As a long-time resident of New York, I had always wanted to find out more about the Hasidic community in Williamsburg. On a particularly hot day, 5 of us took a tour with Frieda. We walked around the neighborhood, visiting and eating at a few shops. Despite the small distance covered by the tour, the knowledge imparted by Frieda of the Hasidic community was vast. She had intimate knowledge of the people, the history, and the general nature of the Satmar jews of south Williamsburg. She was dedicated to sharing her experiences and her answers were genuine even if the questions posed were personal.
This tour was one of the most rewarding cultural experiences I have ever done, and made me reflect on the nature of community, tradition, happiness, and the meaning of life.