The Radisson Lackawanna Station, a six-story landmark hotel in the heart of Scranton, Pennsylvania, will serve as host to the annual Yeshiva-week Shabbos getaways, to be held on January 20-22 and January 27-29.
Constructed in 1908, the building originally served as a train station for more than half a century; it was renovated in 1980 when the city of Scranton partnered with private developers to transform the landmark building.
Now, the new design boasts modern amenities and services while maintaining the historic building’s timeless elegance and original glory. Its grand lobby is two and a half stories tall with an ornamented mosaic tile floor, a barrel-vaulted Tiffany stained-glass ceiling and rare Siena marble walls. The neoclassical structure is listed with the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and has proudly received the 2011 Renovation Excellence Award. Just recently, a $3 million dollar major remodel was completed, with new beds, wall-coverings, flooring and furniture.
The Shabbat getaway is hosted by Rabbi Benny and Chany Rapoport, co-directors of Chabad in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Scranton.
“The catering is done in house; all meals are freshly prepared by our team of chefs and culinary staff in the commercial kitchen facilities at the Chabad Center,” said Chany. “Shabbos meals are served to the table, set with china and silverware in the Radisson grand ballroom. The kosher hospitality we offer is unique; guests will enjoy a gourmet experience at affordable—and unbeatable—rates.”
Rabbi Benny Rapoport, who oversees the hashgacha, said that the highest standards of kashrut are followed. “We designate a mashgiach at all times both during prep and meal service,” he said. “All baked items are pas yisroel & kemach yoshon. All dairy items are cholov yisroel. Meat and poultry is heimishe shechita certified by the OU and CHK. In addition, greens and vegetables are checked before use.”
This year the Shabbat getaway features two musical performances; the premier a cappella group Shir Soul will be performing on the January 20 event, while America’s favorite Jewish Folk Band “Rogers Park,” who have been called the “Jewish version of Simon and Garfunkel” will be entertaining on January 27. Enjoy the sweet harmony during tefilos and a concert performance at the melaveh malkah on Saturday night.
There is a lot to do in northeastern Pennsylvania both indoors and out! Guests that wish to ski, snowboard or go tubing will enjoy discounted rates at Montage Mountain just 10 minutes from the hotel. The family-friendly ski resort offers 26 professionally groomed trails, from beginners to advanced, a modern rental shack that provides skis and snowboards and professionally led group lessons to help you learn or improve your skills. They also have a superb ski school for ages 5-11 as well as private lessons.
Montage Mountain also has the longest and fastest tubing trails in the region. The snow-tubing park is fun for all ages, and features 10 trails of downhill excitement that are each 800 feet long. The hill is serviced by a “Magic Carpet” lift that gives tubers a swift return to the top of the snow-tubing park.
After hours of clean, healthy fun on the mountain, enjoy selections from a delicious glatt-kosher concession located right in the ski lodge! Choices include hearty soups, fresh salads and hot meat/chicken dishes.
For information please call 570-587-3300 or visit www.poconoshabbat.com.
By Chaim Davidson
