| Rating |
Date Attended [v] |
Reviewer |
Gender |
Age |
Where From? |
Group Type? |
|
Amazing and Fabulous
|
| Tue, Nov 24, 09 10:00 AM |
RoseEdithMor |
Female |
Unspecified |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| I want to thank Rabbi Beryl for the time, care and knowledge he shared with my husband, and myself in our small and personalized group of 4. Rabbi Beryl made the tour. He was candid, and so very open about the Chabad-Lubavitch community, allowing us to learn, see and become a part of the community. I told my husband that I intended to write a review upon our arrival back to South Florida. It is my pleasure to say that honestly, the tour was the second best thing about our trip to NY (the first was being together with my sons!). Rabbi Beryl was so very committed to sharing his community, that he welcomed all questions, and challenging ones at that. As a member of the Jewish community of South Florida, I never had the opportunity to get into the Chabad- Lubavitch world. I do not want to say much more, as it will take away from the tour. I highly encourage everyone, Jewish and non-Jewish, to experience Rabbi Beryl, his warmth, his love of his community, and the knowledge he will share. I must add, Rabbi Beryl did not look at his watch. The tour took longer than advertised, and Rabbi Beryl was happy to sit and discuss thoughts and attitudes over lunch. It was a fabulous experience in every aspect. Todah Rabah ( Thank you) to the Rabbi for an unforgettable day. |
|
one comment
|
| Fri, Nov 20, 09 10:00 AM |
cabsha |
Female |
60-69 |
Local |
Individual |
| I chose the date of my tour so that I would be able to see a matzo factory but was told that it was closed on Fridays and I went on a Friday. Although I knew from the site I ordered from that the matzoh factory touring would be included from mid November through the winter, it was not stated that it would not be on Fridays. The brochure that I found at the tour site mentioned the matzo factory was included in December not mid November, a descrepancy.
For this reason alone I gave the tour a generous 4 stars where it would have been 5 stars. The rabbi said he would show me the matzo factory on a separate trip and I am now considering it.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about what I saw. |
|
|
very informative, but wanted female viewpoint too
|
| Sun, Nov 15, 09 10:00 AM |
georgia94605 |
Female |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| The rabbi who led our tour was very welcoming and informative. The places we visited were interesting and we spent about the right amount of time in each.
We would have liked to meet a woman from the community as well, perhaps as our guide during the portion of the tour when we were separated by gender. We would have liked more information about the lives of women and whether women have opportunities to pursue academic and professional interests.
We had lunch at a place near the library because another group in our party needed to leave early. This was disappointing for us because we had wanted vegetarian food- the place where we ate had a falafel plate, but used chicken fat for cooking. Perhaps your reservation system could include a place to indicate dietary needs.
We will definitely visit your community again next time we're in New York and will recommend it to others. |
|
|
good experience/interesting/personable guide
|
| Mon, Nov 2, 09 10:00 AM |
reneemilner |
Female |
50-59 |
Local |
Individual |
| very personal which we liked--would have liked to have seen additional parts/people of this community although, I couldn't name what I was missing. Perhaps, seeing a wider area/businesses/homes etc.or visit the Jewish Children's Museum. |
|
|
Excellent introduction to Lubavtich Chassidism
|
| Thu, Oct 29, 09 10:00 AM |
boppenheim |
Male |
70+ |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| Don't be put off by the black hats and long beards. The two rabbis who led the tour were very personable and open, they were willing to answer any questions they were asked, and the tour took us to the heart of Lubavitch and really let us know how they tick. Only three of the nine on the tour were Jewish. The tour included a nice lunch. Very worthwhile. |
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|
Instructive and educational tour
|
| Tue, Oct 27, 09 10:00 AM |
pkravitz |
Male |
70+ |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Unspecified |
| The tour was very well conducted by Rabbi Epstein. He spoke in understandable terms and was most willing to answer questions, enabling us to learn about Chabad, its roots, its teachings, and its logic in dealing with everyday living. We are glad we chose to take this tour. |
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|
Must See for everyone interested in jewish culture
|
| Sun, Oct 25, 09 10:00 AM |
michaelsaya |
Male |
30-39 |
International Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| The tour was very interesting and the guides very friendly. I warmly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the jewish culture, for people of jewish background or not. |
|
|
Informative - Highly Recommended - Eye Opening
|
| Sun, Oct 25, 09 10:00 AM |
sag265 |
Male |
60-69 |
Local |
Family Without Children |
| Very interesting insight into how other families conduct their daily lives. Facinating to see what takes place inside buildings that I've passed many times without giving a thought to the ferver and zeal that others have for their faith. Long discussions with the Rabbis on diverse topics. |
|
|
AUTHENTIC!
|
| Fri, Oct 23, 09 10:00 AM |
bjmcbeath |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Other |
| We are still talking about our tour with Rabbi Epstein. It was fascinating! We learned so much about the Chassidic Community. The community was authentically Jewish, with wonderful shops, families, and people hurrying to and fro. Observing in the Temple was mesmerizing. We long for such a devoted lifestyle! Rabbi Epstein was open and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you for a wonderful tour! The lunch at the kosher deli was also very enjoyable. We enthusiastically recommend this tour! |
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Recommended for something different
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| Thu, Oct 22, 09 10:00 AM |
gmurphy03 |
Male |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Individual |
| If you are interested in seeing a fascinating subculture preserving tradition within a modern society or if you have a general interest in religion/spirituality, this tour provides a glimpse into the Chassidic way of life. The rabbi gives a thorough one-hour discussion with the group (questions encouraged) before the actual tour. The highlight of the tour itself for me was the visit to the synagogue, which was far more interesting than I would have imagined. The dedication of the Chassidim to their beliefs and way of life was impressive. |
