Issue 393

E X PA N D E D

P E S AC H

I S S U E !

NEW FICTION SERIAL!

POWER TOOLS

BY ESTY HELLER Will these siblings build a house — or destroy their family?

FYI: SEDER MINHAGIM

FREE ISSUE 393 APRIL 3, 2023

‫ערב פסח‬ ‫י”ב ניסן תשפ”ג‬

SWIFT STAFFING GETS YOU HIRED FIT FOR A KING ACHIEVING FREEDOM ON SEDER NIGHT

FREE ISSUE 393 APRIL 3, 2023

‫ערב פסח‬ ‫י”ב ניסן תשפ”ג‬

JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

FICTION:

A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF CAPTIVITY AND TRIUMPH

HIT THE ROAD

EXPANDED EXCURSIONS SUPPLEMENT INCLUDED

‫חג‬ ‫כשר‬ !‫ושמח‬

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MONUMENTAL A WORLD TOUR OF FREEDOM MEMORIALS

THE BEST OF OUR PESACH ARCHIVES THIS WEEK:

STAPLES AND SNACKS

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‫בס״ד‬

We split the waters and cross them with you

‫א כשר'ן פרייליכן פסח‬ Serving Monsey, Monroe, the 5 boroughs, Long Island, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties

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INBOX 845

all your needs.

ONE NUMBER

Monsey 27 Orchard Street Monsey, NY 10952 845-425-8010

THE OTHER SIDE

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// Talk of Town

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5

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(Re: Shopping and Struggling, Inbox, Issue 392) I read the letter “Shopping and Struggling” last week, which requested of storeowners to hold themselves back from raising prices as much as they do.

The argument was that since markups are based on percentages, perhaps they should instead pass savings to the customers instead of profiting.

In defense of the stores, while it is correct that stores mark up items based on percentages, please bear in mind that all store expenses also went up.

When taking into consideration raised payroll, possibly higher rent, and so on, they are not necessarily coming out with a bigger net profit.

On the Other Side

HOW OLD IS OLD?

M&S SHOE REPAIR

MUMOIN CHECK CASHING

(Re: Standing Up for What’s Right, Inbox, Issue 391) I’ve been following with interest the conversation on standing up for your elders. I was raised and taught to stand up for people older than myself and to offer my seat as the Torah instructs us. After I graduated high school, I worked in Williamsburg, traveling every day on the Williamsburg-Boro Park bus. After a full day of teaching and standing on my feet, I would rush to the bus, desperate to collapse into a seat. As I ran to catch the bus, I would daven, “Please Hashem, send me a seat!” And when I did get a seat, I would be on edge the entire ride, hoping I wouldn’t need to give it up.

I’m not talking about giving up a seat for 70-year-olds, as last week’s writer was. I’m saying that when a 20- or 30-year-old came onto the bus, and in my eyes looked all energized to go shopping or whatever they were heading to in Boro Park, I would instinctively think, I’m sorry, but I worked all day. And

‫זמנים‬

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‫סקווירא‬

‫וויזניץ‬

7:00

6:55

7:07

‫ליל א’ דפסח‬

8:41

8:22

8:38

‫ליל ב’ דפסח‬

7:02

6:57

7:09

‫שבת חוה”מ‬

8:43

8:24

8:41

‫מוצאי שבת חוה”מ‬

7:06

7:01

7:13

‫שביעי של פסח‬

8:47

8:28

8:44

‫אחרון של פסח‬

8:48

8:29

8:45

‫מוצאי פסח‬

7:09

7:04

7:16

‫ער”ש שמיני‬

8:51

8:32

8:48

‫מוצאי שבת שמיני‬

not doing simple work, either, but doing one of the most exhausting jobs out there: teaching your kinderlach! (I realize that only a teacher can really understand the koach and energy necessary for the job.)

My opinion is that I don’t need to stand up for someone still in my age bracket (within 15 years or my age or so). I’m wondering what the halacha is. Perhaps you would consider publishing an article on this.

Thank you, Shifra Baumol

STANDING UP IS THE TORAH WAY

(Re: Standing Up for What’s Right, Inbox, Issue 391) I’ve been following the conversation about young girls giving up their seats out of respect for their elders.

It’s definitely a sensitivity that the young generation is lacking. Therefore, I was extremely surprised at the letter from “Been There.”

From the letter, it seemed to me that the letter-writer decided to educate us with incorrect hashkafos based on her personal opinion. I was horrified, because anyone reading that letter may walk away feeling that they could and should rightfully continue sitting in the presence of an elderly woman who does not have a seat.

We like to say that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when we’re discussing hashkafic and halachic issues, only Hashem’s opinion counts. Therefore, I’d like to share an opinion that I believe is more in line with His vision for how His children should live their lives.

I’m not writing this as a woman from an earlier generation; I’m in my mid-twenties and recently got married. I was raised to give up my seat for an older woman or any woman who looks like she is raising children.

Girls are human beings just like the elderly are, and we shouldn’t judge a girl who doesn’t get up for an older woman. There are times when she is super exhausted, or not feeling well, or has another reason for remaining seated.

But I’ve been on full buses countless times to find middle-aged women standing, swaying from side to side and trying to keep their bal198

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ance, while a group of high school girls sat, schmoozing and laughing.

I can’t believe that they were all sick that day. This scene is a result of the entitlement that another letter-writer referred to.

It pains me to witness this, and I imagine it pains Hashem even more.

This is one of the messages that I look forward to instilling in my children. All you mothers out there, it’s in your hands to educate your children in the ways of Hashem. Let’s do it together.

Hoping To Instill Old Values in the Young Generation

YOUR SAY WARM TO THE COLD CALL

We are part of such an amazing nation. Yidden do chesed in so many ways! In terms of shidduchim, people who are not shadchanim by career, as well as those who are, put in countless hours to exchange and redt names for potential shidduchim.

For those who took the time and mustered the courage to mention a name for your child, it’s wonderful to get a sincere thank you for their efforts.

To some parents, it may not occur that showing appreciation is in order.

That’s why I’m writing this letter: to raise awareness of the effort that goes into redting a shidduch. It’s so important to show your appreciation to somebody who took the time to call you and try to help you. You may think you have a “perfect” family and “top” daughter or son, and you may be confident that the shadchan who will “merit” being the right shaliach for your child will be somebody who knows you well and somebody you rate as “qualified” to be your shadchan. But the pages of this paper aren’t long enough to detail Hashem’s creativity in matching up a chassan and kallah. Many shidduchim happen by names simply being exchanged by good people who take the time to mention a name for somebody who hasn’t yet found his or her bashert.

(As an aside, that’s actually how my own shidduch came about. My

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shadchan was someone who tried redting shidduchim to many people for over ten years with no success, and after all those years, she was the shaliach for my shidduch. I am, baruch Hashem, married for over seventeen years now, and she has suggested many other shidduchim after mine. No other shidduch materialized so far. This person has no idea who I am, and I have no idea who she is, except for by name. I used to think a shadchan has to know both families well, but Hashem sent me this shadchan to teach me a lesson.)

By banging the phone down on an individual who redts you a shidduch (true story), you’re effectively discouraging people to be oisek in this very special and necessary “business.” Even if the shidduch being redt is “out of the box,” we still need to be thankful and gracious.

Everyone has had the experience of hearing about an engagement, with the first thought being, “Who had the guts to redt that shidduch?” We need people with guts and with out-of-the-box ideas to redt shidduchim, because not every shidduch that Hashem wants to put together is obvious.

My sister once called the mother of a 24-year-old boy and started the conversation by saying, “My sister told me you have a very good boy on the market.” In an angry tone, the woman replied, “What is this? I do not like this business of my son’s name being on the street like this! Why does he have to be exposed this way?”

There is obviously a lot of pain in this mother’s heart, and I’m not here to judge her. Dear parents, please thank Hashem that someone still wants to do this tremendous chesed and that someone is thinking of your child.

If the government were to pass a stimulus bill where money would be distributed to each family member, and the local county would have to call each household to confirm basic information like address, dependents at home, etc., how would you handle that call? Would you be upset at them for calling you?

Would you tell them, “I’m sick with the THE MONSEY VIEW WELCOMES YOUR COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND LETTERS. EMAIL: comments@ themonseyview.com FAX: 845-600-8483 MAIL: The Monsey View, POB 305, Monsey, NY 10952

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flu, I can’t deal with this now”? A shidduch suggestion is worth a lot more than money.

Speak respectfully to each individual. It’s okay to say, “I’m so sorry that I can’t speak now, but thanks for calling. Please try me later.” Being unappreciative is what’s discouraging so many qualified individuals from helping others.

Ironically, a great way to get information on your potential mechutanim would be by trying to redt them a shidduch. In that quick conversation, you’ll learn a lot about what type of people they are.

Signed, Your Sister, Your Friend

BUCKLE THAT STRAP!

I often see bochurim biking with a helmet perched on their head — but it isn’t fastened! Parents, please teach your children helmet safety. Ensure that they actually buckle their helmets when riding, and position them properly. This is a crucial part of ensuring their safety on the streets!

The helmet should sit level on the wearer’s head and low on the forehead, one or two finger-widths above your eyebrows.

R. Isenberg

BE FAIR

Regarding the notice about Vanity Fair napkins: Vanity Fair napkins have been tested and are not chometz.

You can test anything for starches by putting a drop of iodine on the item. If it turns blue or black, it may contain starch; otherwise it’s starch-free.

Additionally, please see OU’s Pesach guidelines (available online) where they state that napkins and paper towels may be used on Pesach without certification.

Chaim Green

A PROMISED ANNOUNCEMENT

A few months ago, a relative came to visit me in Lakewood and brought along The Monsey View, which I found to be an amazing publication. In the Inbox, I happened to have read a letter to the editor where a woman wrote that she lit a candle for Reb Menachem Mendel M’Riminov for 40 days and experienced a yeshuah.

I decided to do it as well, and now I would like to publicize that, baruch Hashem, after lighting a candle for 40 days, I also experienced a yeshuah. (Part of the segulah is promising to publicize the yeshuah.)

So thank you, The Monsey View, for enhancing so many people’s lives in so many ways.

Anonymous

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SWIFT STAFFING:

Breaking down barriers between employers and jobseekers.

Pursuit of the Perfect Position: You just graduated. You’re looking for a job and spend hours writing a professional-looking resume, agonizing over every word, wanting to sound polished and qualified. You’re eager to join the workforce and make a difference by utilizing your unique skills.

You scour the weekly circulars and send your spanking new resume to all the decent-sounding job openings you find. Then, you wait for a response. With bated breath, you check your inbox daily. Hourly. Keep hitting that refresh button. And nothing.

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Trying not to get discouraged, you send it to ten more job posting email addresses you find. They all sound the same: job@office.com.

You’re hoping they’re legit job offers and that something will pan out.

Still nothing. Now what? At this point, you’re starting to get frustrated. Maybe it’s you? Maybe there is something wrong with you?! Your friends tell you not to lose hope, that the right job will come along. You try to stay positive, but it’s hard when everyone else seems to have found a job with ease.

interview, you stress and agonize. Over what to wear.

And what to say. And what not to say. Your friends are getting tired of listening to your anxious rambling before and after each interview. They’re all enjoying their summer, secure in the knowledge that come September, they have a job waiting for them.

Six interviews in, and you’ve had it. You still don’t know what you’re doing. You still have no idea what it is that you are looking for. All you know is that you want to love your job. It should offer a decent salary with room for growth. You want to be challenged and feel productive. At this point, you feel completely overwhelmed.

How on earth will you find a job that meets all those requirements?

You need help. You need guidance. You need someone on your side who will listen to you, research for you, and advocate for you. But who?

Swift Staffing. That’s who.

You send some more emails, follow up, and finally receive a few half-hearted responses. Great.

You schedule an interview and show up, not knowing what to expect. Five minutes into the interview, you realize this job is not for you. Most of those job openings were completely off-target and not what you were looking for.

You try again, and then again. Before every

Stand Out With Swift: Your job search would look very different if you went about it with Swift - the leading staffing agency in the frum world.

Gone are the days of scouring circulars and blindly sending resumes to job openings hoping at least one of them might be a good fit. Swift Staffing takes the time to get to know you and your strengths and then uses that knowledge to match you with the perfect job, all free of charge.

They have successfully matched hundreds of companies with their perfect employees, and years later, these companies continue to thrive with the same talented individuals.

Swift Staffing offers resume writing services tailored specifically to the position you’re applying for, allowing you to stand out from the other applicants. With their connections to businesses in every industry, Swift has access to exclusive listings you won’t find anywhere else.

When it comes time to interview, Swift Staffing has already vetted the job offers to ensure they meet your requirements for pay and growth potential. With their training and support, you’ll come across

Latest trends indicate that some of the best jobs out there may never be advertised or listed in classifieds. More and more companies are turning to professional staffing and recruitment agencies to streamline the hiring process and zero in on more qualified candidates.

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as a serious and legitimate candidate.

From entry-level positions to executive roles, Swift Staffing can help anyone find the job they’ve been looking for. With locations across the US, an extensive network of industries, and a dedicated team of professionals on your side, Swift has the resources to help you find the job you love.

Breaking Down Barriers: In the competitive job search market, it can be tough to stand out. Qualifications are essential, but they don’t mean anything if a prospective employer never sees them. Swift will ensure your resume gets seen by the right people in the right places.

A 2020 GLASSDOOR STUDY SHOWED THAT JOB SEEKERS WHO USE AN AGENCY ARE 2.5 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO RECEIVE AN

INTERVIEW AND 1.9 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO RECEIVE A JOB OFFER THAN THOSE WHO APPLY DIRECTLY. SO BY USING SWIFT, YOU SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING HIRED. The search for qualified and competent employees has never been higher.

Many companies are struggling to find candidates to fill open positions, which means that job seekers have more leverage than ever before.

Don’t let the job search market get you down. Let Swift Staffing help you stand out from the crowd and find you the perfect job.

Take advantage of the services and solutions Swift has to offer and get started on the fast track to a successful career.

With over ten ways to connect, including Whatsapp, email, LinkedIn, and via the website, you can choose the most convenient option for you.

Swift Staffing

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Swift Staffing is the go-to choice for 70% of frum businesses, providing staffing solutions for a wide range of industries such as healthcare, finance, education, construction, and more.

As the company continues to expand, Swift hires an average of one new recruiter each month to keep up with the growing demand.

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State Retracts Polio Billboard Campaign Following Allegations of Antisemitism A mobile ad campaign aimed at curbing the spread of polio has been terminated after members of New York’s Jewish communities complained that they were being unfairly held responsible for the resurgence of the debilitating disease.

Hoping to encourage immunization, the New York State Department of Health sent trucks bearing large red billboards to circulate in Rockland County and other Jewish communi-

worried to stand next to us in the grocery line.”

Five Towns Assemblyman Ari Brown sent a letter to the DOH last Monday slamming the campaign, reported the New York Post.

“I was appalled, but not surprised, to learn that the NYS Department of Health sent a truck to our Orthodox Jewish community of the Five Towns on Long Island, displaying the subtle antisemitic trope of ‘the Jew spreading disease,’” wrote Brown, who is also the deputy mayor of Cedarhurst.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is also Jewish, described the messaging as “disturbing.”

While the DOH is continuing to run newspaper ads urging vaccination, it pulled the polio truck ad once it was made aware that its messaging could be seen as blaming Jews for the spread of polio.

“The Department of Health remains committed to serving New York State’s diverse communities, and we strongly condemn antisemitism,” said DOH spokesperson Sam Miller.

Matzah Bakery Thief Indicted by Brooklyn DA

ties last week. The billboards read, “Polio is spreading in Israel. Get immunized now.” According to the Forward, the ad campaign was scheduled to run through Rockland, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Nassau counties from March 24 through March 28. Travel between New York and Israel typically surges in the days before Pesach.

The truck was spotted on Route 306 in Monsey on March 26, a heavy pre-Pesach shopping day, reported The Journal News.

Rockland County spokesperson Beth Cefalu said that county officials first learned of the truck after being contacted by a reporter, and described the billboard as “insensitive.” Wesley Hills resident Lieby Breuer shared his outrage on social media, noting that the advertisement, which focused on the Jewish community exclusively, was paid for with taxpayer dollars.

“This is targeting us in an improper manner,” said Breuer.

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A Brooklyn resident who broke into a Williamsburg matzah bakery and made off with $97,000 in cash and checks has been indicted on multiple charges and held without bail.

Hamodia reported that 43-yearold Montaqui Durant broke into the Satmar matzah bakery at 423 Broadway on February 28, emptying its safe of $63,000 in cash and $34,000 in checks. He was arrested two weeks later and indicted on charges of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, burglary, petit larceny and criminal trespass. His history of prior arrests includes multiple burglaries and related charges, and having previously not returned to court as ordered, a judge ordered him held without bail.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez visited the bakery on March 28 with community leaders and said that his office takes a hard line on serial thieves and makes stopping those who target local businesses a high priority.

“This defendant broke into a matzah factory just weeks before Pesach, which makes this crime even more upsetting,” said Gonzalez. “We will now seek to bring him to justice and prevent him from victimizing anyone else.”

Social Media Challenge Has Thieves Using USB Cables to Steal Kia and Hyundai Vehicles An instructional video circulating on social media showing how to easily steal certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles has vehicle owners worried.

CBS News reported that thieves have been targeting Kia and Hyundai models produced from 2011 to 2021 that use conventional keys instead a push-button start mechanism, using a USB cable to bypass the vehicles’ ignition.

According to CarScoops, the unusually simple ignition cylinder used by Kia and Hyundai lacks an engine immobilizer and may have been chosen as a cost-saving measure. The NYPD issued a warning last week about the issue, noting that while both Kia and Hyundai are looking into fixes, car owners should use a steering wheel locking device to prevent their vehicles from being targeted. Police are also recommending that car owners park in high traffic or well-lit areas in order to deter would-be thieves.

LEGO Resale Stores Open to Benefit Special Needs Community A newly opened store in Valley Cottage isn’t just a great place to buy LEGO sets or donate used blocks. It’s also providing vocational and employment opportunities to the special needs community, in addition to raising much-needed funds for programming.

Located in Lake Ridge Plaza on Route 303, Brick It Again is a project of Jawonio, which has been providing services to children, adults and families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health challenges and chronic medical issues, for more than 75 years. After a soft opening, Brick It Again officially opened for business on March 28, with an inventory comprised mostly of used LEGO products, though new items are available as well. The store 226

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was launched with the help of a $300,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, reported CBS News, and is selling everything from LEGO mini-figures to extremely intricate sets.

“There’s a huge market for this,” Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro told Rockland Business Journal. “There are stores around the country and online that resell LEGO, but I’m not aware of another nonprofit doing this with a retail store.”

Jawonio participants are acquiring both life and work skills at the store, washing and sorting LEGO pieces, verifying their authenticity, manning the register, and taking care of customers. Some are tasked with constructing donated sets to make sure that they aren’t missing any pieces (taking them apart once completed so that they can be sold). All have an opportunity to gain independence, as well as earn a salary, reported The Journal News.

Amazon Rolling Out FrequentlyReturned Product Label Hoping to minimize returns and boost product quality, Amazon will start putting warning labels on frequently returned items.

The Verge reported that Amazon announced that it was introducing the new designation in order to encourage customers to do their homework before making a purchase. With counterfeit items and fake positive reviews an ongoing reality on the platform, Amazon is hoping that posting a visible warning about high return rates will encourage sellers to be more honest in their descriptions and correct known flaws in their items.

Many Amazon items are sold with a free return policy, but the process can be tedious and also come at a high cost, requiring additional staff and warehousing to process and store returns.

Amazon spokesperson Betsy Harden said that the company hopes that showing return rate information will help consumers make better-informed purchases.

Amazon return rates surged during COVID and have yet to return to their pre-pandemic levels. Some have said the platform’s free returns policy has sparked tremendous losses for both Amazon and its sellers, reported BoroPark24.

“I cringe when I see an order for the same product in four different colors because I know that, more likely than not, three of those products are going to be returned through Amazon’s free return policy,” said one seller.

Amazon has not announced when the “frequently returned item” tag will be rolled out.

JetBlue Announces Massive Service Cuts; Flight Delays To Worsen Expect airline travel to go from bad to worse this summer now that JetBlue has announced that it will be slashing its service in New York because of an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers.

The New York Post reported that staffing at the air traffic control center that handles all service in and out of New York’s airspace is at just 54%, significantly lower than the national average of 81%. JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said that it will be cutting flights in the area to reflect that reality, with the FAA warning that delays will be 45% worse than last summer if airlines don’t trim their flight schedules. According to FAA data, air traffic staffing issues caused 350 flights to be delayed every day during the summer of 2022.

“Imagine that being 45% worse,” said Hayes. “It’s just not feasible.”

The FAA has said that it’s working hard to reduce backlogs at its air traffic controller training programs.

According to the agency, staffing levels are below target levels, but it is taking steps to ensure that air travel in New York remains “safe and smooth.”

JetBlue will be impacted more than other airlines, said Hayes, because the majority of its flights operate in and out of New York. The airline recently invested tens of million to step up its hiring in advance of what was expected to be a busy summer season.

“Even though we’re ready, we’ve got airplanes, we’ve hired pilots…

JetBlue and other airlines are going to have to cut flights in and out of New York this summer in order to cope,” said Hayes.

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ESTY HELLER

CHAPTER 1

T

he good part about this teeny, tiny basement apartment, with the one-sink kitchen and the drafty window that Chaim Tzvi still hadn’t figured out how to seal, was its location: right beneath the construction zone.

Which meant that Lani could do her daily building inspection in a snood.

Not that there was much to inspect, she noted grimly as she anchored Shifra onto her hip and tiptoed around the debris. Five months into this renovating joke, and there still wasn’t anything to actually see.

The same power tools that regularly blasted her basement walls and seemed to be directly linked to Shifra’s napping schedule were now eerily silent. Lunch break? Why did it feel like these workers took lunch breaks twice an hour?

For a moment she thought she heard a creak from upstairs, but then the house grew silent again. No creak, no workers, no moving in anytime soon.

Lani stood back in the area that was going to be her kitchen one day. Surrounded by the skeletal framing of

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two-by-fours and studs, it was hard to visualize gleaming countertops and a magazine-style pantry. Also, for some reason, the room didn’t feel as spacious as it had seemed on their plans. Did a kitchen appear bigger or smaller before the cabinetry was installed?

Balancing Shifra on one arm, she opened her construction notebook — a mess of pages with urgent instructions, reminders and phone numbers that she could barely decipher — and pulled out a torn copy of their blueprint. The plumber had promised to be done with the wall cavity work by the end of the week, and she wondered if she could figure out what he’d actually gotten done.

She couldn’t — how was she supposed to tell the difference between this pipe and that pipe? — but she could easily tell that the steam pipe that stood in the center of the kitchen, in the area where the island would eventually go, still hadn’t been moved. “Because the guy who needs to do it had to fly to Georgia for his father’s funeral,” the plumber had explained. Okay, but how

long did a funeral take? Four weeks?

She took out her phone and searched her contacts for Frankie. Really, she should add these workers to her speed dial.

She called them more often than she called her friends these days.

She was waiting for Frankie to answer when Shifra suddenly grabbed the notebook out of her hand and crumpled a bunch of pages in her fist. Lani tugged at the baby’s hand and tried to rescue her notebook, but as she wrangled with the baby, her cellphone slid to the floor, blowing the cover off and sending the battery flying.

“Oy, Shifra!”

In response, she heard a distinct creak, followed by a throat clearing. “Uh…” Lani gripped the baby and cautiously turned around. On the stairs leading up to the Eisdorfs’ future bedrooms stood Gittel Indig, a neighbor from the condos down the block.

“Uh…?” Lani echoed.

“You’re, um…” Gittel stammered. “I didn’t know you were here. I was just… you know, taking a little peek?”

Taking a little peek?

Gittel leaned over the makeshift banister and gave a selfconscious chuckle. “I’m not the formal type, you know. I wouldn’t want to take up your time or anything, so I was just trying to figure out what layout you’re doing.

Because my daughter is starting to renovate soon, and she has similar square footage, but I see you’re also extending in the back?

Are you doing a built-in succah?

You really should, it’s so worth it.”

What was she saying and what in the world was Gittel Indig doing in her house? Just because they were living in the basement for now didn’t mean it was no longer their house. Her space.

But if Gittel Indig had felt any compunction at being caught trespassing, she’d gotten over it very quickly.

“So where are you doing the Pesach kitchen?” she asked conversationally.

Seriously, was she expecting a tour of the house? A copy of the blueprint?

From the sweet smile on her face, it was obvious that she was at least expecting an answer.

“Near the kitchen,” Lani mumbled. She bent down to hunt for her phone battery, hoping it was clear that the conversation was over. But Gittel didn’t grab the opportunity to dismiss herself. Instead, she came down the stairs and craned her neck toward the back of the house.

“There?” she asked, pointing. “In that space?” Then she turned in the opposite direction. “And I guess you’re doing a study here, between the kitchen and the dining room?”

Lani transferred Shifra over to her other arm. “I need to go

now,” she said pointedly.

“Sure, sure. Construction keeps you busy, huh?”

Gittel stuck her phone into her bag, and Lani had a sudden suspicion. Had she been taking pictures?

“Busy and broke, huh?” Gittel went on. “You know what they say, whatever you thought it’s going to cost you, it’s going to cost at least double, maybe triple.”

This was too much. Lani marched stiffly toward the door, completely ignoring her neighbor.

Getting the hint at last — or maybe simply getting bored of Lani’s uninspiring company — Gittel left.

But her words lingered. Busy and broke, huh?

Not quite broke; they were in debt, true, but they had a solid repayment plan. They’d climb out of it one day.

One day…

It felt like a dream, but one day it would all end. Construction would be over, a cleaning crew would show up and scour the house until it gleamed, and the next day, they’d move back upstairs. She’d stock the butler’s pantry with ingredients for her food business; she wouldn’t be working out of the family kitchen anymore. She definitely wouldn’t be working out of the dingy basement kitchenette, where she constantly worried about construction dust getting into the food she sold. Then she would spend a million delicious hours unpacking and organizing and settling in.

One day, finally, she’d be able to breathe.

“YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY, WHATEVER YOU THOUGHT RENOVATIONS WILL COST, IT’S GOING TO COST AT LEAST DOUBLE, MAYBE TRIPLE.”

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* * * * *

It had taken about a week to make it through the morning, but by the time Riva Stroh was finally sitting at her desk, coffee and muffin in front of her keyboard, her headache had pleasantly let up.

Her head remained clear, even as 37 new messages loaded in her inbox and three phone lines outshouted each other.

Work was demanding her attention, but at least she got to sit.

And eat. Without sharing her food with anyone, and in a blessedly quiet office.

She reached to answer the phone. Emails could wait, but a missed call could easily mean a missed client.

“Good morning, Kleenup,” she greeted the caller.

It wasn’t a client. It was Stella, the cleaning lady Mr. Gabioff had recently appointed as a supervisor.

Riva pulled her muffin out of the paper bag as she listened to the woman’s broken English. “Money from Monday and Tuesday and Jessica for the allergy, and I tell Mr. Gabioff, and he say…”

She was rambling, and it wasn’t because of a language barrier. Riva folded in the corner of the paper bag and waited for the woman to finish talking.

“I’m not sure I understand,” she said when Stella finally paused for breath. “You want to get paid now for the past two days instead of on Friday?”

“Sí! And also Jessica, I tell Mr. Gabioff, he screaming and screaming.”

Riva winced. Thanks for the tip-off.

Stella switched over to Spanish for an angry tirade, which Riva was glad she couldn’t follow. She refreshed her emails again. Three new messages came in: two promos for cleaning supplies and one email from Michael Turner, on that Bronx commercial property chain.

Okay, Stella was having a hard day, but she had a lot of work waiting for her.

“Stella,” she said loudly, cutting the woman off mid-scream.

“I’ll ask Mr. Gabioff if I can pay you today and let you know what he says, okay?”

More Spanish yelling. Riva stuck a stirrer into her coffee cup and gave a polite cough. “I’ll call you back later,” she said firmly.

For the next hour, Riva went from task to task calmly and efficiently. She sipped her coffee and nibbled on her muffin while she worked. After an hour, she got up to stretch her legs and stopped by Adina’s desk to say hello.

“Stella bit into a lemon this morning,” she told her coworker.

“Not sure what she wanted, but she mentioned Mr. G. ‘screaming and screaming.’”

“Oh, great, now he’ll be in a mood. Just what I need.”

And as if to give them just what they needed, their boss chose that minute to walk into the office.

The first thing Riva did was blush. Ugh. Couldn’t he have shown up five minutes earlier and found her sitting at her desk?

What was it about this person that he had a knack for appearing at all the wrong times?

He didn’t say anything, of course, but the exaggerated sigh he sent her way told her exactly what he was thinking. When the cat’s away, the mice will play.

It was so unfair. She was loyal and diligent and didn’t slack off. If only he’d accuse her, so she’d have a chance to defend herself.

Instead, she tried to appear casual as she strolled back to her desk. Maybe if she didn’t scamper away guiltily he would understand that this had only been a quick break?

But whatever her boss did or didn’t understand didn’t seem to matter as he strode over to her desk.

“Stella,” he said.

Riva waited, but Mr. Gabioff didn’t say more.

What does he want? Why can’t he ask a question like a mentsch?

What am I supposed to say?

She folded her paper bag in quarters. “Y-yes?”

“Yes?” he repeated almost mockingly. “Did you know that

she planned to quit?”

Oh. No, she hadn’t known. She couldn’t make out what that woman had been shouting on the phone. She definitely didn’t say she was quitting.

“Um,” she stuttered.

“I need to know about these things. If you knew something, why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t…” Riva tried. “Um, she only asked about getting paid early and something about Jessica, I’m not really sure, she spoke in Spa—” “Not sure? What’s in the water lately? We lost Amanda, we lost Kathy, we lost Darlene, and now Stella, a week after I promoted her to supervisor, and she’s taking Jessica with her! You know how hard it is to find these ladies. I pay them well, I invest in training them, I let them take off for every ridiculous occasion. How can I take on clients if I don’t have crews to work for me?”

Riva turned her mouse in frantic circles. Was it her fault that her boss had a staffing shortage? Was she supposed to convince Stella not to quit when she hadn’t even known she was quitting? Why was he even talking to her about this? She was in charge of accounts receivable, and customer service, because everyone at Kleenup did customer service.

Hiring cleaning ladies wasn’t her job at all.

She wanted to stand up and say all this, defend herself once and for all, but her lips wouldn’t move. You didn’t defend yourself to Mr. Gabioff.

Adina was sending her pitying looks. Mr. Gabioff stood there quietly, allowing his unspoken barbs to sink in.

Finally, he exhaled yet another sigh of disappointment and went over to his own desk.

Riva turned her attention to her screen, but the words swam before her eyes. After a few minutes, she stood up and locked herself into the bathroom.

Maybe she was a baby for crying about her boss’s bad mood, but she’d had it. She was totally and completely done. She was an adult, she had her own stresses in her life, there was no reason to put up with this craziness.

That night, when she repeated the incident to Yaakov, it felt dumb and shallow and she started thinking that maybe she was overreacting, maybe she was being unreasonably sensitive.

But her husband didn’t think so. If she’d felt a little wounded, he was downright seething.

“That’s it,” he declared. “I don’t care about anything. You’re leaving that job.”

HE DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING, OF COURSE, BUT THE EXAGGERATED SIGH HE SENT HER WAY TOLD HER EXACTLY WHAT HE WAS THINKING

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M AY O N NAISE SUSSY KRAUS

Double or triple this recipe! You’ll be astounded by all the different things you can use it for.

INGREDIENTS 2

eggs

2

tsp. lemon juice

1

tsp. salt

2

cups oil

1

tsp. sugar

D IR EC T I O N S 1. In a food processor fitted with the S-blade, beat eggs on high speed for 2-3 minutes, adding salt, sugar and lemon juice in the process.

2. Pour oil in a slow and steady stream, allowing the mixture to thicken and emulsify.

Note: To attain a perfect consistency, pour oil in a very thin stream, approximately 1 minute per cup of oil.

S H M A LT Z SUSSY KRAUS

If you want the oil only, order shmaltz from the butcher, but if you want greeven too, get half schmaltz and half skin. Put everything into a pot, and simmer on low until most of the fat has melted. Pour off most of the rendered fat, and leave the skins simmering until they’re crispy.

This process takes several hours. Never leave schmaltz unattended or cooking overnight, as it can be dangerous.

SALAD DRESSING CHANA RIVKY SPITZER

This is an all-purpose dressing for every type of salad.

The horseradish gives it a tiny bit of kick in place of the year-round seasoning of black pepper or mustard.

Makes about 1 cup INGREDIENTS

KETCHUP

½

cup mayonnaise (recipe above)

¼

cup water

2

T. lemon juice

2

T. sugar

With more kugel and French fries being consumed over Pesach than during the rest of the year, shouldn’t they be served with their best friend?

1

tsp. salt

1

T. finely grated onion

1

T. finely grated horseradish, optional

INGREDIENTS

D IR EC T I O N S

CHANA RIVKY SPITZER

4

1

ripe plum tomatoes, peeled and diced large onion, finely diced

3–4 T. sugar

1

tsp. salt

3

T. lemon juice

4

tsp. wine (see note)

1

cup water

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Place all ingredients in a small saucepan, and simmer over low heat for 2 hours.

2. Blend in a food processor or with a hand blender until smooth.

Note: You may use lemon juice instead, but the wine gives a more authentic flavor to the ketchup.

Measure all ingredients into a container with a tight-fitting lid, and shake vigorously to combine. Alternatively, blend with a hand blender.

VEGGIE DIP D IR EC T I O N S 1. Combine equal amounts of ketchup and mayonnaise with some salt to taste.

2. Cut carrots, zucchini, cucumbers or cooked beets into thin sticks. Set them out neatly on a platter along with some dip for a healthy snack that’ll keep everyone munching happily.

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P O TAT O S TA R C H SUSSY KRAUS

There are several different ways of extracting the starch from the potato, but I find that the easiest way is to use a vegetable juicer. However, not all vegetable juicers are alike, and not all of them make good starch. To make starch, you need a juicer that has the juice coming out of one side and the pulp thrown out from the other side. (Such a juicer is also fantastic for making the most amazing apple cider.)

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Peel the potatoes and put them through the juicer, as you would to make a carrot juice or any other vegetable juice. You’ll now have potato juice, which is where the starch is, as well as pulp. (See note below for ideas on how to use the pulp.)

2. Pour the juice into a bowl, and let the starch settle to the bottom. After the starch has settled, approximately 20 to 30 minutes, pour off the water and rinse with fresh water. Let the starch settle again, and rinse again. Rinse three or four times, until you get a nice, white starch.

(Some people leave it in fresh water overnight.)

3. When the rinsing process is complete, scrape the starch out of the bowl with a spoon or fork, and spread on a clean white sheet to dry. Drying should take two to three days. I like

to do it over a weekend — put it out to dry before Shabbos, and it’s ready on Sunday.

4. Once the starch is dry, put the clumps into a food processor, and process until fluffed.

5. For a a quicker process, simply juice the potatoes, let the starch settle, rinse it once or twice, and leave the starch with the water in the fridge. To use, just scrape off a bit as needed.

This starch can be used in sauces or as soup thickeners, but not for baked goods.

Note: Use the potato pulp to make either potato latkes or the base for a delicious cream of potato soup (great for a hearty Erev Pesach supper). To make latkes, simply add a bottle of seltzer, 16 eggs and 1 cup oil to the pulp of 25 pounds of potatoes. To make the soup base, add water, some squash, sautéed onions and salt. Let it boil and blend.

FA U X “ B R E A D ” CRUMBS CHANA RIVKY SPITZER

Use these crumbs to coat chicken, fish, mashed potato balls or to top a vegetable kugel.

INGREDIENTS 4

egg yolks About 1 cup potato starch

3–4 T. oil Pinch salt D IR EC T I O N S 1. Mix all ingredients with a fork until crumbly.

2. Put an ungreased frying pan over the flame, and add the mixture, breaking up large clumps as it cooks. If crumbs are too large when done, pulse in a food processor for a few seconds.

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MUST SUSSY KRAUS

Must, from the Latin vinum mustum (young wine), is freshly pressed fruit juice (usually grape juice) that contains the skins, seeds and stems of the fruit. The solid portion of the must is called pomace and typically makes up 7-23%of the total weight of the must. Making must is the first step in winemaking, but for those who don’t use store-bought grape juice on Pesach, the pomace is removed, and the clear, refreshing liquid is used.

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Pick the grapes off the stems and blend.

2. Pour the blended grapes into a container and freeze.

3. Take a strainer, line it with a cheesecloth and put the strainer over a bowl that is large enough to contain all the liquid. Place the frozen block of blended grapes on the cheesecloth-lined strainer, and let the clear must drip through overnight until only the pulp remains on top.

4. Bottle and refrigerate, or freeze for extended shelf life.

BORSHT SUSSY KRAUS

Borscht is naturally fermented beets. Some people have a minhag to drink borscht on Pesach.

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Peel beets, cut in halves or quarters, and place in a large glass pickling jar that has a cover (you can buy these at your local hardware store).

Fill the jar between two-thirds and three-quarters full with beets.

2. Fill the jar with warm water, add a tablespoon of salt for every five beets, and cover.

3. Let stand, covered, in a warm place (64–74°) for anywhere between one and four weeks.

4. Borscht can be consumed raw, boiled with added sugar or lemon, or made into a delicious meal.

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CHREIN SUSSY KRAUS

Chrein is a wonderful addition to fish or any main dish. Try it with a hot slice of potato kugel… absolutely divine. It’s fairly simple to make as well. You can freeze it or keep it in the fridge; it has a pretty long shelf life.

INGREDIENTS 5

lb. beets

1

T. salt

1

small horseradish (add more if you like it really sharp)

¾

cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1

cup sugar Salt to taste

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Peel beets, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and cook for two hours.

2. Drain and grate the beets, or put them through the food processor.

3. Grate the horseradish, and mix with beets and the rest of the ingredients. Horseradish loses a lot of its sharpness with time, so don’t get scared if it tastes very strong right after you mix it.

Tip: Do not discard the drained beet liquid.

I reserve a container and use it as coloring.

I make fruit punch with freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, sugar syrup, a little must and a teaspoon of beet juice. (Don’t tell the kids it’s there; they’ll think they taste the flavor.) I also make a delicious “strawberry” sauce for my baked apples. I blend a banana, two whole oranges, a slice of lemon and a drop of beet juice. It becomes a beautiful pink fruit sauce.

BEE T SAL AD: If you like beet salad, add an additional six beets to the pot and slice them thinly. Add an onion, thinly sliced, ½ cup lemon juice, ½ cup of the reserved beet juice, ⅓ cup sugar and ½ teaspoon salt and mix. Beet salad is a great addition to any main dish and adds beautiful color to the plate.

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EGG NOODLES SUSSY KRAUS

I get very nostalgic when I think about Pesach egg noodles. My grandmother used to spend every Pesach with us, and she took such pride in cutting the noodles very thin. Her face would glow as she’d watch everyone enjoy her paper-thin noodles in the steaming plates of hot soup. I always try to imitate her, but I haven’t yet mastered that perfect cut.

INGREDIENTS 20

eggs

½

cup water

1

tsp. salt

If you use potato starch, add ½ cup starch and ½ cup of water to the recipe. Mix batter after every few minutes.

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Heat a frying pan, smear some schmaltz or oil on the bottom, add a ladle of egg mixture and fry on each side for a few minutes.

Alternatively, you can use a griddle and make huge blintzes. It’s way faster that way, and since they’re being cut into strips anyway, the actual crepes don’t have to look pretty. If you don’t want to make your pan schmaltzy, use a non-stick frying pan and let it become very hot; the first or second blintz might not come out good, but after that it should work well.

2. Roll up a stack of blintzes jelly-roll style and cut into thin strips. You can cut it and freeze it in bags, one for each meal, or you can freeze it as a roll and cut it right before the meal. Warm it up in the soup or put some hot soup in the bag so the noodles rehydrate a bit after losing some moisture in the freezer. For Shabbos, put a bit of hot soup in a bag before the zman, and keep it in a warm place.

You can also use this recipe for potato blintzes, liver blintzes or vegetable blintzes for a Chol Hamoed supper or side dish. Include the potato starch; the result is more solid and works better when making blintzes.

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SUGARC O AT E D NUTS SUSSY KRAUS

A delicious, crunchy treat.

INGREDIENTS 1

egg white

1

T. water

1

lb. nuts

1

cup sugar

¾

tsp. salt

½

tsp. ground cinnamon, optional

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Preheat the oven to 250°.

2. In a mixing bowl, whip together the egg white and water until frothy. Add nuts to egg white mixture, stirring to coat the nuts evenly.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, salt and cinnamon.

4. Sprinkle the sugar mixture onto the nuts, and stir until coated.

5. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

NUT BRITTLE SUSSY KRAUS

This heavenly treat can be broken up as a garnish for cakes and desserts, used as a salad topping, and even ground up and folded into creams.

INGREDIENTS 2

cups nuts (any)

3

cups sugar

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Spread nuts on a parchment paper.

2. Melt the sugar at a high temperature in a heavy, wide-bottomed pot until it takes on a deeper color. As you slowly heat the sugar, the edges and bottom will melt first.

Tilt and swirl the pan to promote even melting.

3. When sugar is caramelized, quickly and carefully pour it onto the nuts in a thin layer.

4. Once it is hard and dry, break the brittle into smaller pieces, and pulse in the food processor if smaller pieces are desired.

5. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

APPLE RINGS DRAIZY WERCBERGER

A yummy snack that will get your kids hooked on health!

INGREDIENTS 4

apples

¼

cup sugar (optional)

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Peel, core and slice apples thinly to form rings. Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

2. Sprinkle apples with sugar if desired.

3. Bake at 250° for approximately 4 to 5 hours. Check periodically to make sure they aren’t burning. If they are browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 200°.

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FRUIT L E AT H E R CHANA RIVKY SPITZER

This takes very little time to prepare, but does need to bake for several hours. Try blending the fruit at night, then put it to bake first thing in the morning so that the fruit leather will be done by the time you need the oven.

INGREDIENTS Fruits of your choice. Some good options are pineapples, mangos, kiwis and very ripe pears.

Sugar, if necessary D IR EC T I O N S 1. Peel and chop fruits into large chunks.

Blend well in a food processor or blender. Add sugar if desired. (I didn’t add sugar to any of the samples I tried, and they all tasted great.)

2. Line a cookie sheet with baking paper, and pour blended fruit onto the sheet. Spread to a thin layer (⅛” to ¼” thick). Do not spread too thin; the paper should not be seen through the fruit.

3. Bake for 4 to 6 hours at 170°, until fruit is no longer sticky.

4. Allow to cool and peel off paper, or roll up with paper.

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V E G E TA B L E CHIPS CHANA RIVKY SPITZER

Crunchy chips are an all-time favorite snack. But shvitzing over hot oil to fry all those chips is not exactly my favorite activity. These lowcalorie chips slowly get baked to crisp perfection for great munching anytime.

INGREDIENTS Root vegetables. Good options include sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips, yucca and potatoes Oil Salt, optional D IR EC T I O N S 1. Peel vegetables. Using a peeler, continue peeling vegetables into long strips.

2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with baking paper, and place veggie slices onto the sheet in a single layer.

3. Spray vegetables very lightly with oil, and sprinkle with salt if desired.

4. Bake for 10 minutes. Then lower heat to 180° and bake for 1 hour.

5. Flip vegetables over, and continue baking for 30 minutes to 1 hour, checking occasionally, as some vegetables may be ready before others. Chips are done when dry and crispy.

ONION RINGS L E A H S T E R N, A” H

INGREDIENTS 1

onion

¾

cup potato starch

2

eggs, whisked

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Slice the onion into ⅓” rings.

2. Prepare one plate with potato starch and another with whisked eggs.

3. Dip the rings into starch, then eggs, then again into the starch.

4. Deep fry the rings until they’re golden, then sprinkle with salt.

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GEBROKTS

M AT Z A H CHREMSL ACH SUSSY KRAUS

There are many different ways to make chremslach. If you don’t like it sweet, omit the sugar. My mother used to add finely mashed potatoes for a fluffier latke. For delicious variations, you can also add shredded apples or chopped nuts.

INGREDIENTS 1

lb. matzah meal

16

eggs

1

cup seltzer or water

½

cup shmaltz

1½

cups sugar

1

T. salt

D IR EC T I O N S Mix all ingredients well, and fry.

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GEBROKTS

M AT Z A H KNEIDL ACH SUSSY KRAUS

Light and fluffy!

INGREDIENTS 1

lb. matzah meal (equals 3 cups)

16

eggs

1

cup seltzer or water

1

T. salt

½

cup schmaltz

D IR EC T I O N S 1. Mix all ingredients well.

2. Let the mixture stand until firm.

3. Roll balls and drop into boiling soup.

Cook for 30 to 45 minutes.

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A ROYAL SEDER

RABBI BORUCH TWERSKY

W

e drink four cups of wine.

We recline, we decorate the table with elegant dishes, and we dip twice. We perform all these along with other halachos and customs to show that we have become a free nation.

The halachos of korban Pesach also imply that we have become a royal and free nation. The korban Pesach is eaten roasted; nothing from the korban Pesach may be left over for the next day; no bones may be broken; and it is forbidden to transfer the korban Pesach from one home to another. The Sefer Hachinuch explains that these halachos demonstrate we have become a free and royal nation. The poor eat their meat cooked, so more of the meat remains, and they break open bones to scratch out every drop of meat. They leave over meat for the next day, and they share their meal with family, neighbors and friends because eating meat is a rare delicacy for them. Wealthy, royal people don’t have these customs, and we act with the korban Pesach like wealthy, royal people.

To quote the Chinuch (mitzvah 16): “It isn’t honorable for children of kings… to scratch out every drop of meat and to break bones like a dog. This is the way of the poor and of the hungry. At the beginning of our becoming the Chosen Nation from among all nations, a holy nation, a nation of kings — mamleches kohanim v’goy kadosh — every year at this time we do deeds to demonstrate the exaltedness we have attained. By doing these deeds and thinking these thoughts, we integrate these concepts [of freedom and royalty] in our souls forever.”

“BY DOING THESE DEEDS AND THINKING THESE THOUGHTS, WE INTEGRATE THESE CONCEPTS IN OUR SOULS FOREVER.”

Fit for a King Some do more than the customs and halachos of freedom, and they succeed in bringing a royal atmosphere to the Seder.

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The Shlah Hakadosh (Pesachim 217) writes, “He and his family should sit [at the Seder] as people eating before the King. They should sit there with holiness and purity. Their voices shouldn’t be heard to say any idle words, only to tell the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim, and nothing else.”

The Ruzhiner Rebbe, zt”l, who lived with royalty the entire year, had a very regal Seder. He reclined on his couch, and one of his young sons, dressed like a prince in a regal outfit with gold buttons, came and said the Mah Nishtanah.

Then the next son came to say the Mah Nishtanah. The entire Seder was performed with awesome silence.

A Stoliner chassid was once with the Ruzhiner for the Seder, and he missed the loud hislahavus that he usually saw at his Rebbe’s Seder. Someone explained to him that the Stoliner Rebbe leads his chassidim like a rebbe teaching in cheder, and the children answer after their teacher in a loud, chanting voice. The holy Ruzhiner leads his Seder like someone giving a shiur in iyun (a deep analysis), and therefore everything is silent.

Certainly, those who can make a regal, royal Seder are doing a wonderful deed, while for others this may be difficult. But they can follow the customs and be careful about the halachos of

freedom. Furthermore, they can experience the freedom and the royalty in their hearts.

True Freedom A renowned tzaddik from Yerushalayim invited his students to his Seder. The students were shocked to find the entire home turned upside down.

There was no sign that it was the Seder night. (The host’s wife was emotionally unwell, and things like this would happen in their home.)

Their host told them, “When you go to other people’s homes and find the table set, the children dressed in their Yom Tov clothing, and good smells wafting out of the kitchen, you think you are seeing freedom. I say you are seeing slavery, because they are enslaved to this perfect situation. If a minor detail isn’t in order, the family doesn’t know how to handle it. But in this home, we celebrate true freedom because we accept Hashem’s will, whatever it is. If this is what Hashem wants, this is good for us.”

In other words, he had a perfectly royal Seder in his thoughts, although it didn’t seem so perfect in practice.

And when you experience freedom and royalty in your thoughts, it will often be seen in your deeds, as well.

So now we need to define these terms. What does it mean to be free?

What feels like royalty? What emotions should we have? What thoughts should we have?

Freedom and royalty are the awareness that we are in Hashem’s loving hands. We don’t have financial anxiety, because Hashem can easily give us everything we need. We will not be upset about anything that occurs, because we know that everything is directed from Above. We feel free and without worries. We feel as fortunate as a king.

The Ruzhiner could read people’s thoughts, so once, when he had ten distinguished guests for his Seder, he asked that they not disturb him with imperfect thoughts. Each guest decided that they would guard their thoughts by focusing on the first pas280

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PESACH MEANS TO JUMP, AND ON SEDER NIGHT WE CAN ALL JUMP TO A HIGHER LEVEL.

suk of Krias Shema. At Urchatz, their thoughts were on Hashem Echad. At Karpas, again, their focus was on this pasuk.

After the Seder, they spoke with one another, and they discovered that they had all come to the same conclusion, to think about Shema Yisroel.

Focusing on the first passuk of Krias Shema is certainly a royal thought for the Seder, and it is the lesson of the Seder: to know that we are in Hashem’s hands.

Reaching Higher Now, don’t think that we are discussing madreigos that are beyond your level. This holiday is called Pesach, which means to jump, and on this night we should jump up to a higher level.

Generally, avodas Hashem requires gradual growth. But there are times when we must take a large step forward, and the Seder can be such a time. You can jump into the awareness and emunah that we are entirely in Hashem’s loving hands.

And this is how we experience freedom and royalty at the Seder.

The Maharal (Haggadah Shel Pesach, chayav adam liros es atzmo) 282

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teaches that freedom isn’t dependent on any external factor. You don’t need money, and you don’t even need peace from the non-Jews to feel freedom. He writes, “Some ask, how does it help us that we were taken out of Mitzrayim? Behold, we are now enslaved to other kings.

What is the difference whether we are slaves in Mitzrayim or whether we are enslaved to others?

“This is foolishness, because when we were redeemed from Mitzrayim… we are called in our essence bnei chorin, free people… Yisroel are still free people, even if they are enslaved to others. This is because when we were taken out of Mitzrayim we became free; we even became kings, as it says (Shemos 19:6), “V’atem tiheyu li mamleches kohanim v’goy kadosh.” This is a Yid’s essence, and this greatness and specialness doesn’t go away when they are in exile.”

What is freedom? Perhaps this tale will help us understand.

A bachur from a wealthy home was influenced by the Enlightenment and was gradually leaving Yiddishkeit. At a Seder, as the family sang the Haggadah with joy, the bachur took out a dark loaf of bread and put it on the table. Needless to say, the joy of that Seder ended at that moment. They hadn’t realized that he had fallen so far.

The father was a chassid of Reb Dov Ber of Lubavitch, zt”l, and he told his rebbe about his son’s spiritual descent. Reb Dov Ber said that he can’t help the bachur, and he should bring his son to Reb Yisrael of Ruzhin.

The father thought, “How can I convince my son to go to Ruzhin? He avoids going to rebbes. He doesn’t want to hear rebuke.”

Reb Dov Ber perceived the father’s thoughts, and he advised the father to tell his son that there’s a millionaire in Ruzhin, and they could do business with him. The father and son were business partners, and so the son agreed to travel with his father to Ruzhin.

When they stood in front of the Ruzhiner’s home, the son was amazed by the wealth and royalty he saw in the Rebbe’s court. The father said that he would go in first to tell the millionaire about the basic business plan, and then the son would join them to finish the deal.

FREEDOM IS TO BELIEVE IN YOUR SPECIALNESS, BECAUSE HASHEM MADE YOU THIS WAY. When the son met the Ruzhiner, he immediately understood that he had come to a chassidic rebbe and not to a wealthy businessman. He would have run out, but the Ruzhiner looked at the bachur, and he was somehow humbled.

The Ruzhiner told the bachur to follow him. They walked on plush carpets through several rooms, until they arrived at a room with many mirrors.

The Ruzhiner told the bachur to look in the first mirror. He looked in the mirror and saw a young boy, with a lot of Yiddishe chein, studying Torah with hislahavus. He realized that he was looking at himself. This is how he had appeared years before, when he was younger.

The Ruzhiner directed him to the second mirror. There he saw himself speaking during davening and not being careful with netilas yadayim. (These aveiros are often the first step to spiritual descent.)

With a broken heart, he went over to the third mirror. He saw himself refusing to go to beis medrash on Shabbos and Yom Tov. The bachur was disgusted with himself. He couldn’t look further.

But the Ruzhiner brought him to the fourth mirror, and then to the fifth. The bachur saw himself falling lower and lower, into the 49 gates of tumah. He was so disgusted with his deeds that he threw up.

Then he looked into the final mirror and saw himself at the Seder putting bread on the table, next to the matzos. This time, he vomited blood. He fell to the Ruzniher’s feet and asked him to show him how he can do teshuvah. The Ruzhiner gave him a path to teshuvah, and he did teshuvah sheleimah.

We tell this story to demonstrate that people seek freedom in the wrong places. The irreligious call themselves frei or chofshi, both of which mean “free.”

This bachur thought he was free, but he wasn’t free at all.

He wasn’t acting as he truly wanted in his heart, so he wasn’t free.

Freedom is to be who you are. Freedom is to believe in your specialness, because Hashem made you this way. And freedom also means not to be afraid to be imperfect.

And, when we bear in mind these thoughts, we find ourselves freed of all worries.

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HISTORICAL

FICTION

SARAH SCHLESINGER

The Majesty of Redemption

A RO M AN J O U R N E Y:

FROM SHACKLES TO FREEDOM

Devorah My brother-in-law Azariah puts the last bundle on the cart.

Tamar’s palms hug my face. The knot in my throat chokes me.

“Why must you go? We’ll triumph again. Yosef is certain that Bar Kochva will repel the Romans.”

“Not this time, Devorah,” Tamar says. “Jerusalem has fallen again. The Romans will seek to make an example of us.”

Those soulful eyes, green as the olives our father grew, bore into mine. “We must flee. Bar Kochva is finished.”

“How can you say that about a leader who completely obliterated the Twelfth Legion?!” I snap. My sister must not leave me. “Azariah, I thought you were a baal bitachon. Where is your faith now? ” His lips are pinched and his nostrils flare. “Faith, Devorah?

I have faith in our Father in Heaven, but I have none for that scheming imposter.”

That hypocritical coward!

“You’re wrong! Rabi Akiva has said that he’s Moshiach!”

“Yes, well, if the rumors are true, he will not be saying that for much longer.” He turns to his wife. “Tamar, we can delay no longer. I’m afraid we must be off.”

Our embrace is deep and desperate. I know I’ll never see my twin sister again.

After an eternity, she speaks.

“Come with us, Devorah. We can make room for you and Gad. And Yosef too,” she adds.

My throat is tied. I shake my head.

She kisses my cheeks. “Goodbye, sweet Devorah. I’ll pray for you every day.” She steps back and climbs onto the cart. The wagons rumble down the dirt path, raising clouds of dust that seem to swallow them.

Azariah has ripped my heart out. All that remains is pain.

holds a handkerchief to his nose. He’s talking to Beard while gesturing to Ima. Beard says something to Bad Man. “Can you care for children?” Bad Man asks Ima. “This is an important man. His wife has died. He needs a woman to care for his three children.”

“I am a mother,” Ima says. “Of course I can care for children. But please, sir, ask him to take my son, too.”

“Bah!” says Bad Man, waving his hand. Then he turns to speak to Beard.

Beard hands him a pouch, and Bad Man shoves Ima toward him. I scream and kick. Bad Man smacks me again and reaches for the lash. Ima cries out, “Gad! Abba! Al tasir es beni!

Beni, beni!1” Her hands grasp my tunic, but Bad Man just swats her away.

Bad Man points to me and says something to Beard. Toga looks at me and shakes his head.

Ima turns to Toga, “Domine!

Filius meus! Filius meus! 2” Toga’s eyebrows pop up. He says something to Young Man, who just shrugs. He turns to speak to Beard, who hands Bad Man another pouch. Bad Man smiles, showing his blackened, broken teeth, and shoves me to Beard. Beard bows to Toga then gestures for us to follow him.

HIS LIPS ARE PINCHED AND HIS NOSTRILS FLARE. “FAITH, DEVORAH? I HAVE FAITH IN OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN”

Gad I think it’s blood on my tongue that’s making me feel sick.

That bad man, who forced me, Ima and the others who came off the ship to stand here in the hot sun, smacked my face. I don’t care. They won’t take Ima away from me!

“Please, sir, I’ll do anything you say,” Ima cries. “I’ll work very hard! Please, let my son come with me.”

“Quiet, foolish woman!” Bad Man shouts. “The man doesn’t understand your Hebrew gibberish.”

There are three more men: one in that funny, flowy thing they call a toga, another with a beard, and a young one. Toga 1

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Father! Do not take my son away from me! My son, my son!

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Devorah

The steward, Thalos, escorts us to the baths and gives us fresh clothes.

“You certainly can’t meet the family smelling as you do now,” he says.

The woolen tunics are coarse and plain, but I must admit it feels good to be clean again.

After parading us in front of all the family members, Thalos shows us to the slaves’ sleeping quarters in the attic.

“You’ll both sleep here tonight,” he says to me. “Tomorrow you’ll begin your duties as childminder. Most likely you’ll be required to sleep outside the girls’ bedrooms.” He slides his chubby fingers through his splendid beard. “I’ll have some food sent up. Get your rest now. You both start working first thing in the morning.”

He leaves, the patter of his sandals on the stairs fading away.

I turn to Gad. The poor child has already curled up on the straw mat.

“They’ll bring us bread soon. Aren’t you hungry, motek?”

“I’ll just rest a bit first, Ima.” But he’s sound asleep a moment later.

I settle down on the ground beside him. I stroke his brown curls and come completely undone. My body shudders with

Sir! My son, my son!

every heaving sob.

“Oh, dear me.”

A scratchy voice startles me. It belongs to a tiny woman who bears a tray with two bowls of some sort of pottage and a loaf of bread.

“Don’t worry,” she says. “You can eat it. It’s just lentils and grain. We slaves are rarely given meat anyway. I am Naomi. I work in the kitchen.” Her brown eyes are kind.

I stare, stupefied. She is speaking to me in Lashon Hakodesh!

“Wipe your nose and tell me your name, pretty one.”

“Devorah,” I croak.

“Ah!” Naomi beams. “That was my mother’s name.” She continues, “You’ll soon get used to it here.

You could have done far worse than the house of Finatus.”

“I could have done far better, too!” I choke. “I am a slave! My child is a slave!” I’m overcome once more.

The old one crouches down creakily and places the tray near my mat. She sits down and looks me in the eye.

“I’ve been here since Master was a young man. I’ve seen many slaves come and go — and two wives as well. Now listen, Devorah, to what I’m about to say to you.

You need to know this. The second wife, Domina Aislynn, who’s been gone just two months now, was just a slip of a girl when Master brought her over from Britannia.

She was never haughty like the Roman matrons, and liked to come to the kitchen, said it brought back memories from home.”

Naomi smiles sadly, recalling the memory.

“Honestly, I don’t know why her father married her off to Finatus. The poor thing was so unhappy. She was never accepted by the society ladies, and was especially held in contempt by Master’s sister. (If you’re smart, you’ll stay away from her.)

“One evening she came down and cried such bitter tears — just like you. Do you know what she said? ‘For all that I’m materfamilias here,’ she said, ‘I might as well be a slave!’”

I’m curious. “What did you tell her?”

“Good that you ask,” the old woman says with a twinkle in her eye, “because now I’ll tell you the same: It is true that your body is enslaved, but you must never, ever succumb to avdus b’ruach. Your spirit must forever remain free.

“Oof!” she says as she rises. She gestures to Gad, sound asleep. “Thank Hashem for every blessing. Find happiness wherever and however you can. Now eat before the food goes cold.”

would never set before he’d sigh, “Oh, Linus, what have you done now?” This would invariably be followed by some attempt to physically implant some Roman sense into me via a good thrashing.

“What did you expect, Gaius?” Aunt Lucia would sneer. “His mother was a barbarian, after all.” My father’s spiteful sister always manages to remind everyone of this inescapable fact.

Of course, no such sighs (or barks, or manic screams) are ever directed in Marcus’ direction.

Oh, no. Marcus can do no wrong.

I admit that Marcus is supremely clever, truly. Not many boys could wreak havoc on the household to the extent that he does, yet somehow always get his much younger brother (forgive me, half-brother) to take the blame. But then, Marcus is fully Roman, and his mother, Cecilia, had been some relation to the Flavians. Undoubtedly his intelligence is far superior to his half-Britannic brother.

My parents’ unlikely marriage was a bungled political alliance.

At least my father got a ring from Emperor Hadrian out of it — but that’s a story for another day. My mother, Aislynn of the Carvetii tribe, was a good wife but a terrible stepmother. She gave Marcus two annoying stepsisters, and finally one irritating stepbrother! Poor Marcus. Imagine getting me as a tenth birthday gift. Horrors!

People meeting us for the first time can scarcely believe we’re related at all. In appearance we’re as night and day. He has dark hair and eyes; I am fiery and freckled. He is charming and well spoken; I never know the right thing to say.

“They have nothing in common, Gaius,” Aunt Lucia remarked on one occasion, “except you and the fact that their mothers are both dead.”

For most of my childhood, I’m raised by a Jewish slave named Devorah. Her son Gad is my age, and oddly, he feels more like a brother to me than Marcus does.

I was five years old when Thalos, the overseer, brought Devorah and her little boy home from the slave market. Having been unlucky enough to be widowed twice, my father had resolved that it’s wiser to purchase a slave with experience caring for children rather than marrying again, and as he pointed out to Aunt Lucia, Jewish slaves were terribly cheap after the general Julius Severus quashed the rebellion.

“Yes, yes, Gaius,” she replied. “I quite understand buying the woman, though these Jews do tend to be troublesome. But did you really need to bring home that brat as well?”

“Aunt Lucia, don’t you see?” Marcus explained. “Having the boy here will keep her in line. If she tries anything foolish, we’ll flog the little wretch.” He grinned wolfishly. The boy trembled.

“That may be, Marcus,” Father said, “but I had something else in mind.” He turned to me, and I turned into ice. “These Jews are clever. He might eventually become useful as a scribe

I WAS FIVE YEARS OLD WHEN THALOS, THE OVERSEER, BROUGHT DEVORAH AND HER LITTLE BOY HOME FROM THE SLAVE MARKET.

Linus My father, the esteemed Gaius Marcellus Finatus, despairs of my stupidity. From when I was but a lad of three, the sun 296

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or secretary to Linus.”

And so, although he is my slave, in time, Gad becomes my friend. And although Devorah is my nursemaid, to me she feels like a new mother. She teaches me many things (including some that Father would disapprove of, if he’d only know), and it is she who comforts me after Marcus torments me.

When I’m about twelve, peeking into the triclinium during one of Father’s dinner parties, Marcus deliberately shoves me into an influential Senator just as he lifts his glass in a toast to Father’s health. Pandemonium ensues!

Father is incensed, I am flogged, and Marcus is delighted.

I swear revenge, and during the night, I steal Marcus’s dagger, which I then place in a salt-filled amphora. I imagine the look on Marcus’s face when he’ll discover it, corroded and useless, and gleefully return to bed. But my spying sister Marcella ruins everything when she reports my deed to Marcus. He binds me hand and foot, then hangs me by my ankles on a tree in the gardens. Luckily, Devorah discovers and releases me.

As I curse my horrible brother and traitorous sister, she says to me, “Remember, Linus, your family is a gift; the most precious treasure, and we never know how long we may keep them.” Her eyes become very large as she speaks, and I detect a profound sadness in her voice.

“A treasure?” I repeat.

“Indeed.”

“Marcus?” I ask skeptically.

She grins. “Don’t scoff.”

“Hmph,” I sniff. “I wish you would give me a potion that could turn Gaia and Marcella into treasures I can set in a ring or carry in a chest.”

Devorah smiles. “Choose to be happy, Linus. Don’t let anyone shackle your spirit.”

I stare, then nod, finding it strange that a slave is telling me not to be oppressed.

Tamar From the day of our birth, Devorah and I were inseparable.

“We shall live together,” Devorah planned.

“Yes!” I agreed. “In one large house, and raise our children together.”

“And grandchildren,” Devorah added.

“And our husbands shall be the best of friends!” We giggled.

I never thought I’d see the day when we’d be separated.

Yet here I am, miles and miles away from my sister, and I do not know if she is dead or alive, enslaved or free. During my waking hours, I distract myself with the children and tasks that need to be done. But at night the image of my twin as I last saw her, standing near my home in our village, haunts me. Azariah always tells me, “You must believe, Tamar. You must have faith that one day you will see your sister again.”

It’s the night of our fortieth birthday. Azariah, our children and grandchildren are gathered around our table.

And although I know I have every reason to be grateful to Hashem, all I feel — stronger than ever — is an aching loss.

I leave the house. As I walk along the bank of the Eu298

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phrates, the tears flow as fast and furious as the river itself.

“How can I believe? How can I have faith?” I cry. “Devorah!

Where are you? Where are you?” I kneel on a rock, shuddering and weeping until I am spent. When I look up, Azariah is there.

He sits down beside me. “I’m sorry you’re in such terrible pain.”

“It’s been so long.”

“I know. I’d thought your pain would lessen with time, but it’s only grown stronger. This must mean that Devorah is still alive.

We must —” “Please stop, Azariah,” I interrupt him. “You always say, ‘We must believe. We must have faith.’

But it’s so hard! Perhaps… I can’t!”

“Tamar, Hashem can do anything. He can make the Romans themselves bring Devorah back to us! Pray, Tamar. Pray.”

Azariah’s words give me hope.

From that day on, I walk down to that same rock by the Euphrates.

Every morning, with the river roaring beside me, I pray for my sister’s return.

AZARIAH’S WORDS GIVE ME HOPE. FROM THAT DAY ON, I WALK DOWN TO THAT SAME ROCK

BY THE EUPHRATES. EVERY MORNING, WITH THE RIVER ROARING BESIDE ME, I PRAY FOR MY SISTER’S RETURN.

Gad

As far as being a slave goes, I’ve been fortunate. I wasn’t separated from Ima. And although Marcus is his father’s favorite, Master doesn’t neglect Linus’s education.

And so, I receive an education as well. Whenever his elderly tutor arrives, Linus conjures up some pretext to have me hover nearby.

It’s not long before Master discovers our plan and takes Linus to task for it.

“Apparently, I am paying 200 denarii a month for a Jewish slave to learn Greek and arithmetic. What have you to say, Linus?”

“That you are getting a bargain, Pater.”

“Oh? How so?”

“Well, the way I see it, you are paying 200 denarii a month for two pupils. Gad stands off to the side attending me and can’t help but listen. Old Aristides bores me to tears, Pater.

Gad’s clever and explains it to me again afterward.”

Master’s lips twitch. “Very well, you cheeky whippersnapper. If it’s the only way you’ll learn anything, this will be our arrangement.” He wags his finger at Linus. “But if Aristides wises up to this scheme, I shall claim to know nothing of it, and one or both of you will be beaten.” He turns to go. “And Lucia claims you’re not clever. Ha!” 3

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It turns out to be a wise investment.

Since Master has ambitions for Marcus to enter the Senate, he is sent to be a Tribune with the Seventh Legion. This helps him gain the experience and connections he needs to eventually be successful in Rome. But alas, he involves himself in a corrupt scheme, and at the age of thirty, is murdered by a hired assassin.

Master takes this very hard, losing interest in everything he’s always enjoyed. Linus has just come of age and is sent to look after the family investments.

This requires him to travel all over the empire, and he is nearly never home, an arrangement that pleases all parties. Truthfully, while Linus’s good-naturedness, spontaneity and courage are admirable traits, they’re not always profitable. But that’s all right; he has me.

From Egypt to Dacia, Hispania to Syria, the next several years see us journey to many far-flung provinces, looking after and expanding the family coffers. We have grand adventures wherever we travel, but none, however, are as life-altering as our adventure in the kingdom of Parthia3.

I have misgivings about going and fear we’re embarking on a fool’s errand, but Linus is keen to establish connections with the silk merchants. This highly prized fabric can only be imported from lands in the Far East via Parthia. He hopes, by making the right impression on the right people, to establish trade directly with those mysterious foreigners.

We’re on a boat on the Euphrates, and all is going well until Linus, while playing dice with one of the crewmen, accidentally divulges his nationality. Now although a peace treaty had been signed many years before Linus was even born, this Parthian has little love for Romans, especially one who’s bested him in dice. The crewman, enlisting the aid of his comrades, has us tossed overboard.

In truth, we aren’t far from the bank, but though the river’s relatively calm, the night’s black as pitch, and I can’t swim.

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Linus I give as good as I get. As soon as those brutes rush at me, I grab my chair and, wielding it like both sword and shield, show them what fighting a Roman looks like. That preening

sore loser won’t be so proud of his looks now that his nose is crushed. But in the end, I’m simply outmanned. They push me overboard, still clutching one leg of that wooden stool.

The river hits me like one of Aunt Lucia’s slaps, momentarily paralyzing me, but instinct kicks in, and I push up to the surface. I gasp for air. I gasp again when I realize that Gad is plummeting straight at me. I move right, and he misses me by a hair, hitting the water like a battering ram.

“Gad!” I scream, and dive down after him.

He’s sinking fast, and I kick with all my strength to reach him. I catch the shoulder of his tunic and strain, dragging him up. My lungs are ablaze, the fingers of my right hand gripping him like a barnacle.

Just when my lungs are about to burst, I resurface and pull Gad’s head out of the river.

“Are you all right?” I sputter.

He can’t speak.

You’re alive, at any rate, I think. I hook my arm around his waist and head toward the bank. Gasping and wheezing, we heave ourselves onto a rock. I stand, trying to make out our surroundings, but my knees buckle, my legs fold, and pain explodes in my head.

“AFTER TWENTY YEARS! HASHEM HAS RETURNED MY SISTER’S SON!” HER EYES ARE BRIGHT WITH TEARS.

Tamar

The sun is beginning to rise as I walk to the rock where I pray. As I approach, I realize that something is wrong.

“Shimon! Aaron! Help!” I shout for my sons. They’re at my side instantaneously.

“What’s happened, Ima?” “Are you hurt?”

“There!” I point.

Two men lie prone on the rocks. The taller one is injured; blood coats his pale face. Working together, my sons turn him on his back as gently as possible.

He moans.

“He’s alive,” Shimon says, “but we’ll need to get him to the house and see to his injuries. Let’s see the other one.”

When they turn him over, I nearly swoon.

“Shimon!” Aaron exclaims. “He looks like you!”

His green eyes flicker open for just a moment, but it’s enough. There’s a brown crescent-shaped speck on the bottom of his left iris.

I know who he is.

Gad When my eyes open, I see myself in a mirror. The mirror smiles. How strange — I’m not smiling. My reflection speaks.

“Baruch Hashem, you’re awake! You had us worried there.”

Who is this man who looks so like me? I sense movement 302

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on my right.

“Ima?” Now I am truly confused. “Where am I? How did you get here?”

She smiles at me, displaying a dimple in her left cheek. Ima has never had a dimple.

“Is this a trick?”

“Is your name Gad?” Now I’m sure something is very, very wrong. Does my mother not know my name?

“You know it is. What is going on?”

“Gad, it is you! Yishtabach Shemo! Just in time for Pesach, too!

This is a miracle!”

“What’s going on?” I’m bewildered.

“After twenty years! Hashem has returned my sister’s son!”

Her eyes are bright with tears.

My aunt? Can this be true?

“Didn’t you know you have family? Has my sister never spoken of me?”

“Y-yes, of course. But not that you’re identical.” My head aches, and I close my eyes, fighting the rising nausea.

“Oh! But you’re ill! We’ll leave you to your rest,” my aunt says, “and return later.”

So many thoughts bounce around in my mind. My mother is a twin. So that young man who could almost be my reflection must be my cousin. Over the next few days, I recover enough to meet the family — my uncle and the rest of my cousins. Questions fly so quickly between us, it reminds me of the harpastum ball game they play back in Rome.

“Is your mother alive?” asks Azariah.

“Are there many Yehudim where you live?” asks Aaron.

“Have you ever seen the emperor?” wonders little Chana.

“Who is that strange man we found with you?” asks Tamar.

“Oh, no! Linus! Where is he?

Is he all right?”

A peculiar look passes among the assembled.

“Don’t tell me he’s dead!”

Shimon answers, “Oh, no, he’s still alive. He’s not fully conscious, though.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “May I see him?”

That peculiar look again. Azaraiah asks, “Who is he? He’s not a Yehudi, is he?”

“Linus, Jewish? Hardly. He’s my master’s son.” But then I add quickly, “But he’s not like most Romans. We grew up together.”

Azariah’s eyebrows rise up to meet his hairline. “Roman?

No, he’s certainly not typical.”

“He gets his coloring from his mother. She was a Briton.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he says.

My spoon clatters to the table. “What’s going on? What do

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you mean? Speak plainly. Is he dying?”

“He was badly injured when we found you.” Tamar says.

“He had a gash on his head that we’ve sutured, but he’s developed a fever since.”

I’m horrified, but Aaron tries to calm me. “We’re taking care of him as best as we can.”

“Roman?” Azariah asks again, sitting up very straight.

“Why do you seem so shocked?” There is irritation in my voice.

“Well,” Aaron says, “When Ima stitched him, he suddenly opened his eyes.”

“And?” “And he said something strange.”

“Oh!” I finally understand.

“He speaks Latin. Of course you didn’t understand what he said.”

Azariah gives me that look again. “I’ve heard Latin before, and I’m sure you’ll agree that ‘Shema Yisroel Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad’ is most certainly not Latin.”

“SOMEHOW I DON’T THINK YOUR UNCLE, A JEW WHO ESCAPED JUDEA, IS GOING TO LIKE ME VERY MUCH.”

Linus

Mount Vesuvius must be erupting again. Inside my head. Intense light and then utter darkness. So, so hot. I must be dead. No! I don’t want to see Marcus yet! I can’t stop shaking. Darkness again.

It must be years later when I open my eyes. I see Gad. Two of him?

“Have I lost my mind?” I whisper.

“You’re awake!” one of them cries. “How do you feel?”

“Like my head is hosting a chariot race.”

He has the audacity to laugh. “You’re all right! Same old Linus. No, don’t try to get up yet.”

“I give the orders, you upstart.” I sit up, then regret it. I’ll never admit that to him, so I close my eyes.

When I open them again hours later, I see someone else.

“Devorah? No. I must be dying or going insane.” I groan.

“How long have I been ill? Is this fellow your brother, Gad? How did she get here?”

And that’s when they tell me the most incredible tale.

They’re still talking, talking, talking when I fall back and all goes dark again.

When I awaken, there’s just one of him this time — and he’s trying to spoon broth into my mouth. I grab the spoon out of his hand.

“Am I an infant?” I growl.

“You’re behaving like one.”

“And you forget yourself. I’m the master.”

“My deepest apologies, domine,” he rejoins.

“My horse is more sincere.” I snort. “Was I dreaming? Or 304

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are we really in your uncle’s home?”

“We are, blessed be the Holy One.” “Blessed He may be for you,” I reply. “Somehow I don’t think your uncle, a Jew who escaped Judea, is going to like me very much.”

“True. He hates Romans.”

“Naturally.”

“But he can’t help but respect a man who saved his nephew’s life.”

My cheeks tingle. “Oh, that? One must protect his assets.”

“Indeed. And one who says Shema Yisroel.”

I must be feverish again.

My face feels as fiery as my hair.

“Your uncle’s a liar.”

He smirks. Insufferable creature. “I must return to the Seder now. Try to rest.”

I do try, but not for long.

Peace and quiet is sickening in large doses.

After two attempts that nearly make me reconsider, I finally manage to hoist myself onto my legs and remain upright. Then, like some dreadful pantomime performer, I shuffle along the wooden floor of the corridor toward the sound of voices. I pause at the entrance of the triclinium. The uncle looks majestic, though his green robes have obviously seen better days.

The others, too, are dressed in their shabby finery and recline on couches similar to our lecti back home. A basket filled with what seems to be thin, crunchy bread is displayed in the center of a low table.

As beautiful as it all looks, something the uncle says freezes me. Frankly, I don’t understand much, but there’s one word I recognize. Avdus. Slavery. The servants back home used to say that word. And yet strangely, tonight, in this pitiful farmhouse, hounded out of their homeland by my countrymen, they seem more regal than the emperor himself.

A cloud has replaced my brain as I concentrate on Gad’s face. His expression is inscrutable. I feel a pit in my stomach that I know has absolutely nothing to do with my injuries. I’ve seen enough. I’m an intruder here. Silently, I drag myself back to my chamber and fall into bed.

I think of my father, and how exasperated he usually is with me. I think of Marcus, and how proud my father was of him. But I also remember how all the slaves would practically shrink into the walls when they heard him approach.

I must stay awake until Gad returns. I must ask him, though I can guess, what his uncle has said that has left him so perturbed. Marcus would’ve never had a serious conversation with a slave. But I am not Marcus.

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Gad Some weeks later, when Linus is fit to travel, my uncle and cousins transport us across the river. Upon reaching town, we procure horses and make the overland journey to Syria. Arriving at the Roman garrison in Palmyra, Linus receives word that his father has died.

His face twitches strangely. He stares at me, then suddenly jerks away.

“I’m sorry, Linus,” I say.

A strange snort comes forth from him, then a chuckle, and suddenly he’s vibrating with absurd laughter! Has he gone mad?

“Lucia will grovel at my ‘barbarian’ feet!” he hooted. “Or maybe she’d rather take poison!”

“Shall I call a doctor?” I ask. “You’ve had a shock.”

“By the look of your face, so have you,” he retorts. His expression serious now, he shakes my hand. “Congratulations!”

“What?”

“Peel your jaw off the ground, man. I am the paterfamilias now,” Linus says. “When we arrive in Rome, I’ll take you and Devorah to the magistrate for manumission.”

“What are you saying?”

He sucks in a breath. “I’m saying that I will free you, you fool!” He turns his face from me again. “As much as it pains me to do so.” And he stomps off toward the baths, kicking up sand with every step.

Linus is awkwardly silent and often short with me during our journey back, but he keeps his word. Months later, lawfully freed, Ima and I prepare to go. I feel elated but also sad as I take my leave of him on the portico in the garden, near the mulberry tree where Marcus had hung Linus all those years ago.

“Are you sure you’ll manage without me?”

“Come now, don’t be a sentimental old woman. Alastair is a perfectly competent scribe. How will you manage without me?”

“I’ll miss you.”

He stops abruptly to admire the peonies.

“Please say you’ll come see us,” I say. “I’d hate to think that I’ll never see you again.”

“Well, one never knows,” he replies. “I have to admit, those years we spent traveling together were my happiest.

Aunt Lucia’s right, you know. I’ve never been a true Roman.

Rome doesn’t always feel like home to me. I’ll see my sisters married and settled, though, before I decide what’s next for me.”

“Will you go to your mother’s people in Britannia?” I wonder.

He pulls a face. “And lose my ears to frostbite? Please, spare me.” He’s quiet for a moment. “I’m not quite sure what I’ll do, though I know G-d has a plan for us all.”

“Don’t you mean ‘the gods’?” I tease him.

“You heard what I said.”

I inhale the perfume of Domina Aislynn’s white roses as we return to the domus.

I embrace him. “My dear, dear friend. Thank you.”

“Really, Gad. This is just too much,” he says. But I feel him hug me too.

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A NATION REDEEMED “And I will redeem you with an outstretched arm” (Shemos 6:6).

Pesach is a celebration of redemption. Let us take an expanded tour to learn more about three mitzvos of redemption — each intricately tied to Yetzias Mitzrayim in their own way.

Y. B L O O M I N G

Across all five Chumashim, and filling the pages of every siddur, we find myriads of references to Yetzias Mitzrayim. Not only do we have the solemn responsibility to continually remember this foundational moment, but a host of mitzvos are also directly and indirectly tied to commemorating our salvation.

In fact, we even say during Friday night Kiddush that Shabbos, a mitzvah with no clear connection to it, is also sanctified as a zecher l’Yetzias Mitzrayim.

Here’s what the Torah tells us in Parshas Bo about two such mitzvos: “And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, Hashem killed the firstborn of both people and animals in Egypt; this is why I sacrifice to Hashem the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons” (Shemos 13:15).

These two mitzvos of pidyon haben and the more obscure pidyon peter chamor are redemptions of one sort, directly linked to Yetzias Mitzrayim and even dictated to us in the same parsha.

vivors who must bring a korban todah, or say Birchas Hagomel today. These four categories of survivors are related to the experiences of the Yidden who left Mitzrayim. One of them is “he who was imprisoned and has been released.” As a nation, never did we experience a case of pidyon shvuyim as we did on that fateful morning when we left Pharaoh and his fortified country behind.

Before we proceed to learn more about these mitzvohs of pidyon, it is worth mentioning another thread that ties these mitzvos together.

The Yerushalmi teaches us (Shekalim 2:3) in regard to pidyon haben and the amounts that must be handed over to the kohen: “You sold Rochel’s firstborn for twenty pieces of silver, therefore you too shall give five shekalim — twenty gerah — for your firstborn.” Yosef’s sale into servitude and imprisonment was only undone hundreds of years later, when the bechorim of the Bnei Yisroel were spared.

But there’s also another mitzvah of pidyon, of redemption, which has bound Yidden together throughout galus: pidyon shvuyim.

It’s Zman Cheiruseinu. Let us learn a little bit about these wonderful mitzvos, which directly link us to the events of over three thousand years ago.

In Tehillim 107, we learn of the groups of sur-

Enjoy!

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n a world with an ever-increasing number of simchos, ka”h, one kind of simcha and

seudas mitzvah has managed to retain its allure, being eagerly attended by all invitees, regardless of how busy their daily schedule may be: the pidyon haben.

This mitzvah is a rare once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The number of halachic requirements as to which newborns require redeeming makes it so that probably less than a quarter of families are zoche to participate in it. And the ceremony itself, much of which is based on halacha as well as some customs, boasts a uniquely wholesome feel and is remembered by attendees long after those little garlic and sugar cube baggies have been consumed or misplaced.

If pidyon habens are cherished and relished this much by the general community, we can only imagine what they mean to the kohanim on the other side of this unique transaction.

For the first leg of this pidyon tour, we spoke with Rav Yakov Elya Turnheim, a kohen from respected lineage, about this mitzvah, its attributes and what it means to him.

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Being the chosen kohen for a pidyon haben is a rare kibud. In your personal experience, why have young fathers chosen you to perform this mitzvah?

I would say that the majority of people start out by searching for a relative who is a kohen. For me, personally, my earliest pidyon haben was for a talmid I was close with, and they’ve essentially been the ones who have invited me since.

The entire pidyon haben event is unique. How much variance is there between different kehillos and communities?

The Gemara tells us the basics of how it should be done, and the Rishonim, including the Mordechai, give a more detailed description of the entire ceremony, much of which has remained unchanged throughout the ages. That being said, there are some aspects left up to minhagim, and as a Satmar chassid, I try to stick to how things are done by us.

Can you briefly walk us through the essentials of how the mitzvah is performed?

Unlike a bris, for example, the seudah begins before the actual pidyon haben takes place. In some kehillos, the kohen will go over to speak to the infant’s mother and confirm that the child meets all criteria for this mitzvah. This is a minhag 316

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Coins that the father of our interviewee received years ago at a pidyon haben, gebentched by the previous Satmar Rebbe, Reb Yoel zt”l.

I do as well.

The father will then bring the child before the kohen — who remains seated while the father stands — and say that his wife, who is neither a bas kohen or bas levi, gave birth to a bechor. The kohen will then ask, “What do you prefer, the child or the five silver coins?” When the father responds that he prefers the child, he recites the brachos of Al Pidyon Haben and Shehecheyanu and gives the coins to the kohen, who will generally count it to make sure the amount is right. The Rishonim direct the father to say something to the effect of, ‘This money should take the place of the child,’ but in our circles, we don’t do that today.

Finally, the kohen makes a bracha on wine and says Birchas Kohanim for the young child.

Wait a minute… I’m sure some readers are scratching their heads right now and wondering what happens if the father says he wants to keep the money. Would you be heading home with a newborn in a stroller?

(Laughs) Don’t worry... This is merely a formality established by Chazal in order to endear the mitzvah to the father.

You mentioned five silver coins. There has recently been some controversy about the usage of certain silver coins, and the Hisachdus organization even released the first-ever coins with a hechsher.

What can you tell us about this matter?

First, it must be noted that you don’t need to use five silver coins; that is merely the value that the father has to give to the kohen — a couple of hundred dollars. That being said, many Yidden do want to give silver coins as is written in the Torah.

Regarding the recent controversy, some of the silver coins in circulation did not contain the requisite amount of silver to qualify, which is why some now only purchase coins that they know meet this threshold.

Let’s talk about the timing of the mitzvah. Why are most pidyon habens held in the afternoon?

Generally speaking, mitzvos are to be performed as soon as possible, which is why a bris generally takes place in the morning. According to halacha, however, a pidyon haben can only take place after a full month has passed since the child was born, so we try to wait until the afternoon of day 31 to ensure that it is indeed so. And while pidyon habens are sometimes performed at night, it is preferable to do them during the daytime, a period of increased chasadim.

After 2,000 years, it’s hard to know who is a true kohen today. How can fathers know with certainty that the mitzvah of being done right?

Good question. Some poskim, including Rav Yakov Emden, zt”l, indeed advise that bechorim should be redeemed by multiple kohanim so as to increase their chances of a pidyon done right. It is said that the Shinover Rav, who was a bechor, spent many years doing the mitzvah again and again with different kohanim. However, there are families who carry the mesorah of being true kohanim, and baruch Hashem, we are among them.

How so?

We are grandchildren of the great Avodas Yisaschar, whose Rebbe, Rav Chaim Meir Schapiro, zt”l, known as the Saraf of Moglintzia and a grandson of the Kozhnitzer Maggid, said about him that he is a true kohen. This carries a lot 318

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of weight by chassidim.

If we talk about pidyon habens, we must mention the garlic and sugar cubes that are distributed. What is the reason for this?

Everyone knows that the seudah of a pidyon haben is a source of tremendous segulos. It is even said that eating from one is akin to fasting 84 fast days. Garlic and sugar both have lengthy shelf lives and provide dishes with notable flavor. This means that the meal of the pidyon haben ends up reaching further and for longer periods of time.

There is a minhag by some to be Harav aggressive when Yisoschor Dov Berish Turnheim “grabbing” the garzt”l, the Avodas lic and sugar. I’m Yisoschor, who not sure where this was considered by many to be a custom originated, reliably authenbut I once suggesttic kohen. ed that since the mitzvah is related to Yetzias Mitzrayim, it is a fitting remembrance for the bizos hayam, where the Yidden grabbed as much loot as they could.

Let’s talk about the mitzvah from your point of view. How do you view the opportunity to be the chosen kohen?

It’s truly humbling when I’m honored to perform this mitzvah. This is not only because it is a rare mitzvah that most Yidden are unable to perform, but also because as kohanim in galus, it is among the only mitzvos that we can still perform to the fullest extent. In fact, of the 24 matnos kehunah that the Torah commands to be given to a kohen, this is one of just two that we still receive today for our personal benefit.

Speaking of which, what do you do with the coins?

Personally, I just hold onto them as a chefetz shel mitzvah, but we are free to enjoy them however we see fit. Some of those who hold the position that kohanim today aren’t reliably kohanim suggest that the kohen should just return it to the father (of his own volition, of course). The Toldos Aharon Rebbe, who is a kohen, is known to melt the coins and use the silver in a becher or similar items.

Let us hope that this Pesach we should be back in Yerushalayim, where the kehunah will be returned to its full glory.

Amein. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

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n an era where our interactions with living animals consist mostly of chasing them away from our garbage cans and the occasional trip to the zoo, a mitzvah involving the redemption of the eldest male offspring of a donkey seems to be of little relevance.

But the Torah and its mitzvos are eternal, and pidyon

peter chamor is not merely an opportunity for a Chol Hamoed attraction or pictures in your favorite pictorial.

In the times when Yidden lived in agricultural societies, this mitzvah and its halachos, which apply both in Eretz Yisroel and abroad, were common facts of life. Indeed, the entire first perek of Mesches Bechoros is specifically

dedicated to the many intricacies of pidyon peter chamor.

What actually is pidyon peter chamor? Well, every bechor carries a certain sanctity. This applies to people as well as kosher animals. But there is one non-kosher animal that also bears some level of holiness, and that is the donkey. As mentioned in the introduction to this feature, this mitzvah is directly tied to Yetzias Mitzrayim, and the Gemara (Bechoros 5b) suggests that donkeys require redeeming because they helped Bnei Yisroel carry their heavy loads upon leaving Mitzrayim.

Be that as it may, the halacha is that a firstborn male donkey cannot be used for any personal benefit; even transporting something on its back or using its hair is prohibited. In order to redeem it, the owner must in its stead give a lamb or goat to a kohen, at which time the holiness is removed from the donkey, and the kohen’s gift can be used as he sees fit.

Among the mitzvos that still apply today, this has to be among the most rare ones, and many Yidden have tried to have a part in performing it. As you will see in this conversation with Reb Aharon Protovin, this is by no means an easy feat.

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How did you get involved with this mitzvah?

I worked in Klausenburg Camp for many years, and part of my job was to take care of its well-known petting zoo. The zoo was a pet project (pardon my pun) of Reb Shia Moskowitz, the longtime manager of the camp. Every summer, he would help set up the zoo again and acquire animals from local farms he partnered with.

The kids loved the experience, and children would come from other camps to visit it as well. I should also note that many rabbanim came to check out the farm over the years because we had brought together a large collection of animals, many of which are discussed in halacha. Rav Chaim Leib Katz, the Serdahely Rav, was among them, and he told us that we are zoche to do a mitzvah in the Torah every day that others can’t, by feeding the animals before we ourselves eat, as the halacha states.

What was your prior experience with animals that qualified you for this job?

I’ve simply always had a knack for it. Even in my younger years, I would read books about animals, seek out opportunities to play with them, and so on.

But a lot of it I learned on the job.

Were the children actively involved in caring for the animals, or was it more for them to have what to look at?

Of course they cared for the animals! They loved working with them. They helped feed them, clean them, and generally care for them. We also had an

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kowitz, zt”l, the dayan of Klausenburg in Williamsburg, helped direct all the halachic aspects, and it was notable that he told everyone to stand up when the animals were brought into the event.

What do you remember about that day?

incubator where eggs would be kept warm until hatching, and the boys were fascinated to watch it all happen live. One summer I promised them that they’ll have duck by their siyum, and we had a shochet come down so that they could eat a duck raised on the farm. It was truly an immersive and transformative experience for all involved.

It was during the summer, and thousands of people, including many rabbanim, came from all around the Catskills to witness the event live. Bleachers and tables were set up outside to accommodate everyone. I remember that it rained all day, and we were getting really concerned about the impact the weather would have. But then, shortly before the event was due to start, the skies cleared. And when the ceremony was complete, it started raining again. We took that as a sign that our efforts were appreciated in Shamayim.

Where did the idea of getting a donkey for the mitzvah come from?

What happened with the donkey and the kohen’s new lamb afterward?

I was just one of the people who wanted to have a part in this rare mitzvah. There is a Yid in Boro Park named Reb Hershel Shputz who was a big supporter of the farm, simply because he wanted the kids to enjoy this fun experience. He would always sponsor items we needed, including the aforementioned incubator.

One day about thirteen or fourteen years ago, I was discussing the idea of having our own donkey bechor, and he jumped at the opportunity, telling me that I should dive in headfirst and that he will cover any related costs. And so we did.

There was a farm not far from there, on Hasbrouck Road, and they asked to take the donkey off our hands. The kohen, who was now the rightful owner of the lamb, took it back to his colony, where they brought down a shochet and were able to perform more mitzvos with it.

How does one go about acquiring a bechor?

You can’t buy one; it needs to be born to you. So we purchased a very young female donkey, and simply hoped that in the future, her firstborn would be a male donkey. And baruch Hashem, it was.

What happened next?

The Klausenburg Rebbe, shlit”a, as well as many other chashuve Yidden, had partnered with us in owning the donkey. So when the grand ceremony was planned, the Rebbe naturally received the honor of performing the mitzvah. The kohen was Reb Baruch Yehuda Rubin, father-in-law of the aforementioned Mr. Shputz who was instrumental in making it all happen. Rav Fishel Hersh324

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Do you see yourself doing this mitzvah again?

Baruch Hashem, I was fortunate to have performed it once, and I’m grateful for that. With all that goes into it and with my day-to-day responsibilities as a rebbi, I don’t know whether I’ll ever have the opportunity again. I’ll always have fond memories of that period, and the mitzvah will remain forever, of course.

PIDYON SHVUYIM

T

he Rambam in Hilchos Matnas Aniyim (8:10) begins and ends the halacha of Pidyon Shvuyim by twice stating that “there is no mitzvah greater than this one.”

In between, the Rambam explains that the struggle of a captive includes being hungry, thirsty, unclothed, as well as having their lives in danger. He also goes on to list multiple mitzvos in the Torah that command us to help a captive and multiple aveiros trans-

gressed by those who ignore their plight.

Much has changed over the years, and the day-to-day concerns of captives have certainly lessened. But that hasn’t stopped Klal Yisroel from holding this mitzvah in especially high regard, and stepping up in every way possible to secure the release of a fellow Yid behind bars by any means necessary.

One man has made it his mission in recent years to give voice to the voiceless and help individuals get out of prison early, or when not possible, alleviate their struggles while behind prison walls. Here we spoke with Jeff, a Yid in his 70s who has dedicated himself to this cause, about his work, its impact and what the community should know.

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What got you involved with this great mitzvah?

I was approached by Rabbi Avrohom Horowitz from Monsey (the DzikovMelitz Rav), who is known to help Yidden in prison, and he recruited me to assist the L’asurim organization in supporting the needs of those behind bars.

Did you have any prior background in this arena?

No, not really. I’ve been working for over 50 years, though, so I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge across many fields. A large part of my portfolio includes bankruptcy consulting, which gave me insight into the legal world and how to deal with with bureaucratic processes.

Can you share a little bit about what your chesed work entails?

There are many aspects to it, but I’ll share a couple of things that I’ve been busy with in recent days. I just spent an hour and a half on the phone with a woman whose husband has been sentenced to five to fifteen years in prison. His alleged financial crime wasn’t great, but they classified it as a hate crime because the victims were elderly and disabled.

There’s not much we can do for him at the moment, but I spoke with her, explained what the process is going to be like, how parole works, when she can hopefully expect him to come home, and so on.

But some things are much more tangible. Right now I’m busy with what’s called an Article 78 proceeding, where we are appealing a decision of a parole board to the courts. In a nutshell, parole boards decide whether someone should be released from prison after serving a portion of their sentence. In this case, the man’s crime was committed 35 years ago, and he has already served 22 years. I believe that the parole board is completely wrong for not releasing him yet, and we are working hard to get a judge to order a new parole review.

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Most people cannot really assist you with what you’re doing. How can everyday people support prisoners?

It can be as simple as contacting one of the chesed organizations and getting addresses of inmates in order to write to them. I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly heartwarming it is for them to feel like people on the outside know about them and care about them. We have put together resources to guide people on what they can send and how.

Do you feel like things have gotten better in regard to allowing prisoners access to the things we take for granted in the outside world?

Unfortunately not. In fact, the opposite is true.

Just a few months ago, the authorities essentially banned homemade packages from being sent to prisoners, which further isolated them from the world outside. I applaud Assemblyman David Weprin for coming out forcefully and leading protests against this policy.

Why did they ban it?

The given reason is that they fear that drugs are being smuggled in, but it doesn’t add up. All packages are opened, scanned and thoroughly checked.

If that’s not enough, they’ve also clamped down harder on other harmless things like wearing hoodies, which inmates often need due to the cold. Visiting is also increasingly difficult, especially for observant Jews, because some facilities only allow weekend visits, and some will stagger their visits between Shabbos and Sunday, leaving some prisoners without much of an available window for their families to come by.

What can be done about these things?

Lobbying today is one of the most powerful methods of Pidyon Shvuyim. The only thing that can change things is

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applying pressure on politicians to encourage them to get prisons to treat incarcerated people humanely.

But what do you say to those who will counter that we aren’t deterring criminals if we go easy on them?

Many people struggle to find sympathy for criminals. After all, these are people who did pretty bad things to end up in this position. How do you feel about that?

Look at the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark). They have prisons too, and offenders are kept off the streets and their freedoms taken away. But they are treated humanely, and their sentences are shorter. And guess what, their rate of recidivism (returning to criminal activity) is lower than ours!

There are many layers to this. The first is that some people get caught up in things they’re not really guilty of. Then there are those whose sentences don’t fit the crime. But even absent that, these are our fellow human beings. Each of them was born to a father and mother. They were all innocent little kids at some point. Maybe their circumstances led them astray, or maybe they had a difficult period or a bad moment. Regardless of what their story was, they are people like us, created in the image of the One Above, and they should be treated humanely even if they aren’t ready to be released back into society, which they often should be.

On a related topic, there has been much discussion about prison reform. In your opinion, what do you wish to see changed?

If there’s one thing I’d love to see go, it’s what’s called indeterminate sentencing, where the judge establishes the minimum period of imprisonment and maximum term of imprisonment, based on certain statutes. Some of these ranges can be extreme, going from a number of years to potentially life in prison.

The problem with these things is that the judge, after hearing all evidence and really digging into the case and the perpetrator’s life, will very often wish to sentence them on the lower end, but they’re prevented from doing that. And years later, the unelected parole board members, who have little accountability, will let power go to their heads and give people far more stringent sentences for no reason.

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You mentioned earlier that some innocent people end up being declared guilty. That would probably be Pidyon Shvuyim of the highest order. Have you ever been involved in such a case?

Yes. Here’s a story: There was a Jewish man who was convicted of hiring someone to kill someone else. It wasn’t true.

But he sat for 25 years! We gathered affidavits from people involved in the story and presented an overwhelming case proving his innocence to the board. He was recently released. Now we are working on what’s called a 440 Motion in order to get the actual conviction overturned as well.

How has your own life been impacted by these acts of chesed?

It can sometimes be very frustrating, but it is also very rewarding at times. One of my closest friends today, and a man I talk to almost every evening, is someone whose release I’ve helped bring about. Knowing that someone is living a free and prosperous life because of the efforts I was involved in is a reward in and of itself.

Any final words to our readers?

Have compassion on those in prison. It’s sometimes easy to sit in our comfortable homes and judge others as less than us. But they are our fellow brothers, and we can help bring them a taste of cheirus, to one extent or another.

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Monuments to Freedom SARAH SHLESINGER

Yetzias Mitzrayim is when Klal Yisroel actually became a nation.

As such, we commemorate the miracles Hashem performed to redeem us — not only on Pesach, but every Shabbos when we make Kiddush: “zecher l’Yetzias Mitzrayim.”

This concept of memorializing freedom and emancipation is universal among the nations, though on a much humbler level.

Join us as we journey around the world and explore several such monuments.

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The Wilberforce Monument KINGSTON UP ON HULL , ENGL AND

William Wilberforce is renowned as the foremost abolitionist of his time. In 1780, at the tender age of 21, Wilberforce was elected to Parliament for his home city of Hull. A deeply religious man, Wilberforce was horrified by the institution of slavery. Since the 16th century, British ships dominated the Atlantic slave trade, transporting over 11 million Africans under barbaric conditions, and selling them as slaves. For 18 years, Wilberforce tirelessly sponsored numerous anti-slavery motions.

In a 1791 speech to the House of Commons, he admonished his fellow MPs: “Having heard all this you may choose to look the other way, but you can never again say you did not know.”

Finally, in 1807, a bill was passed to abolish the slave trade in the British West Indies. But the bill didn’t free those who were already enslaved. Finally, on July 26, 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed, emancipating all British-owned slaves. Wilberforce passed away three days later.

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Monument to Freedom ST. HELIER, JERSE Y

Eighty miles south of the English coast, close to Normandy, lies the archipelago known as the Channel Islands. While not part of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands are divided into two British Crown Dependencies, namely the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey. So while these islands have retained governmental autonomy since the 1200s, they remain a possession of the British Crown, making their inhabitants British citizens.

When France fell to the Nazis in 1940, the British government made the decision to demilitarize the archipelago and redeploy the troops stationed there to where they were more urgently needed. An evacuation effort was mobilized, and over just ten days, was successful in transporting 25,000 citizens to England, though the vast majority of islanders remained.

On June 28, 1940, the Nazis attacked the islands and immediately occupied four of them: Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney and Sark.

For the next five years, life for the British citizens of the islands changed drastically. The currency was changed to the Reichsmark, and inhabitants had to obey the Nazi laws.

Anyone breaking the rules faced imprisonment or deportation to prisons or concentration camps.

When the war in Europe ended, so did the occupation. In 1995, the Liberation Sculpture, commemorating 50 years since the liberation of Jersey, was unveiled. The sculpture depicts six islanders releasing a billowing Union Flag with the assistance of a liberator dressed in army fatigues. While the adults’ faces express relief, only the face of the child conveys the excitement and joy of the moment.

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Les Braves Omaha Beach Memorial NORMANDY, FR ANCE

The Battle of Normandy launched the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. The D-Day operation combined the land, air and sea forces of the Allied armies in the largest invasion force in history. After a massive airborne assault, nearly 160,000 Allied soldiers crossed the English Channel and landed on five beaches in Normandy.

The fighting was brutal, with the Allies suffering at least 10,000 casualties. The worst ordeal of the Allied forces was experienced by the U.S. 1st Infantry on Omaha Beach, with 2,400 casualties. But despite the heavy losses, D-Day was ultimately a success. It opened a major front and led to France’s liberation, denying the Nazis further economic and manpower exploitation of that country. The U-boat ports and a large chunk of Germany’s air defense network were captured, leading most of the German high command to be convinced that total defeat was inevitable.

On June 5, 2004, the day before the 60th anniversary of D-Day, Les Braves, a sculpture created

by Anilore Banon, was inaugurated. The monument, characterized by three stainless steel wings and towers, is located at the center of Omaha Beach and consists of three elements: “The Wings of Hope,” “Rise, Freedom!” and “The Wings of Fraternity.” In the words of the sculptress, “I created this sculpture to honor the courage of these men: sons, husbands, and fathers, who… sacrificed their lives in the hope of freeing the French people.” One million visitors come every year to pay their respects to the brave soldiers who liberated France— and eventually, all of Europe.

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Berlin Wall Segments BRUS SEL S, BELGIUM

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When World War II finally ended in 1945, the Allies split Germany into four occupation zones. The eastern section fell under Soviet control, and the western section was divided by the United States, Great Britain, and France. While Berlin itself was located in the Soviet section, it was agreed that the capital city would also be divided among the Allies.

Both the United States and the Soviet Union emerged from the war as “superpowers,” and each was eager to exert their influence. Over time, the divisions between the two became more pronounced. In 1952, the Soviets closed the border between East and West Germany, but their oppressed citizens could still escape via Berlin, where the border was still open.

The existence of a conspicuously capitalist city right beside them was unacceptable to Soviet leaders, and in 1961, a series of concrete border walls, equipped with guard towers and mine strips, was constructed. For nearly three decades, the Berlin Wall kept East Germans from escaping to the affluent West.

But by 1989, civil unrest in East Germany put intense pressure on the East German government to ease travel restrictions. On the evening of November 9, a government spokesman reported that East Germans would be free to travel to the west effective “immediately,” failing to explain that some regulations would remain. The media then erroneously reported that the border was open. Swarms of Berliners flocked to the checkpoints, with the crowds growing so large that the confused guards were overwhelmed and allowed them to flood through. People used hand tools to pick away chunks of the wall, while bulldozers tore down entire sections. In 1990, Germany was officially reunified, and the fall of the Soviet Union followed.

Hundreds of wall segments have been shipped to over fifty countries around the world. Notably, a section bearing the portrait of President John F. Kennedy is displayed directly in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. These pieces of wall remind us that any barriers erected to impede liberty and democracy can be dismantled.

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The Freedom Monument RIGA , L AT VIA

Situated along the Baltic Sea, Latvia shares borders with Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania. Latvia had been part of the Russian Empire since the 1700s, but following the Russian Revolution, declared itself an autonomous nation. A Soviet invasion triggered the outbreak of the Latvian War of Independence, which ultimately came to an end with the 1920 signing of an armistice officially recognizing Latvia as an independent nation.

In 1922, Latvia’s Prime Minister Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics announced a contest to design a freedom monument honoring the soldiers lost in the war and to serve as a symbol of Latvian sovereignty and freedom. In 1929, the design Shine Like a Star! by sculptor Kārlis Zāle was eventually declared the winner, with construction starting soon after.

Standing 141 feet high, the monument depicts a copper figure of Liberty holding three gilded stars atop a granite base. It is divided into 13 sculptural groups on four levels, with a total of 56 sculptures depicting Latvian culture and history. The monument lies on the exact location where an equestrian sculpture of Peter the Great stood before the war of independence, in another nod to the defeat of tyranny.

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Azadi Tower TEHR AN, IR AN

In the center of Tehran’s largest square, the Azadi Tower (“Freedom Tower” in Persian) rises 148 feet in the air. It was commissioned in 1971 by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, to mark 2,500 years since the founding of the Persian Empire.

Originally named Shahyad Tower in the Shah’s honor, it was built from 25,000 blocks of white marble cut from the mountains of the Isfahan province.

In 1979, following growing dissatisfaction with his rule and anger over the use of his secret police, the Iranian Revolution toppled the Shah from power and forced him into exile. During the revolution, the Shahyad Tower came to symbolize the freedom the Iranians were seeking, and it was eventually renamed the Azadi Tower. Paradoxically, Hossein Amanat, the architect of the very tower that is said to represent freedom, was forced to leave his homeland when the Ayatollah came to power, because he belonged to a persecuted religious minority. He has not been able to return ever since.

Indeed, countless similar instances of religious persecution and human rights violations have prompted many in the west to comment that the Azadi Tower symbolizes irony rather than liberty.

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The Emancipation and Freedom Monument RICHMOND, VIRGINIA , USA

On September 22, 1862, just days after the bloody Battle of Antietam, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, warning that if the Confederate States didn’t return to the Union, then as of January 1, all enslaved people in those territories “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” They didn’t surrender, and the proclamation went into effect.

While historians debate whether Lincoln truly had the legal authority to issue the proclamation, it clearly changed the focus of the war. Until then, secessionists claimed they were fighting to protect their state rights, but after the proclamation, they couldn’t deny that the conflict was about preserving the institution of slavery. France and England, who had considered aiding the Confederates, were now kept out of the war, since slavery had been abolished in their own countries. This paved the way for the complete abolition of slavery in America, becoming official with the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865.

Over 150 years later, in Richmond, Virginia, the former capital of the Confederacy, the Emancipation and Freedom Monument was unveiled. The monument, designed by Thomas J. Warren, displays two 12-foot bronze statues of a man and a woman carrying an infant, freshly emancipated. Shackles fall from the man’s wrists, while the woman holds a document inscribed with the date January 1, 1863. The unveiling was a poignant moment for the descendants of former slaves, coming just two weeks after the last Confederate monument in Richmond, a massive sculpture of Robert E. Lee, was removed after more than a century.

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The Liberty Bell

PHIL ADELPHIA , PENNSYLVANIA

Commissioned in 1752 and inscribed with “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof,” the Liberty Bell is an icon of American independence.

The famous crack in the bell is said to have occurred soon after its arrival from London.

Repaired twice, the bell summoned lawmakers to the legislature and notified citizens of public meetings. On July 8, 1776, bells throughout the colonies — the Liberty Bell possibly among them — summoned citizens to public readings of the newly signed Declaration of Independence. The Liberty Bell rang out often over the next 70 years, such as after the signing of the Constitution, and after the demise of many Founding Fathers, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and others.

In 1777, the bell was threatened by British forces who planned to melt it down for ammunition. For its protection, the bell was removed and sent under armed guard to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where it was hidden for about a year until the British left Philadelphia.

Since 2003, the Liberty Bell has been on display at the Liberty Bell Center in front of Independence Hall, where visitors can view it free of charge nearly every day of the year.

The Liberty Bell receives approximately one million visitors annually, with the year 1976 holding the record of 3.2 million visitors in honor of America’s bicentennial.

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Liberation Memorial

JERSE Y CIT Y, NE W JERSE Y

In 1983, the State of New Jersey commissioned Liberation.

Standing 15 feet tall and weighing two tons, the bronze sculpture represents an American soldier carrying a liberated Holocaust survivor. Designed and executed by Nathan Rapoport, a Jewish sculptor who escaped Warsaw just before the Nazi blitzkrieg began in 1939, and sponsored by a coalition of veterans’ organizations, the monument lies in Liberty State Park. It is strategically placed so that it creates one point of a “topological triad” together with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. This clearly indicates that we must recognize the Holocaust as a counterpoint to the American principles of freedom and equality.

The monument pays tribute to the heroic GIs who liberated the concentration camps and made it possible for the survivors to rise from the ashes and rebuild their lives in America. As New Jersey governor Thomas H. Kean remarked at the monument’s opening, “This monument says that we, as a collective people, stand for freedom. We, as Americans, are not oppressors….

Our role in the world is to preserve and promote that precious, precious thing that we consider to be a free democracy.”

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The Statue of Liberty NE W YORK HARBOR, NY

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Universally recognized as a monument of freedom, the Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from France to America. A joint project, the 151-foot tall copper statue was designed by Frenchman Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and took nearly ten years to complete, while the 154-foot granite pedestal was designed by American Richard Morris Hunt. Finally, on October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland oversaw its official dedication before thousands of spectators. Since then, the statue stands as an icon of freedom and a symbol of welcome to millions of immigrants seeking liberty and economic opportunity.

Dressed in Roman-style robes, Liberty holds a torch above her head in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with the date July 4, 1776, in her left. She wears a seven-spiked crown to represent rays of light as well as the seven seas and continents. At her feet lies a broken shackle and chain as she steps forward to freedom, symbolizing the abolition of slavery. In 1903, a bronze plaque inscribed with Emma Lazarus’s poem “The New Colossus” was added to the base.

Lady Liberty draws approximately 3.5 million visitors annually. For over 100 years, visitors could climb the 354 steps from the main lobby to look out the 25 windows in her crown.

However, after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the statue was closed. In 2004, the pedestal was reopened, but it wasn’t until October of 2022 that the crown was once again opened to the public. Tickets to the crown sell out quickly due to their extreme popularity, but the breathtaking views make the $25 and the trek up completely worthwhile.

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Leil HaSeder is a treasure trove of customs and traditions that vary by community. While the prevalent minhagim of Yidden of Ashkenazic descent are generally similar in nature, Sefardi communities across the globe maintain unique ways of celebrating this auspicious night.

IRAN

MOROCCO

The song of Dayeinu comes alive among the Yidden of Iran. With each verse, they act out the affliction of Klal Yisroel in Mitzrayim, pantomiming how the Mitzrim hit the Yidden, and how Hashem ultimately took us out.

When it comes to Yidden of Morocco, the one who leads the Seder lifts the ke’arah and passes it over the heads of everyone sitting at the table while reciting a special pasuk about Klal Yisroel leaving Mitzrayim in a hurry. Even sleeping babies in a different room are not left out of this minhag; the ke’arah is whirled above their heads, too! Only then can the Seder begin.

IRAQ After Yachatz, the children of Iraqi Yidden take the afikoman, wrap it in a beggar’s satchel, and leave the house. They knock at the front door, with the satchel on their shoulders and a walking stick in their hands. Someone opens the door for them, and they hold a customary conversation in which they pretend to be Yidden traveling from Mitzrayim to Eretz Yisroel.

BUCHARIA At the Seder of Yidden of Bucharia, during Ha Lachma Anya, one person at the table lifts two matzos in his right hand and sings a pasuk out loud. Then he passes it to the person sitting near him, who follows the same routine.

Everyone at the table has a chance to join in the song. Yes, all who are in need of a Seder are welcome!

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T. Gestetner

TRIPOLI, LIBYA

ETHIOPIA

The ke’arah must be rather large in Tripoli communities! The custom is to place upon it one egg per family member, and some even place two eggs per person.

Since there were no haggadahs in Ethiopia — an amazing fact, considering that the haggadah’s nearly identical nusach across most kehillos attests that the original version was very widespread — the Yidden of Ethiopia would read pesukim about Yetzias Mitzrayim directly from the Torah.

INDIA In India, the haggadah was translated to Morati and Hindi and recited that way by most local Yidden.

YEMEN

KURDISTAN

There is no ke’arah on the brimming Seder table of Yidden of Yemenite descent. Instead, the simanim of the ke’arah are scattered across the table.

The Seder was a communal event in Kurdistan, with many families joining together to celebrate the Yom Tov of freedom. A typical Seder could easily host more than 100 guests.

DJERBA, TUNISIA In homes of Yidden in Djerba, after Yachatz, the head of the household would place the afikoman bag on his shoulder and go around to the neighbors with messages of geulah, such as, “Moshiach is on his way!” or, “L’shanah haba’ah b’Yerushalayim!”

May we merit their fulfillment soon, in our days!

DID YOU KNOW? While Ashkenazim associate kitniyos with Sefardim, the custom is not uniform at all. Some communities of the Eidot Hamizrach, as many prefer to be called, eat rice but not beans or legumes; others eat beans but not rice; and so on. It’s a matter of minhag hamakom.

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CH

030 RECAP: YOSEF AND RACHEL FIND A ROTTING SHIP IN A BAY ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE ISLAND, PARTS OF WHICH THEY CAN USE TO REPAIR THEIR SHIP.

HOW’S THE ROWBOAT? IT’S NOT IN THE BEST SHAPE. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED TO THE HULL HERE?

IT’S IN BAD SHAPE. BUT I THINK IT’LL STILL FLOAT.

NO IDEA…

HANG ON, I’LL BE BACK.

GOOD. LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE SHIP!

DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU’LL MANAGE TO FIX OUR SHIP? THAT WE’LL MAKE IT HOME?

THIS IS SO COOL… WHAT DO YOU THINK SHIMON’S DOING RIGHT NOW? IM YIRTZEH HASHEM…

HMM? OH, I DUNNO. NOT MUCH HE CAN DO ABOUT US. HE’S PROBABLY IN HIS WORKSHOP, SHOEING A HORSE OR SOMETHING.

I WISH THERE WERE A WAY TO TELL HIM WE’RE ALL RIGHT…

WHAT?

I DON’T BELIEVE IT!

HE’S PROBABLY WORRIED SICK ABOUT US!

IT’S A LETTER TO ME… FROM YOSEF!

by: Y O N A H K L E I N

illustration: J A C K Y YA R H I

TO BE CONTINUED...

AP

TER

Hint: Each Boggle board hides a word of nine let ters or more!

Once you have a winner, fill out the form below in its entirety

3.

Email the form to comments@ themonseyview.com or fax to 845600-8483 by Sunday at midnight.

4. Two winners will be drawn each week, each of whom will win a pastrami sandwich and a can of soda!

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:

N

2.

P

Gather round the table to play a family game of Boggle, using this Boggle board.

T

1.

S Y

HOW TO PLAY:

L K N

W G

O F O I T C M P R E B I M E D

Family name: _________________________________ Phone: __________________ Full mailing address: ____________________________________________________ Full name of winner: _________________ Amount of points: __________

Adding “s” to a word • Proper nouns • Abbreviations • Contractions • Acronyms

Full names of competing players:

List some words only the winner found:

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

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

The longest word found on the board: _____________________________ A new word you learned from the board: __________________________ Only complete forms will be entered into the drawing.

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3 2

8

1

8 7 5 1 9 3 4 4 8 5 6 5 5 7 3 2 9 2 4 INTERMEDIATE

8

2

QUICK CLEANUP program

1 7 9 8

The Monsey View’s

ADVANCED

Congratulations to

FAMILY TYRNAUER, 845-XXX-6176

winner of our Quick Cleanup drawing, Week 3!

Call The Monsey View at 845-6008484 to claim your Mefoar Pesach set!

SPONSORED BY

4 3 9 2 6

2 7 1 8 3 7

1 5 8 9 7 2 4 8 9 7 1 4

4

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Henchy Berger, 8, Skvere

Yisrael Meir Meizlik, 10, Bais Dovid

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEN WINNERS OF THE $5 GIFT CARDS AT TOYS4U!

Chayale Kaufman, 11, Pupa

Shlomy Greenberg, 4, Skvere

Leiby Gruenbaum, 6, Munkatch

Baila Chaya Ungar, 8, Skvere

Avrumy Buchinger, 9, Skvere

Leah’la Goldenberg, 11, Satmar

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A $5 credit was issued at Toys4U on the account of the phone number listed on your submission.

Rivky Neiman, 8, Bnos Chana Vien

Devory Schonfeld, 11, Skvere

Thank you to the hundreds of readers who sent in beautifully colored pages! Keep coloring!

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Send your colored page to The Monsey View to enter a drawing for a chance to have your artwork featured in our pages and win $5 at Toys4U! Ten lucky winners will be announced each week!

To enter the raffle, email your colored page to comments@themonseyview.com, or mail it to 365 Route 59, Suite 239, Airmont, NY 10952. Submissions will be included in the drawing only if all information is filled in.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________________________________ Age:____________________

School:_________________________________________________________

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Feel free to photocopy this coloring page for the entire family.

By: Faigy Jacobowitz

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Talent Show

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Where every entry is a winner!

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Mo ishy and She a Gre Gitty Roche la and Raizy Cohen

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To have your child’s creation featured here, email a picture to comments@thmonseyview.com or mail it to 365 Route 59, Suite 239, Airmont, NY 10952.

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Classifieds FOR SALE RESTAURANT FOR SALE Local Monsey Working Restaurant for sale. Call or text +18453934516 Email: Monseyrestaurnt@gmail. com DOONA STROLLER Doona Stroller, multiple colors avail.cll/txt 1-201-6144045 NEOCATE/BABY FORMULA

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CAMPGROUNDS AVAILABLE Campgrounds available to rent for a yeshivas kayitz 50100 boys. maintenance and food included. please contact poconosmanagement@ gmail.com HOUSE FOR RENT IN MONTEBELLO 4,000 sq. Feet. Preferably for a Yeshiva. Please call: 347962-6429 Or 347-733-2566 CAMPGROUNDS AVAILABLE Beautiful campgrounds in the poconos available to rent for yeshivah shabbatons or overnight stays. Please contact poconosmanagement@ gmail.com

VACATION HOME White Lake, NY. Beautiful 8 BR / 5BA home. Sleeps 20+.

Next to the lake. Available weekdays and weekends. Call / text 347-263-4982 VACATION RENTAL Beautiful 4 Bedroom home in gorgeous Highland Mills area next to Monroe for full Pesach, summer or week/ weekends. Call or text 929617-2586.

VILLA IN YERUSHALAYIM Luxurious 6 bedroom private villa in the heart of Romema Yerushalayim, available for rent Shavuos, Sukkos, Summer, Seasonal. whatsapp/ text 845-445-7739 LAKEHOUSE VILLA Luxurious 3 bedroom lake house villa in Case Grande Arizona. Private pool fully stocked kosher kitchen.

520.251.4459

HELP WANTED GROCERY MANAGER Seeking a general manager for a grocery. contact zelig@ theprimestaffing.com

Classifieds BAS MIKROH ’23-‘24 Bas Mikroh is seeking Middle School Moros and Teachers, Junior High Secular Studies Teachers, Assistant to the Principal, Co-teachers and Assistants, Remedial Teachers, and Daycare Assistants to join our dynamic, talented staff.

Please send resume to hr@ basmikroh.org TEACHER GS Elementary Teacher Looking for an experienced, dedicated and capable teacher for upcoming school year. Supportive environment, full curriculum provided, competitive salary, focused on helping each student succeed. Email: chedermonseyeducation@ gmail.com AMAZING OPPORTUNITY! Local property Management Company is looking for a f/t secretary. office Experience required. Great environment, Great pay.

Please email resume to rcmanageoffice@gmail.com

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TEACHER Looking for a dynamic, warm, and dedicated preschool Morah. Supportive environment, competitive salary, part-time/full-time positions available for upcoming school year. Email chedermonseyeducation@ gmail.com

TITLE 1 MATH TEACHER Bais Yaakov Shiras Miriam is seeking a Title 1 Math teacher to teach the first part of Algebra 1 concepts to a small 9th grade, remedial class. Late afternoon hours.

Experience preferred. If interested, please call Mrs. Galsinsky at (845) 640-1800.

YESHIVA OF SPRING VALLEY GIRLS Seeking the following Staff for the 23-24 school year: *2nd Grade General Studies Teacher *7th Grade ELA Teacher, M-Th PM hours.

Competitive salary, warm supportive environment.

Email resume: treitzer@ yeshivaspringvalley.org and call (845)356-1400 #223

JOBS AVAILABLE

F/T POSITION CUSTOMER SERVICE REP Monsey Insurance office on Robert Pitt Drive seeks Customer Service Rep, experience preferred but not required. Hours are Mon-Thu 9 am-5 pm, Fri 9 am- 12 pm. Pay dependent.

Please email resume to jobs@ trustevergreen.com

Part-time & Full-time jobs available. Email TopPartTimeJobs@ gmail.com OFFICE POSITION Office in Monsey is seeking a capable individual for an open position within the finance department. Great opportunity with potential, good pay and Heimish environment. Please email resume to chaimm@ easterndrayage.com PLAYGROUP ASSISTANT Gan Simcha is looking for an assistant for a 2 year old playgroup for September 2023. Contact Rikki 347-9309736.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Bas Mikroh is seeking a full time capable secretary and full time or part time classrooms assistants to join our dynamic staff.

Please send resume to hr@ basmikroh.org.

OFFICE ASSISTANT/ SECRETARY Local gym looking for a motivated and detail oriented office assistant/ secretary. Experience in phone skills and people relations required. Call 845-391-9298 or email leah@ deefitnesscenter.com.

PLAYGROUP MORAH Gan Simcha is looking for a Morah for a 2 year old playgroup for September 2023. Contact Rikki 347-9309736.

LOOKING TO HIRE Mortgage company in spring valley area is seeking a parttime loan processor. Very heimish environment! Great pay for the right candidate! please contact 845-250-1146

Classifieds NY CERTIFIED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS

Open position for both men and women.

If you’re looking for a well-paid job and a flexible schedule apply today. 845-5030488 agrossman@ integratedhealth.com NY PEER SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION REQUIRED SCHOOL SHADOW Looking for a provider to work one on one with a little kid full day in a Chabad school starting immediately.

Training provided. well pay.

845-422-8070 x224

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GREAT SALES POSITION Be Your Own Boss! “Be in business for yourself not by yourself” best training + support provided, great benefits and retirement package. Please email dglick@newyorklife.com or call 845-639-5216 P/T TITLE 1 TEACHER Attention graduates! Want to make a difference in someone’s life? We are looking for a part-time title one teacher. email resume to jobresumes613@gmail.com or call 845-729-3001

TUTOR WANTED Chassidishe cheder looking for a male tutor for title one. 3:30-5:30. Please call 8452637445

GREAT OPPORTUNITY Attention graduates! Want to make a difference in someone’s life? We are looking for someone to work with special needs teenagers. email resume to jobresumes613@gmail.com or call 845-729-3001

GREAT OPPORTUNITY Attention graduates! Want to make a difference in someone’s life? We are looking to hire a female to work with 18+ year olds with special needs. email resume to jobresumes613@gmail. com or call 845-729-3001.

SEEKING CEO Seeking a CEO in a real estate company candidate must have experience with operations in the real estate field 200k email ruchy@ hiresolutionsny.com or call 845.422.80198 Ext 101 and leave a message if no answer.

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Girls’ elementary school seeking passionate teachers, co-teachers, and assistants to join our dedicated team for school year 2023-2024.

Experience preferred, but will train. Warm, positive, and growth oriented work environment. Please send resume to 1school.hiring@ gmail.com JOB OPPORTUNITY Female full-time data processing in a heimish business environment.

Analytical & problem solving skills required. Full training provided. Please send resume with references to hiringnow65@gmail.com.

LOOKING TO HIRE Busy mortgage company seeking a full-time loan processor. Lots of potential for the right candidate!

Spring valley area. Very heimish environment. Please contact 845-250-1146 FEMALE BOOKKEEPERS Seeking female bookkeepers. Beginners are welcome! contact chany@ theprimestaffing.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Skyscraper Insurance is seeking to hire the right candidates to join our team.

Great incentives for the right candidates. Please email your resume to HR@ skyscraperinsurance.com HIRING! All girls’ office in Monsey looking to hire a full/parttime Payroll + Bookkeeping Specialist. Willing to train, but prior office experience is required.

Please email your resume to jobopeningmonsey4@gmail. com.

150+ JOB OPENINGS!

Stop wasting your time going through all the jobs classifieds.

Simply email your resume to Info@ SwiftStaffingGroup.com to explore your options & maximize your career. Or Call/Text/ WhatsApp 732-800-7633 Strictly confidential & completely free.

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Classifieds HELP WANTED Accounting firm is looking for F/T or P/T employee to assist with administrative tasks. Great environment!

Will train. Email resume to monseycpajob@gmail.com or call 212.221.1140 ext 160.

ABA PARA ABA Riders is looking for a female yiddish speaking ABA para to work with 5 year old in his home from 3:30-5:30, 2 to 4 days a week. Well paid, paid taxi. Contact Rikki 347930-9736.

END THE SEARCH Focus on what’s ahead and Create a better future for yourself!! Are you looking for a better opportunity?

Leave it up to us to get you the right one! Email Chaykes@ blackbirdrecruiting.com today to End The Search, Get Employed!

NURSING HOME A/R Heimishe nursing home corporate office looking to hire a female accounts receivable candidate. Must be responsible, organized and possess good communication skills. Please email resume to monseymedicalbilling@ gmail.com

HELP WANTED ABA Riders is looking to hire an ABA para to work with a 6 ear old in a mainstream girls classroom immediately after Pesach. The position can be full-time/part-time. Must have a car. Well paid. Contact Rikki 347-930-9736.

GROUP HOME NURSE Immediate opening for a friendly, professional and reliable nurse to join our team, alongside fellow caregivers, to provide high quality care and nursing oversight for a group home for high functioning individuals with developmental delays.

Part time, flexible hours.

Send resume to kfireman@ chesed247.org Call: 917-9716088

BCBA WANTED ABA Riders is looking to hire a BCBA. Well paid! Contact Rikki 347-930-9736.

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HELP WANTED Many growing companies are looking to expand their team.

Get the job you’re looking for in a Heimish Environment.

Send your Resume To Chaya@thekey2leads.com TEAM LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY Established office in Monsey is looking to hire a female finance team leader to oversee a group of employees. Candidate should be capable of leading a team and managing responsibilities. Some finance experience required.

Complete training provided.

Great potential for growth.

Flexible Hours, Great Pay, Complete benefits package.

Please send your resume to hiringmanager10952@gmail. com.

HELP WANTED Do you enjoy talking to people and want a kosher environment? An only girls customer service office is looking to hire! email etty@ hiresolutionsny.com for more information.

JOB OPENING Are you looking to make an impact on people’s lives? Are looking for a job that requires more than just computer and paperwork? Then this job is FOR YOU. All-girls office in Monsey is looking to hire full time/ part time service coordinators to make a big difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Great salary with potential for growth.

Paid vacation and holidays.

Please send your resume to joboffersmonsey58@gmail. com.

NURSE POSITION Local agency in Monsey is looking to hire a part-time nurse. Hours: MondayThursday 3PM- 5:45pm.

And Sunday 11AM-3PM. RN license Required. Great opportunity for the right candidate. Please send your resume to : jobopening142@ gmail.com.

OFFICE POSITION Seeking a real go-getter for a female office position. contact chany@ theprimestaffing.com

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Classifieds JOB OPPORTUNITY Are you proactive and dynamic? Are you looking for a job that more than data entry, a job that requires personality and diligence?

We are looking for you!

Local all-girls office is looking to hire a full time receptionist to be responsible for several administrative responsibilities. Candidate should be proficient in Microsoft office. Full training provided. Competitive salary with potential for growth.

Full benefits package.

Driver’s License required.

Please send your resume to: myofficejobmonsey@gmail. com OPEN POSITIONS A large company in NJ is seeking to hire for multiple open positions. Beginners are welcome! contact zelig@ theprimestaffing.com

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OPEN POSITION Do you have a feeling toward lightning the load of people who are struggling? Do you like to feel accomplished and successful? Established agency in Monsey is looking to hire part time/ full time coordinator to facilitate services for adults suffering from mental illnesses. Complete training and support provided. Great salary with potential for growth.

Full benefits provided.

Please send your resume to: amazingjoboppertunity@ gmail.com PROGRAM MANAGER Great opportunity for the right candidate. Established agency in Monsey is looking to hire a Day Program Manager to manage and run our special needs adults program. Candidate should be

help wanted N

responsible, hardworking, and very capable. Willing to train.

Flexible- Part time hours.

Competitive pay and benefits.

Please send your resume to: apply1554jobs@gmail.com ONLINE MARKETPLACE MANAGER A busy e-commerce company is seeking an experienced Online Marketplace Manager. Contact zelig@ theprimestaffing.com HELP WANTED Seeking candidates with real estate/construction experience email ruchy@ hiresolutionsny.com GREAT OPPORTUNITY! Seeking an experienced female Payroll associate.

Lots of potential! contact blimiew@theprimestaffing. com

GREAT OPPORTUNITY! Seeking a Level 1 IT with lots of potential. contact zelig@ theprimestaffing.com EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT POSITION Family-owned investment office with a concentration in real estate is looking to hire an executive assistant.

Position includes project management, research of various ventures and supporting office team members. The ideal candidate will have a business background, strong communication skills and good time management abilities. Proven experience a plus. This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits. Please reach out to info@wiseyork. com or 845-213-6357 All submissions will remain strictly confidential

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Classifieds UNDERWRITER A busy insurance agency is seeking to hire an experienced underwriter. must have prior office experience. contact chany@ theprimestaffing.com GREAT OPPORTUNITY! A busy office is seeking a female with great communication skills to join their customer service team! contact chany@ theprimestafffing.com PRIME OPPORTUNITY! Seeking a go-getter to join a busy office. Must have great communication and problem solving skills. Great pay for the right candidate call/text 845-642-7126

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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT A busy agency is seeking a female executive assistant.

Great pay for the right candidate contact blimiew@ theprimestaffing.com

BABYSITTING BABYSITTER AVAILABLE Experienced babysitter in Oak Glen area has few slots available. Hours 9-4. 5+ hours only. Call/text 347-988-0333

SERVICES CUSTOM CLOSETS For all your custom closets please call or text 1347.522.4872

help wanted N babysitting N services N

TORAHANYTIME.COM On demand Torah lectures Video-Audio-download All for free Computer or App for iPhone/Android Or Hotline 718-298-2077. Yiddish Hebrew - English

KANGEN WATER “Change your Water..

Change your life” Alkaline - AntiOxidant - Super Hydrating Call for FREE supply and feel AMAZING! 917-681-0003

ARROWSMITH Is your child still in the same place after all that tutoring?Join Arrowsmith, a research based program that strengthens the brain and eliminates learning disabilities. Call Mrs Feuer 914-260-6449

PETTICOATS FOR RENT!

LAUNDRY SERVICE Join our many satisfied costumers! We also accept OPWDD and HCBS. 845-5023691

Enhance your gown with just the right petticoat!

Kids and adults petticoats for rent! In the Bates area. Please Call or text between 8:30-10pm 845-746-7248 MASSAGE THERAPY --In The Comfort of Home-*Swedish *Deep Tissue *Lymph *Craniosacral Therapy Call Sarah: 845596-1373

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PROFESSIONAL HAIRCUTS & STYLING Great prices. Call Miri 845-426-7561 FLY HIGH BALLOONS Biggest selection of balloons for all occasions in the Weiner drive area call 8454223988/ Flyhighbal@gmail.com KEYBOARD LESSONS Keyboard lessons By Miri. Great Prices!

Call 845-426-7561 or 845-263-6437

SHAIMOS

PICK UPS 845-461-3084 EARPIERCING 12 years experience. Wide selection.

Call/text: 845-538-7986 PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION for all your needs -local & long distance! *Lady drivers available *Night hours available. BOOK YOUR VAN TODAY! 845-208-5422 SPEAKER/MUSIC RENTAL For all your simchos and events. Great service and great pricing! Call/text:845444-6065 Email: Tzadlerproductions@ gmail.com Includes FREE stands and cables.

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION! Stress-free travel for Chol Hamoed!

Private transportation for upstate, airports, and long-distance trips. [in big] Call 845-208-5422.

GARTLECH we fix knitted & crochet Gartlech & make beautiful professional fringes. We also teach how to knit & crochet. call: 917-414-3281

ODDS & ENDS SEEKING DONATIONS Of toys, arts & crafts, or supplies, in good condition, for a Heimishe Moised.

Call 845.500.3100 NEW! NEW! NEW! Looking for a nice private place for a Beshow? A few locations available in the Monsey area. No charge. Call 845-4265484 or 845-746-7251

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Classifieds GOWNS GOLD GOWN Adorable gold gown by Dassy available to buy or rent.

Toddler size 4. Call 422-5596 for more info GIRLS CHASUNAH GOWN Very Elegant, Winter White trimmed with Black Velvet, girls size 12/14 for sale. Please Call 845-709-7161.

SISTER OF BRIDE Beautiful cream full lace pleated gown. Size 0. Please call 845-502-0097 GOWNS FOR SALE Mechteniste black/white beaded gown size 6-8. Size 2-4 ivory gown. Valentino black, beaded dress size 6 worn once 845-596-6501 GOWN FOR SALE Sister of the bride white, shirt dress style gown. Size 0-2.

Please call 845-694-2026 MATERNITY GOWNS FOR RENT Beautiful maternity gowns for rent. All sizes for affordable prices. Please call/ text 845-862-2799 IVORY GOWN Magnificent designer womans Ivory gown, size 8.

Please call 845-596-6501

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SISTER OF BRIDE Beautiful black gown for rent.

Size 4. Please text 845-8262185 GOWN FOR RENT

Silver/Grey colored gown size 2-4 8455380391

LOST Lost something? Found something? The Daily Return: Call/text: 845-538-0193, Email: monseydailyreturn@gmail. com

FOUND Silver ring with word Tahareinu in Lafamila 845274-6562 Diamond necklace Vilchovitz 3/22, 845-425-6401 Kids Shoe on Maple Ave 845587—6355

LATE ADS QA COORDINATOR OPPORTUNITY

Role includes reviewing documentation to ensure compliance and providing feedback and guidance to ensure quality and commitment to preestablished guidelines.

Understanding of SEDS and medically fragile

gowns N lost & found N late ads

children necessary.

Excellent writing skills required. Position is perfect for Special Ed teachers; licensed Social Workers or individuals with the credentials / experience needed to succeed in this position.

Competitive pay. Full benefits package for full time employees.

Paid Yomim Tovim Holidays & Vacation.

Winning workspace.

Supportive friendly

environment. Join the most trusted employer in Health Home Care Management and HCBS Waiver Services APPLY TODAY 845503-0168 gkalikstein@ comforthealthrc.org EXPERIENCED HEIMISHE MOMMY Having a baby iyh? Going on Vacation? Book your overnight babysitter now!

References available. Call 718-928-4671

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‫גאר רייכע‬

‫מעמד‬ ‫הכרת‬ ‫הטוב‬ ‫פארגעקומען פאר די‬ ‫הונדערטע יונגעלייט‬ ‫און פרויען וואס געבן‬ ‫זיך אפ א גאנץ יאר‬ ‫פאר די קינדערליך פון‬

‫‘’לב‬ ‫לילד’’‬

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‫הכנסת ספר תורה לביהמ”ד אור חיים ‪ 18 -‬פארשעי ‪ -‬ע”י הרבני הנגיד ר’ אליעזר שיינער‬

‫‪Local representatives spoke at a public hearing of the NYS Independent‬‬ ‫‪Redistricting Commission in favor of keeping Ramapo in one district‬‬

‫הגה”צ אב”ד צעהלים ביי א לעצטיגע באזוך אין‬ ‫די קדם וויין פאבריק באגלייט דורך הרה״ח ר׳‬ ‫פייש‪ ,‬ר׳ אלי׳ און ר׳ שמחה הערצאג שיחי׳‬

‫נייע ועד הרבנים נתמנה געווארן צו שטיין בראש פון אלע רוחניות’דיגע אנגעלעגנהייטן פונעם נייעם לעיקפראנט ישוב אין פלארידא‬ ‫רבני הוועד‪ :‬הרה”ג רבי זושא אויש דומ”ץ וואלקאן ומו”ץ בק”ק סאטמאר‪ ,‬הרה”ג ר’ שלמה אפעל ‪ -‬דומ”ץ ישועות משה ויזניץ ב”פ‪ ,‬הרה”ג רבי בנימין ברייער ‪ -‬דומ”ץ וויען ב”פ‪ ,‬הרה”ג ר’ יוחנן טווערסקי ‪ -‬דומ”ץ סקווירא‬ ‫מאנסי‪ ,‬הרה”ג ר’ שלמה לייזער ‪ -‬דומ”ץ צאנז ב”פ‪ ,‬הרה”ג ר’ יעקב יוסף מאסקאוויטש ‪ -‬אב”ד באראוו‪ ,‬הרה”ג ר’ אברהם צבי פריעדמאן ‪ -‬דומ”ץ גאלאנטא‪ ,‬און הרה”ג ר’ ישראל דוב שטיין ‪ -‬מו”ץ סאטמאר וומ”ס‬

‫הגה”צ אבד”ק פאפא וואונטש אן פאר הנדיבים הנכבדים מוה”ר יעקב יצחק וועבער און מוה”ר שמואל דוד אויש וועלכע האבן‬ ‫בייגעשטייערט א פאנטאסטישע סכום פאר די היי יעריגע פסח חלוקה פון “קופת חסדי יוסף”‬

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‫אנגייענדע בוי ארבעט ביי דריי נייע מקוואות דורכאויס פראנקרייך געבויעט דורך ‘מקוה טהרה’‬

‫האדמו’’ר מסקווירא באזוכט די בוי ארבעט ביים בנין ביהמ”ד הגדול אין שיכון סקווירא‬

‫מבצר צדקה וחסד משמחי לב ביים אריין ברענגן א‬ ‫שמחת יו”ט פאר הונדערטער משפחות תושבי עירינו‬

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‫הכנסת ספר תורה לביהמ”ד סקווירא בעיטס במאנסי לע”נ הרה”ח ר’ שרגא געשטעטנער ע”ה מהרוגי מירון‬

‫סיום משנה ברורה חלק א’ במסגרת דרשו הלכה פארגעקומען אין הויז פון האדמו”ר מבאיאן און האדמו”ר מלעלוב‬

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‫מעמד הוקרה פאר די עמודי התווך פון מוסדות פאפא אין מאנסי בראשות האדמו”ר מפאפא‬

‫נייע געשעפט ‘מרבה לשובע’ אין מאנסי צוצושטעלן נארהאפטיגע נאכטמאלן אומזינסט‬

‫שיעור ע”י הרה”ג‬ ‫ר’ יחזקאל שרגא‬ ‫ווייס רב פון מצילי‬ ‫אש אין מאנסי‪,‬‬ ‫און מגיד שיעור‬ ‫הלכות שבת פון‬ ‫הצלה און חברים‪,‬‬ ‫פאר די חברי‬ ‫חברה הצלה אין‬ ‫לאנדאן‬

‫סיום הקבוצות‪ ,‬חלוקת הפרסים וביקור אצל הסופר ובתים מאכער ב’מתמידים לבר מצוה’ שע”י הרב אברהם שמואל לאמפין‬

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‫סיום מס’ נדרים בחבורת יסודי התורה בקהלת סאטמאר מאנסי‬

‫סיום הזמן בישיבה נעימות התורה‬

‫כיתה א’ אין ישיבה בית דוד גרייטן זיך אויף די‬ ‫הייליגע יום טוב פסח‬

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Contents E X PA N D E D

P E S AC H

I S S U E !

// Inside

NEW FICTION SERIAL!

POWER TOOLS

BY ESTY HELLER Will these siblings build a house — or destroy their family?

FYI: SEDER MINHAGIM

FREE ISSUE 393 APRIL 3, 2023

‫ערב פסח‬ ‫י”ב ניסן תשפ”ג‬

SWIFT STAFFING GETS YOU HIRED FIT FOR A KING ACHIEVING FREEDOM ON SEDER NIGHT

FREE ISSUE 393 APRIL 3, 2023

‫ערב פסח‬ ‫י”ב ניסן תשפ”ג‬

HIT THE ROAD

JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

FICTION:

A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF CAPTIVITY AND TRIUMPH

EXPANDED EXCURSIONS SUPPLEMENT INCLUDED

‫חג‬ ‫כשר‬ !‫ושמח‬

CHOL HAMOED PESACH/SUMMER 5783

Excursions sponsored by:

REDEEMING VALUE PIDYON HABEN, PIDYON PETER CHAMOR AND PIDYON SHEVUYIM

MONUMENTAL A WORLD TOUR OF FREEDOM MEMORIALS

THE BEST OF OUR PESACH ARCHIVES THIS WEEK:

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A Royal Seder

A Nation Redeemed

339 // Monuments to Freedom MISSION STATEMENT: The Monsey View is a weekly publication designed for every segment and age group of our diverse community. Under rabbinical guidance, we bring Monsey’s top talent together to provide high-quality, informative and current reading material, keeping you up to date on sales, events, news and issues of concern and import happening right now in the Monsey community.

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The Monsey View

April 3, 2023

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362 // FYI 364 // Ricochet 366 // Fun Pages 378 // Classifieds 400 // Pictures

FREE ISSUE 393 APRIL 3, 2023

‫ערב פסח‬ ‫י”ב ניסן תשפ”ג‬

HIT THE ROAD CHOL HAMOED PESACH/SUMMER 5783

Excursions sponsored by:

436

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April 3, 2023

www.themonseyview.com · 845.600.8484

Dear Readers, As we present our latest Excursions compilation, 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.

‫כי מלאכיו יצוה לך לשמרך בכל דרכיך‬ The Monsey View

Disclaimer: All content featured in Excursions is for informational purposes only. The Monsey 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.

‫תפלת הדרך‬ ‫ ֶשּׁתֹולִ ֵיכנּו‬,‫בֹותינּו‬ ֵ ‫אֹלקי ֲא‬ ֵ ֵ‫ֹלקינּו ו‬ ֵ ‫יְ ִהי ָרצֹון ִמלְ ָפנֶ יָך ד' ֱא‬ ‫ וְ ִת ְס ְמ ֵכנּו‬,‫לְ ָשׁלֹום וְ ַת ְצ ִע ֵידנּו לְ ָשׁלֹום וְ ַת ְד ִר ֵיכנּו לְ ָשׁלֹום‬ ‫ וְ ַתּגִ ֵיענּו לִ ְמחֹוז ֶח ְפ ֵצנּו לְ ַחּיִ ים ּולְ ִש ְׂמ ָחה‬,‫לְ ָשׁלֹום‬ ‫ (אם דעתו לחזור מיד אומר וְ ַת ְחזִ ֵירנּו לְ ָשׁלֹום) וְ ַת ִּצילֵ נּו ִמ ַּכף‬.‫ּולְ ָשׁלֹום‬ ‫ ִּומ ָּכל ִמינֵ י‬,‫אֹורב וְ לִ ְס ִטים וְ ַחּיֹות ָרעֹות ַּב ֶּד ֶרְך‬ ֵ ְ‫ָּכל אֹויֵ ב ו‬ ‫ וְ ִת ְׁשלַ ח ְּב ָר ָכה‬,‫ֻּפ ְר ָענֻ ּיֹות ַה ִּמ ְת ַרּגְ ׁשֹות לָ בֹוא לָ עֹולָ ם‬ ‫ וְ ִת ְּתנֵ נּו לְ ֵחן ּולְ ֶח ֶסד ּולְ ַר ֲח ִמים‬,‫וְ ַה ְצלָ ָחה ְּב ָכל ַמ ֲע ֵׂשי יָ ֵדינּו‬ ‫ ִּכי ֵקל‬,‫ וְ ִת ְׁש ַמע קֹול ַּת ֲחנּונֵ נּו‬,‫ְּב ֵעינֶ יָך ְּוב ֵעינֵ י ָכל ר ֵֹאינּו‬ :‫ׁשֹומ ַע ְּת ִפּלָ ה‬ ֵ '‫ ָּברּוְך ַא ָּתה ד‬.‫ׁשֹומ ַע ְּת ִפּלָ ה וְ ַת ֲחנּון ַא ָּתה‬ ֵ

Emergency Phone Numbers HATZOLOH: Rockland County: (845) 425-1600; Brooklyn: (718) 387-1750 In case of emergency in a different locale, please call 911. For non-urgent situations, call your local branch for guidance.

CHAVERIM: Rockland County: (845) 371-6333 (NEED), Brooklyn/Manhattan/Catskills: (718) 431-8181 For Interstate Chaverim and branches in other cities, please call your local branch.

Safety and protection are equally important. Be safe, be protected, be insured!

THE MEISELS AGENCY 845-783-4000 joelmeisels@allstate.com

16059273

Have a safe trip!

464

The Monsey View

Parks and Scenic Please be advised that some parks have parking fees.

Bear Mountain State Park

3006 Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, NY 10911

Blauvelt State Park Blauvelt, NY 10913

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.

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

Park: Free. Parking: $10 per vehicle. Trailside Zoo: Suggested donation $1.00 per person

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

466

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

Hours vary. Call for up-to-date information.

Weekday: Adults: $17, Seniors (62+): $16, Children (4–10) $10; Weekends and Holidays: Adults: $20, Seniors (62+): $19, Children (4–10) $10; Children 3 and under: 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: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes

MONSEY: 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes

Dawn to dusk

6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Free

Free

The Monsey View

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

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

6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Free

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

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

8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Note: Park does not allow cars in once parking lot is full.

Free

Demarest Kill County Park

57 New Hempstead Road, New City, NY 10956

Hiking trail, picnic area and benches around a pond

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: 15 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes MONSEY: 14 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes

Dawn to dusk 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.

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The Monsey View

Sunrise to sunset. 2-hour limit in parking area Free

Eugene Levy Memorial Park

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

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

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

Goosepond Mountain State Park 1198 New York 17M, Chester, NY 10918

845-786-2701 Undeveloped state park with woods, fields, trails and wetlands

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: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 19 minutes

MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes

Dawn to dusk

Free

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

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

6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.

Dawn to dusk

Free

Free

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

470

Gregory R. Sikorsky Children’s Park

The Monsey View

High Tor State Park

415 S. Mountain Road, New City, NY 10956

845-634-8074 A moderate 45-minute climb with breathtaking 360-degree views.

MONSEY: 18 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes

Park opens July 2 and closes August 14. Park hours are 8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Parking: $8 per vehicle

Kingsland Point Park and the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse

Hunter Mountain

64 Klein Avenue, Hunter, NY 12442

800-486-8376 Scenic Skyride and zipline tour in the summer.

Hours not determined yet.

MONSEY: 1 hour 45 minutes BORO PARK: 3 hours

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

9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. $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

6600 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11219

212-639-9675

Gorgeous half-mile man-made beach open for picnicking in the fall and winter

A cozy park spanning several blocks with a nice playground for younger kids

MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes

MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 12 minutes

Hours have not been posted yet as of publication,

6:00–1:00 a.m.

Parking: $10 (cash only) during swimming season

Free

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

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

Dawn to dusk

6:00–1:00 a.m.

Free

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

472

Leif Ericson Park

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

April 1 through November 30, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Free

Parking: $10 per vehicle

The Monsey View

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 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

8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Parking: $6

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

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 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

6:00–1:00 a.m.

Free

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

Dawn to dusk 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 through October 31: 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., last admission at 4:00 p.m. November 1 through March 31: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., last admission at 3:30 p.m.

Free

474

The Monsey View

Prospect Park

Piermont Pier

Brooklyn, NY 11225 — entrances along Ocean Avenue, Parkside Avenue, and Prospect Park West and Southwest

Piermont, NY 10968 – From Paradise Ave. or Pier Ave., follow signs to the pier

718-965-8951

Pier with scenic views extending a mile into Hudson River that can be biked, walked or driven through

A vast 526-acre oasis in the heart of Brooklyn— and the only local park with a lake — offering bike and boat rentals

MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes

6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 15 minutes

Free

5:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.

Free

Ringwood Manor State Park

Ramapo Valley Reservation

1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456

608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430

973-962-2240

201-327-3500

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.

Reservation with hiking trails, pond, waterfall and breathtaking views MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes

MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes

30 minutes before sunrise until 30 min after sunset

8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Free

Free

Rockland Lake State Park

299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage, NY 10989 845-268-3020

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

845-268-3315 107 Lake Rd, Congers, NY 10920

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

Conger’s Bike Rental is 3 minutes from Rockland Lake (11 minutes from Nyack Beach State Park)

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 and GWB MONSEY: 38 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes

MONSEY: 39 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour

Dawn to dusk Free

476

The Monsey View

8:00 a.m. –10:00 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

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

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

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. to dusk 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

6:00 a.m.–11:00 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

Around the clock Free

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

478

The Monsey View

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

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

Dawn to dusk; nature center: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Parking: $8

Parking: $7

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 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; carousel 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Free

The Louis Engel Waterfront Park

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

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. until sunset

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

Free Note: Elevator closed during winter months.

Willow Tree Park

Winter’s Park

Massive willow trees cascading over beautiful lake with bike path around the lake

Childrens’ park with playground, gazebo, pond and geese feeding

Willow Tree Road, Wesley Hills, NY 10952

MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes

480

47 East Ramapo Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430

MONSEY: 14 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour

Dawn to dusk

Dawn to dusk

Free

Free

The Monsey View

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

Regular hours: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; closed Mondays. April 1 to May 14: Tuesday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Friday–Sunday: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Adults: $18; Seniors (65+): $12; Students 12+ with ID: $12; 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

10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; closed Tuesday; reservations recommended Adults (19+): $25; Seniors (62+): $22; Youths (5–18): $13; 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 Jersey Botanical Gardens

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.

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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 situation on slopes overlooking the Hudson River.

MONSEY: 43 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes

Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Last admission is at 4:00 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: $5.00 per person. Children under 2 enter free. Every Wednesday, enjoy free admission if you are a grandparent.

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

10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

April 1st–16th (closed April 9th): There will be children’s activities open. Evergreen maze, farm animals, scenic hay wagon rides: $18.99.

Family Fun Farm

65 Friedman Road, Monticello, NY 12701

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

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: Sunday-Monday: 12:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesday: 12:00-4:00 p.m.; Summer Hours: Weekday: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Friday: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Prices start at $17.95 per person. Under 1 is free.

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Fishkill Farms

9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

845-897-4377 This family farm is prettiest in the fall and the apples are just perfect for picking. You pay for what you pick.

MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes

9:00 am–5:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday starting in June.

Harvest Moon Farm

130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560

914-485-1210 Farm with apple picking in the fall.

Goldschein’s Homestead 196 Revonah Hill Road, Liberty, NY 12754

347-684-4312 Big farm with variety of animals. Kids can enter animal enclosures. Kosher l’Pesach feed. Many exciting activities and hike with gorgeous view.

MONSEY: 1 hour 19 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours 10 minutes

Chol Hamoed Hours: Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Call for other hours. $15 admission; $5 for 20-minute puppy play (limited slots)

Jenkins - Lueken Orchards 69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz, NY 12561

845-255-0999 Picking farm. Season starts in the summer.

MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 2 hours

MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes

Berry picking season begins in July.

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

Reopening April 9. Call for hours.

Every guest (adults and children ages 3–79) must purchase a day admission ticket. Ages 2 and under and 80 and over enter free. Day admission ticket: $19.95 per person, plus $2 fee.

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

Open from June through October. $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.

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Long Island Game Farm Park and Zoo

489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville, NY 11949

631-878-6644 Children’s zoo and wildlife park MONSEY: 1 hour 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 25 minutes

April open 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Adults (13–61)$24.95; Seniors (62+) $21.95; Children (3–12)$18.95; Toddlers (0–2): Free

Muscoot Farm

51 Route 100, Katonah, NY 10536

914-864-7282

West Maple Farm

179 West Maple Avenue, Monsey, NY 10952

845-288-1978

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.

Petting zoo for all ages, hayrides, play and picnic area MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes

Chol Hamoed hours 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Call for regular hours.

Free

Indoor Fun 5 Wits

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

Monday through Thursday: 12:00–9:30 p.m.; Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Friday: 12:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. $29 per person for first adventure

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

Reservations recommended. 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Occasionally closes to the public because of private events.

Races start at $29. An annual $7.95 Speedway License is required to race.

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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 through Thursday: 11:00 a.m. –7:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

1 activity starts at $25; 3 activities start at $59. Additional packages available.

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: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; regular weekday hours: 3:00–9:00 p.m.; weekends: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Prices start at $44.95 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-Thurday: 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.–8:00 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 $13.95 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.

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 Price: $15 per child

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: April 9: 10:00–11:00 a.m.; Toddler Time open bounce: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; MondayTuesday: 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Call for other hours .

1-hour Open Bounce (ages 6 and up): $25; Junior Bounce (ages 5 and under): $18. Mandatory bounce socks are available for $3.

Brooklyn Escape Room 594 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

347-721-3350 Choice of adventures in this fully immersive Brooklyn escape room.

MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 20 minutes

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.

Children: $17 weekdays; $20 holidays and weekends. Includes one adult free. Additional adults: $10 weekdays; $15 holidays and weekends.

Bounce U (Paramus)

70 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus, NJ 07652

201-843-5880 Moonwalk wonderland of slopes, slides, tunnels and everything inflatable MONSEY: 25 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes

Call for open bounce hours.

Bouncer: $19.95; Toddler: $5.95; Parents enter free.

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

Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday to Friday: 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Friday: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.

Monday to Thursday: $5.50 per game or $30 per hour; Friday, up to 6 p.m.: $5.50 per game or $30 per hour; Motzei Shabbos and Sunday: $40 per lane per hour (in November we will increase to $45 per lane per hour). Shoe rental: $5.00 per person.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

3771 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994

845-353-1895 MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 1 minute

Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Weekdays 11:00a.m.– 7:30p.m.

22 W 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 212-863-4070 MONSEY: 48 minutes BORO PARK: 31 minutes

Weekdays 2:30 p.m.–9:45 p.m.; Fridays: 1:15 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Sundays: 12:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m by advance reservation only.

Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Weekdays: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Midweek: $38 (two to six players; private games only)

Children can choose, stuff, name and clothe their own stuffed animals.

Teddy bears without accesories start at $10.

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Catch Air Indoor Playground 224 Route 4 East at Forest Avenue, Lower Level, suite 102, Paramus, NJ 07652 201-620-2125

Chuck E. Cheese’s

Nanuet: 250 W. Route 59, Nanuet, NY 10954 Paramus: 275 Route 4, Paramus, NJ 07652 N: 845-627-2788; P: 201-487-1088 MONSEY: Nanuet: 12 minutes; Paramus: 27 minutes

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

Sunday through Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Thursday through Friday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Children (3+): $24.99; Toddlers (2 and under): $14.99; Adults: $7.99 New location opened in Nanuet: 424 Market St, Nanuet, NY 10954​(845) 640-4373​. Hours 10:00 a.m.–7:00 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. $26.55 per person

Color Me Mine

210 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-4898 MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 57 minutes

11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m, closed Wednesdays. Reservations suggested for this location.

123 Baxter Street, New York, NY 10013 212-374-1710 MONSEY: 56 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes

Sunday through Wednesday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m; Thursday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

N: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; P: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

139 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-783-4570, 718-230-8245 BORO PARK: 18 minutes

Sunday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; weekdays: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Token-operated rides and arcade games Studio fee $7. Ceramic items are individually priced, with most costing $23 plus tax. New York: Studio fees are $13 for adults and $9 for children ages 12 and under. Ceramic items are individually priced, with most costing $20 plus tax.

Climbzone- Palisades

3594 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY 10994

845-605-9555 Themed climbing walls. Additional location in Lakewood.

MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes

Sunday 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday 12:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Prices start at $14 for 90 minutes.

Crayola Experience

30 Centre Square, Easton, PA 18042

610-559-6604 Hands-on colorful crayon 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: $28.99; Online: $25.99

Paint-your-own-pottery studio

DUMBO Laser Tag/ Area53 NYC Laser Tag 53 Bridge Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

347-305-7448 1 hour and 45 minute sessions consisting of 3 games with breaks in between in a dual level arena in an eerie-looking basement MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes

Monday through Wednesday: reservations required; Thursday: 3:30p.m.–11p.m.; Friday: 3:30p.m.– 12:00 a.m.; Sunday: 11:45 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Weekdays: $39; Weekends: $49; Spectators: $5

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Escape Room NJ (Englewood)

36 N Dean St, Englewood, NJ 07631

201-815-1784 MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes

9:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.

Prices start at $25 for non-private rooms, and at $100 per person for private rooms.

Escape Room NJ

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 Prices start at $25 for non-private rooms, and at $100 per person for private rooms.

Escape the Room NYC

24 W 25th Street, Floor 8, New York, NY 10010

347-954-9160 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. Private groups are cheaper than per person.

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

12:00–9:00 p.m.

Prices start at $29.89.

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 $39; half hour $28. Family of 5+: 1 hour $35 (per person). Party or private booking for 10 people: $320, plus each additional person: $18

Fun Station USA

3555 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314

718-370-0077

FAO Schwarz

30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

800-326-8638 Massive toy store in NYC MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes

11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

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

Chol Hamoed hours: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. Rides close at 11:00 p.m. Regular hours: Sunday: 12:00–10:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Friday: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.

Chol Hamoed special: 1-hour wristband: $15.95; 2-hour wristband + 20-credit game card: $21.95. 3-Hour Pass Super Special: Buy 1 and get second child half price.

Includes rides, laser tag + 20-credit game card: $29.95.

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

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Funtopia USA

Metro Mall, 66-26 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379 718-381-4300 Indoor entertainment center with bumper cars, arcade games and kiddie rides MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 30 minutes

Closed Monday through Wednesday. Thursday and Friday: 12:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.– 7:30 p.m. 90-minute appointments. Must preregister.

Sunday 10:00 a.m.– 9:00 p.m.; Weekdays 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Call to confirm holiday hours.

Under age 16: $13.95; Adults and non-mobile infants: $9.95

$10 per person. Each person gets a 40-credit game card to use at the attractions.

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Grand Prix New York Racing

Glassworks Studio

151 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

973-656-0800

333 N. Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

914-241-3131

Glass-fusing studio where mosaics of all levels can be created

Amusement center with arcades, bounce castle, go-karts and bowling

MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour

MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 12 minutes

Chol Hamoed hours: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Reservations suggested. Regular hours: Sunday, Monday, Friday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday: closed; Thursday: 3:00 pm–9:00 pm (BYOB NIGHT)

Wednesday and Thursday: 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.; Friday: 4:00–11:00 p.m.; Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. $15 per race + $3.75 head sock (required, but can be reused)

Prices start at $25.

It™ Adventure Ropes Course

High Exposure Rock Climbing

41 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511

203-812-9981

266 Union Street, Northvale, NJ 07647

The world’s largest indoor ropes course with liquid fireworks, water show, ziplines and amazing courses. By reservation only.

201-768-8600 Rock climbing gym. No strollers allowed.

MONSEY: 1 hour 37 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 40 minutes

MONSEY: 23 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday: 12:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Friday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Standard Day Pass: $27.00; Boulder & Ropes: $20; Toddlers (ages 2–3): $15. Weekdays after 8 p.m.: $18 (not available during holiday season).

Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

One-hour option not available on Sundays. Adults and children 48” and up: 1 hour regular climb and zip: online $20; walk-in $25. 2 hours: online $30; walk-in $37.50. 1 hour climb, ropes and zip combo: online $25; walk-in $30. 2 hours: online $37.50; walk-in $42.50. Little It for children under 48”: online $8; walk-in $10. Premier Package for 1 hour: online $15; walk-in $17

Hobby House 11 Main Street, Monsey, NY 10952

531 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

845-290-1919

845-290-1919

MONSEY: Local

MONSEY: 51 minutes BORO PARK: 17 minutes

3915 14th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218

6 Taylor Ct, Kiryas Joel, NY 10950

845-290-1919

845-290-1919

BORO PARK: Local

MONSEY: 33 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 22 minutes

Plaster, ceramics and mosaics for all ages Chol Hamoed hours (all locations): Sunday and Monday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Prices vary; start at $18.

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

Sunday 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; weekdays 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Prices start at $104.99 for two flights; Super Saver deal online for certain times at $74.99 for two flights.

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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

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Monday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Wednesday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.; Thursday 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Prices start at $104.99 for two flights; Super Saver deal online for certain times at $74.99 for two flights.

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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 through Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–3:00 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.

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: 10:00a.m.–1:00p.m.

Toddlers: $13; Children: $18; Adults: $5

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: Sunday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday and Thursday 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; Friday 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Prices start at $15 for 30 minutes. Ages 5 and under: Prices start at $10. Laser tag starts at $30 for 60 minutes.

Kids Fun House

6273 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood, NY 11385

718-418-5437 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

Tuesday through Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Call for Sunday hours. Closed Mondays.

2-hour sessions: Tuesday to Friday, $16 per child (1 adult is free), with each additional adult $10 (will receive 20 game tokens). Sundays and holidays, $20 per child (1 adult is free), with each additional adult $10 (will receive 20 game tokens).

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

Monday through Thursday: 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m; Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Attraction packages start at $19.95 per person.

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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

Chol Hamoed hours: Sunday to Monday: 11:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.; Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Regular Hours: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Friday: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Toddler section (softplay): $12 weekdays; $14 weekends and holidays. Action Package (softplay and rides) : $24 weekdays; $26 weekends and holidays. Adults: $7.

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

Sunday 10:00 a.m.–08:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday 1:00 p.m.–08:00 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 MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 50 minutes

Hours vary. Chol Hamoed hours: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Admission starts at $27.99 per person.

Liberty Heights

1939 NY-52, Liberty, NY 12754

845-747-8080 Indoor trampoline park with rock climbing, arcades, laser tag and much more.

MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: 2 hours

Chol Hamoed hours: Sunday-11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday -12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.; Tuesday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Prices start at $25 per person for one hour of jump time.

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; 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 through Friday 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. $240 for 10 punch passes

Montvale Lanes

Lucky Strike Palisades

4662 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994

845-358-1602 Bowling lanes and game room MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 5 minutes

Sunday 12:00 pm–9:00 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Thursday 2:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.; Friday 2:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.

Reserve a lane for up to 8 people. The bowling rates are per person, per hour. Weekdays: $17 per person per hour; Weekends: $22 per person per hour.

Shoe rentals are $4 per person for each bowler.

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.

New City Bowl and Batting Cages

14 W. Grand Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645

90 N. Main St, New City, NY 10956

201-391-3400

845-634-4977

Bowling alley MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour

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.

Hours vary. Call before to check if there is open bowl.

Monday to Friday, until 5 p.m.: $4 per game; $3 for seniors. After 5 p.m. and weekends: $6 per game.

Shoes: $5. Cash only.

Monday to Friday, before 6 p.m.: $5.25 per game for seniors; $6.25 for juniors; $6.75 for adults. Monday to Friday, after 6 p.m.: $6.75 per game. Sunday: $6.75 pergame. Shoe rental: $5.50 per pair. All bowlers must wear bowling shoes.

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

Plaster Spot

1037 53rd Street, Brooklyn NY 11219

718-436-1899 Charming local plaster painting shop

MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes MONSEY: 1 hour 10 minutes BORO PARK: Local

Sundays: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday: 3 p.m.–6 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Holiday hours may vary. $27.99; $11.99 for SkyTykes (under 48”)

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Chol hamoed hours: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

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

Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.; Wednesday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Prices vary.

RPM Raceway

99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City, NJ 07305

201-333-7223 Races need to be booked, but there are other attractions for the rest of the family MONSEY: 55 minutes BORO PARK: 32 minutes

Call for days and hours of operation. $30 per race. Member rates: $20 per race, with bundles as low as $14.

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 p.m.: $28 per hour; After 6 p.m.: $35 per hour. Friday to Sunday: Until 6 p.m.: $37 per hour; After 6 p.m.: $42 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 through Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m; Friday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. $6 per ticket; $55 for 10 tickets

Sky Zone

80 Commerce Drive, Allendale, NJ 07401

25 US-22, Springfield Township, NJ 07081

201-574-1800

973-671-5100

Indoor trampoline park with freestyle bouncing MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour

Hours vary. Call for current hours.

All-day pass: $45.99 + mandatory socks; 90 minutes: $29.99 + mandatory socks

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 and above. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. General admission starts at $48 per person.

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Sky Zone Trampoline Park

The Monsey View

Indoor trampoline park featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball and so much more. Reservations required. Waiver must be signed before visiting.

MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 41 minutes

Hours vary. Call or check online calendar.

Prices start at $29.99 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.

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.

MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes

Reservations required.

Prices start at $30 per person for a 90-minute game; reservation required. Private games start at $400 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.

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

Sunday 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Call for other times.

1 hour of slot car racing, arcades and mini bowling, plus 1 game of laser tag: $25

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: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour

Hours Vary. Chol Hamoed hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m.; Monday through Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Either pay per activity or purchase wristband.

Prices vary, starting at about $30.

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 through Friday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Many package options. Prices start at $25 per person.

The Painted Pot – Park Slope

200 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

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.

Average project rate is $25, including material, studio time and firing.

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 through Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Many package options. Prices start at $30 per person.

The Other Tales – Escape Rooms 245 Diamond Bridge Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 973-963-4142 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 four, 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: Sunday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday and Thursday 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; Friday 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Prices start at $15 for a 30-minute ticket.

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Urban Air Adventure Park

Turtleboo

69 Wesley St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606

175 East Central Avenue, Spring Valley, NY 10977

845-746-2100 Indoor amusement center with soft play area, rides, arcades, kosher food and great accommodations MONSEY: Local BORO PARK: 1 hour 10 minutes

Chol Hamoed hours: Sunday and Monday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. $24 per child. First adult is free; each additional adult is $5.

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: 4/10 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; 4/11 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: $9.99. 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: Opens at 11:00 a.m.

Online: General Admission (ages 2–24): $41.99; Adult Admission (ages 25+): $39.99. In-Park: General Admission (ages 2–24): $46.99; Adult Admission (ages 25+): $36.99. Children 1 and under: Free

Braden Brook Stables

19 Mountaindale Road, Greensfield Park, NY 12435

845-647-7556 1-hour trail rides for $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.

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

Call to make reservations.

Paintball: $32 per person; Tubing: $19 per person; Ropes courses start at $34 per person; Ziplines $49 per person

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: $5; Horse rides (2 laps): $10; Trail rides: $65

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Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure

2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx River Entrance, Bronx, NY 10460 347-308-9021 Ropes course and zipline for ages 7+ (must be at least 5’6”) MONSEY: 40 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes

Opens at 10:00 a.m.; last climb check-in at 3:00 p.m. and last zip check-in at 4:00 p.m.; reservations required.

Climb and zip (2.5 hours): $59.95; Zip only (2-way river crossing): $24.95

Denos Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

Camelback Mountain Adventure

243 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372

570-629-1663 Adventure mountain with ziplining, mountain coaster, treetop ropes course and more. Note: Only the mountain coaster is open on Chol Hamoed.

MONSEY: 1 hour 25 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 55 minutes

Hours vary by day. Chol hamoed: Only open Sunday.

Diggerland

3059 Denos D. Vourderis Place, Brooklyn, NY 11224

100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091

718-372-2592

856-393-5992

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

Hours vary by day. Chol hamoed hours: Opens at 11:00 a.m.

Tractor-themed rides, stunts and digging fun for all ages MONSEY: 2 hours BORO PARK: 1 hour 30 minutes

Hours vary by day. Chol hamoed: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. $45.95

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

Season begins April 12.

Prices start at $39.99, plus taxes and fees.

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

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

Hours vary by day. Chol hamoed hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Prices start at $39.99.

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

Hours vary. Open on Sunday Chol hamoed: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Prices start at $84.95 per person.

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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

Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (5:00– 8:00 p.m. by appointment only); Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sunday 9:00 a.m.–4:30 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).

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

As we go to print, summer schedule not yet available. Only the mountain coaster is open on 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

Chol hamoed hours: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Generally the park closes Monday through Thursday between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays between 11:00 p.m. and midnight. In spring, amusement park closes earlier.

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

Opening date April 29 Prices start at $39.99.

Pay per ride.

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

Opens 10:00 a.m. Closing varies by day.

Online prices start at $59.

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. $75 per person per half-hour ATV rental

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: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; regular hours: 11:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.

Pay per ride or wristband option. Prices not yet posted as of time of print.

Pedego Electric Bike Rentals-Nyack

73 S. Franklin Street, Suite 1, Nyack, NY 10960

845-675-0444 E-bike rental at the Tappan Zee Bridge.

MONSEY: 20 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 15 minutes

Chol Hamoed Hours: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; regular summer hours Sunday through Thursday 10:30 a.m.

–5:30 p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Advance reservations recommended.

Prices start at $25; $75 for 4 hours. Minimum age 16 to ride, 18 to rent. Helmets provided.

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Pocono Outdoor Aventure Tours

1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA 18334

570-839-6061 One-hour guided UTV tours over 1,000 acres of the historic Pocono Manor, along streams and mountain tops 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 our vehicles; length of time approximately 1 hour. DoubleSeater UTV: $125; Four-Seater UTV: $199; Six-Seater UTV: $275.

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

Park opens April 29.

Prices start at $41.99. They have special pricing for tickets from 4:00 p.m. until closing.

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: 10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; during the rest of season, check before visiting.

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

As we go to print, hours and prices not yet available.

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

Opens April 29. Advance reservations required.

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

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. As we go to print, summer calendar not yet available.

Pay per activity.

Parking: $37.51; Amusement park: $59.99; Drivethru safari: $24.99 per person

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 through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 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 years and under): $8. Go-karts (four laps): Single car: $10; double car: $15. Coupon book is good for six races. A single go-kart coupon book costs $54; double costs $84. Batting cages: $3 for 15 pitches; one hour of piches: $60.

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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: Closed Sunday; Monday and Tuesday: Open 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Summer hours begin 6/23: Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Pay per attraction.

Historical and Museums 9/11 Memorial Museum 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10007

9/11 Memorial

200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10007

212-312-8800

212-312-8800 Museum with exhibitions and hands-on learning about 9/11 and its effects MONSEY: 1 hour BORO PARK: 20 minutes

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

Self-guided tours every day, from 10:00 a.m–4:00 p.m.

Adults: $30; Seniors and children 12 and under: $23

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.

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Wednesday through Monday 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Adults: $29; Children (7–12): $17; Teens (13–17): $23; Seniors (65+): $23; Under 6: Free. Family passes available for less. Free Admission Monday tickets will be available on the website each Monday beginning at 7 a.m. ET and are first come, first serve. Last entrance is 3:30 p.m. Free admission to visitors receiving SNAP benefits. For tickets through this program, simply present your EBT card at our box office (limit four per person).

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

Sundays 12:00 p.m.–sunset. Guided house tours: 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.

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

9:00 a.m.–7:00 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

11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Reservations required.

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

Call for hours or tours.

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.

Museum: Adults (16–61):$10; Seniors (62+): $6; Youth (15 and under): Free

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 through Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Closed weekends and federal holidays.

Free

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: Closed Sunday and Monday. Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Regular Hours: Wednesday through Sunday: 10 am–5:30pm.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

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

Opening for the season on May 12.

Tour prices begin at $25 per person. Tours recommended for ages 10+. Reservations required.

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Jewish Children’s Museum 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213

718-467-0600 Interactive 3-story Jewish-themed museum MONSEY: 1 hour 24 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes

Chol hamoed hours: Sunday and Monday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Regular Hours: Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. $15 per person (ages 2+); $12 per senior (ages 65+); $12 per disabled (1 free chaperone)

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

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Advance admission: Adults: $29.99; Children (2–12): $24.99. Same-day admission: Adults: $31.99; Children (2–12): $26.99. Theater Shows: $8.

Living Torah Museum 1603 41st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218

718-851-3215 Museum displaying artifacts mentioned in Torah and in Jewish history. 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: Open Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 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: Thursday, Friday, Sunday1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (Last entry 4:30 p.m.) Visitors should plan to spend 45-60 minutes on their self-guided tour.

Guided house tour: Tours take 1 hour 15 min. Thursday, Friday, Sunday, 12:00 p.m.

Self-guided house tour: $15; Seniors (over 65): $10.

Guided house tour: $20. 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

Generally, the museum is open Sunday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.; Thursday from 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; and Friday from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Last admission to the museum is 30 minutes prior to closing time.

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.

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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

10:00 a.m.–6:00 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

10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Prices start at $43.99 per person

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; proof of vaccination required 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 and The Elms are open now.

Prices start at $25 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

Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Adults: $10; Seniors and students: $8; Children: $5.00

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

Opens for the Season May 13.

Prices have not yet been posted as of time of printing.

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: 11:00 a.m–.7:00 p.m.; 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; last entry 90 minutes before closing.

Prices start at $58 per adult and $44 per child.

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

Chol hamoed hours 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Indoor tickets: Adults: $36; Seniors and children: $33; Disabled: $25. Outdoor train ride tickets (nonrefundable): $16

One World Observatory 285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007

844-696-1776 Admission to three floors of One World Trade Center, for views, observatory, elevators and exhibits MONSEY: 50 minutes BORO PARK: 25 minutes

Hours Vary. Chol hamoed hours 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Prices start at $44 per person

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.

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

Grounds open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; grounds closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Museum closed until mid-April.

Free

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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

10:00 a.m. –10:00 p.m. daily; last elevator ride is 50 minutes before closing.

Prices start at: Adults (13–61): $40; Children (6–12): $35; Seniors (62+): $38

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

The Franklin Institute is open Monday though Sunday 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

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; last entry at 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday: 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 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 through Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday: 2:00–5:00 p.m.; last entry: 4:00 p.m. Please note: The museum hosts many school groups on weekdays from 10-2. Please visit after 2:00 p.m. if you want a quieter experience.

All-inclusive admission: Adults: $35; Children, students and seniors: $32. General admission: Adults: $16; Children, students and seniors: $13.

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

The museum and planetarium will be open Friday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Daily Admission (includes access to the grounds and open portions of the mansion, but not the planeterium): Adults: $10; Seniors: $9; Children (2–12): $7; Under 2: Free

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.

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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

Thursday 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

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

Aquariums and Zoos 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

Opens 9:30 a.m., last entry 3:30 p.m. Tickets are limited by entry time on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Adults (13–64): $27.99–$44.99; Children (2–12): $18.99–$34.99; Seniors (65+): $25.99–$42.99

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.

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: 44 minutes BORO PARK: 45 minutes

Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Starting prices: Adults (13+): $33.95; Seniors (65+): $28.95; Children (3–12): $23.95; 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.

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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

Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Adults (13+): $19.95; Seniors (65+): $16.95; Children (3–12): $14.95; Children 2 and under: Free

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): $42.99; Seniors (62+): $31.99; Children (3–12): $29.99; 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

Chol hamoed: Opens 9:00 a.m., last entry 3:00 p.m.; summer hours: 9:00 a.m., last entry 4:00 p.m.

Prices vary by day. Prices are between $24 and $37.

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 daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Advanced online registration required for general admission.

Reservations required. Adults (12+) $16–$25; Children (2–11) $16–$20. Parking: $17

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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: $16; Seniors (65+): $11; Children (3-11): $10; Children 2 and under: Free

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): $29.95; Seniors (65+): $25.95; Children (3–12): $20.95

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, 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 12-acre menagerie suitable for all ages, including a sea lion court MONSEY: 1 hour 5 minutes BORO PARK: 20 minutes

April1 through November 4, Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Weekends and holidays 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Adults (13+): $9.95; Seniors (65+): $7.95; Children (3–12): $6.95

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

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

Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Adults (13+): $9.95; Seniors (65+): $7.95; Children (3–12): $6.95; 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): $10; Seniors (60+): $7; Children (3–14): $6

10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Last entry 4:00 p.m.

Adults (13+): $23; Senior (65+): $22; Children (3–12): $19

Turtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

973-731-5800 Excellent zoo for children, with great animals, train, pony rides, feedings, paddle boats, ropes course and more MONSEY: 48 minutes BORO PARK: 55 minutes

10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Adults (13+): $19; Seniors (62+): $16; Children (2–12): $16; Childern 2 and under: Free

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

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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

8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. Last rental of the day at 4:30 p.m.

Several cruises available every day. Reserve in advance.

Single kayak: $36/day; Tandem kayak: $45/day; Canoe: $45/day

Prices start at $24 and depend on the cruise type and time.

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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

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

Open weekends Memorial Day through June 25 and daily in summer; 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Prices vary depending on boat type.

Price starts at $24.50 per person.

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.

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.

Round-trip ferry ticket: Adults: $4; Seniors (65+) and children under 12: Free. Ferry free on Sundays before noon.

Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry 30-34 Girling Drive (off 9W), Haverstraw, NY 10927

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: $4.25; Children (6–11): $2; Children (under 5): Free. Two children ride free with each paying adult. 10-trip fare: $36.75.

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 20-minute intervals One-way fare: Adults: $9; Seniors (62+) and disabled: $8.25; Children (6–11): $6; Children (under 5): Free. Two children ride free with each paying adult.

10-trip fare: $83.00.

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Hessian Lake Pedal Boats

3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

1-800-53FERRY

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845-786-2731 Paddle boat rentals at Bear Mountain State Park.

MONSEY: 30 minutes BORO PARK: 1 hour 20 minutes

11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. every day (last boat departs at 4:00 p.m.) during the summer months. Those under 16 years old MUST have someone over 16 in the boat with them.

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

As we go to print, hours unavailable.

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

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

Open in the summer. Hours and price unavailable at time of printing.

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

Open in the summer. Hours and price unavailable at time of printing.

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

Open in the summer on Sundays, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

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 Sunday and Monday: 10:00 a.m.– sunset. Summer hours: 9:00 a.m.–sunset Varies by boat

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 start at $290 for a 4-hour rental.

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

Call for hours. $20 per hour

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

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Tours 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

Garden State Helicopters 1 Airport Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

862-200-0785 Enjoy a quick overview of the fundamentals of flying a chopper before taking to the skies MONSEY: 47 minutes BORO PARK: 47 minutes

Reservations required $300 for 3 people for a 20-minute tour; $450 for 3 people for a 45-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 p.m.–7:00 a.m. Closed Sunday.

Walk-ins: $2

Historic Horse and Carriage Ride Central Park

347-871-4499 Open-air ride through Central Park in horse-drawn carriage. Max 4 adults per carriage OR 5 passengers when kids are included MONSEY: 45 minutes BORO PARK: 34 minutes

Monday to Friday: from 10:00 a.m; Sunday: from 9:00 a.m.; advance reservations recommended Prices start at $63 for a 15-minute tour

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

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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

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Prices start at $60 per adult, $50 per child. Reduced rate with advance reservation.

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: $2.25 per way or $4 round-trip. MTA MetroCards reqired for pay. (MetroCards are available for purchase at the Tram Station from vending machines.) 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

Three daily sessions: 10:30 a.m.–noon, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Last admission 2:45. Reservations required.

John F. Kennedy International Airport 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

Adults: $15.00; Seniors: $12; Children (3–12): $12

Newark Liberty International Airport 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

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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

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

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

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

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

Free

American Dream Angry Birds Mini Golf

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

833-263-7326 Miniature golf MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

Sunday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. $20 per person

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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

Sunday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. $20 per person

Big Snow

Blast 7D

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

973-864-6600

551-248-4943

Skiing and snowboarding at a large indoor park with year-round powder. Includes bunny slopes.

Lessons available.

Fully interactive and fully immersive 7D ride MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

Sunday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Chol Hamoed hours: Sunday through Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday: 1:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; Friday: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Prices start at $15 for 1 game

Prices start at $90 per person.

Dreamwheel

Geoffreys Express

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

201-800-4261

551-600-8697

Observation wheel at American Dream with views of Manhattan and the surrounding areas.

Geoffrey’s Express is a train ride that starts and ends at the Toys R Us store.

MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

Monday through Thursday 3:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.; Fri 3:00.p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Opens either at 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. $8 per person. Children under 2 ride free. Up to 16 people can ride the train at once.

Adults (12+): $29.75 per person; Children (5–11): $18.75 per person

Legoland Discovery Center 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Make It Too

551-234-6381

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Various interactive activities including Miniland made of Lego, Lego softplay, earthquake tables and much more.

516-341-7660 Ceramic painting and canvas painting paint nights

MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Prices vary depending on what you choose.

Prices start at: Adults: $48.99 per person; Children: $44.99 per person.

Mirror Maze

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

833-263-7326 Mirror Maze experience MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. $10 per person

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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

Hours vary daily. Chol hamoed hours: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Monday: closed; Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

All Access Pass: Non-peak pays: Prices start at $69. Peak days: Price varies between $69 and $79. Children 2 years and younger can access the park for free.

Twilight ticket: Valid on select days for the last 2 hours of park operations and applies to all ticket types for $49–$55 (price varies by date). Purchase online to save $10 per ticket.

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

Hours vary. Chol hamoed hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Last entry: 7:00 p.m.

The Escape Game

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

833-263-7326 Six fun and challenging escape rooms MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

Advance reservation required. $42.99 per person

Prices start at: Adults: $28.99; Children: $23.99

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

Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Chol Hamoed pricing: $35 per person; Non-peakday pricing: $25 per person

The Tilt Mueseum

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

833-263-7326 An interactive 3D museum that takes you inside the art and tilts your viewpoint.

MONSEY: 35 minutes BORO PARK: 35 minutes

Sunday 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. $15.00 per person

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AT T R AC T I O N S

M I N YA N I M

LODGING

KOSHER FOOD

It is not for nothing that an estimated 30 million people visit Niagara Falls each year. A collective name for three separate waterfalls, which span two different countries, Niagara Falls is a sight to behold. Right here in New York is the American Falls, so named for being mostly over the border of the U.S., and the Bridal Veil Falls. Over in Canadian territory is the Horseshoe Falls, so named for its shape. While there’s no minyan in Niagara Falls, NY, Buffalo, about 25 minutes away, features three minyanim.

TRAVEL TIME From Monsey 5 hours and 40 minutes

From Brooklyn 6 hours and 30 minutes

From South Fallsburg 4 hours and 40 minutes

(up to about 6 hours with traffic)

(up to about 8 hours and 30 minutes with traffic)

(up to about 5 hours and 40 minutes with traffic)

N I AG A R A FA L L S , N Y

NIAGARA FALLS

Niagara Falls State Park

Maid of the Mist

332 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Purchase tickets at the Maid of the Mist ticket plaza located at the Observation Tower on 1 Prospect Street.

Park that contains the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls. American-side attractions can be accessed from here.

PHONE 716-278-1794 HOURS 24 hours COST Parking: Monday to Thursday $10; Friday to Sunday $15

Cave of the Winds Purchase tickets at the Cave of the Wind ticket plaza on Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park

Journey down to the Niagara Gorge for a breathtaking tour on wooden decks in poncho to feel the showers on Hurricane Deck (the sandals will be phased out mid-July, so bring your own waterproof footwear)

Boat tour that goes into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls PHONE

PHONE

716-284-8897

716-2785-0705

HOURS

HOURS Hours and prices have not yet been posted at time of print.

COST

Summer hours from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closes earlier during winter and spring.

COST

Hours and prices have not yet been posted at time of print.

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Adults: $28.25; Children (6–12): $16.50; 5 and under: free

N I AG A R A FA L L S , N Y

Niagara Falls Observation Tower

AT T R A C T I O N S Aquarium of Niagara 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301

332 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Aquarium with penguins, seals, sea lions, and presentations and shows PHONE 716-285-3575 HOURS 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

COST Adult: $19.95; 60+: $17.95; child (3–12): $14.95; 2 and under: free

Niagara Falls Fireworks Best spot is Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park: 332 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 1430

Unobstructed panoramic views of the cascades and raging white water below.

PHONE

Remarkable (weather-permitting) fireworks show over the illuminated falls at night

716-278-1794

PHONE

HOURS

716-278-1794

8:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

COST The elevator and deck are open to all visitors ($1.25 fee). Boat ticket purcha se is not required. Acces to the Obser vation Deck is included in Maid of the Mist tickets.

HOURS Ever y night at 10:00 p.m.

COST Free

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N I AG A R A FA L L S , N Y

AT T R A C T I O N S

Niagara Scenic Trolley

Niagara Adventure

Niagara Falls State Park: 332 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Inside JD Gifts behind the Hard Rock Cafe: 21 Mayor Michael O’Laughlin Drive, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Additional location on the Canadian Side: 5781 Ellen Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 3P8

30-minute Niagara Falls experience on screen.

Gives passengers an overview of the park PHONE PHONE

866-750-4629

716-278-1794 HOURS HOURS

Ever y 45 minutes; show times var y.

Hours and prices have not yet been posted at time of print.

COST COST Hours and prices have not yet been posted at time of print.

Adults: $12 (online $10); Children (6–12) : $9 (online $7); 5 and under: free

Niagara Power Vista

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, NY 14902

115 South Water Street, Lewiston, NY 14092

A bumpy, thrilling ride through the white water rapids in a choice of an open or closed speedboat PHONE

Hands-on interactive exhibit, a 4-D ride, and awesome dam and gorge views exploring the science and power PHONE

TRAVEL TIME

716-286- 6661

7 minutes from Niagara Falls

HOURS 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

COST

888-438-4 4 4 4

TRAVEL TIME 15 minutes from Niagara Falls

HOURS Late April to late June: Wet boat tour at 1:00 p.m.; dr y boat tour at 11:30 a.m. Late June to early September: Wet boat tours leaves each hour on the hour (except 12:00 p.m.) bet ween 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; dr y boat tour at 11:30 a.m. Reser vations are recommended.

Walk-ins are always welcome, ba sed on availabilit y.

COST

Free

Adult: $64.95, child (6–12): $39.95

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N I AG A R A FA L L S , N Y

Lockport Locks 210 Market Street, Lockport, NY 14904

AT T R A C T I O N S

Minyanim Niagara Falls, NY

Young Israel of Greater Buffalo 716- 634-0212 105 Maple Road, Buf falo, NY 14221

Achei Tmimim — The Saranac Synagogue 716-876-1284 85 Saranac Avenue, Buf falo, NY 14216

Beis Haknesses Hagodol Lubavitch 716-832-5063 500 Starin Avenue, Buf falo, NY 14216

Experience the engineering marvel of the Erie Canal on a boat that actually goes through the canal PHONE

TRAVEL TIME

716-433- 6155

30 minutes from Niagara Falls

Get there by Amtrak

HOURS Tour times: Mid-May to mid-June: 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Mid-June to mid-September: 10:00 a.m.,12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

COST

Take Amtrak from: Penn Station Manhat tan (Moynihan Train Hall), Newark Airpor t or Newark Penn Station Take Amtrak to:

Adults: $22.50; Children (4 –10): $12; Under 4: free

Lanca ster Direct Line

Niagara Amusement and Splashworld 2400 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, NY 14702

Recently reopened theme park

COST Fares var y; one child bet ween 2 and 12 can travel free with each paying adult; children under 2 ride free on adult ’s lap.

PHONE 716-770-1770

CONTACT INFO

HOURS

800-872-7245 | amtrak.com

Opens 10:00 a.m. Closing time varies by day.

TRAVEL TIME COST Prices have not yet been posted at time of print.

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From Penn Station Manhat tan: About 9 hours (20 to 40 minutes less from Yonkers and Croton-Harmon respectively)

N I AG A R A FA L L S , N Y

Airbnb by the Cohen Family Vacation houses for short-term rental in the area PHONE 716-298-7003

LO D G I N G

Comfort Inn University 1 Flint Road, Amherst, NY 14226

WEBSITE niagara-hospitalit y.com

Sheraton Niagara Falls 300 3rd Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Laid-back hotel a 10-minute walk from Young Israel of Greater Buffalo PHONE 716- 688-0811

PHONE 716-285-3361

Hyatt Place Buffalo-Amherst 5020 Main Road, Amherst, NY 14226

Hyatt Place Niagara Falls 310 Rainbow Boulevard S, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Beautiful hotel within a few minutes driving distance to Buffalo minyanim PHONE 716-285-5000

PHONE 716-839-4040

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Journey Behind the Falls

Whirlpool Aero Car

6650 Niagara Parkway, L2E 6T2

3850 Niagara Parkway, L2E 3EB

Observation deck and tunnels to experience the power of the Horseshoe falls

Cable car above Niagara River for views of white water rapids

PHONE

PHONE

877- 642-7275

877- 642-7275

HOURS

HOURS

Opens 10:00 a.m., but closing time varies. It ’s preferable to show up latest an hour before closing time COST

From May: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Summer hours have not yet been posted at time of print.

COST

Adults (13+): $16; Children (3–12): $10.50 (CAD)

Adults (13+): $17.50; Children (3–12): $11.50 (CAD)

Hornblower Niagara Cruises

White Water Walk

5920 Niagara River Pkwy., Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada

4330 River Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 6T2

Cruise past all falls, with close-up views of Canadian falls

River boardwalk with viewing platforms right near water rapids

PHONE

PHONE

855-264-2427

877- 642-7275

HOURS

HOURS

Opens March 16; hours var y. Summer hours: 9:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

COST

Opens May; 10:00 a.m.–bet ween 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.

COST

Adults (13+): $32.75; Children (3–12): $22.75 (CAD)

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Adults (13+): $17.50; Children (3–12): $11.50 (CAD)

N I A G A R A FA L L S , O N TA R I O , C A N A D A

AT T R A C T I O N S

Butterfly Conservatory

Whirlpool Adventure Course

2565 Niagara Parkway, LOS IJO

3500 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON

Tropical paradise with thousands of colored butterflies PHONE 905-358-0025 HOURS Opens at 10:00 a.m.; closes bet ween 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

COST

A fun and thrilling experience of suspended obstacles and ziplines in the midst of nature PHONE 800-263-7073 COST

Adults (13+): $17.50; Children (3–12): $11.50 (CAD)

Varies

Botanical Gardens

Floral Clock

2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, L2E 2S7

14004 Niagara Parkway, Queenston, LOS 1LO

99 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. Guided horse-andcarriage tours from May to October (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) available daily for $20 per person.

PHONE 905-356-8119 HOURS 6:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

COST Free ($5 parking fee)

The intricate designs on the face of this clock are changed twice each year.

PHONE 905-357-2411 COST Free

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N I A G A R A FA L L S , O N TA R I O

AT T R A C T I O N S

Skylon Tower Observation Deck

Ripley’s Believe it or Not

5200 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A2, Canada

4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4

Ride to the top and indoor/outdoor observation decks

Museum of oddities on display PHONE

PHONE

905-356-2238

905-356-2651

HOURS

HOURS Hours have not yet been posted at time of print.

COST

Monday to Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Friday: 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

COST

Adults (13+): $19; Children (4 –12): $9.50 (CAD)

Adults (13+): $29.99; Children (4 –12): $22.99

Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks

Niagara Skywheel

5709 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON l2G 3L5

4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4

A collection of recognizable, true-to-life wa x figures

175-foot tall Ferris wheel with air-conditioned cars offering incredible views

PHONE

PHONE

905-356-2238

905-358-4793 HOURS Monday to Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; Friday: 12:00 –11:00 p.m.; Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

COST

HOURS Varies COST

Adults (13+): $29.99; Children (4 –12): $22.99

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Adults (13+): $15; Children: $7 (CAD)

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours 55 River Frontage Road, Queenston, ON L0S 1L0, Canada 115 South Water Street, Lewiston, NY 14092

Minyan

Niagara Falls, ON Chabad Niagara 905-356-7200 6417 Main Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 5Y3

Three tours that pass through the white water rapids PHONE

Kosher Food Niagara Falls, ON

888-438-4 4 4 4 HOURS By reser vation only COST Canada location: Adults: $74.95 CAD; Children (12 and under): $4 4.95 CAD. U.S. location: Adults: $64.95 USD; Children (12 and under): $39.95 USD.

Dair y restaurant and meat restaurant both on Jewish Welcome Center premises: 6417 Main Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2G. Both restaurants are under The COR ‘“Ka shrus Council of Canada” cer tification, with the direct super vision of Rabbi Zalman Zalt zman of Chabad Niagara. The establishments are strictly chalav Yisroel, pa s Yisroel, bishul Yisroel and of heimishe shechitah. Hours and opening time not yet determined for 2023.

For additional information call 289-296-4000.

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N I A G A R A FA L L S , O N TA R I O

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON l2G 3K7

LO D G I N G

Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview 6700 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W6

PHONE 905-374-4 4 45

View of the falls; rooms include kitchenette with microwave and fridge PHONE

Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites

905-356-3600

6361 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 PHONE

Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls Fallsview

905-354-7887

6455 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9

Marriott on the Falls 6775 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W7

Shabbos meals, separate swimming and eruv to Chabad Center PHONE PHONE

905-357-5200

905-374-1077

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AT T R AC T I O N S

M I N YA N I M

LODGING

KO S H E R F O O D

Visiting Lancaster throws one back to rural farm living of yesteryear. The pastoral sights and clack-clacking of horses make it a most delightful trip for children especially. The most wonderful way to take in this beautiful scenic farming town is by traveling through or walking down its roads.

TRAVEL TIME From Monsey 2 hours and 40 minutes

From Brooklyn 2 hours and 30 minutes

From South Fallsburg 2 hours and 40 minutes

(up to about 3 hours and 30 minutes with traffic)

(up to about 3 hours and 20 minutes with traffic)

(up to about 4 hours with traffic)

L A N C A S T E R , PA

AMISH COUNTRY

Buggy Rides

Biking Trails

There are several vendors along Old Philadelphia Pike in Pennsylvania, within minutes of one another.

Conestoga Greenway Trail

Amish Country tours aboard authentic horse and buggy

1301 S. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602

Abe’s Buggy Rides

717-299-8215 1.3-mile trail along river

2596 Old Philadelphia Pike (Bird in Hand) 717-392-1794

Conewago Recreation Trail 2385 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 5-mile trail through scenic farmland and along creek.

About a half hour out of the main Amish area

Aaron and Jessica 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike (Ronks) 717-768-8828

Lancaster Junction Trail 99 Champ Boulevard, Manheim, PA 17545 Trail of over 2 miles through scenic farmland.

About a half hour out of the main Amish area

AAA Buggy Rides 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike (Intercourse) 717-989-2829

Bike Rentals: Lititz BikeWorks 201 Rock Lititz Boulevard, Suite 11, Lititz, PA 17543 717-553-7997

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L A N C A S T E R , PA

AT T R A C T I O N S

Bird-in-Hand Scooter Tours

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

2705 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505

150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, PA 17572

Over 50 fun activities, including pedal karts, wagon rides, slides, bounce areas, corn maze and petting zoo PHONE 717- 687- 6843 HOURS

Guided scooter tours through back roads on Lancaster County PHONE

10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday COST

717-584-8064

Online prices star t at $22.95; at the gate, prices star t at $26.95.

Strasburg Railroad

Dutch Wonderland

301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572

2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602

Scenic ride through Lancaster County farmland in authentic steam train

Historic amusement park with over 35 rides, attractions and shows

PHONE 866-725-9666

PHONE 866-386-2839

HOURS Trains leave at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; reser vations recommended COST Star ting at $28

HOURS 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

COST Prices star t at $59.99.

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Choo Choo Train Barn

Herr’s Snack Factory

226 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572

20 Herr Drive, Nottingham, PA 19362

Train display with operating model trains and hand-created animated figures PHONE 717- 687-7911 HOURS Varies by day. Some days 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m and some days 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. La st admission an hour before closing.

COST Adults: $10; Children (3–11): $6; Toddlers: free

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory 219 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543

Tour and hands-on lesson in pretzel-twisting and baking PHONE

PHONE

800-284-7488

717- 626-4354

HOURS

HOURS

Tours given Monday to Wednesday, bet ween 10:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

By appointment only COST

COST

Adults (13+): $5; Children (4 –12): $4; 3 and under: free

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Adults (18+): $8; Students (4 –17): $4; Children (3 and under): free

L A N C A S T E R , PA

Kreider Dairy Farm 1467 Lancaster Road, Manheim, PA

AT T R A C T I O N S Minyanim Lancaster, PA Degel Israel 717-392-0884 1120 Columbia Avenue, Lanca ster, PA 17603

Kosher Food Lancaster, PA Fascinating dairy farm tour on trolley PHONE 717- 665-5039 HOURS

The shul ha s a snack shop with limited items for sale (among them chalav Yisroel products). Kreider Farms chalav Yisroel milk is available at Giant Food Store at 1360 Columbia Avenue. Kosher meat and chicken options can be found at Weiss Markets on 1700a Fruit ville Pike and Wegman’s at 2000 Crossings Boulevard.

Questions can be directed to hello@degelisrael.org. (Info cour tesy of Degel Israel)

Monday to Friday bet ween 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; reser vations required.

COST Ages 12+: $15; 2–11: $10

Amish Village 199 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks , PA 17572

Get there by Amtrak Take Amtrak from: Penn Station Manhat tan (Moynihan Train Hall), Newark Airpor t or Newark Penn Station Take Amtrak to: Take Amtrak to Lanca ster Direct Line

Guided tour of the Amish way of life in this 1849 farmhouse and scenic grounds PHONE 717- 687-8511 HOURS 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

COST Varies

COST Fares var y; one child bet ween 2 and 12 can travel free with each paying adult; children under 2 ride free on adult ’s lap.

CONTACT INFO 800-872-7245 | amtrak.com TRAVEL TIME From Penn Station Manhat tan: About 2 hour and 40 minutes From Newark Airpor t or Newark Penn Station: About 2 hour and 20 minutes

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L A N C A S T E R , PA

Eden Resort & Suites 222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

LO D G I N G

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriot Lancaster 150 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601

PHONE

Upscale hotel with great accommodations for families.

717-581-1800

PHONE 717-569- 64 4 4 NOTE Plea se note that there’s a water playground on premises.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Lancaster 2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602

AmishView Inn & Suites

PHONE 717-925-0831

3125 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA 17505

Hilton Garden Inn Lancaster 101 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601

This upscale hotel has a close-up view of Amish Town; working farms and buggy rides right nearby.

PHONE

PHONE

717-768-1162

717-560-0880

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AT T R AC T I O N S

M I N YA N I M

LODGING

KO S H E R F O O D

The White Mountains in New Hampshire is a mountain range that offers a wonderful mix of relaxation, adventure, fun and serenity. The long travel is well worth the destination at the end! Here we present you with a selection of hand-picked attractions that give you a taste of everything, but if you wish to explore more of the White Mountains’ offerings, there is an endless amount of places to visit, hike and bike in the area. There is minyan in Bethlehem and in Lincoln, so we based the attractions around these areas.

TRAVEL TIME From Monsey 4 hours and 40 minutes

From Brooklyn 5 hours and 10 minutes

From South Fallsburg 4 hours and 40 minutes

(up to about 5 hours and 50 minutes with traffic)

(up to about 6 hours and 50 minutes with traffic)

(up to about 5 hours and 50 minutes with traffic)

LIN CO LN, NH

THE WHITE M O U N TA I N S

Loon Mountain Resort

Clark’s Bears

60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, NH 03251

110 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH 03251

Children’s fun center with bear show, train ride, climbing tower, Segways, raft rides and more PHONE 603-745-8913

TRAVEL TIME 23 minutes from Bethlehem

HOURS Hours var y COST Ages 4 – 64: $30; Seniors: $27; 3 and under: free. $4 discount for online purcha ses.

Flume Gorge 852 Daniel Webster Hwy., Lincoln, NH 03251

Adventure park with gondola skyride, trails, glacial caves, bicycle rentals and many activitires

Self-guided walk through natural chasm, over bridges and past waterfalls, with fun for the entire family PHONE

PHONE

TRAVEL TIME

603-745-8111

603-745-8391

TRAVEL TIME 20 minutes from Bethlehem

25 minutes from Bethlehem HOURS

HOURS

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Hours have not yet been posted at time of print.

COST COST

Ages 13+: $21; 6–12: $16; 5 and under: free; $3 discount for online reser vation

Varies by activit y

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LINCOLN, NH

AT T R A C T I O N S

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

260 Tramway Drive, Franconia, NH 03580

1712 Lost River Road, Route 112W, North Woodstock, NH 03262

80-passenger tram that leads you to spectacular mountain views PHONE 603-823-8800

TRAVEL TIME right near Lincoln; 15 mintues from Bethlehem

HOURS 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

COST Ages 13+: $28; 6–12: $23; 5 and under: free; $3 discount for advance purcha se

Omni Mount Washington Resort 310 Mount Washington Hotel Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575

A must-visit boardwalk adventure through the gorge PHONE 603-745-8031

TRAVEL TIME 13 minutes from Lincoln; 31 minutes from Bethlehem

HOURS

Historical luxury resort with gorgeous grounds and breathtaking views PHONE

June 8 to June 30th: Admissions 9:00 a.m.–3:00; main building and grounds open daily 9:00 a.m.–4:00. July 1 to August 31: Admissions 9:00 a.m.–4:00; main building and grounds open daily 9:00 a.m.– 5:00. Advance reser vations recommended.

603-278-1000 COST TRAVEL TIME 29 minutes from Lincoln; 20 minutes from Bethlehem

General admission: $23; ages 3 and under: free. On-site tickets (when available): $26.

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Bretton Woods Adventure Center

Mount Washington Cog Railroad 3168 Base Station Road, Marshfield Station, NH 03589

99 Ski Area Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575

Summer activities include gondola rides, ziplines, carriage rides, biking and horseback riding PHONE

TRAVEL TIME

603-278-3335

Mountain-climbing railway up to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington PHONE 603-278-5404

29 minutes from Lincoln; 20 minutes from Bethlehem

TRAVEL TIME 37 minutes from Lincoln; 29 minutes from Bethlehem

HOURS HOURS

Trips on the hour bet ween 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to the scheduled trip.

Varies COST

COST

Varies

Adults (12+): $89; Children (4 –12): $59

Saco Canoe Rental Company

Story Land

558 White Mountain Highway, Conway, NH 03818

850 NH Route 16, Glen, NH 03838

Kayak and canoe rentals with shuttle service

Fairytale and nursery-rhyme theme fun park for kids

PHONE

TRAVEL TIME

603-4 47-4275

54 minutes from Lincoln; 1 hour from Bethlehem

HOURS

PHONE 603-383-4186

TRAVEL TIME 55 minutes from Lincoln; 45 minutes from Bethlehem

HOURS

Varies by day

9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

COST

COST

Varies

$59.99; under 3: free. Significant discounts online.

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LINCOLN, NH

AT T R A C T I O N S

Mount Washington Auto Road

Lake Winnipesaukee

1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH 03581

Weirs Beach, Laconia, NH 03249

Largest lake in New Hampshire, with majestic views and boating TRAVEL TIME 1 hour and 14 minutes from Lincoln; 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bethlehem

Road leading to Mount Washington summit — the highest point in the Northeast PHONE 603-466-3988

Minyanim

TRAVEL TIME 1 hour from Lincoln; 50 minutes from Bethlehem

HOURS 9:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

COST Drive yourself: $39 per car; $14 per additional pa ssenger (adult) and $9 (child); 4 and under: free Guided tour: adult: $45; 62+: $40; 5–12: $25; 4 and under: $10

Kosher Food Lincoln, NH

Weekday Lincoln location: Days Inn 557 US-3, Lincoln, NH 03521 in the Clermont Room (GPS: 9 Orourke Drive) August 8 to August 30: Shacharis at 8:00 a.m.; Mincha at 7:00 p.m., and Maariv following. There is a $50 minyan charge per family to help cover rental expenses.

Shabbos Minyan will be held at various locations at the homes of visitors staying in Lincoln, i.e.: Village of Loon, Coolidge Falls, Clearbrook, South Peak, Forest Ridge, Alpine Village etc. Before making your reser vation, please check if there will be minyan at your location by emailing lincolnminyan@gmail.com.

Congregation Machzikei Hadath 603-869-3336 31 Lewis Hill Road, Bethlehem, NH 03574

Price Chopper has some packaged kosher foods 603-745-3969 | 10 Lumber Yard Drive, Lincoln, NH 03251

Presidential Mountain Resort

Presidential Mountain Resort

603-307- 6764 | 1108 Main Street, Bethlehem, NH 03574

603-307- 6764

Kosher grocer y and prepared food for eat-in and takeout (must be ordered 24 hours in advance)

Minyanim in July and August

1108 Main Street, Bethlehem, NH 03574

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LINCOLN, NH

LINCO LN

LO D G I N G

BETHLEHEM

Days Inn Lincoln

Presidential Mountain Resort

557 US-3, Lincoln, NH 03251

1108 Main Street, Bethlehem, NH 03574

Minyan on premises run by Chabad of New Hampshire; separate indoor pool with hours for men and women in August.

PHONE 603-728-1071

Cabin rentals with entire kosher experience and minyan

Woodwards Resort

PHONE 603-253-2222

527 US-3, Lincoln, NH 03251 Right near the Days Inn minyan PHONE

The Chandlers at White Mountains

603-745-8141

30 Arlington Street, Bethlehem, NH 03574

Loon Reservation Service

Vacation rental broker that will arrange condominium, townhouse, resorts or private home rentals for your stay in the White Mountains

Right near minyan PHONE

PHONE

603-896-7777

603-745-5666

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AT T R AC T I O N S

M I N YA N I M

LODGING

KO S H E R F O O D

Wherever you turn in the District of Columbia, you will chance upon a historical site, an iconic monument, or a museum about the past, present and future of the country we call home. Here is a collection of notable landmarks and sites to visit on your trip to our nation’s capital. To best plan your itinerary, we’ve included a map of the District, because so many of the landmarks and sites are within walking distance of each other.

TRAVEL TIME From Monsey 3 hours and 50 minutes

From Brooklyn 3 hours and 30 minutes

From South Fallsburg 4 hours and 50 minutes

(up to about 5 hours and 10 minutes with traffic)

(up to about 4 hours and 30 minutes with traffic)

(up to about 6 hours and 20 minutes with traffic)

WA S H I N GTO N , D.C .

THE DISTRICT

U.S. Capitol Capitol Visitor Center is beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street

Visitors are welcome to enter the monument through the Capitol Visitor Center. Capitol tours require reservation HOURS Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed Sundays.

Senate and House Galleries and Watching Congress in Session Entry to House and Senate Galleries is through the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

A special gallery pass is needed to visit the Senate and House Galleries, which are open to the public when Congress is not in session, and which can also be toured while either legislative body is in session. These can be obtained from the offices of one’s senator or representatives. Schedule information is also available from this office.

PHONE

COST

Of fice of Senator Charles Schumer: 202-224- 6542; 322 Har t Senate Building, Wa shington, DC 20510

Free

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AT T R A C T I O N S

WA S H I N GTO N , D.C .

United States Botanic Garden 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 2000

Getting Around Parking in Washington, D.C., is no picnic. Therefore, public transpor tation, when possible, is the best way to go. Here is a list of just a few public transpor tation options.

DC Circulator 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002 CONTACT INFO 202- 671-2020 HOURS

Garden with about 65,000 plants for exhibition on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol PHONE

All routes run ever y ten minutes on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m.); some star t earlier and end later.

COST $1

202-225-8333

DESCRIPTION

HOURS

Low-cost public transpor tation with six distinct routes throughout the District ’s main at tractions. Routes travel ever y ten minutes.

Maps and information brochures can be found on ever y Circulator bus and are available at various brochure stands around the Metro DC area.

10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

COST Free

DC Streetcar White House Tours 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230

2550 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC 20002 CONTACT INFO 202-741-0254 HOURS 6:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.; Sundays: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

COST Free DESCRIPTION Free train-like vehicle that operates on fixed rails on public streets.

There’s only one line currently running.

Self-guided public White House tours are currently taking place on Fridays. Requests have to be submitted through one’s Congressmen, up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. There are a limited number of passes.

PHONE

By reser vation only

1001 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 COST

Our Congressmen: Mike Lawler (17th District, which includes Monsey): 202-225- 6506 Rep. Jerr y Nadler (10th District, which includes par ts of Boro Park): 202-225-5635 HOURS

Old Town Trolley

COST Free

1-day tour from $45; reser vations highly recommended.

CONTACT INFO 202-832-9800 DESCRIPTION Hop-on, hop-of f tour bus to all major at tractions in the District.

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The White House Visitor’s Center

Smithsonian Castle 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560

1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230

Since White House tours are often not attainable, the Visitor Center offers a window into the president’s iconic home with interactive multimedia, archival footage, over 90 White House artifacts, 3D models, and a view inside the lives of the first families.

PHONE 202-208-1631 HOURS 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

COST Free

President’s Park Both trails begin at the White House Visitors’ Center: 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230

This signature Smithsonian building is home to their visitor center and makes for a great starting point for their museums.

Here you can see collection highlights from each museum and then plan which to explore.

The park lands surrounding the White House can be explored at your leisure. You can take the Northern Trail through Lafayette Park, or the Southern Trail through the Ellipse.

HOURS

PHONE 202- 633-1000 HOURS

7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday COST

8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

COST

Free

Free

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WA S H I N GTO N , D.C .

AT T R A C T I O N S

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

A collection tracing major events and themes throughout the years.

PHONE 202- 633-1000 HOURS 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

COST Free

National Postal Museum 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

Explore the entire aviation and space history, with original aircraft on display and a cache of information within reach.

Home to the National Philatelic Collection, the world’s largest and most valuable stamp collection, and interactive displays about the history of the USPS

PHONE

PHONE

202- 633-2214

202- 633-5555

HOURS 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

COST Free

HOURS 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

COST Free

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National Zoo

The FBI Experience

3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20535

Visits to FBI headquarters must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance through one’s congressional representative’s office (contact information in White House listing above).

PHONE 202-324-3000 HOURS 7:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m.

COST Free

International Spy Museum 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

Home to giant pandas, six African lions, seven Asian elephant, tigers, cheetahs, polar bears, flamingos and so much more PHONE

This museum has recently reopened with fascinating interactive, historical and modern exhibits. They also offer the thrilling option of assuming an identity and taking on a mission for some solid espionage fun.

PHONE 202-393-7798

202- 633-4888

HOURS

HOURS

Sunday to Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

COST

COST

Adults (13– 64): prices star t at $24.95; Seniors: prices star t at $22.95; Children (7–12): prices star t at $15.95; 6 and under: free

Free

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WA S H I N GTO N , D.C .

Holocaust Memorial Musuem 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024

AT T R A C T I O N S Minyanim Washington, D.C. Kesher Israel 202-333-2337 | info@kesher.org 2801 Nor th Street NW, Wa shington, DC 20007

Woodside Synagogue Ahavas Torah 301-587-8252 | rabbi@wsat.org 9001 Georgie Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Masks required | Right near Washington, D.C.

Southeast Hebrew Congregation — Knesset Yehoshua 301-593-2120

The U.S. official memorial to the Holocaust that preserves the memory of this dark time with exhibits, photos and educational programs PHONE 202-488-0400 HOURS

10900 Lock wood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910 25 minutes from Washington, D.C.

Yeshiva of Greater Washington 301- 649-7077 | info@yeshiva.edu 1216 Arcola Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20902 They have early Mincha minyanim; masks and advance reser vations are required. 20 minutes from Washington, D.C.

10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by reser vation only COST Free

Boating in D.C. Key Bridge Boathouse: 3500 Water Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 Ballpark Boathouse: Potomac Avenue SE and 1st Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 The Wharf Boathouse : 690 Water Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

Get there by Amtrak Take Amtrak from: Penn Station Manhat tan (Moynihan Train Hall), Newark Airpor t or Newark Penn Station Take Amtrak to: Lanca ster Direct Line

Between the Potomac River and the Anacostia River running through the District, there are plenty of boating opportunities in the nation’s capital. Boating in D.C. has boat rentals at six locations in Washington, D.C.; three are listed here.

PHONE 202-337-9642 HOURS Varies; The Whar f is closed Monday and Tuesday COST Prices var y by location and boat t ype.

COST Fares var y; one child bet ween 2 and 12 can travel free with each paying adult; children under 2 ride free on adult ’s lap.

CONTACT INFO 800-872-7245 | amtrak.com TRAVEL TIME About 3 hour and 30 minutes

WA S H I N GTO N , D.C .

LO D G I N G

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Holiday Inn Washington – Capitol

400 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

1501 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005

Modern hotel in the Capitol and National Mall area (pool is on the rooftop,so no pool views) PHONE 202-479-4000

Modern hotel a 10-minute walk from the Capitol PHONE 202-737-1234

Courtyard Silver Spring Downtown 8506 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Contemporary hotel in Downtown Silver Spring

Holiday Inn Washington – Central/White House

PHONE 301-589-4899

TRAVEL TIME 20 minutes from Wa shington, D.C.

550 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

DoubleTree by Hilton 8727 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Casual hotel with city views (pool is on the rooftop, so no pool views) a 16-minutes walk from the White House PHONE

Affordable contemporary hotel in downtown Silver Spring PHONE

202-483-2000

301-589-5200

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TRAVEL TIME 20 minutes from Wa shington, D.C.