Rabbi Yoni Katz takes us on a journey around his Crown Heights, an area in Brooklyn know for both the growing Hasidic community and their newer hipster locals. Rabbi Yoni has chosen a path to "Unite the Beards", taking anyone who is interested on a guided tour around this often seen as closed part of the neighbourhood.
Rabbi Yoni Katz wants to show the true life and character of this neighbourhood and to bring the communities living there closer. On the tour we were taken to the main synagogue 770 Eastern Parkway as well as to local homes and the main streets, interviewing as we went. The tours are run by himself and his wife and teach the customs and traditions to anyone who wishes to join them to learn about their neighbours.
Take a look at Hasidic Jewish life through the lens of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement.
Full of Jewish humour and welcome, this video takes you around the neighbourhood.
This was my first trip to the neighbourhood. I met Rabbi Yoni Katz on a windy day. Waiting, I sat watching the locals walk in and out of cafes, their was a huge buzz from the holiday.
RECOLOURED IN 2023 - This is a recoloured version of my original film. Since filming, I have made two further documentaries on the neighbourhood with Yoni.
Filmed in New York 2019
Book at tour at:
www.jewishbrooklyn.nyc/
Unmask The Secrets of Hasidic Brooklyn - Airbnb Experience
abnb.me/H9BHxsilNab
Filmed and edited by Marcus Hessenberg
www.hessenbergproductions.com
www.marcushessenberg.com
Marcus Hessenberg is a London based British photographer and filmmaker focusing on both fashion editorials and documentaries. Ranging from interviews to fashion films, highlighting the diversity of life in the world.