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Activity #1234 |
Chassidic Discovery Daily Walking Tour |
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes; tickets must be purchased in advance in order to guarantee your spots on the tour. Book well in advance to guarantee getting the day and time you prefer!
What happens if it rains?
The tour operates rain or shine, all year, regardless of weather conditions. Most of the tour sites are indoors. If it rains, you may want an umbrella and/or a raincoat for walking between the sites along the tour. If you forget, umbrellas are available for sale in the shoe repair shop right next door to the library where the tour begins.
What about taking children on the tour?
Children are the major focus of life in Crown Heights, outnumbering adults 4 or 5 to one. Children of any age are always welcome on the tour. However, do keep in mind that the primary informational focus of the tour is for teens and above.
How much walking is involved?
Walking will be light to moderate. There is up to a flight of stairs at many sites along the tour. Most of the sites are within a one or two block radius, therefore walking is limited to a block or less between most locations. Seating and bathrooms are available at almost all sites along the tour.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The daily public tour is not wheelchair accessible. There are stairs at most of the tour stops. Special arrangements can be made for a private tour for someone who is wheelchair bound and wants to come on a tour. Please click on the "Contact this Seller" link to let us know and we will try to accommodate you.
How long will we be at each stop on the tour?
Stops range from 5 to 35 minutes, and restrooms are available at, or are very close by, all stops along the tour.
What if I want to spend more time in a particular store/site?
We suggest that you plan some time after the tour for shopping and seeing things in more detail that we may have only touched upon during the tour. Discounts are available in many Crown Heights eateries and merchants for tour participants. A list is available when you arrive for your tour.
What kind of food will we eat at the deli?
The NY Deli Lunch that is included with the tour provides for chicken, meat, vegetarian and vegan options. You will have the choice of schwarma with diced salad and techina sauce, a burger with fries, a deli sandwich (roast beef, corned beef, pastrami or turkey, on club or rye, with cole slaw), or vegetarian lo-mein. You will be asked to give your meal preference at the start of the tour. All meals come with coffee, tea, iced tea, or a cold soft drink.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We are usually able to provide an acceptable alternative for most dietary restrictions whenever necessary. If you have a particular concern, please click on the "Contact this Seller" link to inquire further.
What can this tour offer a native New Yorker?
Not only is the tour an authentic behind-the-scenes experience that even seasoned New Yorkers will appreciate, but it's also a priceless jewel of New York's multi-cultural mosaic that locals can show off to family, friends and business associates visiting from out of town. It's guaranteed to be a stimulating, long-to-be-remembered, and cherished part of your guests' visit to the Big Apple.
How far is the meeting location from Manhattan?
Our meeting point is only about 10 miles from downtown Manhattan. If you are going by taxi or driving, it should only take about 25 minutes to get there. By subway (line #3), it takes around 35 minutes from the Times Square area.
I'm not familiar with Brooklyn or Crown Heights - are they easy to get to and are they safe?
Yes. We are one subway train from Times Square. The #3 subway line runs directly to our subway stop, Kingston Avenue Station, which is within 50 meters of our doorstep. In our experience of welcoming over tens of thousands of people on our tour for the last 25 years, people have had consistently positive & safe experiences.
What does Chassidic mean? How is it different from Jewish?
The word "Chassidic" literally means "pious". The Chassidic communities are a vibrant part of mainstream Jewish life, characterized by their dedication to timeless Biblical values especially infused with warmth and joy. The Chassidic Discovery Walking Tour provides the only opportunity for the world at large to get an inside look into this fascinating community.
Can I go on the tour if I'm Jewish but not religious?
Yes! We welcome Jews and non-Jews of all backgrounds, nationalities and affiliations.
Can I go on the tour if I'm not Jewish?
Yes! More than 40% of our visitors are not Jewish.
What should I bring with me on the tour?
First and foremost, any and all of your questions - "no holds barred." Bring a camera - all sites on the tour are photogenic, and you'll enjoy sharing the memories with friends, family and business associates.
Will I be able to take pictures along the way?
Yes, in fact, we encourage you to take pictures during the tour to capture the unique experiences you will have!
Who will my tour guide be?
Tour guides are warm and friendly Chassidic men and women, and are all residents of the Crown Heights community. Many have other full-time occupations, yet enjoy taking some time from their otherwise busy week to share the inside scoop on Chassidic life in Crown Heights.
Where does the tour end?
The tour experience never ends! But the final official stop of the tour is in the main shopping district of Chassidic Crown Heights, three or four short blocks from the #3 subway, within short walking distance of the original meeting location.
Is there any kind of dress code required?
As tour participants, no dress code is required. However, women may feel more comfortable in the synagogue and walking around the community in more modest apparel.
May I bring a pet on the tour?
As several of the tour sites are food establishments, pets, other than seeing eye dogs, are not allowed on the tour.
Is the tour only offered in English?
The daily public tour is only offered in English. For group or private tours, we have tour guides available for French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, Hebrew and Yiddish speakers. Regular days are being made available for most of the above also, please check out our Multilingual Tours activity to see upcoming dates and times. All multilingual tour guides are residents of the Crown Heights Chassidic community.
Does the tour route ever change?
Since the tour goes to private locations, many not generally accessible to the public, we may choose to alter the tour route for the benefit of your touring experience.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates can be purchased and may be redeemed at any time provided that there is space available. To purchase a gift certificate, please click on the "Contact this Seller" link.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes, group and private tours are available, with options available to meet various special needs, occasions and interests. If you are interested in a group or private tour, please click on the "Contact this Seller" link to learn more.
Is this Chabad or Lubavitch?
This highly acclaimed walking tour centers around the Crown Heights Chabad-Lubavitch Community and is lead by men and women who live in this Chassidic community.
