Driving tips, Minyanim, Kosher food, emergency information on the i87

So you’re driving south to New York? Or up the 87 to Montreal? A group calling themselves the Kosher thruway has a lot of valuable information for your trip.

TIRED? Sleep over in the beautiful Comfort Inn at 17 Old Gick Road in Saratoga at Exit 15. 518-587-6244. Use code “LTJS” to pay only 70 dollars for the night. The hotel is located in front a Wal-mart that sells fruits and vegetables and is open 24 hours.

24 HOUR SHOPPING: Walmart at Exit 15 just across the hotel listed above is open 24 hours. They sell fruits and vegetables. Exit 15.

SCENIC LUNCH SPOT: Au Sable chasm is an excellent place to stop for a bite. The view of the falls is breathtaking, and it’s only ten minutes off the road. It’s a great free attraction too! If you have time, you can take a walk through the chasm, for a fee.

MINYANIM: If you need a place to Daven, stop in at one of the Hachnosas Orchim rest areas. Shachris at 6:40 AM can be found at Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob on 380 Whitehall Rd in Albany. You can reach them at 518-489-5819. There is also a Minyan Shachris at 8:00 at the Shtiebel which is located at 463 New Scotland Avenue in Albany under Rabbi Rubin, who can be reached at 518-423-4103. He can also be reached by email. Mincha is 10 minutes before sunset followed by Maariv at both Albany Shuls. You can also search Chabad’s directory for a list of Chabad Houses along the way, including Albany and Saratoga Springs.

SUMMER MINYANIM IN SARATOGA: During the summer, a Belz Minyan can be found in Saratoga, at 1 Veteran’s Way. Shacharis is at 9:00 AM, Mincha is at 9:00 PM, followed by Maariv at 9:30 PM. Their phone number is 518-226-0830. If you plan on staying in Saratoga for Shabbos, Rabbi Rubin can help you find accommodations. Contact him by clicking here.

LAKE GEORGE SUMMER MINYAN: During the month of August, an additional Minyan can be found in Lake George. Shacharis is at 8:00, Mincha and Maariv start around 8:00. The Minyan is in a large tent behind Magic Forest at 71 Bloody Pond Road, just off Route 9. The well-stocked Mini-Chopper Kosher Store is located at the corner of Amherst & Iroquis Streets – one block behind Canada Street, the main road in the Lake George Village.

TRAFFIC: Get updates on the New York thruway website. Hop on the 9 if there’s too much traffic on the 87.

EMERGENCIES: Hatzoloh Montreal can be reached at 1-877-341-1818 and Hatzoloh Monsey can be reached at 845-425-8979. Interstate Chaverim can be reached at (845) 425-4357. Chaverim of Monsey can be reached at 845-371-6333, and Chaverim Montreal at 514-990-4263.

VISITATION: If you have extra time and would like to do a Mitzvah, please speak to Zorach at 514-815-6657 to arrange visiting Jewish inmates at Clinton Correctional Facility at Exit 38N.

HACHNOSAS ORCHIM REST AREAS: Several Kosher stops are available along the way, courtesy of Rav Elimelech Leifer who can be reached at 518-538-3221. At each stop you can stretch your legs, have a coffee, meet other Jews, learn something, and rest for a bit. The stops are:

• Exit 32, from Canada Southbound, make a right at the stop sign off the exit ramp. It’s the first house on your right. From Albany Northbound, take exit 32, make a left at the stop sign, and it’s the first house on your right. Address is 741 Stowersville Rd, Lewis, NY 12950. Open 24 hours. Lukoil gas station nearby is also open 24 hours.
• Exit 18 is also open 24 hours and next to a 24 hour gas station. The address is 229 Corinth Road, Queensbury, NY 12804.
• Exit 26 is opening June 9th, B’Ezras Hashem. The address will be 6 Olmstedville Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860
• Exit 42 will B’Ezras Hashem be opening next summer. The address will be 99 Prospect Street, Champlain, NY 12919
• Exit 9 will be opening on Labor Day 2015 B’Ezras Hashem, located at 1684 Route 9, Halfmoon, NY 12065

For more information and dedication opportunities, call Rav Leifer toll free at 1-855-ROUTE-87.

KOSHER FOOD: There’s a large Kosher section in the Price Chopper at Exit 2W in Albany just before the toll section of the 87 to New York. The address is 1892 Central Avenue in Albany. There’s also Kosher food in Lake George. The well-stocked Mini-Chopper Kosher Store is located at the corner of Amherst & Iroquis Streets – one block behind Canada Street, the main road in Lake George Village.

KOSHER RESTAURANT IN ALBANY: Terra is a Cholov Yisroel restaurant located at the halfway point between Montreal and New York. Their food is excellent. Mention bill613 to receive 10% off (valid up to twice a month). Click here for directions and more information.

TIP: Enter all the addresses above into your GPS/Phone and save them. In case of emergency or if you’d like to stop somewhere for food or rest, you will have everything you need easily at your fingertips.

Do you have tips, places you like to stop on the way, or helpful information for families traveling up and down the i87? Let everyone know in the comments below.

By Zvi Hershcovich