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Activity #1280 |
Multilingual Chassidic Discovery 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, 52 weeks a year. Most of the actual tour sites are indoors, but it is suggested that you bring an umbrella for the between the sites walking if rain is predicted. If you forget, umbrellas are available for sale in the shoe repair store right next door to where the tour begins.
What about taking children on the tour?
Children of any ages are always welcome. However, the primary informational focus of the tour is on a teen through adult level.
What about babies/small children?
Children are a mainstay, and the major focus of life in Crown Heights. They outnumber us adults 4 or 5 to one. We welcome children of all ages to join their parents on the tour.
How much walking is involved?
Walking will be light to moderate. Most of the tour stops are within a one or two block radius, and there will only be a block or less between locations. There will be seating and bathrooms available at almost all stops along the tour. Keep in mind that there is up to a flight of stairs at several of the locations.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible at this time. There are stairs at most of the tour stops. Special advance arrangements can be made for an additional private guide for someone who is wheelchair bound and wants to join the daily tour. If you are interested in doing so, 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, or are very close by, at 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 fully sensitive to dietary restrictions and are usually able to provide an acceptable alternative 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 native and seasoned New Yorkers will appreciate, but it's also a priceless jewel of New York's multi-cultural mosaic that you 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." 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?
Absolutely. You may take pictures anywhere, of anybody (anybody Chassidic for sure) and of anything!
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. Most 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 at the same place where the tour takes place.
Is there any kind of dress code required?
No. As this particular Chassidic community has a continuous flow of guests from all kinds of backgrounds from all over the world, and Chassidic residents represent only 10% or less of the surrounding population, all types of dress are commonly found on the streets and in the shops within the neighborhood. Guests may want to bear in mind that since the tour does visit the main community synagogue, some degree of discretion would be considerate, and they themselves may be more comfortable in modest attire.
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?
At this time the daily public tour is primarily offered in English, but we do have tour guides available for French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, Hebrew and Yiddish speakers. If you do not see a date available in the language you prefer, please click on the "Contact this Seller" link to request a tour in another language. All tour guides are residents of the Crown Heights Chassidic community. I
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?
Group and private tours are available, with options available to meet various kinds of 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.
