Close to Home

F or some people it’s the beach and the boardwalk; for others it’s the pristine mountain air.We each have our own map of magical places those enchanted settings that put us back together again when we start coming apart.

I like to get away too but my vacation spots are rather unconventional. Or maybe they’re so conventional that they’re unlikely getaways. One of my greatest thrills is just walking the streets in the frum neighborhoods of another city. I love the noise of shuls of wedding halls streaming their music late at night. I love the availability of kosher food. I enjoy perusing the same stores I have at home but with a clearer head. I need the novelty of a new setting yet I crave the familiar.

So I’ve come to accept that I’ve got to compromise somewhere. If I want to be around the corner from Lederman’s shul or the Ari’s kever or share the block with six kosher falafel stores… well then I may not have the option of a spa resort or an ocean view. Still it’s worth it.

There was the time we took a rental one of those cute little guest apartments and when we showed up to a room that wasn’t ready the lady motioned to us that she’d be there as soon as she finished davening. True to her word she came after a robust Shacharis with sponja stick in hand. The Ritz it certainly wasn’t but we did have a good time and a good laugh.