Purim in Brooklyn: Costumes, Food, Drinking!

Purim in Jewish Brooklyn is quite a sight to behold! I have a lot of family in Boro Park Brooklyn, and this year, I spent a few additional hours in the neighborhood to film some of the going-on. I tried my best to be your tour guide and show you what I see, the messages in the costumes, the small nuanced social expressions, and to spread some of the fun I have when I visit the neighborhood on Purim. On this day a lot of people are more easy-going, more open, and it's contagious.
Last year I visited Hasidic Williamsburg, and you can watch my report here:
• PURIM - The COSTUME an...
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Filmed by Keith Pressman / kepress1.wixsite.com/keith-pr...
Edited by Steve Milligan / www.cliquemojo.com/
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#purim
#jewish
#jewishholidays

[@malkylowinger4194]

I’ve never been anywhere except for Williamsburg on Purim. It’s nice to see how it is in different places, but I think Williamsburg is definitely the wildest, most fun place to spend purim!

[@mommapolleyplans5495]

Hi! I am from Western Kentucky and love to watch your videos. I am Christian and love to study about both Judaism and the culture of ethnic Jews. I have a son who lives in Manhattan and attends Columbia University. My other son and I visited him last week, and we went to Williamsburg last Friday. It was my favorite part of my NYC trip. We went to two bakeries (Steinberg’s and Korn’s). Both were yummy. Our presence was more welcomed at Korn’s, but I hope to visit again on another trip. We also sat in a park on Bedford Avenue to enjoy our pastries. I have been in education for 28 years. I am now an elementary school counselor, so seeing the schools and children was also interesting to me. The children in the parks were very curious about us. Thanks for all you do to share about this culture and providing me with enough information to take a little tour of Williamsburg with my boys.

[@esterherschkovich6499]

What is Ethnic Jews???

[@grahamwilson5835]

@@esterherschkovich6499 Yeah, I was wondering about that. Maybe he meant Jewish ethnicity ? Who knows ?

[@jsw7814]

I wanna see a video of a group of Hasidim checking out the culture in KY :)

[@lianealbert7728]

Momma Polly… what a nice response… I really enjoy her videos as well. I grew up in Maine with a large family, moved to Dallas when I was 29, where I met and married my Indian husband (he’s a Brahmin Hindu) and I’m Catholic. We moved to Raleigh NC in 2016… I enjoy watching her videos too.. it’s nice to learn about other cultures in an honest and respectful environment…

[@brianlawson363]

Happy Purim! Every single one of your videos takes me on an awesome trip without ever leaving my home. Your posts are so endearing and do more to make Judaism familiar while at the same time respecting its boundaries. Peace and blessings to you!

[@laceystovall8828]

I love when you speak Yiddish! I want you to do that more :) Ramping each other up by telling everyone to calm down was my favorite!

[@dougratner3203]

@friedavizel nuuuuuuu?

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

I'm a reform Sephardic Jewish woman. Once, in 2003, while in college I went to the Boston Chabad house. It was Purim. I have not seen, before or since, any group of people as drunk as on that occasion... all Vodka too!

[@jsw7814]

I've never heard of Reform Sephardic, I thought Sephardim don't do Reform, you're either observant or not.

[@soulfoodsmama2980]

The first time I came to Brooklyn in 2016 I didn’t realize it was Purim so i was surprised by all the Orthodox families walking around in costumes visiting each other. All of the children are absolutely adorable, I love the enthusiasm! 🖤

[@alexphan9750]

Loved this Frieda! And thanks to the camera man for getting us a glimpse of the party inside the apartment. Very cool to see!

[@gittelkatz3853]

You are fabulous. I did not get to leave the house all day and you gave me the opportunity to see BP on Purim without having to walk through my front door. Thanks Frida.

[@Cheyenne.007]

This is one of my favorite videos! Everyone was so welcoming and you really captured the joy of the Chag so well.

[@healthymom8112]

Cute!! I really respect how you give a neutral view of the chasidic community despite what you may have been through in your past. I’m sure it’s not always easy

[@anonymousanonymous9844]

This is not nuetral,this is the reality! Stop pushing a narrative that's isn't true. Because she left doesn't mean she went through something. This is exactly why you have to come down to Brooklyn and find the truth! Whatever you watched or saw in the secular world is not the reality. Gullible people are not smart people! Don't take everything at face value!

[@chaninamenachem]

They boy in the girl costume WAS SO FREAKIN CONVINCING! OMG! HOW'D HE PULL THAT OFF! Great costume

[@debbiec4224]

Loved this video! Happy Purim. Very interesting. Almost like the the day of Halloween. Kids dress up and go around to houses and ask for candy by saying trick or treat. But I like the idea of giving gifts and collecting money for charities or what not. So good to see people sharing their costumes with you. Thank you for taking the time to make the video and share with your you tube fans. 😊 did you participate in Purim as you were growing up? Have a wonderful rest of your week.

[@jeffparnell5805]

I used to live the neighborhood over in Kensington, so the views were familiar to me. Seeing this video brought back some memories, thank you for sharing this one. One of my first memories of seeing Purim celebrated was the Haman piñata, but that was in Williamsburg; I don't remember ever seeing one in Borough Park though.

[@Zelde-M]

Enjoyed even more than the first time!

[@jameschicken1008]

Granted, we should all make an effort sometimes to interact with them and learn from them, but I love how on purim they're all so extroverted and joyous rather than almost bland and focused as they seem rest of year

[@allensmith4131]

Thanks so much for covering Boro park!! I recognized some of the people. I even saw someone in a costume whom I got to dance with on purim!

[@bradybunch92]

I realize I smiled through this whole video. Such a fun video to start my day!

[@yaffadonath953]

You picked a great bakery I live in Borough Park I know. Purim is like Yom kipurim. You can ask for whatever you want it is a very holy day. That's why you saw that poster. Happy you enjoyed yourself.

[@anonymousanonymous9844]

Yeah that bakery is an icon, probably the best in BP.. walking in there is dangerous 😂 I suggest that should be the very first stop for someone who wants to tour Boro Park. It's called Tam eden

[@GoodDayYall]

Thanks for spreading positivity

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

ha ha :)

[@RivkaMacales]

Thanks for giving me a glimpse of Boro Park on the Heilige day of Purim!

[@ettypaneth1475]

You are such a special person,love watching your KZbin channels. I really look up at you , even though you left the community you never speak bad about yiddishkeit , you are a really special person!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much :) It’s nice to get nice comments like this on old videos.

[@user-dy4zv3rb7n]

I totally agree with this lovely comment!!

[@peterdalyy3542]

I love your enthusiasm for Jewish hasdic culture thank you

[@olgagomez485]

Awesome video Frida😁👍🏼Thank you for the tour Borough Park. Maybe one day you give a tour of that area I will sign up😁I took the one of Williamsburg last summer. It was an experience going to the neighborhood where I was raised but on the other side of Williamsburg which in the 70’s was all Latino. Thank you please keep doing what you do. You Rock 😁👍🏼✡️

[@patcummings6950]

I was born and raised Catholic and I always yearned to be Jewish in my early years. Im 75 now and love my Christian faith. But something always tugs at my heart for the Jewish cultural. Perhaps it is because Jesus was Jewish. This series is so beautiful and has brought tears to my eyes more than once. Ive been studying Hebrew online, thank you Audible. I dont even know anyone I can speak with in Hebrew, but its something ive always wanted to do. I'll leave the rest up to God. Thank you for sharing this. I'm a new subscriber now. ❤

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

What a very kind message. You seem to be a beautiful soul.

[@ThanxForUploading]

I had tears in my eyes watching your pure unbridled joy at observing Purim in BP. Your neshoma gravitating to its foundation!!! ;-)

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Ha ha :) I like Purim; I love how special it is for children.

[@robertdemitro1520]

It's nice to see the kids being creative with their costumes and learning about sharing ( the tiny ones are so cute ❤ ) ! People are enjoying themselves . 👍🏻🙏

[@chaim3904]

Thanks for keeping purim alive even after purim

[@GoodDayYall]

Thanks for spreading positively

[@jenniferlynn3537]

Thank you for taking us on this Purim adventure! My vote for Best Adult Costume goes to Mr. Cotton Candy Beard! My vote for Most Ambitious Youth goes to Miniature Schtreimel Wearer (for the cost of schtreimel alone)! My vote for Most Intriguing Adolescent Costume goes to The Chicken Slaughterer, and my vote for Most Endearing goes to Mr. Purim Gelt Offerer - for recognizing the good you do!!! 💙💸👍🏻

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Great votes all around!

[@worldoffaeriehelpers9154]

Great video! Thank you for the simple walk through the neighborhood, we can still learn a lot about others that way. Everyone has a life, sometimes simple is the best way to show that.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I feel like the streets tell a very lively story!

[@anonymousanonymous9844]

Excellent video! Thanks for showing what BP is really all about! A fellow BPer!

[@jillclark6076]

What a fun celebration. I wonder if the moms feel left out not being in costume? (At least it didn't appear that they were.) I love all the cute children so proud of their finery. It must be a day that is looked forward to with all the gift exchanging. Thank you for a wonderful peek into this world for those of us who may not ever have the chance to see it in person!

[@lollypop6765]

Woman are allowed to get dressed up. Growing up I never saw a married woman get dressed. However it is now a bit more common with some of the younger married woman, especially if the family is all wearing a matching theme.

[@JohnHarvey_UK]

Another excellent video, Frieda. People were warm towards you despite having left the community, and this again smashes through media narratives about that present Chassidism as an intolerant monolith. I'm not in the UK right now, but will definitely visit our Chassidic enclave next Purim to experience the energy. Belated Purim Sameach!

[@anonymousanonymous9844]

Yes! Thank you! Finally someone realizing the truth!

[@TrudyPatootie]

*Frieda his was so much fun. I felt like I was walking with you! I would have loved to have* *been there!*

[@jennyzoliver6718]

Hello Frieda, thank you for your wonderful videos. It’s nice to see how the Jewish people celebrate.

[@crystalbluepersuasion3897]

So fun! Thanks for taking us along!

[@lindastein2401]

Such a fun video. Looks like you guys had a good time.

[@debbiec4224]

Loved watching this video again!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I know it’s one of my favorites. I had such a great time and such a great cameraman. Sadly the cameraman got injured and hasn’t been able to work with me.

[@debbiec4224]

Sorry to hear about your camera man. Hope he heals soon!

[@zeldemalevitz4996]

When we lived in Los Angeles there was a nit kosher bakery in Fairfax Ave that had Hamantaschen all year to our surprise. When asked the bakery lady said by Cantor’s it’s all year Purim!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I have been surprised to see that many non-Hasidic bakeries sell hamentashen all year round as a "Jewish staple".

[@erinaustin2157]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Idk if it’s just being in the northeast, but I see Hamantaschen year round as well. I’m on The Island(Long) for reference;) “Regular” bakeries and the supermarkets have it year round. I saw it at Trader Joe’s as well last week. That bakery though, with so many versions! 😀

[@bautistafamily5789]

Thank you for sharing this ❤

[@seadabrkan949]

Thank you, Frieda, for this interesting tour. Kids are so cute; Zayde is my favorite 🤗🤗🤗🤗. Happy Purim to everyone from Sarajevo! 🖐🖐🖐🖐❤❤❤❤

[@Conjure66]

Frieda Thank You for sharing these videos !! 🙏🙏 I Love them and I find myself looking forward to the next one.

[@MenachemWeinstein]

Loved this, thanks for posting.

[@shalvahmbmacdonald8487]

Shkoyach! Great footage in this video. I was so glad to see people taking the time to talk with you & letting you in their homes. Interesting about the kids dressing like they're mamalehs & zaydies - I never even thought about it in comparison to non-Chassidic kids! And who doesn't love putting on a shtreiml? 😉 I often wonder what gentiles think when they see a normally reserved Jew celebrating on Purim or Simchat Torah. If that was their only time seeing someone Jewish they would think we were meshiggineh! 😆

[@truirnbru]

I like Boro Park and Crown Heights 👌

[@gaildawson5464]

So much fun! Thanks for sharing Purim with us!

[@mwalter3755]

Great video! You really captured the vibe. Keep ‘em coming.

[@susanjaneleitner7670]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful Purim celebration! I smiled all the way! I am all in when you do the food reviews and introduce us to new places and new experiences! 🎉🎉🎉

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you Susan! :)

[@lisaherring7725]

Love your videos!!! Thank you so much

[@laurenslgd]

Hi Frieda!! Lovely video as always! I love all the knowledge you share, keep making such wonderful content..looking forward to your next video 😊

[@billducker7404]

Thank You we’re nearly in Purim again. It’s a lovely time. It was great to see all your people so happy. I watched one of videos with Eli from London you were both terrific and you are both educators!!! Have a great Shabbos tomorrow. Bill. UK

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks dear Bill. Have a great weekend/shabbes!

[@nancya8262]

Frieda, you are such a delight to watch and listen to. I really enjoy all your videos and think you are a treasure for all of us; regardless of whether or not we are Jewish. May God bless you and keep you safe.

[@carmelpaints313]

Another wonderful video, Frieda. I genuinely enjoy watching you and your content.

[@natts0]

I love your videos, so real ! Thanks you for sharing ☺️

[@maryduncan1059]

I love this, so informative and I love the simple walk through the community. I love how everyone is dressed up in fun costumes. I am going to read the story of Esther to refresh my memory. Frieda thanks so much for what you do, it’s very enjoyable and I look forward to your videos❤.

[@cindybrodie9769]

Great, as always.

[@lindasheldon7147]

I always love your videos. You have such a sweet spirit and I always learn so much!

[@spelaresnik2646]

Great as always! 👏

[@mythoughts1................1]

This is soooo fun. Thank you. Happy Purim.

[@TheGiacchina]

Very interesting!! Loved the costumes and all the kids! Thanks!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shaindystern1038]

Beautiful thanks for the video

[@carolyncarmosino3364]

Thank you for sharing this delightful video!

[@motti285]

Another awesome video. 👌

[@berniefried4041]

Love ur videos! Keep it up

[@HK-Light]

So cute. Loved it! ❤

[@debraw4101]

This was a good one Freida.❤

[@carolineart3027]

Thank you for the great videos! So much fun to watch. Best wishes from Germany ❤

[@Kkiikkiirriikkiii]

Frieda, I always look forward to your videos.

[@robinbee7799]

Loved the video!!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you! :)

[@chiefskingdom738]

Wow so awesome..

[@Noach1652]

Frieda l love to watch your shows you are so articulate and soft spoken and you seem to have a kind heart ! Thanks for the service the Jewish community loves you !!!

[@TheJewishtraveler]

Amazing video, thanks

[@plentinough7222]

I love Boro Park! Can’t wait to visit again.

[@boyahshua1284]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEO !!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤, Thunbs up!!!!!!

[@chayasuriemargareten2130]

no place like brooklyn on purim!! so happy you got the full vibes!!! thank you, frieda!!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks Chaya Surie! :)

[@lianealbert7728]

Freida, Hi! I really enjoy watching your videos. No matter what our ethnicity, our religions or where we are from, I love watching your videos. I have been following you for a while now. I started following you when your videos of interviewing Pearl came out. She’s a true gem and reminds me of my aunt. Direct, funny and very devout (we are a large French catholic family - my dad had 13 brothers and sisters and grew up on a large farm in Northern Maine in the Canadian border. Lol, after you went to Taam Eden Bakery, I had to google it. No wonder it looks amazing. It’s got close to 580 reviews… (4.9) Everyone loves their dairy pastries! Thanks so much for the videos..

[@jrakes1000]

I am also from Kentucky, all of this is so interesting. Keep doing it . 😊

[@hanako]

Pralines are a treat made with sugared pecans. It comes from New Orleans. A praline flavor might be ground pecans and sugar mixed in.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Mmm, delicious. I love pecans; regret not trying it.

[@kaashee]

Your videos are beautiful.

[@marthaaliceallen8711]

😂🎉sure looked Iike fun!!

[@cruzvandewark]

This is awesome Frieda!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I know! It makes me nostalgic!

[@cookeeee1962]

Very interesting, great cultural people!❤

[@mythoughts1................1]

Bless you guys for making this video. Bless the Jewish Nation and all those who Love Hashem.

[@tanyag6917]

A new stubbie Thankyou for sharing this wonderful insight into this culture.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Welcome friend!

[@grahamwilson5835]

Freida you didn't mention the Fast of Esther. On the day of the Purim Party at my Australian Shule, the Temperature was 37°C (100°F plus). The Temperature on the Fast of Esther also reached 37°C. I ended up with Heat Stroke (I think the Fast did the damage). Still, we all loved our Purim Party. We even had a Patting Farm with Chickens, Ducks, a Lamb & a Goat ........ the kids loved it.

[@jasmineshakim5743]

Amazing brilliant costume ❤❤❤❤

[@user-eg8pv2om7j]

I will be delighted to be your food researcher and pre -taster if you ask. The backing music is so cool. Thanks to the orchestra we never quite see playing it nearby.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks for the offer! I'm taking the job pretty seriously for myself 😂

[@TheJewishtraveler]

Great video

[@tecora7419]

OH Frieda I missed your videos. So happy to see a new Video...Shalom

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you friend!!

[@tecora7419]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn ❤️

[@infiniteaaron]

Watching this just before Pesach, I almost forgot that Purim was almost a month ago now. Haha.

[@sl4983]

The book of Esther is such an amazing story!

[@NerfHerder909]

The Purim gelt reminds me of what they do on Chinese New Year, where kids especially get Hongbao (lit. "red envelopes") with money in them from their parents and other relatives. They actually sell hamantaschen in Germany (I think year round?), but they call them "bishop's hats," I guess because of the triangular shape. It was the weirdest moment when I wandered into a German grocery store and saw them selling hamantaschen in, like, November or something.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks for such an interesting comment!

[@jonathanrio6587]

I LOVE Hammentaschen!!! I live in Brazil now and they’re very expensive when you can find them. And not very good. I am NOT a baker, butI started to make them about 4 years ago and always send boxes to all of my Jewish friends. The kids LOVE them and now start asking me every year when I’m going to send them a box. Maybe I should open a business now? Hahaha

[@tishleigh7026]

❤ I love you and your videos Frieda !!! Thank you so much !!! Your sweet spirit and loving kindness shines so brightly ! Happy Purim !!! 💞 😊

[@CD-cy8xx]

Happy Purim everyone. Blessings for happiness health and peace. Is this part of town mostly Chabad? Dear Freida may you please do an episode on the varius Hasidic dynasties ? Like Chabad, Breslov, Satmar...with a brief history of where they're from, what they put emphasis on and the variation of clothing and specific traditions ? Thank you for your great work we are always highly expecting your next video.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

No, Boro Park has very little Chabad. Mostly other sects. Boro Park has a lot of Bobov, Satmar and other insular sects (Chabad is considered much less insular than the rest). One day I will do a video on the different sects. It's so much overdue!

[@beholden2874]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklynIt seems like the different sects have a friendly rivalry? Like college football and basketball have friendly rivalries. What’s fascinating also these various Hasidic sects exist all over the globe such as Europe, Latin America, and Australia, and South Africa

[@MsSherryjh]

That was fun. No synagogues left in my small city, but Chabad and Reform not too far away, and conservative in the next town. I just might take a ride over there.

[@mommapolleyplans5495]

I should have mentioned that I tried to get a tour with you, Frieda, during our NYC trip, but I the days available didn’t coincide. One day, I will take your tour, I hope!!

[@SIR46661]

Your videos are most exciting when you do street scenes such as this. You can almost smell the sweetness of the bakery ! My friends family made Simsemiyeh in which the poppy seeds represent “Haman’s fleas”. Also Fazuelos which are fried dough!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Never ever heard this! If I got a pastry that I'm told represents a villain's flees, I'd definitely still eat it!

[@SIR46661]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Syrian-Sephardic food traditions.

[@maxhr1749]

I made hamantaschen this year and drank only 1 glass of wine. I convinced my husband that we should go to get some of the hamantaschen you bought next year😊

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

It'll be worth it!

[@piakristinalobenvein6741]

I love Purim❤

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

me too