Revealing the secrets of New York’s Jews. Is it possible to leave an Orthodox Jewish community?

Hasidim or Hasidic Jews is a branch of Judaism. People started talking about it a lot after the release of the TV series Unorthodox. These are not quite the Jews we are used to imagining. Living in New York, the most modern and progressive city in the world, and most often in Brooklyn, the Hasidim have maintained their unique way of life and traditions. Very strict rules and strong isolation from the outside world have made Hasidic Jews one of the most closed and unusual communities in the modern world. Little is known about them, except for legends and tales.
This material is exclusive, as the Hasidim almost never communicate with the outside world, but in this video, they give interviews about their way of life.
You will get to know two Hasidic communities in Brooklyn - Satmar and Chabad-Lubavitch (Williamsburg). And learn how a community living an isolated life managed to basically own a large part of New York - most of the real estate in Brooklyn belongs to the Hasidim.

[tinkerbell]

I worked in Williamsburg for many years as a nurse. I grew to be very fond of the people and like the neighborhood. Yes, they do keep to themselves, but if they get to know you they will treat you like family. I have wonderful memories of the Hasidic Jews. They always treated me with respect and agape love. They would always give me gifts on Purim. Out of all the Jewish sects, the ones I like the best are the Hasidic Jews. And yes while I was working there in Williamsburg, I saw many who left, mostly young men. I would advise them that if they wanted to leave, to be careful because it’s a cruel world so be careful. I went to their weddings (women and men in separate rooms) and I’d visited some when they were sitting shiva. Although, I’m Christian and a gentile, those who knew me treated me like family. I really loved working with them.

[JacobStein]

I am not Hassidic however I am an Orthodox Jew. All Hassidim are Orthodox however not all Orthodox are Hassidim. However over the years I have had many Hassidic friends and I have lived with Hassidic families in Hassidic communities including Williamsburg.

To understand Hassidim one must go back five or six generation to the Czarist Russian Empire. In 1795 Russia took over part of Poland and suddenly found itself with a large number of Jewish subjects. These Jews spoke a dialect of German now called Yiddish and they dressed as they had since they arrived in Poland a century and a half earlier. The Russian government believed in the Russification of all ethnic minorities and soon began passing laws to prohibit the distinctive Jewish clothing, to discourage the speaking of Yiddish, to encourage the use of Russian and in general to gradually destroy Judaism in Russia. To an extent this was effective and some Jews cooperated and assimilated. However there also arose a movement of non-violent civil disobedience which is what we know as Hassidim. They refused to change their language, educational system or clothing under any circumstances regardless of persecution and imprisonment. They believed that any compromise was a step toward assimilation which was the official goal of the Czarist government.

Today the Czar is long gone, however the descendants of those Hassidim still live today with the same attitudes which their ancestors had. Don’t change the clothing, language, no secular eduction. Don’t retreat an inch. Naturally suspicion of outsiders who may have bad intentions.

To perhaps a little over generalize, Hassidim are the Amish of Judaism.

Incidentally, within the Orthodox community it is controversial whether Chabad Lubavich is Hassidic or is a separate category unto itself. That's a long, complicated debate. They do identify as Hassidic.

[michaelthomson]

Through a close friend, who is Jewish, I was introduced to a wonderful man, who is a Hassidic rabbi, and a member of the Chabad community. After study, and prayer, we would share a Sabbath meal his wife had prepared the day before.Just like the gentleman towards the end of your video stated, "Don't be religious, and don't try to get to heaven.Instead, try through your life to bring heaven down to earth."This is what attracts me most to this belief system.

[pathway]

When someone say, Don’t Question.Something is hidden. That is when you definitely need to question .Because in Questioning you definitely will find TRUTH! ❤

[jrmoore]

Very disrespectful to say that a black neighborhood is a ghetto. I grew up in Brooklyn and all people are the same. They want the best for their children and they work for a better life. Name calling when you are ignorant of peoples' culture makes you look stupid.

[nancydimauro]

I enjoyed listening to the rabbi's wife. She lives her life according to her religious obervance and seems at peace with it. I found her answers very honest and interesting. Thank you.

[kryssysmith]

I remember first seeing Ari and the documentary on Netflix called One Of Us. I am so grateful he was able to come to his authentic self. Keep at it

[PandaGraciosa]

Chabad is extremely open. You’ll find chabad houses in the most remote corners of the globe to help Jews living/visiting those locations observe their traditions. They are even welcoming to non-Jews at their Shabbat table. They are non-judge mental and proud of their tradition. Chabad rabbis and Rebbetzins (rabbis wife/female community spiritual leader) living in these chabad houses often live very difficult lives in their work and have to be extremely committed to their outreach, it’s truly amazing. I’ve met many many chabad shluchim (couple who runs chabad house) over the years and they are such inspiring, giving people.

[stephenfisher]

This video has clips of the Satmar Hasidim and the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidim. They are two very different groups. Because the average viewer does not understand this, this YouTube video becomes very misleading.

[fatrambo]

the lady speaking about the sabbath around the 1hr mark came across as very gentle and caring, genuine you don't see people like her very often.

[babbybailey]

I was fortunate to work in a Jewish community. I was a fish monger. Kosher fish is only fish with scales, and no shell fish. And I wish people would not ignorantly label them as cheap. My boss treated me and paid me extremely well. I even was fortunate to move into the community and moved back out after, when I sneezed the neighbourhood all say " gazuntiet"... Everyone knew everyone's business. 🇨🇦

[Jesjai]

They are a peaceful community, minding their own business. Not violent, not forcing their demands on anyone outside. God bless them.

[aliasmargta]

I am Catholic. I appreciated hearing about other people's way of life. 1:00:55 honouring one's parents is not something all children learn today.

[DB]

The comment about them living beside the black ghetto, the poorest NY population filled with African Americans criminals is completely wrong. Please do more research.

[Myfilteredview]

As a Brooklyn native I have always had questions and curious about the lifestyle of Orthodox Jews. This documentary was phenomenal on so many levels. It even answered rumors and myths about their culture and religion.

[gbriank]

Just happy to see both sides. I really want to thank everyone whom took out time to share their story.

[markjones]

That was so racist of you, putting BLACK PEOPLE down like that WOW🤔

[dinasun]

No matter what religion you come from if it is too restricted then some tend to do the opposite out of curiosity or simply leave the religion.

[touchedbyfire]

I love the philosophy of the Lubavitch gentlemen and woman. I am a gentile but have always felt I have a Jewish soul.

[carmenl]

I'm very impressed with how you managed to make this documentary. I loved seeing Ari; I remember him vividly from the Netflix documentary 'One of Us. He shared there some more about the awful, traumatic situations that happened to him and that influenced his choice to leave. I wish him all the best.
That hip and trendy, youthful, good-looking, charming Rabbi and his wife were a bit too happy for my liking. There are about 600 rules in Judaism to follow, from the width of your garden gate to how to bathe after having your period. But they liked to pretend it was all service, and it all made sense. But when you have to call a Goj to open your fridge on sabbath because you forgot to take out the milk, then there is something off, in my opinion.