A Tour of Israel’s Ultra-Religious Enclave ‘BNEI BRAK’ | with a guide who grew up there
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- Опубліковано 20 лис 2023
- On October 2nd, 2023, just days before the October 7th pogrom in Israel, I had a sweet, enjoyable day in Bnei Brak's Hasidic enclave. Bnei Brak is on the outskirts of the great secular Israeli city of Tel Aviv, and yet it's an insular world of orthodox Jews, or as my guide calls it: a factory. A factory of prayers, of babies, of religion. (of rugalech and tabik)
My tour guide was Eli Benedict, who grew up in Bnei Brak. Although Eli left the fold, he continues to nurse deep connections with this world through his work as a Yiddish researcher, the CEO at YungYidish (see yiddish.tela..., the program director of @LeagueforYiddish and through his close connection to his family. When we visited Eli's childhood home, Eli's parents welcomed us (although they asked not to be filmed) and his wife and child were also there. In my discussion with Eli and his wife, they shared that they come respectfully, that is, they dress modestly, and feel very welcome.
I too felt welcome as we visited all sorts of places in Bnei Brak; the main thoroughfare, the synagogue, a mountaintop, shops, sukkahs, and more. The sun was ruthlessly bright and the neighborhood was quite shabby. I was struck by how much more open people seemed to us than in Hasidic New York. Several people were eager to get in front of the camera to give this or that opinion on whatever topic they cared about. As a 'student' of the Hasidic world of New York, the Israeli Hasidic community felt feisty, audacious, open, colorful and, shall I say, much poorer than the community in New York. Our videographer, Geert, who had worked in Bnei Brak many times before, said he loved filming there because of how real it is. That stuck with me. It did feel like Bnei Brak put on no airs, and the setting was maybe not pretty but certainly very authentic. I hope that this came through in this video.
Join me for a walk-through of this neighborhood during the lovely holiday Sukkos. Please upvote, leave a comment and share with friends!
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Filmed by Geert Van Kesteren @ www.geertvankesteren.net/
Edited by Noa ben Shalom @ aicf.org/artist/noa-ben-shalom/
Thanks to Eli Benedict for being my tour guide! He can be reached at eliyahubenedict@gmail.com
Thanks to Zelde Malevitz for supporting this video in memory of her wonderful family: Sheyndl, Leybl, Taybl OBM
Thanks for @shimmyrubinstein1957 photography for sampling a bit of lovely wedding footage.
Can you please comment and ask Eli maybe, about the Bnei Brak orthodox attacking an orthodox soldier coming home for a weekend.
The little girl in the shop giving your trousers the side eye made me laugh. I pray that she and her family are safe during these dangerous times. Thank you for sharing this glimpse of life in that neighbourhood. ❤️
She was great! Frieda should have had more derech eretz and worn a skirt or dress, not pants.
I was watching her too. In NY we call it the "Boro Park Stare."
@@mandyadler4536
Nonsense!
You should see the kaleidoscope of people flowing in and out of BB daily! Probably thought her pants unusual compared to the skintight variety she's used to 😅
@@d.rothenberg8295 She knows better. Just cos she doesn't dress like that anymore, she could have had more respect for the place she was going to.
I am torn on the topic. I actually thought she was wearing a skirt until I noticed the girl looking with curiosity. I am sure Frieda has her reasons. (I am also sure she owns at least one skirt too, lol!)
Eli in Bnei Barak is the Frieda of Williamsburg - your energies are a perfect match! Thank you so much for your insights. I hope everyone will find a way in time to be safe and at peace. Lots of love your way!
A gita shidduch
Ich hub auch gemeint azoy
It totally seems like you two are out on a date! ❤❤❤
To go from peace to such chaos and destruction in a short period is astonishing. May peace be brought to this land for all.
Bnei Barak is a few hours away from Kfar Aza etc
As they say, No Justice No Peace. Beautiful land and history but it belongs to other people.
Who?
Delightful!! Grand slam outta the park. So heimish, beautiful music and lovely conversation. ײשר כח
Absulutely agree. Couldn't be better. Blessings to all for peace, health & safety.
FREE PALESTINE
@@favourite14541yes free Israel from Palestinians.
When he said half the population is children, it made me feel really sad for what is happening. It was beautiful. Thank you
I really enjoyed this video. Keep up the good work .
I know it seems as though the entire world has turned against the Jewish people but the true saints of God have not. We stand with you and are keeping you in fervent prayer daily. ✝️✡️🇺🇲🇮🇱
The world has turned against Zionism. Zionism is not Judaism.
I have no idea what you are talking about, if you believe advocating for kids to be killed in name of self defence you are not a saint. Secondly just search up Danielle Aloni, an Israeli woman who was captured by Hamas. She wrote them a letter after being freed that is not too shared yet by western media but you can find on youtube. She thanks them for their threatement and its TOTALLY against the fake propaganda israel has been telling. On the other hand palestinian prisoners of israel have for years told about gruweling threatement, starvation, isolation, mental and physical and sexual abuse.
Can’t wait to watch this, I grew up in Williamsburg and now live in Bnei Brak so this will be interesting
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
in my opinion and experience its not just them being insular to keep outside world out and maintain values but its also in some ways a matter of trust in that they want people to show interest and respect and if people do they'll quite happily open doors and help
Thank you for this lovely video, Frieda. I was born in Ein Gedi, but live in the states, and my heart aches for home. 💙🤍💙
I visited Israel 🇮🇱 a few times and I continue to be amazed by it.
Is there a Jewish community in Eid Gedi??
Eli is a charming tour guide! Thank you for this glimpse I’ve only been to bnei brak once and didn’t really get to explore. Maybe mention that it’s very chareidi but not exclusively Hasidic as evidenced by the many different hats, suits, and ties.
Super video, hope everyone is safe. 👍👏👏👏🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷
Thank you for this. I’m just sorry that it was over so soon. Hopefully everyone is safe.
This is something I’ve always wanted to do when I’m in Israel. I never wanted to walk around because I felt like I was intruding. Definitely going to do a tour
Such great insights to a world so different from my own! I pray everyone in the city is safe.
This is your best video yet! Yes, the warmth and openess to share their culture is very obvious in this video and probably why I enjoyed it so much.
I agree. Love the street scenes and shopping at bakeries etc.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video as well as the way Eli Benedict talked w u so easily.
U two felt quite at ease w one another.
Blessings, love and prayers for all, from Israel 🇮🇱.
So interesting. Thanks for bringing us this report from Israel.
How much did I love this? 💙💙💙💙💙
Balanced, honest, fascinating and polished as always. Proscribed viewing for those of us who want to be educated x
Here to find comfort....😊 Of late in the UK we dont feel so safe...if emotionally very difficult. ..i find THINGS...to give me hope and comfort 😊💗 PRAYERS 🙏 for ISRAEL.
just come home to Israel
Very well done. Great video from you as always and the guy was a really good tour guide
Frieda, what a great video. It could have been longer. I will have to watch the video again just to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Frieda your work is so appreciated ❤
Thank you - I really enjoyed this video! Please have Eli on again - I really enjoyed him!!! Thank you, again, Frieda!!!
ALL RESPECT TO THE JEWS OF DIGNITY AND BROTHERHOOD;PALESTINE RESPECTS YOU BROTHERS.❤❤❤
Just seeing this video. Thank you for sharing!
I agree with you Freida, the rogelech in Bnei Barak do not compare to the Williamsburg ones…. Israelis might think its delicious but the rogelech baked in Chassidish Bakeries in Brooklyn are way better in every way 😂
Thank you so much for this look into a bit of the history and the comings and goings of B'nei Brak on a day to day basis as I have had a long fascination and interest but wanted to learn in a way that was respectful to those just living their life in this place called B'nei Brak. I think this video was able to accomplish that, capturing beautifully just people living their normal day to day life in a unique enclave and making it all as natural and as simple as the act of breathing in, breathing out and living your life. It grieves me to no end to know that in a few short days time this natural cycle and rhythm of life would be turned upside down on it's head by those driven by unfathomable levels of hate and destruction toward Israel and it's people, I cannot get my head around it and maybe it's better that way because to do so would be to let one's mind into that of a mad man's.. so I will continue to pray, for the hostages to come home and for peace in our time, an end to tears and heartache and finally for an everlasting peace. May it soon be so.
That is a wise young man. Very enlightening and enjoyable video! Like you, he has found a way to separate in a respectful and “contributive” manner.
What a wonderful video Frieda! My only complaint is that it was too short! I would have loved it to be twice as long. You, Eli and the videographer did an exceptional job in capturing the moments and the atmosphere. This is one of your best!
Eli is a great host and tour guide. Very interesting video. Thank you
I loved this intimate tour, just a pity it was too short. I loved how he explained things. Great music - a bit like "Fiddler on the roof"
What a beautiful and interesting video . Thank you so much Frieda . I love all the work you do. It’s so enriching. Unbelievable what has happened in Israel (and the world) since. My heart is hurting and we are all kind of paralyzed with grief. Watching this brought so much joy ❤
Love from Berlin
That was a very interesting tour, thank you. The love and acceptance could be felt from the way he was talking about the community.
What thorough explanations Eli gave us ! I love his friendly and kind demeanor. If every school could get a guy like him as an instructor, we would have smart people world wide.
thank you Frieda and Elie for this most enjoyable tour. I made aliyah from Far Rockaway and actually was born in Williamsburgh, which had a more diverse flavor then. This tour of Bnei Brak was delightful. We pray for calmer and better times now! Kol Hakavod.
Amen, amen. Sending much love to everyone in Eretz Yisroel.
Fantastic. Thank you for taking us to The Land Of Israel and meeting this young man. What a privilege to go to his family’s home and community. You are doing a great job for some of us who are not able to visit at the moment. Please continue with the great work you are doing. Bill. UK
Praying for Israel.
Thank you. I studied online with a Rabbi from Bnei Brak, always the sound of children in the background. ✡️❤️
Ha ha, that sounds like the Hasidic community!
So interesting! I think Eli felt there was a lack of indivuduality in the community. I am Jewish but not Orthodox. If I was would be Modern Orthodox. which includes the secular world in many ways -a balance. issue I have with communities like this one shown is a lack of freedom. The community is very controlled. Not everyone is happy. Not all men want to lead a certain way of life and be responsible for many children -same with the women. Some are afraid to leave, lack certain life skills.
Women and men are expected to marry young, have childten. They cannot just travel, take classes, focus on a career as an individual, wear what they want. Some have difficult marriages, and other problems shared with secular comunities.
Problem is that if you go outside the comminity to live differently family may shun you. Eli still has connection to family although his path is different.
It is like living under a controlled society, lack of individual freedoms.
Alot of their rules are not Torah based but rabbinic based. I believe more people would leave communities like Eli did but are afraid to and lack resources.
Hasidism is only a few hundred years old it is a sect within which many Hasidic groups exist and have their own customs.
Although Lubavich is Hasidic I view them differently ftom other Hasidic groups in that they are not insular and much more open to interacting with secukar world. I would highly recommend if any Jewish viewers are traveling to go to a Chabad house. They are very welcoming and giving.
I have also met some loveky people from other Hasidic groups.
Thumbs up like
Fascinating look at a unique culture - thank you!
I am very familiar with Bnie Brak .
because I have relatives there love your tours Thanks
Thanks for watching this video of my very meaningful visit to Bnei Brak. It was quite an experience; different from New York.
This was a fun vlog. Hard to realize you were in a Country at war. All the content was interesting and a window into an ancient culture. Thank you.
this was shot before hamas attacked
@@thewkovacs316 Less than a week before....
Lovely video. I used to live right next to Bnei Brak, so your video brought back memories!
Thank you so much for watching!
Shalom Frieda! Wow! I walked through this area when I visited Israel 🇮🇱 and it was quite interesting and eye-opening. Very crowded area. Lots of kids. Lots of kids. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Frieda for letting him talk and explain without interruptions. This was wonderful Eli Benedikt is a great speaker, you can literally visualize the (passed) world he is talking about And extra special he and his family kept a good relationship a well . Would love to see you collaborate again in the future. Hope all of your families are safe.
I just found your channel by chance, subbed to see/hear more.
I enjoyed this.
I am so happy every time this video gets views. It was such an enormous project and it for so few eyeballs. Thanks for watching !
Thank you, this is wonderful ❤
Very nice documentary, good input from both. Thank you.
This was a lovely tour and a great duo! Thank you Frieda and Eli.
This was a great video. I love learning about different cultures in the world. All different but at the heart we're all the same.
So true. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing your videos, they are so informative and they help me understand a different culture!!!❤❤❤ Thank you!!
I'm from near St Louis in the US. Bnei Brak is such a different place and culture, doing it their own way. At the end of the video I saw "On October 2nd, 2023" in the description... I've known plenty of the history of Israel for well over a decade, but recent events have brought these sorts of documentaries into my youtube feed. I can only hope that the evil in the world results in a greater sense of understanding to all us decent people - that we're all on the same side in the battle of good and evil, no matter how different we may be from each other. We must stick together in whatever ways we can. As far as the food goes though, when I'm looking for something from Israel I'll stick to halva, shawarma, dates, and rogalach, but I might skip that chulent and kugel unless I was very hungry 😆
PS turns out I really needed some klezmer music today too. Great soundtrack!
What a lovely comment. Thank you for such wonderful moral compass. I love shwarma and rugelach. So good.
Enjoyed this very much, thank you Frieda!
Thank you Frieda for an excellent video. I am wondering if all of Bnei Brak is Ashkenazim or if there are Sephardim there as well.
Bnei Brak has about 35 percent Sephardim, about 30 percent Hasidic Ashkenazim, and about 35 percent non-Hasidic Ashkenazim
@@elibenedict4858Thank you Eli.
@@elibenedict4858 כנראה שמישהו פה התבלבל ! בתור אחד שנולד בבני ברק הדבר הזה מדומיין כי הספרדים פה הם אפילו לא 25% אני אומר את זה בתור הספרדי היחיד בבניין שלנו וכל הבניינים בבני ברק הם בערך אותו מצב . הקהילות הספרדיות בבני ברק מאוד קטנות ורוב הספרדים נבלעים בקהילות ליטאיות
לגבי חסידים הם מובילים בהרבה מקומות בבני ברק כמו קריית נדבורנה ושיכון וויז'ניץ שכמעט כולם שם חסידים
Wonderful. Felt like I was there with you
I think this is the most interesting video you ever did.
It's very sad that it got so few views.
I really like this video. I have been to Israel, but I have never been to a Hasidic community there. Your videos are so fun! I also really liked the music.
Heartwarming and affectionate presentation.
Thank you!
how do i contact this man for a tour of b'nai brak the next time i am in israel???? he is such a ZEISA person!
Eli is a neshamala! This is his email: eliyahubenedict@gmail.com
Frieda is looking stunning as always with that drop dead gorgeous smile and those perfectly fitted glasses giving her that sensual intellectual look that i just adore so much, 10/10 frieda 😍🤤💋💔💯
Aww thank you. I do think the strong Israeli sun was very becoming on me :)
Hi Freida, oh the soft center of the challah is the best part imo. It brought back memories of me in my grandmother’s kitchen and taking the best part for myself. You two look very nice together the Bnai brach tour guide and you.
Looks so tasty, all of the food!
What a BEAUTIFUL Family BH. Be safe in our beautiful and Kadosh land
So beautiful, I really enjoyed watching the tour, thank you
Frieda, when you watch one youtube of you, UA-cam then suggests a whole slew of other videos by you and I'm glad they do. This one was so enjoyable and so funny. Eli's English is a literal translation of Hebrew, so quite often he cracked me up with sayings like "people's dressing." Is that 1000 islands or French? Eli gives a very positive impression of Bnei Brak, while my impression is quite different, but the video is great especially the interaction between the two of you.
I would love to see you do a video with Jeff Wilbusch.
Verrry interesting idea. I wonder if he’d be up for it.
Back in your UA-cam past again. 🙃
Really loved this video. So interesting to see and hear about Eli’s experience - thank you for sharing.
I went to Israel for a couple of weeks (on a school trip! - we had a bit of a wild RE teacher!!) when I was a teen and I LOVED it. Such an incredibly beautiful country and one of my favourite places I’ve ever visited. We met so many wonderful people ❤️
And without being very specific about my thoughts/ views on current events, mainly because this isn’t the place…but also because, my goodness, there’s a whole lot of grey!! That being said, I hope so much for longterm resolutions and peace for all of the innocent people who are caught up in these horrific and tragic events and just want to live their lives.
Amen amen amen my dear Rachel. I agree with the greys. I feel heartbroken over war, over what has happened in the last year, and the beautiful country Israel, for which I have a very soft spot in my heart. I don't want any innocent people to die, and I wish we could all get along. Israel is a very special place in my heart. I'm happy to hear you've been there.
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn ❤️❤️❤️ exactly this.
I love how you guys manage to make space for the parts of the chassidishe life that you appreciate
This is fascinating to me. They’re just Polish people. Also, the girl in the shop that judged you up and down was hilarious 😂
This was a lovely gentle tour of a clearly beloved place. Thank you once again for great content. I hope and pray that these people and those whom they love are safe. Eli has a very nice way about him. I know he stayed behind. Please let him know that so many of us are thinking of him and praying for his safety..
Amen to that , He’s a good man
What a lovely tour so sweet soft spoken gentle
I studied in yeshivah for 2 years (2015-2016) in Beni Brak, this video brought back so much memories
It would be great to see more like this in communities around the world.
I'd LOVE to; I'm hoping to get the chance to bring you more; perhaps Canada is next!
You both are so sincere and sweet. Thanks for the tour! ❤
Yet another wonderful video! Well done. Maybe one day you could do a short video on Shemek Tabik. I've never heard of this. Thank you!
Pareve cholent!! Mind blown!!
How has October 7 th changed Eli?
good
Pretty music😊
I would have liked so much that Eli Benedict to delve a little deeper into the ceremony of H'alaakeh. It seems that this usage dates back to the 16th century and that it comes from the Sephardim?? I also read that at the beginning upshorn was practiced at the tomb of Rabbi Daniel. Afterwards, linked to the month of Omer, it was practiced in Meron. But as it is a custom only some do it at home, others at Hayder etc. It would be really interesting if you asked men about this during your interviews, no?
Beautiful video 👍
Thank you Frieda 👏
Where did Eli learn english? 😊
What an interesting video, taking me into a world I’m unlikely to ever visit in person. God bless Zelde Malevitz’s family, and the many people you met in Israel.
History and culture is the best to watch!!!
Great vid. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Bnei Brak is really not so insular......it is quite Haredi but there are TONS of Mizrachi in Bnei Brak. They do tons of kiruv so there are always people invited and coming to visit and see all the righteous people that live there. In a way neighborhoods in America may be more insular.
What's "kiruv"?
@@SionTJobbins kiruv is Jewish outreach. Helping other Jews come closer to their heritage and knowledge of the Torah.
Loved this... thank you. ♥✡
I'm so so happy this video is getting some views. Thanks for watching!
This is so interesting , the little girl looking at your trousers , so sweet .
I hope things resolve very soon x
An other of my questions would be about the polemic around the Ghet of Malky. Will you interview Adinah Shas ? (or anyone else)
The topic of Ghet (in general) affected all the jewish world far beyond the chassidic world.
But it would be interesting to understand how are each positioned and to understand precisely what divides the community, I mean: where exactly is the fracture line?
(sorry i'm using a translator because english is not my native tong)
thank you!! this is great!! always love learning about my jewish brothers and sister in israel ❤❤❤
The interview is fabulous, the information, informative but the background music is distracting. Its loud enough that you cannot hear all the conversations.
I’m so sorry to hear but really appreciate the feedback!
Fascinating! My father grew up in bnei brak! Can't wait to show this to him
This is the third time I've watched the video, and every time it makes me happy! Two such likeable people and so many insights into another world, thank you! At minute 16:00, please do not bump into our beloved Frieda!
Oh my sweet friend, thank you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Great video
כל כך נהניתי מזה. אני מעריך אותך ואת עבודתך בערוץ שלך. עבודה טובה. תודה.
How heartwarming. Thank you for the video and glad you are safe.
As a lifelong Judaphile, I liked and learned from this.
Thank you for watching!
Love the pants that looks like a skirt perfectly tznius and liberal . Great inside thank you . A Freilichen kislev
Fascinating. I hope that you can go on to explore the different religious groups in Israel along with your videos about those in North America!
Awesome content, as always!
Hi Frieda. Loved this video. Never been to Israel so very interesting seeing the different culture. Thank you to Eli for the tour. Praying for peace to come soon to the country!
Thank you so much for sharing! As a Noahide from Holland this is a great to see a little bit how it is in B'nei Brak.
Thank you so much; regards to the wonderful land of Holland :)