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.
