Rabbi Yisroel Bernath
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If you ever find yourself on Martha’s Vineyard, you must stop by the Flying Horses in Oak Bluffs. It’s not just a carousel, it’s a piece of living history. Built in the 1870s and still going strong, it’s actually the oldest operating carousel in America. And when you walk into that little red barn and hear the music start, you feel like you’ve stepped straight into another time.
The horses themselves are works of art, hand-carved, with real horsehair manes. They don’t go up and down like modern rides, but trust me, the magic is still there. Especially because of the brass ring game. As you spin around, you lean out and try to catch a ring. Most are steel, but if you snag the elusive brass one, mazel tov, you’ve earned yourself a free ride. That’s what happens to my son. It was so fun! And honestly, there’s something so joyful and pure about seeing both kids and adults stretch, laugh, and cheer each other on.
What I love most is the feeling it gives you. It’s not about thrills or flashing lights. It’s about simple joy, shared tradition, and that sweet reminder that happiness is often found in the little things. Riding it with my family, I could feel generations before us doing the same, smiling and reaching for that brass ring. It’s not just a ride, it’s a metaphor for life.
So yes, go ride the Flying Horses. Laugh, grab the rings, and let yourself be carried for a few minutes into a world where joy is uncomplicated and timeless.
