The Friday Energy: How the Hasidic Community Transforms for Shabbes

There's an unusual palpable energy in the Williamsburg Jewish community on Fridays. You can feel the day transition from slow and "normal" to the hectic pre-Shabbes pace, and ultimately, it all settles down for the day of rest. During one cold winter day, when sundown is early and so shabbes is early, I filmed the neighborhood as it transitioned through these phases. I hope you can feel the energy shift with me!

PS: Yiddish speakers pronounce the Jewish day of rest as 'Shabbes' or 'Shabbos' instead of the more well-known 'Shabbat.'

#jewish #shabbos #shabbat

[FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

By the way, if you want to learn more about the story of the weird police booth that is now a Shabbes Goy station -- that little structure has a storied past. I wrote about it during the pandemic when due to the rioting after BLM protests, the city ordered a curfew. You can read about it (and many other buildings) here on my blog:

[LouisianaBride]

My grandfather was a milk man in New Orleans in the 60s and told me a story about lighting Jewish families stoves during Shabis when he'd deliver milk.

[ThanxForUploading]

I'm a born and bred Williamsburger and this video brought tears to my eyes . I never stopped to consider shabbos from the outside. You made me proud of our shared heritage. 💖

[mmleit]

Frieda you make such a Kiddush Hashem with your channel. I am a frume woman. I am so happy that you show our people in such a beautiful way thank you so much!!

[duplessis]

i loved the gentleman inviting you to spends shabbos with him

[geekygardener]

Now I know why the girls wear matching outfits, why they have those big porches, and what payos are, why the women wear wigs, and I could go on and on. I would often pass Hasidic Jews on the street and wonder about them, and it’s really beautiful to see into their world. I see a rich, deep culture now instead of confusion and misunderstanding. I’m developing an appreciation for their culture and how much they sacrifice to honor Hashem in everything they do.

[benploni]

Frieda - shkoich on these beautifully produced videos. Whoever is doing your video editing and music selection is to be commended as the production quality of your videos just gets better and better. Which is important because the better the videos are the more people they draw in and make them open to understanding the community. That drives tolerance and respect. Thank you for what you do

[morganm]

This was so tocuhing. The children dressing as their parents and parents lighting a candle for each child are such beautiful traditions.

[bflogal]

I am not Jewish, but have many Jewish friends. I love gefilte fish with horseradish, just not crazy about the looks. Being invited to a shabbat dinner or Passover Seder has been such a privilege in my life.

[silentlefthand]

Not a religious person but it’s fascinating how other people live. If everyone took the time to learn some stuff, tolerance and understanding of different cultures would be unavoidable I think.

[pyenygren]

It is always nice listening to you telling about small and big topics. Thanks a lot for taking your time making all videos.

[susanhirtzel]

As gentiles living in Jerusalem we called the preparation for Shabbat “The Friday Frenzy.” Good memories……Shabbat Shalom!

[PuppetMommy]

Thank you Freida,
This was my erev shabbes treat!!
Living in Williamsburg, its interesting to see all we do on film! So beautiful!!
And btw in your eruv pesach video was so fun and special to notice my husband on it 😃!!

[fittoseejane]

Beautiful and fascinating video. I am a Christian and I try to honor our Sabbath by not shopping, not having recreational activities, etc. This preparation as a culture and as a community is touching, and inspires me to be more devoted to the sabbath, even though it’s a different sabbath.

[donnakennedyadams]

I find all these videos very interesting and informative. Thanks

[cherylkhoja]

Mazel Tov Ms. Frieda. Beautifully said as always. Good Shabbat to you and your respectable family.

[chavkon]

0 seconds ago
. I’m from the Chabad community, so it was interesting for me to see erev Shabbos in Williamsburg. It is always nice to visit and see everyday life there. I love watching your videos.
I admire your passion and curiosity to discover and teach others, even if there are parts of Hasidic life that you do not agree with. You are doing a shlichus there, enabling people to learn about a culture that is often seen as strange and archaic. Thank you for showing chassidic life as it is authentically, capturing the joy, the depth and purpose in Jewish life, so the world can see it.
Hatzlacha Rabba:)

[chollander]

I have a FB friend named Motta Brim who is the Hasidic artist who was in part the model for the artist in Shtitsel. He just posted an adorable picture of his grandchildren dressed as an adult Jerusalum couple with the hair covering on the little girl and the boy wearing the Hasidic coat. Thanks to your video, I immediately knew about this unusual custom. So cute: Mammale and Tattale.

[atphoenix]

I lived in a neighborhood in Las Vegas where there were many families that were part of the Kallel Community. My fondest memories were the men and their sons walking to the center on a Friday evening. The view from behind as the men in their dark coats and some with the fur hats walked ahead of their sons. One early evening when I was outside one of the men who lived a few houses away approached me and asked if I would come to their home and turn their lights. I did. When I told my mom about it, she said that her father would do that for some of his neighbors in NYC. Fascinated by the culture. Thank you for sharing the culture and explaining the clothing.❤❤

[alexandervanlohen]

There here has become one of my favorite channels. A wonderful community with values and traditions. Especially impressive are the interviews with Pearl and the other ladies, many things have stuck with me that have positively influenced my life. Thank you :)