@@augustojoseramonpinochetug5235 sorry to burst your bubble ...there are lots of professionals in the chassidic world..I am a chassidic mom of 7. i'm a nurse, my husband, a rabbi is also an economics grad. My daughter is a pediatrician, her sister has a masters in social work, her brother has a law degree. i guess there are more exceptions than you assumed.
Lets not forget about the many less observant Jews that help fund many of the major institutions inside Haredi communities. My family, while pretty secular, regularly donates to a local Yeshiva and Kollel. Judaism teaches that people who help fund the study of Torah get a share in the merit of that study. Shana Tova to all, may you all have a happy and healthy year!
This sounds similar to the practices in Buddhist-majority countries, where the monks come around town daily and are provided with rice and other foods and necessities by the members of the greater community.
@@christopher8341Touro University has cornered that market. I doubt an elite university like YU, that's focused on research, would be interested in opening up a "Jr. College". I do know that YU does offer some adult learning programs though.
Huge amounts of public funds in addition to huge tax breaks on homes every one of which is listed as a place of worship. The women work as teachers ect
I got shadowbanned for sharing a story in which I was wronged professionally and personally by a Hasid family business that resulted in severe life limiting injury
Nonsense. you can't just "list a home as a place of worship", the law is very strict. the 99% of people who don't have an actual Synagogue in their house or some sort of nonprofit organization- do in fact pay property taxes, and a ridiculous amount of it. Public assistance is offset by private schooling that saves the taxpayer tens of thousands of dollars per-child annually, high property taxes, and high income taxes from the majority who don't receive public assistance.
I think the pandemic and economic crisis have taught people the importance of multiple streams of income, unfortunately having a job doesn't mean financial security. I really appreciate the transparency and giving people a fighting chance during this troubling times.
@Karl Hermann That's true. I invest in dividend stocks, Forex trading and Real Estate and I'm making good profits from them. I always encourage Investments.
Forex trading is really profitable, now is the best time to take advantage of the market and earn a lot. And of course to do that you need the help of a professional.
Most failures and loss on Investment usually happens when you invest without proper guide, assistance and clear analysis of the profit and risk percentage of the Investment.
The first thing that you should consider, when choosing an Investment Manager, is the experience and professional background of the prospective broker. Adequate experience in the financial markets and dealing with clients is of the utmost importance. Since you would be handing over your finances to the investment manager, she/he must be well-qualified.
I don't want to appear to be promoting anyone here but, *Alicia Seda Rich* has worked through multiple cycles of the Economy. Her expertise has greatly aided my success in the diversified stock market. For the past three years she helped me grow my portfolio using her broad and competent knowledge of the financial market.
Of course you are right. The Hadsidic community is very insular; so if so much time and effort is focused on religious study and community events, traditional secular education is secondary at best, English Is also a second language, how is it possible they could be self supporting? It's not like you have a medieval village, where there are farmers, Craftmen, shopkeepers/merchants. With very few individuals focused on bringing in money from the greater economy into the Hasidic community, how could this community not depend on government assistance for a substantial % of the community's income? I have seen the lines at government assistance offices in NYC.
You only briefly mention the fact the Hasidic economy in Williamsburg would not be viable without a massive infusion of public money. They receive a large percentage of Section 8 vouchers for Brooklyn, and are accommodated by Hasidic landlords (frequently through under-the-table surcharges). More than 50% of the population in this community receives some sort of public assistance , including Medicaid, SNAP, etc - but none of that money is returned to the people who pay the taxes to fund it, because the spending is kept inside.
I do not have any assistance programs at all, neither do most of my friends. I don’t believe that my community is taking advantage of the programs more than any other community.
"Hardworking American taxpayers"? as if i don't pay 21K annually in property taxes alone, to fund public schools that we don't use. contrary to popular myth- we do pay taxes, and lots of it. while saving the "hardworking American taxpayer" billions annually by sending our kids to private schools.
@@bobnasYes congregations are tax-exempt, that's the law. but how do you define "a lot"? for every tax-exempt congregation there are between dozens and hundreds of taxpaying congregants. Paying ridiculously- high property taxes to fund public schools that we don't use- adds up to significantly more than our fair share, despite the small percentage of exempt properties.
I’ve never heard such a clear explanation of the community’s economy. You answered many of my questions and clarified the misinformation I’ve read through the years. Yes, I’m still working my way through your content. 😊
I remember many years ago (1960's) when we lived in Bush Terminal near Boro Park, my mother needed plastic slip covers for our living room furniture. She called a local mom and pop upholstery shop that specialized in custom made plastic slipcovers. To our surprise, a large Hasidic or maybe orthodox man with hat , fringe etc came to our house to take the measurements. We weren't Jewish and I couldn't believe a religious man would come to a non Jewish home. Also, my mom had very bad varicose veins and always wore specialized compression stockings. She would not wear compression panty hose. The only places that carried that kind of stockings were Hassidic ladies' hosiery stores on 13th or 14th Avenue in Boro Park .Those were the only stores that carried such "old fashioned " stockings.
Diamond smuggling and cheating on taxes. I was in Brooklyn at a camera store owned by Hasidic Jews. The guy said, I can give you a lower price, but can't give you a bill (cheat on sales tax). I was on a plane from Brussels to Newark and there like 20 Hasidic jews on board. At the Newark customs all of them were asked to go tot he red-channel for secondary inspection. I asked one of the customs officers what was going on and why are they being discriminated and he answered, they are generally diamond smugglers. They earn their living by cheating on the Government and other people
Frieda, we are so thankful to Hashem for creating you so talented and so intelligent with kindness to it, as nobody has so far spread this word about the Hasidic Jewish community in-house business trading in such a genuine and authentic way with such a positive vision about them, On a side note, I strongly believe that now after your video came out, a lot of Hasidic Jews who have not made it yet to the top of the ladder will now get inspired by you and roll up their sleeves and try to climb up the success ladder, 📈📈📊📊
So they are taking in each other's laundry. To buy real estate in Brooklyn the community needs to have income from outside. This videographer being jewish and forgiving does not really address the economics of the situation like that most of the Hassidem are on public assistance.
Very well put. A few additions though: 1) The Kosher food industry also reaches way beyond the Hasidic community, not just to more mainstream Jews but also there are non jews that prefer Kosher food for safety reasons. 2) Unlike in the secular world where rich people move away into rich gated communities, and spend their money on yachts and expensive cars or rolex watches, Hasidic rich people stay in the community and rather spend their money to help their brethren
@@Channel-sp3fp I don't like to answer for biased people and haters. But if you are truly interested in the facts, I would recommend you to actually research your claims and the percentage of it in the Hasidic community vs the secular ones and see for yourself
Not the majority tho, Don't put us all in one jar please, I pay a lot of taxes and no one in my family and circles are getting any funding from the government
As they should. Decent people should salvage whatever they could from politicians who waste money all the time. As for taxes, whatever Hasidim get in gov't funding is a pittance to what is taken from them in taxes, for which they see no returns.
Freeda, I know you left the community and as much as it hurts...I still wanna commend you on a fair view of our life. You dont mix your personal animus , if any...with the truth and for that I tip my hat to you. I watched your interview with Peri Engelman, a relative of mine and it gave me great joy to see how respectful you were and how fair and unbiased you were and simply asked the relevant questions in a neutral way to educate the public. Thank you for your fair unbiased portrayal of your people, in spite of your personal choices to live life apart from it. Blessings for a sweet year and enlightenment to the truth of Torah and mitzvos! G' mar Chasima Tova.
@@anonymousanonymous-qx7mv since you are still backward in USA 60% are circumcised while in really backward africa it's 90% but in the most evolved country like Canada its 30%. Have you been excised?Poor USA
Perhaps Frieda inadvertently admitted that there is no requirement to have an advanced certification to teach in Hasidic private schools. No wonder these kids can barely read/write by the time they graduate from high school.
Amazing versatility and cleverness in the community BUT that govt subsidy is huge...all those kids...all that welfare money...America is highly subsidizing much of their economy. Whether that's to be admired or condemned I'll leave to you.
About a year ago, I heard my dad, who's Jewish, say that the Hasidim just study all day and didn't work. Having lived in a Hasidic neighborhood for about two years, I was like: are you kidding me? Do you think they can have eight kids and buy apartments in Brooklyn with welfare checks and food stamps? And then I pretty much had the conversation you described in this video. It's a maddeningly illogical misconception! Thanks for putting this together!
The majority are on welfare and don't do anything except study Torah. It not illogical at all. The hasidic American villages have some of the highest poverty rates in America.
My family owned businesses in Williamburg and the Hasidic community is very close to our own. Although we are not Jewish, a lot of the food and influence extends beyond the inside community. Thank you for this video. It was very eye opening.
I once read all of those young men in Israel who don't fight for their state because of their beliefs get $50,000 per year from the aid we give too Israel. So i read.
I'm glad you mentioned State Aid. I worked several years with NYC's social services division, and became aware of many Hasidic families receiving SNAP benefits (more commonly known as food stamps). I've always been curious about the Hasidic culture, and am enjoying these videos.
There' s a big wealth-gap in our community, while many receive government aid- even more are quite affluent and pay high taxes... the middle-class is relatively small.
I could never understand that why have so many children if you can't afford them and then expect the state to pay and support the families. If you can't afford them, then don't have them.
this kinda reinforces a lot of stereotypes and makes it almost understandable how some ppl may feel about the hasidc jews not that i feel that way but one could understand.
If the economy consisted of mutual exchanges within community only there would be no growth possible. Thus money must flow form the outside of community: (1) public assistance money, (2) jewelry, electronic, camera store. and (3) real estate, landlords. Then there are/were illegal activities: (1) money laundering, (2) smuggling of drugs (like ecstasy) from Montreal, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv.
Nothing is stopping the other communities from doing the same. The main issue is the breakdown of family life and that took community life with it. But only the people living in these communities can affect change.
I would never hire an inexperienced architect for a project. This is a position that does require more than average training. In addition, the article from the New York Times about Hasidic schools was negative. They tested 2,000 boys and not one passed state standards for their age. Also, read more on Hasidic real estate. It is not always clean and simple.
This video isn't about the education issue at all. I was making a point about funding coming from the state. The education issue is a whole separate story.
Hasidim aren't interested in passing "state exams." If and when the state cleans up its act in its public schools, they'll have the moral high ground in casting dispersion upon the Yeshiva education system.
@@CaesarRenasci A disproportional number of Hasidic families are on assistance compared to reformed Jews or most other populations. Most people realize they can't afford eight kids. And Hasidic Jews shouldn't repopulate Israel funded by public assistance.
@@RBDawg having many kids is their choice. They aren’t abandoning them or overwhelming the foster care system with them. The kids don’t contribute to crime and they don’t populate the prisons. All of these kids then get married and continue funneling money into the economy by providing for thier families. I can argue if everyone had large families there would be thriving communities everywhere and social security wouldn’t be in jeopardy
Another point that I think was missed here is they’re never really distracted by modern day technology till it’s absolutely necessary and I think that plays a huge role.
Awesome video, Frieda. You do a great service to the Hasidic community, and to the Jewish community at large. So glad to see the segment on B&H, which is the best place to buy a camera in New York. They really know their merchandise and are extremely helpful.
All organized religions, especially the Abrahamic faiths need to be reeducated out of society. Ridiculous fairy tales have held society back for long enough. Furthermore, the state of Israel is an apartheid theocracy that is democratic in name only. You cannot have both a democratic and a Jewish state, the notions are wholly incompatible
@@peanutsauce411 That's inaccurate, the vast majority of us not only don't receive benefits- but pay a hefty amount of taxes. The average annual Hasidic household income is $104,000.
@@sunshine6522Hasidic is the No. 1 group in New York for collecting welfare. The get married but don't register with the state and have lots of kids and get all types of government assistance.
Very enlightening. I recently started patronizing a bakery in NYC that does online orders. They ship within 24 hours by FedEx. I was kind of surprised to find out that they were Hasidim when I researched them. I didn't even think they really used the internet. That shows you my ignorance of the situation.
Thanks @Freida very well put I would also recommend to make a video explaining the communities PTSD (of the משכילים and early American Jews) on everything related to religion and how this influences everything in the community from technology to education to the resistance of change and how outside attempts to change it are only reinforcing this idea and are actually making things worse instead of helping.
You forgot to mention that the govt subsidizes their housing in Williamsburg through a special voucher, or there would be absolutely no way they could afford it. Its actually the American taxpayer that pays for their lifestyle. Imagine getting section 8 housing in one of the nicest neighborhoods in one of the most expensive cities in the world 😂. Its like if LA built the nicest projects ever, in Beverly Hills.
That's completely false, there is no "special voucher", just section 8 with a long waiting list and limited amount of slots, just like anywhere else. the vast majority don't have section 8. The majority today can't afford it and are moving elsewhere. those who live there either bought at a time when it was still affordable, live in tiny apartments, are wealthy, or have section 8. The vast majority who don't have section 8 are actually paying for your lifestyle, by paying property taxes to fund public schools that we don't use.
I was always thankful for these small Mom and Pop shops because they continue to see value in businesses that big corporations don't see a profit in. For example, we had a small printer on the block of a magazine I used to work for. We were there many times a week with our small and immediate jobs and they were carefully done. You'd never get that kind of service at Staples. Also, lovely specialty food stores with deli, tea and candy. Delicious and healthy! Can't be beat! 👍
I also enjoyed that part very much. For me is the core of the community: based on everybody´s well being. This is an issue in almost every country and is also worth talking and writing about. You can take a look at Societies by looking at Youth and Motherhood. If the smallest, weakest or subaltern positions like motherhood often is are completely displaced or young people are breaking apart what is the worth of it? And why does the world doesn´t see the value of hasidic communites and want to demerit them instead? Thank You for this Video Frida!
We see value in local mom and pops because they produce specialty items that we need, regardless of expense, basically. So, it's not just the sentimental value, but it's the monetary value, as well.
You say “ jobs without extensive training “ then showcase an architect? A profession with longer training than a heart surgeon? No mention of the extensive network of schnorrers (fund raisers) who regularly canvass the broader Jewish community for donations.
I don't know how extensive schnorrers are in New York. I also think the architect is the exception. I had that video so I showed him, but most jobs like lawyers and surgeons are still extremely rare.
You can retain your culture, but if you're getting 1 billion dollars in aid, then you should have some basic education that mirrors the standard education. You can have your schools but certain classes need to be upheld like Science, learning English to communicate with the outside world, otherwise that aid should be unavailable.
The "1 billion dollars in aid" that everyone keeps talking about- is absolutely laughable compared to the $128 billion that the failing NYC public school system got during the same 4 year period. So the government takes my ridiculously-high property taxes, squanders it on failing public schools, and then throws some crumbs at the schools where my kids are attending... and now you're lecturing us about "aid"( a small portion of our own tax money). Our education system produces graduates who earn on-average $104,000 annually, putting them within the top 18% of American earners, all of that without much of the secular studies you're referring to.
How is that different from African Americans or Hispanics. Many of them don't speak English but given help on the basis of needs. Why do you apply different standards to this group?
The average worker taking their first job in this community makes 5-10 dollars more than minimum wage immediately but they are usually just married with a child on the way so after paying rent and bills and soon a second child is born so that eats up a lot of their wages with all the specialized items they need every year. Like a Sukka. Pesach food. It’s an expensive life for necessities. Private school tuition kicks in 4-5 years after marriage. So that’s the reason why many still fall under the poverty line. It’s just the size of the families. But honestly if everyone would settle down and raise large families the economy nationwide would be booming and the country would have been alot stronger.
I admire how you skip right over the main question. What do those "scholars", nodding their heads, reading all day and have 10 children, do to survive. I don't think they're carpenters or plumbers, right?
I think the concept that Hasidic Jewish men don’t work might have come from stereotypes of Haredi jews from Israel. If I recall correctly, a far larger portion of Haredi Jewish men in Israel don’t work but instead fully devote to studying the religious texts.
My heart goes out to all the secular teachers in Williamsburg. I tried it. Difficult, but rewarding. Great job reporting on Williamsburg. The best part of America!
Frieda, thank you for the informative video. I grew up in a neighbourhood in London called Golders Green and I was always inquisitive about the Hasidic community.. I commend you for your eloquence and excellent research into this community. 💕🇦🇴🇬🇧
We have kosher slaughterhouses, which regularly go to bankrupt, but the government finances them from taxes. It is not sustainable, if everybody wants to eat the costy, expensive part of the food, somebody must eat the "s..t too. Not everybody can afford to be "hasid"...BUT everybody can afford to be chritisan. It's not a question, what you eat, look like or wear, only what you have in your heart.
That's completely untrue, Kosher slaughterhouses don't "regularly go bankrupt" and aren't financed by the government. Maybe the people who buy kosher meat go bankrupt because it's so expensive, but not the slaughterhouses. If it's not a question of what you eat, look like, or wear- then you shouldn't judge people based on what they eat, look like, or wear.
I used to work in the nursing home industry and almost all of the people working in the higher up jobs were chasidim. They come in not knowing anything, but they catch on really quickly. (Some have a hard time getting rid of the Yiddish accent)
Just because they know they can do better and they aren’t. Hasidic Jews look Jewish and many other Jews try blending in. The presence of loud and proud Jews just living thier life according to Torah law makes them uncomfortable.
Are Chasidic couples married civilly or only religiously? It’s a lot easier to receive snap as a “single” mother of five than a married mother of five with a husband in real estate?
Many Hasidim get paid under the table- cash business- and can do very well, and at same time get a lot of public assistance, which is why Hasidic zip codes have some of the highest levels of “poverty”. So cash business plus public assistance works very well.
🌴💙❤🌈😎🌴🌴🌴FRIEDA: THANK YOU ~ BRILLIANT 🌴🌴🌴🌳🎄🌳🌳 “How do Hasidic Jews earn a living? | Your questions answered here” G-D PROTECT YOU, YOUR GORGEOUS SON, FAMILY AND FRIENDS🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🔆🔆🩵❤💜💙🩵🩵💙🌴🎄🌳🌴🌴🌴🎄🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
I think that with so many children, availability of remote educational resources and continuous emphasis on teaching kids to think, aka Talmud study, this community will see more and more prosperity.
That "misconception" about Hasidic Jewish men just sitting around reading the torah all day was spread by Hasidic Jews. So it's not the publics fault for thinking this way. I remember watching a documentary where a Hasidic Jew said that this was tradition.
That's because there are many Hasidic sects. Some sects will speak as if they talk about all sects. The sects in Williamsburg, for instance, are very different from the Lubavich sect. But the Lubavich sect is the most vocal. As a viewer, it's good to understand that there are many groups.
Some of my best friends growing up where Jewish. Unfortunately I cant say anything bad however true it might be, without it sounding antisemitic. Sounds racist on both sides.
I heard they get welfare and then their husbands go to work as real estste landlords and accountants and in the diamond and jewelry stores. They also have their own welfare offices. You don't see them in the regular HRA Social Services welfare centers. Welfare only pays $ 250 dollars for rent so where does the rest of the money come from?
I love and appreciate that although you (as far as I understood from this video) are no longer chassidish, you still present them in a respectful and positive light. Thank you ❤🙏
Yes, she is very much to be appreciated that unlike some others that left the community and try to become popular by spreading lies (or sometimes it's true but only in their dysfunctional family) she is rather trying to set the record straight (although I guess leaving the community was most probably hard for her and she definitely struggled a lot as a result of growing up in the community). She is worthy of all admiration and praise. Thank you @Frieda
Because contrary to popular belief that’s not the main key in the communities existence. It’s actually the other factors who play the main role. In that neighborhood you have many other ethnic minorities and they all are on the same government assistance programs or even more. There are section 8 and government housing for all the non Jewish people who live there too. They are all on Medicaid and SNAP. That’s not to mention that the Jewish population there doesn’t cause any violence etc so they actually spare the government a ton of resources that goes to other neighborhoods. In fact the Jewish kids grow up and immediately start providing for families . It’s the norm for a 25 yr old to have 3 kids. Married at 20 and 3 kids 5 years later is normal. So of course they need and qualify for Medicaid and SNAP.
Don’t forget that their prayers create a magic invisible dome of protection over Israel that prevents any harm. If the Hasidim do not pray constantly all the time, Israel would be destroyed. Or, at least, that is what they tell other Israelis whenever anyone suggests they should serve in the military for a few years like everyone else.
I think the misconception that hasidic mean learn all day while their wives raise kids and work comes from Israel where that arrangement is much more common, though I don't know if it is the norm there
So the survival method is not about creating or building but instead managing what has been built by non hasidics? This video makes hasidics as predatory, is this true?
The ones in upstate NY collect massive amounts of welfare…women do not work after child 2. Some of the largest families with the lowest income in America.
I just want to say that the government aid given to those schools is from the state. New York gives money to all schools so this is not just because of their religion / financial need.
Haven’t watched the entire video, however isn’t there presently a multi-billion dollar government funded school system mess regarding the Jewish education system ?
@@runeveryday1069 the govt gives private schools $2, 500.00 per student, as opposed to $25,000.00 per public school student. Parents of private school students pay their fair share in residential taxes. we certainly don't receive our fair share of the funding. our graduate students are way more productive and morally responsible than public school students. Based on all of this, the govt should be giving private schools 25,000.00 per student and 2,500.00 to failing public schools!!
@@surikatz123 are your comparisons an answer to the NYT article on ‘failing Hasidic schools flush with public funding ‘ ? And if it is your answer is not a bad one. If the Hasidic Community is structured on a stagnant social economic…dependent on local, state and federal monies then its proper to investigate and try reform
And to receive such li. It'd discriminatory education delivered in restrictive ways, and to have work only in such restrictive closed communities is discriminatory and awful
@@ameurus Hasidim have historically owned lots of real estate in Williamsburg and other parts of Brooklyn like Borough Park and Crown Heights. When Williamsburg and the surrounding areas started getting hip and rents started soaring, many Hassidic building owners converted their properties to apartments, lofts, and condos. I had a Hassidic landlord briefly when I lived off of Myrtle Ave in the border area of Clinton Hill and south Williamsburg. Friends of mine had a condo in another Hassidic-owned building. Good for them, they made a wise investment: they bought up buildings when they were cheap and nobody wanted to live in Brooklyn, then made a killing in the real-estate boom.
@@valmarsiglia my grandpa owned buildings in wmsbg. Eventually he had to sell them and now I’m basically penniless. I really wish my family held on to it.
It doesn’t and it never will. We will treat everyone kindly but Hasidic Jews are dependent on their insular communities to survive. The way of life will only be successful if outside influences are limited. The beliefs don’t mesh with this new trend. A trend is a passing thing and Hasidic Jews think long term. They don’t need to open up to everyone and everything. In Europe our grandparents were friends with their neighbors and many played together. Didn’t help them much when they were betrayed by those same former friends when the nazis descended. We learned our lesson. Also a point is that anything that is on contrary to Torah law will not be normalized.
Beatrice Weber sued New York City and New York state because the community was taking government money but not teaching the standard subjects, only the Hasidic way of life. She was advocating for her child to get an education like other children in the state. Beatrice did a wonderful interview on the RU-vid channel called Cult to Consciousness.
Unfortunately, too many religious schools now get the money that should go to public schools. I truly fear the whacky X-tian ones that call for ending everyone’s rights - including the right to be converted to their religion. I’m Jewish. Don’t agree or disagree with the Hasidim. But at least they don’t call for he overthrowing of the government or abolishing other folks!
I was involved in healthcare with this community for over 35 yrs and the amount of government entitlements going to their members is overwhelming I saw a large amount of poverty, poor educational outcomes and depression among the women .
I lived in the town next to Williamsburg and I agree. The stress for women and men in this economy is incredible. Depression is rampant and so is abuse, on both sides. Am not sure if the rates are higher than in the secular society. I have seen Hassidic police officers and ambulances. society.
How would you as a healthcare provider see the government entitlements? Are you speaking about Medicaid? And in what capacity as a healthcare provider did you see depression by the women?
The only group of people whose religion classifies "charitable contributions" as donations to their own kind, and nobody else. Greed will only serve you on your time on Earth; nowhere else.
I grew up in Williamsburg Brooklyn I really enjoyed this video First video I watched from you and subscribed loved your content! One thing you left out is that many Hasidic Jews are in the construction industry
