“Schneur Zalman” Tag Archive

The history is so real in this place, it’s easy to feel like a trespasser, encouraged by every element in one’s immediate surroundings to step carefully and take care to take everything in.

And then you visit the displays.

Hospital rooms, dormitories, the inspection hall, detention areas, and more. We even saw a Sefer Tehillim (Book of Psalms) handed to Nathan Solomon in 1924 by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, right here at Ellis Island.

The trip from Liberty Island to Ellis Island is a bit more than a mere hop, especially in the tourism season.

In addition to the long lines to reboard the ferry, the punishing heat, and the not so rare local rudeness, we also had fatigue to contend with.

Sheina Shira was inconsolable at one point. Every time we walked, and especially in close proximity to crowds, she just melted down. Then it dawned on us – Down where she was (at knee… Read more »»

The stuff that vacations are made of! If you’re only willing to stand in a long line once per vacation, spend it on line to a ferry that will take you to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. They are destinations that will fill you with awe both at what our predecessors have accomplished, and at the unparalleled freedoms that we enjoy in our lives.

This is the way to see the city! Great visibilty, personal tour guide, no walking, and 20 feet above (and out of reach of) the street vendors.

Our first view of Manhattan, excluding the Manhattan side of the Number 3 train run, unfolds before us as we emerge from the subway at the 42nd Street Station.

This is not just a big city! This is a different world!!

Rosh Choidesh Menachem Av begins tonight (the first day of the Hebrew month of Av), and with it, the nine days leading up to Tish’a B’Av (9th day of Av). This is the somber anniversary of the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem, and one of two full day public fasts on the Jewish Calendar.

During the “Nine Days”, as we mourn, we reduce in our daily expression of joy by not eating meat or drinking wine (except on Shabbos)…. Read more »»

At risk to life and limb, the Ehven family rented a van and ventured out on the road.

First stop: Brighton Beach to pick up Aunt Gloria. (Thank G-d for GPS.)

Next stop: Tinton Falls, NJ! What a beautiful drive over the Verrazano Bridge and Staton Island! The entire route was lushly green and expansive.

We spent a fantastic day with cousins (and their sweet puppy), catching up and talking politics, of course. (These were Gilad’s relatives obviously.) Only nightfall forced us back… Read more »»

Friendships begun in Seattle were renewed in Boro Park! After catching up, meeting the newest neshamas (souls), and enjoying fantastic hospitality (and bagels); I realize that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

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