Avi Tsadok
From Englewood, New Jersey
Where Are You At: Employee at Trader Joe’s
Top 5 – #5: American Dream Mall
The American Dream Mall is an absolute favorite hangout spot for me and my friends. I especially love eating at Chickies and getting a chicken salad. I’ve been to Nickelodeon Universe, which was fun. I also like Cinnabon a lot. What truly makes it special, though, is capturing those memorable moments with a group photo—it adds the perfect touch to our outings.
Top 5 – #4: EJ’s Pizza
I’m often in the mood for pizza and when I am, I go to EJs. I always pair my meal with a refreshing Diet Coke and savor two slices of their mouthwatering pizza. Beyond the delicious food, the welcoming atmosphere and familiar faces make it even more enjoyable. In my book, EJ’s is the undisputed champion of pizza in town.
Top 5 – #3: Congregation Ahavat Torah
I love davening every morning at Ahavat Torah in Englewood. The siddur’s words allow me to forge a profound connection with Hashem. I especially enjoy seeing the wonderful members of the shul and engaging in meaningful conversations with my friends.
Top 5 – #2: Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is more than just a grocery store; it’s a place where I feel genuinely welcomed by the friendly staff. I absolutely love their instant coffee, especially when sweetened with Splenda—it’s my personal coffee creation in a glass! Being punctual for work is important to me, and Trader Joe’s helps me start my day right. Their snack selection, especially Takki, is a treat I can’t resist. Plus, striking up conversations with familiar faces among the customers is always a highlight of my day.
Top 5 – #1: Six Flags
I’m probably going to Six Flags with Yachad over Chol Hamoed. They have a sukkah there with good food. I get to get a FastPass, where we get to go to the exit doors, which is awesome! I’m a proud member of Rayim in Yachad, and I enjoy the medium-level thrills. I used to like roller coasters, but not as much anymore. The merry-go-round, Skyliner, and arcade games never fail to provide great entertainment. Above all else, my favorite ride is the Ferris Wheel. The best part of the day though is hanging out and seeing a lot of my friends and having fun together at Six Flags.
Ariella Broth
From: Los Angeles. Currently living in Washington Heights.
Where Are You At: Currently in GPATS (Graduate Program for Advanced Talmudic Studies), teaching a class at Stern and studying in Nishmat’s Yoetzet Halacha Program.
Top 5 – #5: Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a fun day trip that doesn’t have to start super-early in the morning, but makes the whole day feel like fun! You can bring snacks (that can be eaten outside the sukkah) and sit on the lawn, watch a show when they have one, or play ping pong and board games on the side. It’s also right before they switch over to their winter season so it’s fun to soak up the sun and games before they switch to their ice skating rink!
Top 5 – #4: Escape Room
Sometimes during chol hamoed, you want to feel like you are using your brain, but for something other than school or work. Escape rooms are a great family or friend-group activity to help bond and work together for a fun experience. My favorite type of escape room adventures always end in a pizza dinner to discuss how it went and close out a fun day!
Top 5 – #3: Hiking trip
Although as a kid I used to complain about long hikes, they are now my go-to activity for a Sunday morning or vacation day trip. Whether you’re on a fun date or a family adventure, hikes are the perfect setting for longer conversations and to get your body moving in beautiful nature. Whether you’re in LA and hiking to a waterfall or going on a nature walk in Fort Lee, there’s always more and more to explore during the gorgeous fall season!
Top 5 – #2: Six Flags
It might be a classic, but it’s a classic for a reason! Just don’t forget your sunscreen for a day in the sun while you go on roller coaster after roller coaster and get dip and dots as a special treat. Bonus points if you join a minyan with the 100’s of Jews that are at the park with you since they also have off of school and work:)
Top 5 – #1: Governor’s Island
If you live in the city, this is the perfect adventure for you! Even just riding the ferry to get there is an adventure, but once you’re there it’s so much fun. Bring a book and relax in the hammock garden or bring a helmet and go bike riding along the water. When I’ve gone with friends, we played games, took fun pictures, and just enjoyed exploring the out-of-city quiet:)
Lauren Levner
From: Teaneck, New Jersey
Where Are You At: Teacher at Irving Montak SINAI School at SAR Academy
Top 5 – #5: Ceramics
Painting ceramics is a fun, relaxing activity that can be done no matter the weather. I enjoy painting practical objects like bowls or cups that I can then use. My favorite ceramics places are Color Me Mine in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Little Shop of Crafts on the Upper West Side.
Top 5 – #4: Broadway show
I enjoy going to Broadway shows for special occasions like Chol Hamoed. I appreciate the variety of shows to choose from and enjoy the music, dancing and costumes.
Top 5 – #3: Bowling
Bowling is a fun activity to do with family or friends, especially when the weather is unfavorable. I like going bowling because it’s a local and active activity. My favorite places are Bowler City in Hackensack and Lucky Strike in the Palisades Mall.
Top 5 – #2: Time Mission in Palisades Mall
Time Mission is a unique and fun activity that combines elements of an escape room, arcade games and obstacle courses. I describe it as suitable for both children and adults. It offers 32 different timed rooms that challenge intelligence, coordination, physical strength, speed, or a combination of these skills. Plus, it’s located in the Palisades Mall, which has many other activities and stores.
Top 5 – #1: Biking by the Hudson River
Whether you decide to rent a bike in the area or bring your own, biking by the Hudson River is a great active yet relaxing activity. I suggest starting in the midtown area and choosing whether to bike uptown toward the George Washington Bridge or downtown toward the South Street Seaport. Each direction offers amazing views and vibes.
Gabe Greenberg
From: Bergenfield, New Jersey
Where Are You At: Electrician and TABC track coach
Top 5 – #5: Supercharged Entertainment
I’ve been to multiple go-karting places before, and this is easily the best ever. On the top level is an arcade as good, if not better, than Dave & Buster’s. Additionally, the ax-throwing activity adds a unique thrill to the mix. What’s more, its convenient location next to Topgolf makes it a complete entertainment package.
Top 5 – #4: Humdingers
Humdingers is an underrated nearby establishment in the area that deserves more recognition. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it also offers a wide range of activities, including batting cages, an arcade and bowling. I’ve frequented this place multiple times, and each visit has been awesome.
Top 5 – #3: Going to Monsey
Especially on Thursday night there is an event at Monsey. So many Simchat Beit HaShoeva, a lot of heimishe food, I love cholent at Nussy’s, Mechel’s, Leil Shishi. I go every week with my friends and it’s the best!
Top 5 – #2: American Dream Mall
The American Dream Mall offers a plethora of enjoyable activities. I love strolling around, taking in the sights and indulging in activities like Nickelodeon and Blast 7D. There is a sukkah on the third floor—the perfect place to eat your Cinnabon or Chickies sandwich. Plus, the mall features a variety of Jewish stores, including the ArtScroll store and the ADdress, making it a must-visit destination.
Top 5 – #1: Six Flags
Six Flags tops the list for me because it’s a lot of fun. The lively atmosphere with Jewish music playing in the background creates a fantastic ambiance. The minimal wait times for major rides, availability of kosher food, and a full sukkah on the premises make this the perfect destination. Whenever it’s happening, I love going to the Six Flags Chol Hamoed concert, too. Also—you won’t have to worry about minyanim!
Elazar Abrahams
From: Brooklyn, New York
Where Are You At: NYC Affordable Housing
Top 5 – #5: Museum of Natural History’s new Gilder Center
Location: 415 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
You may have been to this iconic Upper West Side museum before, but it’s worth revisiting now that its new wing finally opened earlier this summer, 10 years and $465 million after it was announced. To say nothing of the exhibits, the space is stunning—you’ll feel like you’re in a towering canyon. New York and New Jersey residents can pay what they wish for admission, but don’t miss the new butterfly room for a small added fee, where hundreds of butterflies fly around you and can land right on your hands.
Top 5 – #4: SummerStage’s Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva Boys Choir
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, 3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224
NYC’s City Parks Foundation produces dozens of free concerts throughout the year, and on Monday, October 2, they’ll be hosting one especially for the Jewish community. The Yeshiva Boys Choir will take the stage in the outdoor Coney Island venue at 2 p.m., which is sure to be great shtick and a great time. Again, completely free of charge.
Top 5 – #3: RiseNY
Location: 160 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
This is one of the few Midtown tourist traps that actually lives up to the hype. RiseNY is a Disney-level ride right off of Times Square that (virtually) soars over the Empire State’s skylines and crazy views. It’s a lot of fun, and the space also has interactive galleries of famous New York pop culture moments. Pairing this with something else in the area makes an ideal day in the city.
Top 5 – #2: Philadelphia Day Trip
Philly is a surprisingly short drive from Teaneck and makes for a perfect day trip. Obviously hit up the classics like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center, but make sure to visit the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, which is remarkably well done and has something for all ages. Plus, tickets are free to the majority of these attractions.
Top 5 – #1: Simchas Beis HaShoevas in Borough Park
No Sukkot is truly complete without dropping into a Simchas Beis HaShoeva on a Chol Hamoed night. Drive out to Borough Park and wander into any of the Chasidishe raves going on in each sect’s massive sukkah. They’re all within a couple blocks of each other, so you can hop around and experience a bunch. Unreal vibes!
