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Entering America’s Most Religious Community

Drew Binsky・41 minutes read

Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn are a religious and insular community with unique traditions and strict rules, prioritizing faith, family, and tradition. The community's distinctive lifestyle, strict religious practices, and emphasis on tradition have been preserved for over 250 years, representing resilience and discipline in the face of adversity.

Insights

  • The Hasidic community in Brooklyn, New York, is a closed-off, religious group that emphasizes tradition, exclusivity, and a strong focus on preserving their unique way of life, including strict religious practices, distinct dress codes, and insular neighborhoods.
  • Hasidism, originating in Ukraine 250 years ago, is a niche movement within Judaism, representing only five percent of the Jewish population, with a strong emphasis on family, early marriages, kosher eating, and a commitment to preserving their customs and beliefs, showcasing remarkable discipline and resilience in the face of external influences.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of Hasidic dress codes?

    Hasidic dress codes are a crucial aspect of the community's identity, reflecting their commitment to tradition and religious values. The distinct attire, such as big furry hats and conservative clothing, serves as a visual representation of their insular lifestyle and dedication to their faith. These dress codes are not merely fashion choices but symbols of their resilience against outside influences and a way to maintain their unique cultural heritage.

  • How does the Hasidic community view modern technology?

    The Hasidic community, particularly in Brooklyn, New York, has a cautious approach towards modern technology. They prefer to use flip phones instead of smartphones and limit internet usage to maintain their insular lifestyle and protect their traditions. This perspective stems from a desire to shield themselves from external influences that may challenge their religious beliefs and values, emphasizing the importance of preserving their way of life.

  • What are the key characteristics of a Hasidic synagogue?

    A Hasidic synagogue is a sacred space within the community that upholds strict rules and traditions. Outsiders face high stakes when entering these synagogues, as cameras are not allowed, highlighting the community's emphasis on privacy and exclusivity. The synagogue serves as a central hub for religious practices, where members come together to worship, study, and connect with God in a unique and deeply spiritual manner.

  • How does the Hasidic community approach education?

    The Hasidic community places a strong emphasis on religious education and preserving their traditions through a distinct educational system. There is some controversy surrounding secular education within the community, as they prioritize teaching their children about their faith and cultural practices. This approach reflects their commitment to passing down their beliefs from generation to generation and maintaining the integrity of their religious teachings.

  • What is the significance of Shabbat in Hasidic Judaism?

    Shabbat holds immense importance in Hasidic Judaism, serving as a day of rest and spiritual rejuvenation. From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, community members refrain from work and technology use, focusing on relaxation, family time, and prayer. The observance of Shabbat involves specific rules and traditions, such as no cooking or driving, to honor this sacred day and strengthen their connection to God. This practice underscores the community's dedication to upholding religious customs and fostering a sense of unity among its members.

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Summary

00:00

"Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn: A Closed Community"

  • Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn, New York, are known for being a closed-off and religious community, with a vibrant second and third generation.
  • The Hasidic community is fundamental in religion, with a unique system of relating to and interacting with God.
  • The community is exclusive, with high stakes for outsiders entering synagogues, where cameras are not allowed.
  • The neighborhood is intensely religious, with people using flip phones instead of the internet and many women wearing wigs.
  • Hasidism started in Ukraine 250 years ago and has distinct dress and lifestyle choices, like big furry hats and lack of internet use.
  • Not all Jews are Hasidic, with only five percent of the Jewish population being Hasidic, while other movements like reformed, conservative, and Orthodox exist in New York City.
  • Modern Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods incorporate modern technology, unlike Hasidic neighborhoods, which are more insular.
  • Hasidic neighborhoods prioritize protecting their traditions and are wary of outside influences, with some controversy around secular education.
  • Hasidic communities have strict eating codes, with all food being kosher, similar to Halal for Muslims, and a focus on large families and early marriages.
  • The Hasidic community in Brooklyn, like South Williamsburg, is insular, with distinct dress codes, conservative values, and a focus on community and tradition.

14:06

Hasidic Community: Torah, Traditions, and Challenges

  • Reform Temple is seen as worse than going to a church in this community.
  • The community is predominantly made up of children, with some families having up to 15 kids.
  • The Torah is a significant part of Jewish temples, representing Jewish teaching and culture.
  • Bar or bat mitzvah ceremonies mark the transition to adulthood at age 13.
  • The community is anti-Israel, particularly the Satmar sect in South Williamsburg.
  • The community provides support for those struggling with issues like watching porn.
  • The Hasidic movement was founded by the narrator's direct ancestor after the Holocaust.
  • Yiddish, an offshoot of German, was nearly extinct due to the Holocaust.
  • Emergency services are contacted directly instead of calling 911 in this community.
  • The community is described as rough but with its own beauty and innocence.

27:25

Hasidic Shabbat Traditions and Customs

  • Shofar collection includes large ones from the Middle East and smaller ones from Ashkenazirus.
  • Blowing the shofar is a commandment in the Bible to wake people up for repentance.
  • Shabbat is a day of rest in Judaism from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, involving no work or technology use.
  • Filming a Shabbat dinner in a Hasidic home required four months of permission from a rabbi.
  • Hasidism reinvented Judaism with passion and enthusiasm, saving Ashkenazi Judaism.
  • Tefillin is a special Jewish prayer involving leather boxes with Torah scrolls.
  • The stromo hat worn by Hasidic men on Shabbat symbolizes resilience against oppression.
  • Clothing worn on Shabbat symbolizes kindness over judgment in Hasidic thought.
  • Shabbat involves relaxation, family time, and no work, with specific rules like no cooking or driving.
  • Shabbat dinner includes traditional dishes like wine, challah bread, fish soup, and main dishes, all kosher.

42:07

Resilient Hasidic Jews: Tradition and Inclusivity

  • Hasidic Judaism, a tradition preserved by half a million Jews, descendants of Holocaust Survivors, for over 250 years, showcases remarkable discipline and resilience, urging for inclusivity from insiders and respect from outsiders towards this enduring religious community.
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