And you shall rejoice on your festival—you, your son, your daughter...: (Devarim 16:14)
It was Chol HaMoed, and Rabbi Fischel Schachter wanted to take his children on an outing. Like many parents, he was looking for something fun, but also budget-friendly. So he gathered his children, told them to get into the van, and off they went.
“Where are we going, Tatty?” they asked. “You’ll see,” he replied. Truthfully, he had no destination in mind. He just started driving, hoping inspiration would strike. As they got on the highway, the kids spotted signs for JFK Airport.
“Are we flying somewhere?” the kids asked. Rabbi Schachter smiled. “You’ll see.”
And then it hit him. It was a brilliant idea. They’d go to JFK, ride the AirTrain, and watch planes take off and land. A free trip, fun for the kids, and light on the wallet.
When they arrived at the airport, he realized he wasn’t the only one with this idea. The terminal was packed with families from Boro Park, all riding the AirTrain in circles, waving to one another and enjoying the adventure.
At one stop, a pilot entered the train. He looked the part: uniform, suitcase, the whole package. Rabbi Schachter asked one of his children to give up their seat so the pilot could sit. The man gratefully accepted and struck up a conversation.
“I see you’re flying with the family,” the pilot said. “Where are you headed?” “Oh,” Rabbi Schachter hesitated, “nowhere, really.” The pilot looked puzzled. “No, really, tell me. I know this airport inside and out. I can help you find the right terminal.” Rabbi Schachter smiled. “We’re not going anywhere. It’s Chol HaMoed, and this is our trip.” “You’re telling me you’re just riding the AirTrain in circles?” the pilot asked, stunned. “Pretty much,” Rabbi Schachter said, laughing. “That’s our outing.”
The pilot sat back, thinking deeply. Then he turned to Rabbi Schachter and said something unforgettable:
“You know, every day I get up and I know exactly where I’m going. I know the destination, the flight path, the exact timing. But my life? My wife left me and my kids don’t talk to me. So yes, I travel the world, but I have no destination. But you—you don’t have a destination, and yet you have everything. Watching you with your kids, seeing their happiness... that’s the greatest journey there is.”
With that, the pilot stood up, grabbed his suitcase, and walked off the train.
Rabbi Schachter later reflected on this telling encounter. We often think joy comes from going somewhere exotic or doing something exciting. But the truth is, the greatest joy isn’t found in a destination; it’s found in togetherness. It’s found in being present with the people we love and in cherishing the beracha of family.
And that’s the best destination of all.
Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser
