Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a neighborhood steeped in history and tradition and is home to one of the largest concentrations of Haredi Jews in the world. As you walk through the streets, you'll notice the distinctive attire of the Chasidic men and woman as well as the businesses which complement the still growing population. Join educator and urban historian Bradley Shaw as you explore this fascinating neighborhood, including significant synagogues like Beth Jacob Ohev Sholom, the oldest Orthodox Jewish congregation in Brooklyn, and Beth Elohim, an 1875 Gothic Synagogue built by Reform Jews and now housing a Chasidic Yeshiva.   You will also visit Lee Avenue, the main shopping area, Bais Rachel, a NYC High School turned girl’s Yeshiva and hear other stories of the fabric of Chasidic Williamsburg, with a little bit of Hipster Williamsburg mixed in.

Your guide, Urban Historian and educator Bradley Shaw, was born on the Lower East Side, has a BA in History and Education from Brooklyn College and is a licensed NYC tour guide. He shares with us his love of the neighborhood and passion for its history. He has been a docent, walking tour guide and manager at the Museum at Eldridge Street for more than six years, in addition to doing walking tours for the LESJC, Context Travel and his own company NY History Tours.