Sloatsburg: Thruway Summer Tefillah Area to Open On Thursday

Sloatsburg, NY – The popular Minchah-Maariv area utilized every summer by tens of thousands of men traveling to the Catskills will open this Thursday, June 28. Located at the Sloatsburg rest area on the northbound side of the New York State Thruway, the area was designated as a “prayer zone” after intense negotiations to serve the many members of the frum community who travel frequently to the Catskills during the summer months.

Located midway between the city and the mountains, the Sloatsburg rest area has long been a landmark on the drive upstate and has traditionally been the designated Minchah-Maariv spot for the many men who travel on Thursday nights to spend a long weekend with their families.

While the Thruway Authority has designated a spot at the Sloatsburg rest area for minyanim, it is important to remember that this area is to be used for davening only. Peddling of any kind is forbidden at the area, and disregarding this rule will create a massive chillul Hashem.

Special recognition should be given to Rabbi Edgar Gluck, who initiated the Minchah-Maariv area, and to Rabbi Bernard Freilich and Rabbi Abe Friedman for working with the New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Police to ensure the success of the project.

The public should take note of various important rules regarding the Tfilos Mordche Tefillah Area:

• All minyan participants must drive directly to the second floor. A tow truck stationed at the rest area has been instructed to immediately tow any cars that are parked on any grassy area of the rest stop.

• The second floor parking area is well suited to the needs of the frum olam, with greater privacy and easier access to restrooms.

• The New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Police will be enforcing a zero tolerance policy regarding the selling of any food and any kind of tzedakah collecting.

• Kosher food products will be available from a vending machine located inside the building.

• The area is to be used exclusively for minyanim. No loitering or hanging out of any kind will be tolerated.

• Children should not be left unattended in cars. Parents who need to use the restroom must take their children with them.

• There is to be absolutely no parking or stopping on Thruway shoulders or on the ramp of the rest area.

“We truly hope that the community will abide by the rules in order to make certain that the summer vacation travelers have a pleasant experience at the Minchah area,” Rabbi Abe Friedman, son of noted askan Reb Mordche Friedman z”l, in whose memory the tefillah area is named, told Matzav.com.

{Casriel Bauman-Matzav.com Newscenter}