Hasidic Williamsburg: A Brooklyn Neighborhood Lost in Time

Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood is a remarkable cultural island where time seems to stand still.

On this walking tour, you’ll hear about the thriving Hasidic Jewish community that rebuilt itself from the ashes of the Holocaust. You’ll also discover how these Yiddish-speaking religious Jews have created a complete ecosystem that preserves their traditions alongside life in modern New York City.

This tour begins at the Williamsburg waterfront facing Manhattan, where Jewish immigrants first arrived via the “Jewish Highway” (the Williamsburg Bridge). You’ll weave through the streets where Hasidic, hipster and Hispanic cultures converge, seeing distinct architectural styles that reflect different cultural values. Along the way, you’ll learn how Holocaust survivors rebuilt their nearly-destroyed world into a community that now numbers over 70,000.

As you walk, you’ll discover the rhythms of daily life in this unique enclave – from synagogues to specialized shops. You’ll hear how the community balances isolation with adaptation, seeing firsthand how different Hasidic dynasties function as massive organizations.

The tour ends at Bedford Avenue, where you can keep exploring “New Williamsburg,” the newer sections of the Hasidic enclave. This final stretch is optional, and if you remain on it, you’ll see the gradual transition from Hasidic New Williamsburg back to gentrified Brooklyn.

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Learn about the major Hasidic sects like Satmar, Pupa and Viznitz, and how they maintain their traditions in modern America
• Visit the impressive Satmar Girls’ School housed in a former public high school
• Hear about the largest dynasty, Satmar, and the succession dispute
• Find out about “kosher technology” and how the community has adapted to modern innovations
• Sample authentic kosher food at places like Gottlieb’s Deli or Williamsburg Bagel
• Explore Lee Avenue, the main shopping district filled with specialized shops for modest clothing and religious items
• Understand the significance of Shabbos (the Sabbath) in community life and gain insight into daily customs, from education to marriage customs
• Observe the unique architectural adaptations that support large families and religious observance

This tour offers a respectful glimpse into a fascinating world that exists just steps away from trendy Brooklyn, yet follows entirely different rules and traditions.