It’s such a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. 3 hours full of discoveries. It was very interested to talk to Rabbi and get to know explanation behind the Chassidic laws and get a glimpse at the daily life from that close.

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.

This was a fascinating glimpse into a usually closed community. The Rabbi was very welcoming and happy to share information about the Lubavitch Hassidic community. We were able to observe activity in the synagogue, visit a local bookstore and enjoy lunch in a local cafe. We gained some interesting insights into Hassidic life that had only previously been accessible through reading. I would have loved to have visited more sites, but learned so much from the conversation.