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.

“Friendship and understanding ensued! Yozef was our guide and although the tour started out a little slow as he is shy, it ended up being one of the best tours we took in NYC given the insights into a culture different from our own. Yozef was warm, funny, engaging and willing to share insights into both his religion and his way of life. He answered every question, no matter how awkward, and gave us a comprehensive tour of the neighborhood to understand both the practical aspects of living the Chabad life but also the spiritual reasons for doing so.

We did not know this but the last Rabbe for the community lived in this area and so the site is a holy one. That made for a tour that included the Synagogue, the museum and house of the Rabbe with preserved artifacts, a fruit store, a Judaica store, a Scribe, a deli for very yummy treats, and an art gallery. Wonderful.

There is simply no way to grasp the depth of the Jewish religion in a few hours but if you are interested in a religion different than your own and understanding more about the daily lives of the people who practice it then I cannot recommend this tour highly enough.”

“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 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.