Great video. I visited London's Hasidic area at Purim this year. Exactly as you said I was struck by the kids dressed in work uniforms of jobs they will never do, like airline cabin crew, doctors, SWAT team. Also food service uniforms from big chains where they don't eat, like Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Baskin Robbins and McDonalds. There was a full McD's crew including one kid dressed as large fries. Takes fantasy cosplay to a different place!
So the kids on Halloween that dress up as things they’ll never be isn’t striking? Lol or that they dress as little demons /evil characters and some girls as very provocative isn’t scary? A lot of them unfortunately turn into very immoral people. As kids they dress this way and as college kids they’re worse. It’s disgusting. There’s nothing wrong with these Jewish children dressing as “jobs they’ll never do.” Who cares? At least they’re not dressing like the secular kids with all evil costumes and immodesty. These Jewish kids dress up as righteous adults (rabbis, etc) and appropriate figures. It’s a shame people are always quick to comment on the Jewish community but never at the secular people who are a mess. These are people to look up to. Don’t judge religious people until you think about the non religious. What you said was such an unfair statement. They’re children who are celebrating a holiday in a godly appropriate way, not like the disgusting Halloween people celebrate death and evil. There’s nothing cute about it & parents should be ashamed putting their kids in such evil costumes and little girls in such adult sexual attire. & you’re talking about fantasy cosplay in the religious world? Then they wonder why their daughters a slut in college. Look at what they allowed her to do. Sorry for the rant but please consider looking at the secular world before commenting on the Jewish customs.
You have a good Neshama I can see in your eyes the longing. Please mark my words Hachem has blessed you deeply and this blessing will only increase with time. The good is here the best is yet to come. Amen
Your videos are very educational... thanks. I did not know about Purim even though I lived near Hasidic neighborhoods in Brooklyn for 13 years. Maybe I'll go back for a look sometime.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hammentaschen! I have only gone to a synagogue for the reading of the Megillah to use noisemakers and boo every time the Rabbi mentioned Haman’s name. The kids are always in costumes. I guess men get drunk “to no distinguish between cursing Haman and blessing Mordechai. We always stayed in the synagogue or JCC. I have never been to Williamsburg, but now I REALLY want to go there for Purim!!!!!
It's ironic that on a holiday that specifically centers around a woman and her great deeds, the women of the community are forced to be spectators while the men make merry.
Why do you say the women don't make merry as well? The only way to make merry is to be drunk as a skunk? Men have their role (they get drunk for a reason not just bec its a day to get wild. Its for reason sourced in text and therefore an age old custom) and women have their role. Why would i want to get drunk? Thats for women loitering in frat houses.
Nobody is 'FORCED' to do anything. If a woman prefers to be a skank, she can be. Thankfully, Hasidic women have dignity and common sense. Do you actually think the women are home, depressed and pining to be wobbling about outside?
I didn't realize alcohol was SO big for Purim. I thought it was just like a few glasses or less mostly ceremonially like a fancy Sabbath or holiday. How is alcoholism and other addictions handled in this community? Especially when wine drinking is a key component of the religion.
there is som other festival where the men drinkalot. u never hear of women drinking alot . Mostly men. They say thre is no drugs or very little alcohilism or drugs in theior culture but if they encourage drunkeness twice a year it can lead teens and adults to drink.
Alcoholism is traditionally not a big problem in these communities. Wine is drunk often with intent and in moderation; drunkenness is not the norm. On Purim, we let our hair down.
In the religious Southern Baptist world, drinking is forbidden. To see drinking in a religious holiday is quite shocking. However, the joy from the children is infectious.
I’m Italian I grew up in Bensonhurst..I knew of Borough Park more then Williamsburg..but I’m familiar with both area …your videos are great very interesting
What a great video, thank you! I learned a lot. I’m torn with Purim; as an adult female, I’d be sad to be expected to participate as an audience member. I love to dress up! The drinking and partying, I’ll pass 😅
I grew up Jewish, Conservative. I used to love Purim. We had a 2 day festival, with costumes and games and shows. Of course food. Also my Jewish name is אסתר. I am a born again Christian now, but I still make hamentaschen for Purim.
How is the concept of being born again different than what you learned in your conservative Jewish upbringing? I listened to an alefbeta explanation of Passover's theme of rebirth - the blood on the door like bursting from a mother's womb, going through the parted water led by the fire and spirit. I also watched something on mikvah being like birth (cannot for the life of me remember who's) . I don't know the exact 'denomination ' of Judaism these people are from,but one person was going around asking whatever questions people sent in for him to ask - this one was asking Israelis whether they believe in being born again - a lot said no. I wish they'd explained what they think being born again is in their minds. I would love some explanation of someone could provide it please.
@@janecoe9407 Yes. I do not think many leave. Kind of like the Hutterites. They retain their religious beliefs at great cost. She is to be commmended for leaving, whatever her motive.
@@michaelkeats3300 You may not realize how judgmental and derogatory towards the Satmar Hasidim it sounds to say “she should be commended for leaving” - as though there is something wrong with the community. Ms. Vizel’s reasons for stepping away from the culture she was raised in were surely wrought with a great deal of personal conflict and disappointment. Her continuing respect and affection for the Satmar Hasidim is obvious, even while she acknowledges the lifestyle is not a comfortable fit for her. So to imply that her choice is somehow “commendable” implies that those who stay don’t merit similar commendation. I hope we can get to a point where we can simply respect individual religious beliefs, preferences and choices rather than casting aspersions - even by inference.
@@jenniferlynn3537 These religious devotees are living in a medieval, anti-modern world of ignorance and backwardness masked as piety. Their trearment of women is shameful. They are a cult saturated by superstition.
A tour in your company it's on the top of my wish's list . Unfortunately , up to now , the usa are closed to unvaccinated foregneirs . Love from venice italy
As far as drunk bachurim entering houses to collect, let me tell you, I'd rather be in your shoes. I find it very uncomfortable when they enter my house.
So lock your door. We love when they enter. Then if i feel its too late or my young children have gone to sleep i lock the door and finished. So simple to solve.
I am glad you were able to turn your Hasidic past into a profitable career as a tour guide. I live by the Lubavitcher Rebbe grave and a Hasidic woman asked me for directions today. She had no GPS or internet on her cell phone...P.S. I think you and Deborah Feldman (Unorthodox) should have a project together.
@@Qayil109 oh i didnt realize that. So many prominent people REFUSE to have smartphones bec of their damage on the brain and distractibility causing problems, i didnt think you could be connecting that to chasidim.
It seems like you speak English to the people from the community you interact with, do you ever speak Yiddish when making your videos or doing your tours?
People in the community are most comfortable "code-switching", meaning speaking in English to anyone who looks like an outsider. I don't speak Yiddish unless they initiate because people often find it jarring and uncomfortable. I know you asked this question a while ago but Purim is coming up and I was looking back at this video.
It is like a more moral and wholesome Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I like it. Mardi Gras is the day before Lent. Lent is when Alcohol, partying, gambling, eating meat, etc. is forbidden for 40 days until Easter under Catholic Law. (Not celebrated by the Irish Catholic though). So, they have one last day to party to get all temptation out of their system with drinking, costumes, and eating. Lent represents Jesus fast in the wilderness after he was baptized by John the Baptist. But it has sinfully been taken over by Secular Society to be a day of Sexy Costumes, Social media, getting intoxicated, and buying things.
My last two boyfriends were Jewish and I will say I think there was too much alcohol for me. But only for some. I love the Jewish traditions and faith. I am Catholic but I respect the Jewish upbring and faith. Always felt welcome.
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Only in public, and in williamsburgh , because it natrually draws attention , and that contradicts modest behavior. But in many other observant communities women do wear costumes, less in public though, and even in Williamsburg women are having fun on Purim.( and i bet sone are wearing costumes at their family celebration too) Drinking on purim, wearing costumes, have deep explanations. There is so much depth to discover and astounding meaning , explore the sources even a little, and you will see. Also gift baskets vary greatly, home made breads, pastries, salads, etc. And its not the packging that counts,certainly not where i live! Its the love that goes into it , thats the idea. (And beautifully wrapped, why not? Its a form of women's artistic expression. Impressing is not the point!) Thank you Frieda
@@devorahzeldakonikov1746 Shaloch manos is definitely a big part of women's expression and I need to do a video one day showing different extremely creative shaloch manos. Thanks for the idea!
Ironically, St Patrick’s Day in Ireland is quite a sober boring saintly day…..I was shocked to see the Parade in NYC when I was young …it had nothing to do with Saint Patrick …just an excuse to over drink and pretend to be Irish.
It depends on where you live, how religious, and who your rabbi is. To me it's weird that women don't dress up and have fun and go do activities to get tzadaka geld. 🤷🏽♀️
Far from the truth. They have as much fun as the kids and men just ask them. They have their own ways they have fun. It’s all to protect the modesty as well. Women shouldn’t get drunk anyway.
@@janecoe9407 agreed. In my Mizrahi community, it’s frowned upon to get drunk on Purim. It’s inappropriate to get drunk at all. Not all communities condone this so it shouldn’t get looked as if all the Jews do this. Women are allowed to have a glass of wine, it’s not a sin to drink a glass or 2.
girl talking nonsense, "it is interesting how another culture also gets drunk"...exept that what the Irish are celabrating is theend to their culture sincthey got swolled by the mega corporation Rome while we celebrate that we were once again rescued by Hashem and did not get swolled up by the Klipa
Interesting Holiday, but a bit surprised that drinking to the point of drunkenness is part of the holiday, considering that this is a religious community, trying to live separate from secular society
Jews drink booze. Wine is a huge part of the culture as is hard liquor. The religious Jews probably drink the most. Always find booze on the table. Do you think Jews are like muzlims?! They are polar opposites.
@@Qayil109 In a sense but you are not committing any sin if you don't get drunk. Drinking is totally OK in the Jewish faith, in fact it seems the more religious drink the most. Always bottles of scotch, gin, vodka etc at every get together. L'Chaim!
I think even in insular cultures, drinking customs are often a core part of the customs. It also serves as an occasion to let go and "let it out" so to speak.
One would expect celebration along the lines of Mother’s Day in honor of a heroic Jewish woman. But no, it’s another opportunity for men to indulge themselves with drink, dance and who knows what else…making more work for wives and mothers. Maybe it happens, but there does not seem to be any particular appreciation for women with gifts of flowers or jewelry, pampering, allowing moms to sleep in, etc.. Small wonder that the men thank God every morning that He did not create them female.
Queen Esther didn't seem to have a problem with it, so why do you? There's no time to sleep in on Purim. EVERYBODY gets up bright and early to hear the Megilla and to begin the festivities.
Great video. I visited London's Hasidic area at Purim this year. Exactly as you said I was struck by the kids dressed in work uniforms of jobs they will never do, like airline cabin crew, doctors, SWAT team. Also food service uniforms from big chains where they don't eat, like Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Baskin Robbins and McDonalds. There was a full McD's crew including one kid dressed as large fries. Takes fantasy cosplay to a different place!
So the kids on Halloween that dress up as things they’ll never be isn’t striking? Lol or that they dress as little demons /evil characters and some girls as very provocative isn’t scary? A lot of them unfortunately turn into very immoral people. As kids they dress this way and as college kids they’re worse. It’s disgusting. There’s nothing wrong with these Jewish children dressing as “jobs they’ll never do.” Who cares? At least they’re not dressing like the secular kids with all evil costumes and immodesty. These Jewish kids dress up as righteous adults (rabbis, etc) and appropriate figures. It’s a shame people are always quick to comment on the Jewish community but never at the secular people who are a mess. These are people to look up to. Don’t judge religious people until you think about the non religious. What you said was such an unfair statement. They’re children who are celebrating a holiday in a godly appropriate way, not like the disgusting Halloween people celebrate death and evil. There’s nothing cute about it & parents should be ashamed putting their kids in such evil costumes and little girls in such adult sexual attire. & you’re talking about fantasy cosplay in the religious world? Then they wonder why their daughters a slut in college. Look at what they allowed her to do. Sorry for the rant but please consider looking at the secular world before commenting on the Jewish customs.
I Love how you explain what is actually going on and you go much deeper than let’s say the average TH-camr. ❤
You have a good Neshama I can see in your eyes the longing. Please mark my words Hachem has blessed you deeply and this blessing will only increase with time. The good is here the best is yet to come. Amen
Your videos are very educational... thanks. I did not know about Purim even though I lived near Hasidic neighborhoods in Brooklyn for 13 years. Maybe I'll go back for a look sometime.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hammentaschen! I have only gone to a synagogue for the reading of the Megillah to use noisemakers and boo every time the Rabbi mentioned Haman’s name. The kids are always in costumes. I guess men get drunk “to no distinguish between cursing Haman and blessing Mordechai. We always stayed in the synagogue or JCC. I have never been to Williamsburg, but now I REALLY want to go there for Purim!!!!!
It's ironic that on a holiday that specifically centers around a woman and her great deeds, the women of the community are forced to be spectators while the men make merry.
Was thinking the exact same thing....
Why do you say the women don't make merry as well? The only way to make merry is to be drunk as a skunk? Men have their role (they get drunk for a reason not just bec its a day to get wild. Its for reason sourced in text and therefore an age old custom) and women have their role. Why would i want to get drunk? Thats for women loitering in frat houses.
Nobody is 'FORCED' to do anything. If a woman prefers to be a skank, she can be. Thankfully, Hasidic women have dignity and common sense. Do you actually think the women are home, depressed and pining to be wobbling about outside?
Loved this so much. Glad for the explanation and experience of Purim. Thank You !
I didn't realize alcohol was SO big for Purim. I thought it was just like a few glasses or less mostly ceremonially like a fancy Sabbath or holiday. How is alcoholism and other addictions handled in this community? Especially when wine drinking is a key component of the religion.
there is som other festival where the men drinkalot. u never hear of women drinking alot . Mostly men. They say thre is no drugs or very little alcohilism or drugs in theior culture but if they encourage drunkeness twice a year it can lead teens and adults to drink.
@@janecoe9407 Who becomes a drunk from two benders a year?
Alcoholism is traditionally not a big problem in these communities. Wine is drunk often with intent and in moderation; drunkenness is not the norm. On Purim, we let our hair down.
thank you for your wonderful job!
In the religious Southern Baptist world, drinking is forbidden. To see drinking in a religious holiday is quite shocking. However, the joy from the children is infectious.
This video looks great! Interesting. I’ve been toPurim celebrations in Dallas. Not this much fun!!
Wow amazing video love I'm wishing for more!!!
Children looks wonderful in their costumes.🙂
Fascinating. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Frieda I love your video's
So many unique rituals, all about “the men”
Subscribe to this channel for more videos!
Drinking & merriment & letting loose 😁!
I’m Italian I grew up in Bensonhurst..I knew of Borough Park more then Williamsburg..but I’m familiar with both area …your videos are great very interesting
I think more and more women are dressing up, they now have girl parties (my daughters class had a get together)
What a great video, thank you! I learned a lot. I’m torn with Purim; as an adult female, I’d be sad to be expected to participate as an audience member. I love to dress up! The drinking and partying, I’ll pass 😅
I grew up Jewish, Conservative. I used to love Purim. We had a 2 day festival, with costumes and games and shows. Of course food. Also my Jewish name is אסתר. I am a born again Christian now, but I still make hamentaschen for Purim.
Hi Esther, what a pretty name. Hamentaschen are delicious.
How is the concept of being born again different than what you learned in your conservative Jewish upbringing? I listened to an alefbeta explanation of Passover's theme of rebirth - the blood on the door like bursting from a mother's womb, going through the parted water led by the fire and spirit. I also watched something on mikvah being like birth (cannot for the life of me remember who's) . I don't know the exact 'denomination ' of Judaism these people are from,but one person was going around asking whatever questions people sent in for him to ask - this one was asking Israelis whether they believe in being born again - a lot said no. I wish they'd explained what they think being born again is in their minds. I would love some explanation of someone could provide it please.
I would appreciate a video on why you left the Satmar Hasidim.
I LOOKED FOR VIDEO ON THAT SUBJECT. DIDNT FINDN ONE. WOULD BE INNTERESTING TO HEAR WHY SHE LEFT THE CULTURE.
@@janecoe9407 Yes. I do not think many leave. Kind of like the Hutterites. They retain their religious beliefs at great cost. She is to be commmended for leaving, whatever her motive.
@@michaelkeats3300 You may not realize how judgmental and derogatory towards the Satmar Hasidim it sounds to say “she should be commended for leaving” - as though there is something wrong with the community.
Ms. Vizel’s reasons for stepping away from the culture she was raised in were surely wrought with a great deal of personal conflict and disappointment. Her continuing respect and affection for the Satmar Hasidim is obvious, even while she acknowledges the lifestyle is not a comfortable fit for her. So to imply that her choice is somehow “commendable” implies that those who stay don’t merit similar commendation.
I hope we can get to a point where we can simply respect individual religious beliefs, preferences and choices rather than casting aspersions - even by inference.
@@jenniferlynn3537 These religious devotees are living in a medieval, anti-modern world of ignorance and backwardness masked as piety. Their trearment of women is shameful. They are a cult saturated by superstition.
@@jenniferlynn3537 Thanks for the kindness Jennifer.
A tour in your company it's on the top of my wish's list . Unfortunately , up to now , the usa are closed to unvaccinated foregneirs . Love from venice italy
So sorry about that. :( That's so very wrong.
Do Hasidim believe in vaccination for their children ?
@@pjaye3717 maybe ms Frieda can answer better than me . I was talking about covid vaccines not vaccines in general though.
As far as drunk bachurim entering houses to collect, let me tell you, I'd rather be in your shoes. I find it very uncomfortable when they enter my house.
You don’t have to let them in
So lock your door. We love when they enter. Then if i feel its too late or my young children have gone to sleep i lock the door and finished. So simple to solve.
I am glad you were able to turn your Hasidic past into a profitable career as a tour guide. I live by the Lubavitcher Rebbe grave and a Hasidic woman asked me for directions today. She had no GPS or internet on her cell phone...P.S. I think you and Deborah Feldman (Unorthodox) should have a project together.
Go away with D. Feldman.
What does asking directions have to do with everything?
@@michellelansky4490 you don't have to be so nasty bish.. it's a commentary on how the hasidim don't use internet or modern technology on their phones
@@Qayil109 oh i didnt realize that. So many prominent people REFUSE to have smartphones bec of their damage on the brain and distractibility causing problems, i didnt think you could be connecting that to chasidim.
Just remember that there are many different perspectives in the world. Do not judge a book merely by its cover.
It seems like you speak English to the people from the community you interact with, do you ever speak Yiddish when making your videos or doing your tours?
People in the community are most comfortable "code-switching", meaning speaking in English to anyone who looks like an outsider. I don't speak Yiddish unless they initiate because people often find it jarring and uncomfortable. I know you asked this question a while ago but Purim is coming up and I was looking back at this video.
It is like a more moral and wholesome Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I like it.
Mardi Gras is the day before Lent. Lent is when Alcohol, partying, gambling, eating meat, etc. is forbidden for 40 days until Easter under Catholic Law. (Not celebrated by the Irish Catholic though). So, they have one last day to party to get all temptation out of their system with drinking, costumes, and eating.
Lent represents Jesus fast in the wilderness after he was baptized by John the Baptist.
But it has sinfully been taken over by Secular Society to be a day of Sexy Costumes, Social media, getting intoxicated, and buying things.
My last two boyfriends were Jewish and I will say I think there was too much alcohol for me. But only for some. I love the Jewish traditions and faith. I am Catholic but I respect the Jewish upbring and faith. Always felt welcome.
Are women specifically forbidden from wearing costumes?
a lot of things are not about what's forbidden, but what's seen as appropriate. It's generally considered inappropriate for adult women to dress up.
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn
Only in public, and in williamsburgh , because it natrually draws attention , and that contradicts modest behavior. But in many other observant communities women do wear costumes, less in public though, and even in Williamsburg women are having fun on Purim.( and i bet sone are wearing costumes at their family celebration too)
Drinking on purim, wearing costumes, have deep explanations. There is so much depth to discover and astounding meaning , explore the sources even a little, and you will see.
Also gift baskets vary greatly, home made breads, pastries, salads, etc.
And its not the packging that counts,certainly not where i live!
Its the love that goes into it , thats the idea. (And beautifully wrapped, why not? Its a form of women's artistic expression. Impressing is not the point!)
Thank you Frieda
@@devorahzeldakonikov1746 Shaloch manos is definitely a big part of women's expression and I need to do a video one day showing different extremely creative shaloch manos. Thanks for the idea!
Your left eyeglass has a brake in it
I am surprised it took over a year for someone to mention it!!
It's a shame that underage kids have access to alcohol on this day.
Ironically, St Patrick’s Day in Ireland is quite a sober boring saintly day…..I was shocked to see the Parade in NYC when I was young …it had nothing to do with Saint Patrick …just an excuse to over drink and pretend to be Irish.
Pretty depressing that women aren’t allowed to have fun and celebrate.
It depends on where you live, how religious, and who your rabbi is. To me it's weird that women don't dress up and have fun and go do activities to get tzadaka geld. 🤷🏽♀️
Far from the truth. They have as much fun as the kids and men just ask them. They have their own ways they have fun. It’s all to protect the modesty as well. Women shouldn’t get drunk anyway.
@@Jelena.Derosa NEITHER SHOULD MEN!
@@janecoe9407 agreed. In my Mizrahi community, it’s frowned upon to get drunk on Purim. It’s inappropriate to get drunk at all. Not all communities condone this so it shouldn’t get looked as if all the Jews do this. Women are allowed to have a glass of wine, it’s not a sin to drink a glass or 2.
@@Jelena.Derosa ok
Seems like these chasidish guys think you're a "goyte"😄
Getting drunk is sinful! Dt. 21:18-21
OK I had to sub because of the bus 🙂 for some reason that made my night lol but this video was so wholesome it was great.
the drinking really needs to go. other than that, fun.
Don't forget the traditional flag burning every year.
Yes, we arrived when they put out the fire so we couldn't film it. A shame, but maybe next year!
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn is the burning a mainstream thing or an extreme subgroup?
No Satmar Rebbe has ever condoned this practice.
girl talking nonsense, "it is interesting how another culture also gets drunk"...exept that what the Irish are celabrating is theend to their culture sincthey got swolled by the mega corporation Rome while we celebrate that we were once again rescued by Hashem and did not get swolled up by the Klipa
Interesting Holiday, but a bit surprised that drinking to the point of drunkenness is part of the holiday, considering that this is a religious community, trying to live separate from secular society
Jews drink booze. Wine is a huge part of the culture as is hard liquor. The religious Jews probably drink the most. Always find booze on the table. Do you think Jews are like muzlims?! They are polar opposites.
I heard from an Israeli dude that the Torah commands people to get drunk on Purim
@@Qayil109 In a sense but you are not committing any sin if you don't get drunk. Drinking is totally OK in the Jewish faith, in fact it seems the more religious drink the most. Always bottles of scotch, gin, vodka etc at every get together. L'Chaim!
I think even in insular cultures, drinking customs are often a core part of the customs. It also serves as an occasion to let go and "let it out" so to speak.
@@Qayil109 Yep, basically that is true.
Sounds vee a echte monroer
Halevai😅
One would expect celebration along the lines of Mother’s Day in honor of a heroic Jewish woman. But no, it’s another opportunity for men to indulge themselves with drink, dance and who knows what else…making more work for wives and mothers. Maybe it happens, but there does not seem to be any particular appreciation for women with gifts of flowers or jewelry, pampering, allowing moms to sleep in, etc.. Small wonder that the men thank God every morning that He did not create them female.
Queen Esther didn't seem to have a problem with it, so why do you? There's no time to sleep in on Purim. EVERYBODY gets up bright and early to hear the Megilla and to begin the festivities.
I don’t this is an appropriate way to honor the Book of Esther. Getting drunk and dressing up? Silly and disrespectful.
Frieda, why not you dress up like a man and join in?