An intimate 3 hour tour (plan on more time as lunch follows) where Rabbi Epstein shares everything he knows about the Lubovitch sect. He is open, thoughtful, honest and truly hopes to inform. The thick veil held by this group is turned to gauze as he enlightens in a thoughtful way. We visited an eastern European style synagogue and observed the daily rituals of the men viewed from the women’s concealed viewing area. We visited a Mikvah (ritual cleansing bath) and learned of it’s importance to the religion. Then we visited the small teffillin workshop and learned about the various animal parts utilized with a kosher bent. Absolutely loved it, the time whizzed by. If you are at all interested in learning about a different culture this was A+. A 30 min easy subway ride from mid-town to Crown Heights B’klyn. (Get of the subway and you are jarred from the sophistication of Manhattan to the rich culture of a distinct neighborhood of African Americans and Jews.) Lunch is not to be missed as it’s a casual sit down with the ever garrulous rabbi in a small Halel eatery serving fresh felafel. Any questions you may have forgotten during the tour will be remembered.

We had a small group, so our tour guide took time to explain Hasidic philosophy/theology to us at the beginning. We then toured seven different sites around the neighborhood. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and open. I was most impressed by how he explained the connections between Hasidic thought and how they lead their lives.

Led by Rabbi Epstein this tour gives you a different look on NY. The tour started with the four of us on the tour telling the Rabbi about ourselves and why we were there. He then told us about the work of Lubavitcher. This was followed by a visit to a very busy synagogue. There seemed to be 100s of men there, with smaller groups at different parts of morning prayers. Many were putting in and taking off teffilin. Some were studying. We then moved on to Lubavitcher headquarters and saw the central control room where communities are contacted around the world. Our tour ended with a good kosher lunch.
Thanks, a Rabbi, for an extraordinary insight.

“Rabbi Beryl provides a most interesting tour of his world. We began with a short orientation at the library. Introductions were made, philosophies exchanged.
We got a feel for this community and what makes it special.
With his open demeaner and great sense of humor, we left understanding the basics of this group. There was no criticism of the participants, and no soliciting with tzudukah boxes.
A most interesting way to the understanding of another culture. A great way for families and friends to spend some time thinking about their own history”

great tour to kill some of our pre-conceived idea…. Sometimes I wondered if we were still in NYC ! One of the many aspects of New York !