Entering America’s Most Religious Community

As someone who grew up Jewish in Arizona, I’ve always been fascinated by the Hasidic Jews of Brooklyn, New York. They are widely considered to be America’s most religious and closed-off community, even more than the Amish of Pennsylvania. In this 47-minute documentary, I embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of the Hasidics behind closed doors, and discover what makes their lifestyles so incredibly unique.

Guided in the beginning by my friend Abby Stein, a former Hasidic rabbi who is now a transgender author, I gain a fascinating insight into Hasidic life and customs from her perspective - both the good and the bad.

This story is really fascinating and I'm really proud of how it came out. From the traditional clothing, music, and food to the strict gender roles and controversies surrounding the community, this documentary dives deep into every aspect of Hasidic life with a balanced portrayal of the good and the bad.

Join me on this captivating journey to experience the Hasidic Jews of Brooklyn, New York, like never seen before.

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👨🏻‍🦰 WHO AM I?
I'm Drew Binsky and I have been to EVERY Country in the world (197/197). I make travel videos about people, culture, and anything else I find interesting on the road. My ultimate goal is to inspire you to travel far and wide because I think that traveling is the best education that you can get, and our planet is beautiful!

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[kirmizi]

I am a Muslim and I like family oriented communities, I respect the people who follow what they believe. I enjoyed watching

[drewbinsky]

This was a very challenging story to tell, given all of the tension and controversy, but I felt that I did the best of my ability to tell a well-rounded story, highlighting both the positives and the negatives in the community. One note about the North Korean internet comparison - I do regret keeping that part in because it is not true, and I got carried away. Thank you to those who have pointed it out.

My team and I worked for 6 months to get this video edited and ready to post, and I am really proud of how it came out. Huge thanks to Abby Stein, Shloime Zionce, Beri Weber and the others who gave me their time to explain life in their community. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and suggestions about the Hasidics in the comments here. I will be reading them all and responding to as many as I can 🙏

[francesabrams]

I am a 82 year Jewish woman. I have gotten away from Jewish traditions., bit still strongly identify as a Jew. I have grear grandparents who were hassic.. The shabos dinner evoked a strong emotion which i have not felt in years.
Thank you

[tomlee]

As a Greek Orthodox with many Jewish neighbors, including many Hasidics, all I have to say is that I have nothing but respect for this community of faith and family values...

[jcm]

A lesson we can all learn from this video: at least once a week, put the phone down and be in the moment with your family and friends. Thank you, Drew.

[ASMRAirLight]

i am muslim and i was taught to hate jewish community because of israel and so on.. but now i am older and realised people have to see more of the world and build their own opinion about things and people! i have much respect to the jewish community and find them very interesting and enjoyed the video! i would love to visit.

[jindoe]

There is nothing wrong with sticking with your own community as long as you don’t bother outside communities. .
It appears they are doing this well .

[b.p.]

I gotta say, I love the idea of Shabbat. Spending 25 hours each weekend with loved ones/friends, engaging in joyous feasting and fellowship.

[sinnera]

I'm not Jewish and I found this insight into the culture fascinating. It clearly shows all the efforts that went into it. Thank you for showing this to the world, I think it's brilliant

[sfltmux]

I am a 74 year old Catholic and I have always taken a special interest in Jewish history, ways and customs. This was by far, one of the most informative pieces I have ever seen and I thank you for your work and message. I found it fascinating and enlightening.

[VladfishTheMagnificent]

Only now, in my 40s, do I find myself taking baby steps to reconnect with my Jewish heritage/ancestry. Wasn't raised religious at all, and my spirituality now is a patchwork quilt that borrows liberally from many faiths. Still trying to figure out exactly how Jewish I am and what that means to me. Videos like this trigger something in me, like an ancestral echo...It's hard to describe. Thank you for what you do!

[pazthakrar]

I am British of Indian heritage, Hindu, we respect all religions and faiths, and when we recite a prayer it mentions all the gods of other religions to Yahawa, Krishna, Christ and Allah.
I enjoyed your video so much, as I used to think these type of Jews were rude, or arrogant, I was young then, but your video made me understand the protection of identity and importance of preservation of culture, Thank you I am a newbie fan now.

[Trinsolo]

Those teenagers answers about the religion was so sincere and open minded. Such thoughtful smart kids. Seems like the community is raising good people. Something this society needs.

[Doc_Fartens]

I'm not only not Jewish, but not religious at all. I have no idea why YouTube suggested this video to me but I'm incredibly pleased it did. I find it fascinating to learn about different peoples cultures, religions, or just their ways of life in a more general sense. You've earned a new subscriber today.

[amandadanze]

This was a really amazing inside look. I will say that as someone who didn’t know much about the Jewish community, this was a very interesting little journey for me and has very much started a new area of study. Thank you for sharing!

[DejaMarie]

Thank you so much for this beautiful video. I have always been so curious to know about the Hasidic Jewish Community. Thank you

[zurachepi]

Such an interesting documentary, Drew.I am Muslim and this video on the life of Hassidic community is very informative and an eye opener.Judaisim and Islam actually have a lot in common and to me the most important thing is to respect each other's religion. Keep up the good work of bringing out the beauty of the world

[carreira]

This is not just a video. it's a documentary. Thank you for putting it together and sharing it. After exploring the whole world, Drew is now exploring his own roots. Kol ha'kavod! Bravo!

[GlendaMasterson]

I really enjoyed this so much. I am Lutheran but I have always cared deeply for Jewish people. A wonderful place to grow up.

[SquishyGamers]

This was a very informative and eye-opening video for me! I'm from England and visited some friends in Stamford Hill (An area of London) which happens to be a massive Hasidic community, and I didn't understand a lot about it until watching this video. Thanks for making it, and doing so in such a respectful and open way.