Eshel Day on Fire Island

Shlomo Ashkinazy and his husband, Michael Gomillion, have generously invited members of Eshel to join them on Sunday, August 1st, in Cherry Grove on Fire Island.

Cherry Grove offers a variety of opportunities for fun activities to choose from, including a beautiful beach, the hotel pool, walks through nature, friendly community, and a live Cabaret pool show at 3 PM. There is also a live show at 6 PM in The Hotel’s Ice Palace Cabaret/Disco for those who plan to stay later. (The last Ferry from Cherry Grove to Sayville leaves at 11:30 PM.)

The beach, the pool hotel, the Disco, and Shlomo and Michael’s place are all within a 2-minute walk of each other. So, come with the expectation of an active day of fun in the sun, with Shlomo and Michael’s place as a central meeting spot for washing, resting, eating, (and a possible Mincha service), between and after other activities. Feel free to stay together with the group, or wander off and explore on your own.

We are planning to have a late potluck lunch, so bring along a kosher, dairy, or pareve food item to share that would be sufficient to serve 6 people. 

Items to bring: Swimsuit, Towel, Beach Blanket, Sandals, Sunglasses, Sunscreen

*This invitation is limited to the first 30 people who register and is only open to people who are 21 years old or over.

**Please read Eshel’s Policy on in-person gatherings.

GETTING THERE

Because Fire Island is an actual island, the only way to get there is by taking the Ferry, which shuttles back and forth from Sayville, Long Island. There are NO cars in Cherry Grove, which adds to the beautiful storybook atmosphere of the community.

Here is a link to the Ferry Schedule and information: Sayville Ferry Service

How to Get to Sayville, Long Island:

Since the only way to get to Cherry Grove is via the Ferry from Sayville. You must first get to Sayville.

Sayville can be reached by car via the Long Island Expressway or the Southern State Parkway. ESHEL will provide a link to a ride board for people looking for, or offering rides. If you come by car, you will be able to park in the parking lot which is direct across the street from the Ferry.

You can also get to Sayville via the Long Island Railroad, from Penn Station. You will find Shuttle Buses waiting at the train station to transport people to the Ferry. It’s less than a five-minute ride. Just follow the people who are carrying their beach paraphernalia.

Here’s the LINK to the Train Schedule Long island railroad Sunday schedule Penn Station to Sayville

*The House Address will be shared a few days prior to the event., with those who have registered.

What is Fire Island? Fire Island is a Barrier Reef approximately 3 miles off the south shore of Long Island. While it is 31 miles long, it is less than 1,000 feet wide, so you are always only steps away from either the bayside or the ocean side. There are 17 separate communities on Fire Island, each separated by undeveloped National Park Lands. Most of these communities are strictly private and residential. A few communities do have shops and restaurants. Two of these commercial communities are primarily LGBTQ. They are The Pines and Cherry Grove.

Here’s a link to more Fun Facts about Cherry Grove

Cherry Grove, New York – Wikipedia