The tour is a tremendously rich experience for me. It is among the best events I have ever attended. So much of what I learned of the Chassidic laws and practices makes sense to me. They are like values I already embrace, but with added dimension as to the fullness of meaning and the possibilities for interpretation. I don’t agree about many things I discovered, but that is of no import. It is all thought provoking and much is absolutely right on, without doubt, true! A very good thing, and not something one gets from just any tour. This was part tour, part theology/philosophy lesson.

At this tour you truly enter a different world, philosophically and literally. The Crown Heights neighborhood is amazing. With the exception of modern accoutrements you would think you had stepped back into another century. The day we were there, October 6, 2013, there was a Kosher Food Festival going on on Kingston Avenue. Wonderful music filled the air and I never saw so many strollers and small children at an event in my life – a fact that I think the community would be proud of having been noticed! There was a challah braiding activity booth for kids – wonderful – I wanted to join in myself.

Rabbi Beryl Epstein, our tour leader is an approachable, charming man and an entertaining and informative speaker. Couldn’t be better.

I’m reluctant to mention the only negative thing about the tour, because for me it was really no huge deal in comparison to all the wonderful things about my experience and it does not keep me from giving a five star review. It’s the lunch. I mention it because I think many people would have a big problem with it. I also don’t think the lunch is at all necessary to make the tour worthwhile. It could be eliminated and the tour would be well worth its price.

I cannot emphasize enough how very special this experience is for me. I recommend it to anyone traveling to New York City.

From a traditional Matzah bakery to
The main synagogue. 770
A wonderful full tour!
Many people will return to the “hood”
after a great tour like the above.

I was afraid that touring the Hassidic community would be intimidating. Nothing could be further from the truth. Prior to the tour, as I walked along several blocks, community members stopped to wish me well and welcome me. By the time I met with my tour guide, Rabbi Beryl Epstein, I had many questions on my mind. He graciously and non-judgmentally answered every question. I felt privileged to enter the Hassidic neighborhood with such a kind and knowledgeable guide. He very obviously wanted to share the basics of his beliefs. I am anxious to return with my husband to take this tour again.

This is one of the most mind blowing experiences I have had in my whole life. As an agnostic I went on the tour just out of curiosity and while I left feeling immensely happy that I am not a chasidic jew myself, I also left feeling more informed and in many ways also inspired. There are many things that I will never understand about this lifestyle, but I found that many things in the philiosophical base of judaism is very much useful in my daily life. I will definetely recommend this to any one who is a curious person such as myself.

“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”

I am not a Jew but am very interested in the Jewish culture and their history. The Hassidic Walking tour was the perfect way to see and learn about a people who are solely committed to their beliefs without trying to impose them on others. I happened to be there the day after their holy days and there were visitors there from around the world. It was quite the center of activity as they were all leaving to return to their homes. We observed worship, saw how they restore Torahs, learned about their rituals and laws and how they have integrated themselves into today’s world without losing who they are as a people. I found the whole experience to be enlightening and would highly recommend it.