Tour of Hasidic Williamsburg with Tour Guide Frieda Vizel

Welcome to Hasidic #Williamsburg! I've been a tour guide in #Hasidic Brooklyn for almost ten years. I believe Hasidic Brooklyn is one of NYC's most fascinating subcultures, and I love to study it and share it.
I think my tours are special because I grew up in the Satmar Hasidic community. My first language was Yiddish, as was my son's first language. I got married to a Hasidic boy from Williamsburg in an arranged marriage. And although I left the community and really didn't feel like I can live the Hasidic lifestyle, I believe there is value in many different cultures and much to learn from each. I'm not one to pine for a homogenous world! I treasure the unique elements of Hasidic life and try to appreciate both the wonderful sides and darker sides.
In this video, I give you the introductory story of Hasidic Williamsburg by telling you its backstory and walking you through some of its institutions. It took me many months to lovingly put this video together, so I hope you'll enjoy it!
0:00 Start
1:40 The story of Williamsburg, a hop away from Manhattan
3:54 The history of this Hasidic community
6:54 Resisting assimilation after the holocaust
9:29 The waterfront
11:37 Balcony architecture
14:21 Synagogues and schools
15:25 formerly Eastern District High School
17:03 The Main Street
17:39 Kosher tech
18:23 Kosher phone store
19:07 Kosher news
19:54 Kids dress up
20:56 Children's clothing
21:26 Deli
23:38 Appetizer
25:11 The Eruv for shabbes
26:16 The kosher candy store
28:57 Street posters
30:19 The B110 bus
31:14 Hispanic Williamsburg
34:18 Good bye and credits
Please make sure to subscribe to this channel!
Follow Frieda's work on this channel or at friedavizel.com

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Hello - would you like to walk this route on your own and see the neighborhood, shop and visit historic buildings? I offer a self guided bundle on my website - if you order it, you get a booklet with tons of information and maps, as well as a google map link where I put a marker for all the sites I visited, plus lots and lots of additional information. Take it as deep or as leisurely as you like; I've put years and years of experience into one self guided bundle.

[@AMPProf]

Cool so a Nyc mama awsome

[@staciesidloski2481]

Very interesting. Frieda how are you perceived by the community (since you have left)? Do they accept you or shun you? Does your family accept your decision? You seem very respectful and appreciative, even though you have chosen a different path. Thank you for your informative channel!

[@shonabrowne6324]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Frieda did an excellent job introducing us to a sub-culture that has such positive and family friendly values. I especially like the part about rejecting smart phones, tv's so that children are seen outside playing , riding bikes, skateboards, etc. instead of being in dim rooms playing violent video games and the like. Find myself revisiting this video when I am feeling low, upset about the current lack of values and awful violence.

[@aliciawoodrow9867]

Many of the children are not given any education in English - like they can't read, write, or do math. And the outrageous thing is that the schooling is being paid for by our taxes.

[@mutifeldbrand]

@@aliciawoodrow9867 As an Hasidic Jew I dodnt disagree with you. One thing is important to note that 98% of the schooling is actually paid by odors and not by the government. The hasidic schools actually save the new York public schools billions of dollars every year becuse the government spends 30 times the amount on every public school child than they spend on the hasidic schools

[@naftulie]

@@aliciawoodrow9867 It's the old antisemitism at work, we are very reach, very poor, how about we have 0 homeless, 0 unemployment, 0 murderers, way less drugs, the average kid speaks 3 languages +++

[@naftulie]

@@aliciawoodrow9867 and I bet that I'm paying way more tax than you are

[@lizard389]

Did the tour with you today, it was fantastic and extremely educational. As someone who grew up in Reform Judaism it was enlightening to see a completely different world.

[@cyberla]

This is an amazing documentary! It is really Netflix level quality. I've heard so much about Williamsburg and intuitively knew that there was a historically jewish connection to the place. I've visited Brooklyn years ago but now need to tour Williamsburg someday soon!! Thank you Frieda!

[@cyphist]

I’m Christian but think it would be very interesting to take this tour when I go to New York. I like how you didn’t just talk about now you went into the history of things

[@NancyCronk]

My husband's family are Hungarian and Polish Jews, two generations removed from NYC. We are now vegan, and making traditional foods for holidays is pretty tough. lol. Not sure we'd have much to eat at Gottlieb's but I would love to take your tour to see what life was like for his ancestors there.

[@lydiapetra1211]

Congratulations to being Vegan.... I am Hungarian and vegan ..I love Hungarian food and managed to change all my favorite food that Mom makes into vegan....and Mom loves it .. stuffed cabbage with mushrooms or beyond meat ...lentil pörkölt... paprikás krumpli..and so much more... have a wonderful day! I love Costco s vegan oat milk...

[@karins2200]

I am soooo happy about coming across your channel !!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Welcome!!

[@edwardmanfredi121]

What a very well thought out and informative look at Hasidem. Thanks so much for producing this for us on the outside of this community !

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks for watching!

[@chulenttup1]

Very well done

[@PROUDCANADIANGIRL]

Shalom Freida!! This was so great!!! The next time I’m down to NY I’m 100000% looking you up for a tour… I found Fraums so interesting… when your in the city, you have to head to Russ and Daughters but the lines are so long so I would rather hit up your neighbour hood and get a real genuine experience… as a secular Jewish woman… I’m still fascinated by the Hasidic way of life. It’s so different from how I was raised. I just finished your series with miss Pearl… wow… that was incredible. What a treat! Thank you! Ps… yes I agree with you about Shabbat.. it can be very boring and tedious but also rewarding. Can’t wait to meet you one day. Mazel Tov for a terrific series! Jan from 🇨🇦🙋🏼‍♀️🫶🏻

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks so much Jan. PS: I'm also Kitty crazy :)

[@robinben6799]

Frieda, thank you for the education. I hope there will be a part 2.

[@fittoseejane]

Thank you for this beautiful video. The historic element was well done. I’m a Christian, but am interested in the biblical origins of these people and their dedication to living their beliefs and covenants and I’m glad that they have the freedom to do so. Great video tour!

[@elizabethfebus4480]

I grew up in Williamsburg, my Dad worked at Gottliebs deli and catering. I always ordered a corn beef on rye,a potato knish and a cream or Black cherry soda. Whenever I go back to New York that my first stop. The Grand Paradise on grand St was one of the halls they held wedding and events at. We use to love to go around the corner from my house and watch everyone dressed up.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Awesome - thanks for sharing this; love to hear from people with connections!

[@summerthor]

Thanks for the tour. I hope to join you in person when the weather warms up a little.

[@julieann4616]

I never knew this thing about the little kids dressing up as parents. I have to say it’s super duper cute.

[@underdogrescueofflorida2313]

You're intelligent interviewing and sensitivity yet opening the lifestyle of these communities is very refreshing

[@kellymontgomery1293]

Thank you, Freida! Almost as good as going there. I hope I can come and take the tour

[@julieann4616]

Same. 😊

[@cookiessprite]

Thank you for the lovely tour :) Such an interesting part of the world

[@stephemmurphy2554]

I love the music. 🎶

[@rogermansour6085]

Just got done watching you with Andrew Gold and found your interview about your life in the Hasidic community fascinating. Im now a fan. Messianic Jew evangelist Roger Mansour

[@marykayesugerman6843]

I like how you showed respect for the community and people while teaching about their community. Most of the time there is negativity and stories of people who have left. I would love to see how someone who is your age is living and why they choose tradition over modernity. I love the Pearl episodes and how she corrects you gently and with love and kindness. I wish she could have been my Bubbe!

[@kristinesharp6286]

I grew up in a bubble too. There are benefits. Safe feelings.

[@emguilbe]

IFirst time subscriber I was born in 1960 and raised in Bklyn, Williamsburg Wow I spend so many years in the heart! I have pictures of the community and schools Amazing I left in 2003 to New Tampa, Fl I did hit a likey like for my girl 😊

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Welcome - please leave comments when you see things that bring back memories of Williamsburg of old! I like to read those comments...

[@caroledrury1411]

Once again thank you. I have just discovered your channel and watched four episodes so far. This one speaks to me in terms of when you have a community you have individuals that thrive. Because in the outside world the term “individual“ is disappearing as the Internet takes over how the so-called individual is supposed to behave takes over what he supposed to eat takes over his news takes over his entire life. So there you have no community but now a crumbling individual.

[@quil10it]

Thank you!!

[@andrewuk2683]

Really interesting watch. I find many of the customs both fascinating and bafflimg. All religions rely on rituals and group-think to keep the story going.

[@myrnalane7928]

Thank you! I enjoyed this!!

[@susanjaneleitner7670]

Great job! Thank you ❤️

[@swhitaker0311]

This is fascinating. What a beautiful culture!

[@user-is6de8pp7k]

Thank you Frieda. I really learned a lot and enjoyed your video.

[@mariewilliams602]

Thankyou Frieda...very enjoyable

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

You're welcome!

[@Bartha_Stewit]

Learned so much from your video - all very interesting. Well done!

[@sarahratliff482]

This was so interesting. Great video! Thank you!

[@Jackjohnjay]

Really enjoyed! Thanks!

[@_tardigrade]

I really enjoy your videos! It's so interesting to have an inside perspective when learning about this.

[@PrairieStreetCo]

You shared SO much information in only 36 minutes, amazing! 🤗

[@georgiaman1926]

Very interesting. I enjoyed this and can't wait to see the rest of your videos.

[@lena-roseorlando219]

Very interesting. Thank you! 😊

[@elizabethhamilton1166]

Thank you, Frieda, for this informative video. It really gives a sense of the place! It can't compare to the tour, however, that I had the pleasure of taking with you in Williamsburg in 2018! I also read that you were a consultant for the film "Unorthodox." It seemed to me to be a very authentic and well done movie. No wonder! I am in the process of converting to Judaism and can't help but think that your tour helped lead me on this path. Sense of community is such an important part of our faith and it is present in the work you do. רַב תוֹדוֹת!

[@sherriedampeer8574]

Thanks much for this beautiful and informative video

[@stevenmetcalfe1808]

A Great and very informative video...thanks for making it ...best regards from London.

[@shonfeliciano8012]

Outstanding, Very good video !!!

[@angelalong6740]

Beautiful culture. Thank you for sharing this ❤

[@alexvargo195]

Just bumped into your some of your videos a couple weeks ago the ones with pearl I just specially enjoyed my grandparents came from Budapest but we were Presbyterians not Jewish but I like when you talk about the Hungarian dishesI remember my grandmother making them keep up the good work and I will be watching more❤❤

[@blocksw]

Thank you watched the video before I and my wife toured Williamsburg this summer and stopped at gottliebs our first night and Williamsburg bagels the next day definitely would go back there

[@Paula-of5nf]

amazing.

[@rivkag5198]

Kol hakavod! Very well done, and nicely balanced.

[@annedebthune3084]

I remember back in the day, it was very Peurto Rican with a bodega on every corner, but very bombed out feeling like the east village and the bx then, then the next block would be Hasidic, A few adventurous punks, immigrants from the suburbs to add to the mix.

[@ed10523]

Hello and thank you for making this video. Its Informative and really special to see how life is in the Hasidic Community. I just subscribed and looking forward to seeing more content like this. Thank You.

[@shonfeliciano8012]

Outstanding video, it's right in my neighborhood and I love it. Even though I'm not Hassidic. But love their culture and way of life.

[@isabellekeyzer]

I really looove hour objectivity and respect when you report on this community, even though you left it.

[@barbaraegan6831]

Thank you for helping me to know and understand the culture and history of Williamsburg. I have one regret…. I wish that your beautiful photos were on the screen longer. Is there a web site where I might see these photos at my own pace to study and savor them? They are fascinating and they go by too fast.

[@streetwalkerwalkaholic5495]

Amazing Content. Well researched 🙂

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much 😀

[@PineNewYorkWorld2024]

Thank you for sharing this, now we’d like to visit the stores area, to taste authentic kosher food. We recently visited Dumbo area.

[@kathaus9688]

Great Vid!!!

[@kevinkingston6488]

Really enjoyed the video , very well done ...thanks

[@robertlalor8090]

So lovely. Thanks for sharing Frieda

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you! (Shkoyach)

[@billducker7404]

Thank you so much for showing me these precious people. I live hundreds of miles away but It is almost like being with you in Williamsburg in New York. Thank you for being my tour guide. May HaShem richly bless you and this great community. It will be Shabbos here soon. It will be extra special for me today. I am a got but love these people so much. -Bill. UK

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Bill, sending warm weekend and shabbes greetings! Thank you for your kind words and comments. :)

[@dnnrod1807]

Have you made a video showing why you left the hisidic community since that is extremely rare?

[@charlottehollander7841]

Wonderful!😊

[@aeonfluxcapacitor77]

You look so different.! Awesome either way!

[@sherrywarren-biers3327]

Loved watching so much…..thank you, Frieda for making this such an interesting and most fascinating tour of a community I previously knew little about!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much for watching! I'm so happy when anyone enjoys it.

[@marnie8930]

I am new to your videos and appreciate them ,i lived in Astoria pre ww11 , nice to visit parts of new York I never knew about

[@gregchann9703]

What a wonderful and respectful look inside this fascinating neighborhood and culture. Thank you so much, Frieda! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I so appreciate hearing that. This was my first video.

[@tani29111]

Well done, Frieda! I so thoroughly enjoyed your thoughtful and entertaining presentation and appreciate the informed perspective that your lived experience brings to your projects. My daughter and I strolled around Williamsburg on our own several weeks ago, before I discovered your excellent channel. Next time that we travel to NYC, I hope we will have the pleasure of being in one of your tour groups!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Wonderful! Thanks Pam; hope your stroll was enjoyable. It's a very unique world.

[@makeGODsmile]

Thank you😊

[@mssdn8976]

So interesting thank you

[@darylogrady5826]

I just wanted to get some recommendations for a good deli or bakery in Williamsburg and I get a whole history and cultural lesson. Very welll done.

[@pkbetzer7405]

I love your Channel I keep on going back and watching them

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Oh this makes me so happy! This was filmed in May of the pandemic. What a crazy time!

[@qynaraches]

Terima kasih untuk video informatif ini.👍

[@elizabethmartineau-marshal341]

This was very nice - thank you!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@elizabethmartineau-marshal341]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn I really did

[@D.N..]

Very informative and interesting video, Well researched too. ! 🍒

[@shulamisjablin1931]

Thank-you for your well informed,enjoyable tour.It was with positivity and finesse. It counteracts all the falsehoods in unorthodox.

[@lesleyfield1954]

Thank you so much for a very interesting film. I hope one day to go on one of your tours. I don't know when that will be but I am saving up like a mad thing before I get too old.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Ha ha. Let's all stay young! I look forward to having you on my tour.

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Was there last year...brilliant 😊💟Shavua tov.

[@loishancock9996]

Very nicely done.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you!

[@lskalf497]

Thank you so much. I am from Holland but a visit to nyc is on top of my list

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks for coming on the "virtual" version!

[@Stolas1777]

Really enjoyed the video I’d love to know where to find those map pictures towards the beginning I love learning about all the different chassidic courts and seeing them on the map makes it even better

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I made the maps myself and I don't feel confident enough in them since they weren't reviewed by any academics and I'm not a cartographer to feel comfortable selling them. They do really help illustrate the points though.

[@catalinagomez924]

This was AMAZING. Thank You soo much for putting this great footage and tour together. Love your channel too 🤩😍

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much - so glad you enjoyed!

[@catalinagomez924]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Your insight into the Hasidic community through your beautiful youtube channel has been sooo fascinating to me in many ways. I always had a lot of respect and love for the Jews community, maybe the 2.8% Ashkenazi / 4.4 % Eastern European in me 🥰🤩☺

[@debracubitt6191]

I want to thank you Frieda for your channel You are a gem for sharing Most informative

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you so much! You lifted my spirits this morning.

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

I’ve really enjoyed watching your channel. I’d love to hear about why you “left”, and do you still get to see your little boy.

[@carolinerayoflight786]

Thank you.❤

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Very happy when this first video gets some views!

[@22221mm]

Thank you for this virtual tour. I used to live in South Williamsburg but not being part of the community I just saw things from the outside. So it's wonderful to be able to fill in some of the blanks now. I'm wondering why you think the Chassidic community in Williamsburg is able to resist the pressures of gentrification? Thanks

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Very well done, adding the music and the maps helps to put this group in perspective. I’m sure your many viewers as myself want to know your personal story, how you left the group, etc.

[@elz.eggos.]

The photo on the right side (5:21) of the jewish citizens that walked to the trains that brought them to the concentration camps was taken in Germany (Würzburg, Bavaria ). It is my hometown and I know the poto very well from the exhibition for the deported and murdered jewish citicens of Würzburg. Awesome to see it in your very interesting video!!

[@elz.eggos.]

It is 5:10….

[@melanienagy6389]

I always say you learn something new all the time. This video opened my eyes to a world very different from my own. Thank you for doing this, it was educational, and you answered alot of questions I was curious about. I really enjoyed it.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

My pleasure! Thanks for the kind words. :)

[@yishaisrivastava1574]

As a future convert to Judaism I have had some of my best experiences with Satmar and other Chassidim. They are real people are not fakers unlike a lot of the Modern and secular Jews. They are unashamedly Jewish as they should be and reject the non-Jewish influences for good reason. I have traveled around the world extensively and lived in 4 countries throughout the world (born in India) and speak and understand quite a few languages, I think many Jews that leave what they call Hasidic sects have no appreciation of the beauty of Chassidism or to be more blunt, no respect for the sacrifices made by their grandparents to truly remain Jewish in harsher times. The wisdom of Rav Joel of Satmar and many other Chassidim and their foresight shocks me till this day. I have also seen various branches of Judaism, from the fake Jewish Reform, to Conservative, Modern Orthdox, Dati Leumi and Chabad; though it's not for everyone,(unless you are born into it) but there is something just amazing about the Chassidim that maintain their traditions as strict as possible. All their stringencies are taken with the general public in mind and not forced on people. There is a reason why only a very tiny minority leave the fold. Unfortunately the media highlights them as this is the way of the Satan and yetzer hara!

[@upshitcreek998]

I want to come for a visit and definitely am interested in trying out the food ❤

[@upshitcreek998]

I think the way your showing this place definitely makes the Netflix documentary look bad. The way the documentary originally set out to make the communities. I think this is a beautiful community and the culture is so deep and welcoming.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Food is always fun to try. I hope to bring more food videos!

[@upshitcreek998]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn I hope you do! I told my step son I’m going to bring him to New York City. Just a trip for us. I’m going to check your website and set up a tour with you and we will definitely come HUNGRY! I’m so glad I found your videos, I’ve been emerging myself in everything Judaism and I want to learn more! ❤️❤️

[@cherylkhoja917]

Shalom Ms. Frieda. I really enjoy your KZbin clips. I lived in Brooklyn. My grandmother lived across the street from Brooklyn College. I seen the Hasidic Jewish people as I use to go see her. What was your reason for leaving your culture.

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thanks for watching Cheryl! Maybe one day I will do a video on my personal life story. It's a long story and I've hashed it out quite a bit on my blog. Maybe you'd be interested in reading this: friedavizel.com/2022/02/23/what-it-is-like-to-grow-up-in-kiryas-joel/. Either way, keep watching :)

[@cherylkhoja917]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Hi Ms. Frieda. Yes I did read about it. In many ways I agree. And some not, the girls get married very young. They immediately start a family. I think it's great. But how do they handle the many children alone. In addition to the obligations of Hasidim.

[@rocioarmendariz6636]

You are awesome, love your videos, I am Mexican and I am so curious about this culture. I would love to do the same and show people of where I come from, blessings to you

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I hope you do! It's a lot of work but well worth it!

[@Cymricus]

What I’ll say about rejection of constant entertainment and selfishness is that it seems to be the one addiction that is so engrained in modernity, that it’s surprising this community still exists. The values make sense. The means of keeping them may make sense the longer I get older. It’s hard to judge, watching the quick and sudden descent into narcissism in western society in only 100 years of prosperity.

[@hershelkarpen9369]

Very nice presentation, including all details about chasiddish lifestyle with a non bios delivery, As a tour guide there’s one idea I thought a lot about and would like to hear your thoughts, the streets of Williamsburg are full of tourists but no souvenir store with little munchkins designed especially for tourists yet I think a store like this might be pretty successful. The only problem I see is most of the tourists are coming on shabbos when store can’t be open,

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

I think it'll come, eventually. People in the community have already asked me about selling trinkets to tourists. Maybe it'll be something on broadway, sort of not in the community but right on the edge... But can't see it being open on shabbes.

[@beckyhobson3283]

I also think this is unusual as time has shown that people are interested in touring the area and learning more about the community. But, as I've watched Frieda's videos about the different Mom&Pop stores, bakeries, toy stores etc, I always think... What kind of souvenirs would be better than buying the things that the actual community members buy... Kosher candies, dreidels and other educational toys, and I'd love to visit that silver shop with money in my pocket!!

[@justme8816]

I’m intrigued - you seem to have such a balanced view if the community and I don’t hear the anger that is so often expressed by those who have left. What caused you to leave and has that affected your relationship with those in the community?

[@noreenalexander3836]

wow, what an interesting video. I learnt to many interesting facts about this Hasidic community. Just one thing that I am "shocked" at, is the amount of street litter and garbage bags waiting to be collected? Was this filmed during a breach in normal garbage collection?

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

No, sadly some sections of Williamsburg are very rundown. It's a real paradox because the inside of Hasidic homes are immaculate. It is a cultural thing that the streets are considered no man's land and are not kept up well in the community. There's been an effort to change that, but it's definitely the most embarrassing things visitors see.

[@Sad_bumper_sticker.]

Incredibly interesting tour, thank you. When you mentioned the history of post war Jewish migrants from Europe I realized I want to read something on how the tragedy of the Holocaust impacted religious views of Hasidim and Satmar and other Jewish Sects. If I recall a Survivor Testimony I watched correctly the Survivor mentioned their Rabbi telling the community that the tragedy of the Holocaust was some sort of Punishment from G-D toward His People for not maintaining a pious life and and it broke my heart. I wonder is more Orthodox Jews held a similar belief after the Holocaust or if any still do today.

[@robertabray-enhus3198]

Do you get to see your child? Why did you leave? What happens if it’s raining during Sukkoth meals,if you’re obligated to eat outside? What the heck is a kosher phone? Great tour!!❤

[@laurenl5843]

Fantastic! יישר כוחך

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Thank you Lauren :)

[@user-eg8pv2om7j]

The photos are looking fabulous. Please can you name the book of Alan Steiner & others ? Tov Toda תודה

[@kkanakis1957]

This is probably the only NY(NY) video(s) that I haven’t seen NY police or cars on every corner!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Interesting observation! There is not much of a cop presence in Williamsburg; it's a very safe neighborhood.

[@kkanakis1957]

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Williamsburg looks very calm and safe. People moving around every which direction and with their own purposes. Very cool, thx

[@lainsimple5285]

Fascinating! How can we find out more information on booking a tour with you?

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Check out my website - I have a calendar of tour dates. Feel free to email me if you have questions.