By 5TJT Staff
Chazal instituted that we read the first section of each week’s Torah portion on Mondays and Thursdays to ensure that no one go more than three days without learning. They may not have realized this at the time, but it also resulted in the need for more creative planning during winter-break/intercession. Unless you are travelling with large groups of people and a sefer Torah, chances are you would need to rely on the legendary generosity of Chabad shluchim to ensure a spiritually wholesome winter getaway.
But Chabad’s flare in hospitality runs much deeper than just facilitating a minyan and perhaps a small breakfast for passersby. In fact, if you’ve been to Kalahari Waterpark, you have probably already benefited from some of the many services of Rabbi Benny and Rebbetzin Chana Rapoport of Northeast Pennsylvania’s Jewish Discovery Center.
However, if you are one of those people who felt that this winter’s weather did not warrant a getaway, then the wintry mix that we have experienced this week is your cue to head for the slopes. There is no better place for that than the Poconos.
This year, join the Jewish Discovery Center at the Radisson Lackawanna Station hotel in historic Scranton, PA for a weekend that you will never forget. Hear world-renowned lecturer and author, Rabbi Shais Taub; join tefillos led by Chazzan Yaakov Sebbag; and be entertained with the showstopping performances of the acclaimed Rogers Park Band while being lavishly wined and dined by the great culinary fare served up by Pocono Kosher Gourmet who will be providing fresh and delicious kosher dining all weekend, Friday through Sunday, including snacks and beverages.
Guests of the annual getaway are full of praise for the weekend:
- “We have always been more than impressed, especially with our table companions and with the attention to detail and hospitality.
—S.F.
Elizabeth, NJ - “The food was delicious! Thank you so much, we were so pleased.”
—A.L.
Brooklyn, NY - “Thank you so much for the delicious catering. My husband and I as well as our kids had an amazing time.”
—T.B.
Woodmere, NY. - “The food was delicious and we very much enjoyed.”
—A.H.
Cherry Hill, NJ
The Lackawanna Station hotel was built in 1908 as a train station and office building that closed its doors in 1970. It was listed in 1977 on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and was the setting for Dwight’s speech in the American television show, “The Office.”
The program will take over the entire hotel. A day camp will keep the kids engaged all Shabbos long with songs, stories, and an assortment of activities while you enjoy the wit, humor and penetrating thought of Rabbi Shais Taub. Rabbi Taub will be lecturing throughout the weekend, sharing his great understanding of the human condition and uncanny ability to articulate some of Torah’s deepest ideas.
Discount tickets are available exclusively to event guests for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Montage Mountain, which is a short 10-minute drive from the hotel. The family-friendly ski resort offers 26 professionally groomed trails for beginner to advanced skiers, as well as professionally led group ski lessons for adults to help you learn or improve your skills. They also have a superb ski school for children between ages 5–11.
Montage has the longest and fastest tubing trails in the region. The snow-tubing park is fun for all ages, featuring 10 trails of downhill excitement that are each 800 feet long, including a kiddie slide for smaller children. The hill is serviced by a “Magic Carpet” lift that gives tubers a swift return to the top of the snowtubing park.
Following hours of clean, healthy fun on the mountain, enjoy Pocono Kosher’s delicious concession located right in the ski lodge. Choices include hearty soups, fresh salads, and hot meat/chicken dishes.
For more information, visit MyPoconoKosher.com or call 570-587-3300.
