Five Jewish Link readers recommend their top five Chol Hamoed activities
Jenni Levy
Where are you from?
Teaneck
Where do you work/go to school?
Raff & Raff, LLP
Top 5
#5 Receive special visitors!
We love to have our friends from out of town come visit in the sukkah! It gives everyone an opportunity to really get the dwelling experience by spending time in it during Chol Hamoed with friends. We play board games and reconnect. My kids often work with our visitors on puzzles.
#4 Painting pottery.
Almost every year, we pile into the car and head out for a fun family pottery painting session during Chol Hamoed. It’s become a tradition we all look forward to, where we can get creative and take home something we made together. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to spend quality time as a family.
#3 Eat dessert in the sukkah.
Over Chol Hamoed, we try to make every day super sweet. We pile into the sukkah and love to eat special treats each night. Nothing like indulging under the stars to make it even more special.
#2 We love to roast marshmallows outside.
It’s fun and the perfect weather to do it! Roasting marshmallows outdoors is one of our favorite activities. The kids love it and it’s always a fun way to end the day with everyone around the fire.
#1 Visiting a farm
My whole family enjoys visiting a farm during the fall harvest season. It’s a great way to get outside, take in the crisp autumn air and let the kids interact with farm animals they love. The experience brings us closer to nature and adds a special touch to our holiday celebrations.
Mark Schwartz
Where are you from?
Teaneck
Where do you work/go to school?
Teaneck Council
Top 5
#5 Great Adventure
Growing up, I have so many fond memories of heading to Great Adventure with friends and family. The NCSY Chol Hamoed trips were a big part of those memorie— just the excitement of getting on rides with a group of friends, laughing and sharing the adrenaline rush. It’s an annual tradition that never gets old, and even though I’ve been on the same rides countless times, there’s something nostalgic and exciting about it that keeps me coming back.
#4 Work
As the saying goes, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. For me, work is not just about the daily grind — it’s about passion, community involvement and making an impact. Being part of the Teaneck Council gives me the chance to work on meaningful projects and help shape the town I love. It’s incredibly rewarding and it feels less like work and more like a calling.
#3 Go outside to eat in the sukkah
Not sure. Why do we want to crowd into a sukkah? But there’s something about it … maybe it’s the buzz of conversation and delicious food. The food always tastes better when you’re enjoying it with good company and there’s something about the atmosphere during the holidays that makes it even more special.
#2 Long afternoon walks with my wife
Because she reads The Jewish Link cover to cover every week. And it’s a great way to take a step back from the hustle and bustle, letting us reconnect in a quiet, meaningful way.
#1 Go to Israel
Does that really need an explanation? It’s a dream come true. Opening up the window of a sukkah to see the walls of the Old City. Priceless.
Zachary Greenberg
Where are you from?
Teaneck
Where do you work/go to school?
Diversified Alternative Treatment Centers
Top 5
#5 Luna Park Coney Island
I’m a big roller coaster fan. While the coasters at Luna Park aren’t quite on the level of Six Flags (which I also love and had season passes for three years in a row), the park’s location by the water gives it an edge for me. Luna Park has some top-tier rides, including epic coasters like the Steeplechase, Soarin’ Eagle, Thunderbolt and of course, the classic Cyclone — an oldie but a goodie. They also have a Slingshot ride that catapults you high into the air in a little ball, flipping around as the ocean and sky blur together — it’s wild! All of these rides are included with the four-hour unlimited wristband. While it’s a bit annoying that you only get four hours, the park is small enough that you can still get on a lot of rides. Just don’t waste any time! And be sure to check out Coney Waffles for some of my favorite ice cream.
#4 Sports Game
It’s a rare time when New York sports are actually thriving (well, at least since 2010). And thankfully, we’ve got not one but two incredible baseball teams this year in the Mets and Yankees, who might even be facing off in this year’s World Series — a rematch of the 2000 World Series between the two New York clubs. On top of that, the New York Giants are hosting the Eagles in a divisional rivalry matchup. I love going to sports games with my friends, buying some Cracker Jack ice cream and watching these world-class athletes compete. New York also has the best fans, which really adds to the fun.
#3 Circus Vazquez
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved the circus. I’m amazed by the incredible acrobats and daredevil stunt performers who pull off feats that seem impossible. It’s great that we have a circus so close to Bergen County at the Garden State Mall. I went to Circus Vazquez last year and had an incredible time with the amazing live orchestra adding music to the fun, the talented performers and the silly maestros bringing out plenty of laughter.
#2 Supercharged Entertainment
I like arcades. I like axe throwing. And I love go-karting. Supercharged Entertainment has all three! If you haven’t been to Supercharged, I highly recommend visiting ASAP. It boasts the world’s largest indoor go-karting track, with karts that zoom at incredible speeds, offering a real racing experience complete with scoreboards, percentile rankings and two fantastic race tracks. Oh yeah, there’s also an arcade that’s almost on par with Dave & Buster’s (though the gift shop is slightly less impressive) and a really fun axe throwing area. It’s also right next to Topgolf so if you have time to do both, check them both out! Check it out this chag!
#1 Hersheypark
“Well there’s chocolate and there’s chocolate, only Hersheys makes your confidence sky-rocke-let.” Okay, while it’s not a Wonka bar, Hershey bars sure are good! And the best Hershey bars are sold at the chocolate capital of the world, Hersheypark! Sukkot at Hersheypark is an incredible experience of chag ruach, delicious chocolate and thrilling roller coasters. I feel like the #1 activity should be something that you’re actually doing this year. I plan on staying at the Hershey Lodge for the first time ever for two nights and I can’t wait to visit!
Ephraim Taber
Where are you from?
Bergenfield
Where do you work/go to school?
Looking for work (text me with leads at (845) 558-1358
Top 5
#5 Hiking
When you’re bored and looking for something to do, hiking is always a great option. It helps build stronger muscles, offers fantastic exercise and allows you to clear your mind. Plus, after a long day, there’s nothing more relaxing than being surrounded by nature.
#4 American Dream Mall
This is my favorite mall ever. I mean, who doesn’t love a mall that has everything you need — from food to games to even indoor skiing and an amusement park. If you’re looking to have a blast with family or friends, this place is definitely where you want to be.
#3 Urban Air
Do you like doing backflips or somersaults? Well, Urban Air has it all. From trampolines to obstacle courses, this place will definitely put you in a good mood. I used to go here with my friend all the time.
#2 Jewish concerts
OK, so I’m a big music guy and every year I enjoy going to concerts with my family. I love Mordechai Shapiro and Benny Friedman. It’s a family-friendly event filled with energy and joy.
#1 Six Flags
I love amusement parks and Six Flags has a ride for everyone, whether you’re a child or an adult. I enjoy upside-down roller coasters. If you’re not a fan of rides, they even have gift shops and kosher food.
Ami Avraham
Where are you from?
Edison
Where do you work/go to school?
EisnerAmper, Metropark office
Top 5
#5 Daven in a minyan that sings Hallel
Best way to start the day! Hallel is meant to be sung with joy and energy. When it’s done with a lively tune, you feel that extra connection to the Yom Tov spirit. It’s an uplifting way to bring everyone closer to the heart of the holiday.
#4 Some nature or farm-type place
An activity that my wife’s family appreciates, which adds to our simchas Yom Tov. It’s not just about the scenery, though that’s lovely — it’s the opportunity to slow down, breathe fresh air and enjoy being outside with family. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the kids entertained and teach them a little something about the beauty of the natural world.
#3 Simchas Beis HaShoeva by various Chassidish sects
It’s like time traveling, and I get to blend in with my bekishe. The dancing, the singing, the liveliness—it’s better than a playoff sports game.
#2 Bronx Zoo
Tradition! (Just never on a Wednesday; it’s free entry day, and the lines are insane! The kids love seeing all the animals and the fall weather makes it the perfect time to be outside. Plus, there’s a kind of nostalgia that comes with visiting the zoo every year during Chol Hamoed.
#1 Family meals
There’s no place like home (for the holidays). It’s where the best conversations happen and I cherish those moments. It’s the heart of the Yom Tov experience for me.
