. Specialize in Wolf & Subzero. Yisroel Herman 347-5592574
SAPPHIRE STORY
Custom Photo Albums for all occasions. Ask about our preYom Tov discount. Free mini accordion photo book with your order. 917-992-8553
PHOTO ALBUMS
Specializing in Custom Photo Albums, Chosson, Wedding, etc. Also professional Photo Editing, many years of experience. Special rate for photographers. Photo Dreams 347.563.5153
ROOM DIVIDER
We make WALL to split existing room and make second bedroom. It includes regular or sliding door. We also install plastic ACCORDION partitions that fully fold to one or both sides. LIGHT-fixture+switch+outlet in new room . Call/Text:929430-7551 /646-288-0185. E-mail:roomdividers11219@ gmail.com
RESUME WRITER
Need a great work resume? Resumes are what we do! All levels including new-grad and experienced. Call/text 845-554-5778 or email info@resumakerpro.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Portraits, Family, Upsherin, Lifestyle. Special service for newborn, we come to you with all the props. Photo Dreams 347.563.5153
DRIVER AVAILABLE
Driver with many years exp. available to do long distance trips with brand new minivan. Reasonable rates. 917.405.8469
SPRINTER & MINI VAN SERVICE
Heimishe driver available to do deliveries. Local & long distance, we shlep with a smile! Call: 718.951.0090
VAN SERVICE
Yossi`s Van Service 15 Passenger van Local & long distance Airports & delivery. Call: 718.962.4664
GOWNS
WHITE MATERNITY GOWN
White maternity gown size large to sell for great price call 7183098716
WHITE GOWN
Looking to sell a size 2-4 white gown for sister of the bride, Please call 347 628 9586
WHITE CHILDRENS GOWNS
2 white gowns to rent or sell childrens size 4 & 6 call 7189388597
ODDS & ENDS
Worldwide phone line for Women 929-470-4400
DONATE YOUR CAR
Donate. Your car, Truck, Van. $1500 tax. Deduction and $500. Gift card. Shopping. We. Pay cash old cars too 718. 974. 9428
KANGOO JUMPING
Classes forming for girls grades 1-3. 8 Sundays, Nov 3-Dec 22.. To reserve a slot call/ text 3475246395 by Oct 30.
FOUND
Found small gold ring in kings plaza call 347-623-4247
FREE GIVEAWAYS
Used cybex priam gold/RUST COLOR carriage to give away for free. Bassinet and toddler seat included. Good condition. Serious inquiries only. Text only to +1 (332) 280-3546
It’s been a season
CHICKEN, BEEF, TURKEY, DUCK & LAMB
SHACHMAT
Bought some candies to give the kinderlach
Can't wait to try all the delicious dips from Kreftig!
Heshy
בושח לבוקמו הצורמו