"You think this is funny, what's funny is you paid for this"

Sloatsburg, NY - As in recent summers, tens of thousands of Orthodox men are expected to use the popular minchah/maariv area along the northbound New York State Thruway on the road up to the Catskills. The start of using the area will be this afternoon.

The New York State Thruway Authority last year moved the “prayer zone” from the first to the second level of the parking structure that housed it. All minyanim take place on the second-level parking area (which is level with the second-floor restrooms). In the event of rain, minyanim will be allowed in the stairwell.

The minchah/maariv area, located at the Sloatsburg rest stop off the northbound New York State Thruway, was designated to serve the summer Jewish transient community after intense negotiations with community leaders.

While minyanim are successfully held during the summer season, it’s important to remind the community that peddling is prohibited and can cause a massive chillul Hashem. Also, the NY Dept. of Transportation has asked that no one park on the shoulders of the Exit ramp leading up to the parking area. State Police will be issuing hefty summonses to anyone violating parking regulations.

As with last year, the New York State Thruway Authorities Inspector has teamed up with Kiryas Joel resident and noted activist Chaplain for the state police and Orange County Sheriff's Office Rabbi Mordechai Friedman to be present every Thursday night to enforce compliance with the peddling ban. A Kosher Vending machine is on premise for anyone who is in need for a snack.