Our excellent guide was Mayer. He started off with a welcome and introductions in the Community Library (nice bathrooms there as well which is super-helpful to visitors). Mayer gave great detail on Hasidic community life and traditions throughout the tour. He took us to a scribe shop to learn how Torahs and mezuzahs are made; into the iconic 770 Eastern Parkway building to see the yeshiva & synagogue and learn about studying and worship traditions; past sukkahs up for Sukkot; to a private residence hosting literally hundreds of Jewish visitors during the holiday month; to a kapota shop to learn about men’s apparel, wigs, matchmaking and marriage. We learned a great deal but most importantly that Hasidism means to live a life of kindness and work to bring Heaven here to Earth; to kindly & humbly comfort and assist others, all while observing Jewish laws and traditions… not because it is required; but because it fosters and honors connection to G-d.
Thanks, Mayer, for the education!