Archives

Former Hasidic Woman Leads Tours To Bridge Worlds in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

By Katie Vasquez

WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn — On the busy streets of Williamsburg, a small group of visitors moves carefully through neighborhood shops and sidewalks, listening closely as they learn about the traditions, customs and daily rhythms of the Satmar Hasidic community.

Leading the walking tour is Frieda Vizel, a former member of the Satmar Hasidic community who now serves as a guide, educator and social media creator, offering outsiders a rare, firsthand look into a world that is often misunderstood.

Vizel grew up in a Satmar Hasidic village in upstate New York and once believed she would remain in the community for life.

“I really thought I’d spend my whole life there,” Vizel said.

That changed in her mid-20s, when she said a personal transformation reshaped how she viewed the world and ultimately led her to leave the community. Still, Vizel said she never wanted to completely sever her connection to her roots.

“I always felt very strongly, in my heart of hearts, that I can understand the beauty that a lot of people find in it,” she said.

About 12 years ago, Vizel began offering walking tours of Williamsburg’s Satmar neighborhood, aiming to humanize a community that is frequently viewed through stereotypes.

“I wanted to tell stories that are human, that come from a really deep place, and that demystify or take away prejudices,” Vizel said.

On a recent Friday, tour guests watched as residents prepared for Shabbat — the weekly Jewish day of rest marked by prayer, family meals and community gatherings. Stores bustled with last-minute shoppers, and families hurried home ahead of sundown.

“It was really fascinating learning about how Hasidic people live their lives and how they prepare for Shabbos,” said Saul Dasneves-Alfaro, one of the tour participants.

In addition to her in-person tours, Vizel has built a large following on social media, where she explains Hasidic customs, family life and religious practices to a global audience.

She often points out everyday details that might go unnoticed, such as children sitting in open window gates during warm weather.

“The children here are not allowed to watch TV or have video games,” Vizel explained. “They don’t really have a screen culture. They spend a lot of time just hanging out in front.”

North Carolina resident Denise Carson said she booked the tour for her birthday after discovering Vizel’s videos online.

“I really appreciate how respectful she is and her story,” Carson said.

Vizel said she has also received positive feedback from within the Williamsburg community, despite not being officially sanctioned by religious authorities.

“I’ve felt very embraced as a voice that speaks from a human perspective,” she said. “People stop me on the street and tell me they appreciate what I’m doing.”

While Vizel hopes to eventually step back from leading tours and focus more on digital content creation, she said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve as a bridge between communities for now.

To book one of her tours, head to her website and click on the calendar at the top.

Rabbi Brad Hirschfield Responds to Bondi Beach Shooting on First Night of Hanukkah

By Currents News

In the wake of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach on the first night of Hanukkah, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, president of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, shared his reflections on the profound pain felt by the Jewish community due to the timing of the attack.

Hanukkah, a festival symbolizing light overcoming darkness, takes on deeper meaning in the aftermath of such violence. Rabbi Hirschfield explored how this core message resonates amid tragedy.

With authorities increasing security measures, the incident raises questions about the future of public celebrations of faith. Rabbi Hirschfield addressed whether this attack might alter how people approach openly expressing their religious identity.

In times of sorrow, Rabbi Hirschfield emphasized key teachings to guide the faithful, offering spiritual insight for healing and resilience.

He also highlighted ways people of all faiths can unite to condemn anti-Semitism and all forms of religious hatred, fostering solidarity across communities.

Bishop of Brooklyn Prays for Rhode Island Community in Wake of Shooting at Brown University

By Currents News and Tablet Staff

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (OSV News) – Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski of Providence offered prayers for “all affected by this tragedy” in the wake of a Dec. 13 shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others injured.

Officials said Dec. 14 that a person of interest in connection with the shooting was in police custody, but around 11 p.m. ET, they announced evidence was pointing in a different direction, and early Dec. 15 they released the person. The manhunt for the suspected shooter continued.

The shooting, which took place during a review session for the university’s final exams, happened just after 4 p.m. ET on Dec. 13 at the Barus and Holley building, which houses the university’s School of Engineering and its Physics Department, WCVB-TV reported. About 50 to 60 students were in the review session.

“As are many, I am deeply saddened and troubled by the senseless shooting today at Brown University in Providence,” Bishop Lewandowski said in a statement. “Let us unite in prayer for those who lost their lives, for the injured, for the Brown University community and all affected by this tragedy.”

“May God continue to guide our elected officials, law enforcement, and first responders as they work to keep everyone safe,” he added. “The Diocese of Providence offers its resources, clergy and personnel, and charitable assistance wherever needed. May God bless us all and may Our Lady of Providence keep us in her care.”

The Providence Journal reported that several area businesses and events in Providence were closed or cancelled Dec. 14 in an abundance of caution.

Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I., told ABC News Dec. 14 the community “has been really hurt in a way that no one expects and it does not have to be this way.”

“Too many of our communities have to deal with these sorts of tragedies,” he said.

Brown University announced it has canceled all remaining undergraduate, graduate and medical classes and exams for the semester following the shooting.

“We have reached out to the families of all the hospitalized shooting victims and are offering any support we can,” Brown’s president, Christina H. Paxson, said in a statement Dec. 13. “Our hearts go out to all of them, and we stand ready to give them anything they need. No parent or family member should ever have to endure this pain, suffering or the continuing fear that we know is very real for so many Brown families right now.”

At Least 15 Killed in Anti-Jewish Terror Attack at Bondi Beach in Australia

By Christine Persichette and Junno Arocho Esteves

(OSV News) – Two gunmen targeted Jewish beachgoers at an event celebrating the first day of Hanukkah in an apparent terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, New South Wales police said.

In an overnight statement sent to OSV News, Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney said that “as we follow the horrific news coming from this evening’s shooting at Bondi Beach, let us pray for those who have been killed or injured, the many who were forced to run for their lives and our emergency service workers who are right now trying to keep people safe.”

Archbishop Fisher asked that “Our Lady, Queen of Peace, intercede for all affected, and for our beloved city at this time.”

At a press conference in Sydney Dec. 14, just hours after the shooting, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns told journalists that 12 people were dead, including one of the gunmen, but later the death toll rose to 15, and The Guardian reported a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and Holocaust survivor were among victims.

The second gunman, police confirmed, was in custody and in critical condition.

According to authorities, over 40 people were wounded and taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital.

“What should have been a night of peace and joy, celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack,” Minns said.

“Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight. I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday,” he added.

The attack occurred in the early evening as hundreds were gathered for a Hanukkah celebration at Archer Park, a grassy area in Bondi Beach. A video circulating online showed a beachgoer tackling and disarming one of the gunmen while the other gunman fired from a nearby bridge.

At the press conference, Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for the state of New South Wales, said he could not confirm if there was a third offender, but wanted “to make sure there’s no stone left unturned.

“I cannot confirm there is a third offender, but I want to make sure there’s no stone left unturned,” Lanyon said.

He also confirmed that police located a vehicle near Bondi Beach that contained several improvised explosives and that “we have our rescue bomb disposal unit there at the moment working on that.”

In an address following the shooting, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation” and that an “attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”

“Every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated by this attack on our way of life. There is no place for this hate, violence, and terrorism in our nation,” Albanese said.

“Let me be clear: We will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith,” he added.

Robert Gregory, the head of the Australian Jewish Association, criticized Albanese’s government, saying the attack was “a tragedy but entirely foreseeable.”

“The Albanese government was warned so many times, but failed to take adequate actions to protect the Jewish community,” Gregory said in a statement published on the association’s X account.

“Tonight, many Jews are pondering whether they have a future in Australia. Our thoughts are with our community and all the impacted, some of whom we are close to,” he wrote.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his condolences to the victims and their families and called on the Australian government to act on rising violence against Jewish people in the country.

“We repeat our alerts, time and again, to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of anti-Semitism which is plaguing Australian society,” Herzog said.

Former Hasidic Woman Leads Tours to Bridge Worlds in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

By Katie Vasquez

In the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge, Frieda Vizel is building bridges of understanding between worlds.

The former member of the Satmar Hasidic community now leads tours through Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, offering outsiders an inside look at a culture often shrouded in mystery.

Vizel grew up in a Hasidic village upstate, fully expecting to spend her life there.

But in her mid-20s, a profound transformation led her to leave. Rather than sever ties completely, she chose to stay connected, drawn to the beauty many find in the community.

“I always felt very strongly, like, in my heart of hearts, I can understand the beauty that a lot of people find in it. And I wanted to stay tapped into that,” she said.

About 12 years ago, Vizel began guiding tours to demystify Hasidic life and challenge prejudices she once experienced herself.

“Tell stories that are human, that come from a really deep place and that demystify or take away prejudices that I felt very affected by when I was Hasidic,” she explained.

On a recent Friday tour, visitors observed the community preparing for Shabbos, a day of celebration and prayer.

Guest Saul Dasneves-Alfaro found it “really fascinating learning about the way the Hasidics live their lives and also how they are preparing for the Shabbos.”

Vizel has also cultivated a large online following, sharing insights into everyday aspects of Hasidic culture—like window gates where children observe the world without screens, a stark contrast to modern childhoods filled with TV and video games.North Carolina resident Denise Carson discovered Vizel online and booked a tour for her birthday.

“I just came across her videos and just really appreciate how respectful she is. And her story,” Carson said.

Remarkably, Vizel has earned appreciation from within Williamsburg itself.

“I have felt very embraced as a voice that is not sanctioned by the official authority in the community… People stop me on the street and they are like, love your content. I appreciate what you’re doing. Keep it up. It’s been amazing,” she shared.

While Vizel hopes to eventually shift focus to content creation, she continues bridging communities through her tours.

Those interested can book a tour at friedavizel.com by clicking the calendar on the homepage.

Catholic News Headlines for Monday 12/15/25   

Catholic leaders around the world are calling for peace after an antisemitic attack in Sydney, Australia left at least 15 people dead during a Hanukkah celebration.

Following the deadly Sydney attack, Mayor Eric Adams is increasing police presence around synagogues in New York City out of an abundance of caution.

A former member of the Satmar Hasidic community is building bridges between faiths by leading walking tours of Williamsburg that offer an inside look at Hasidic life and traditions.

The Vatican marked the Christmas season by lighting its 80-foot tree and unveiling a life-sized Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square.

TONIGHT AT 7: Williamsburg Walking Tour Offers Education on Brooklyn’s Hasidic Community

By Katie Vasquez

New York is home to one of the largest communities of Jewish people in the world, and particularly in Williamsburg where the Satmar Hasidic have a large presence.

One woman who lived as Hasidic for many years wanted to maintain her connection to the community – now she hosts walking tours through the Brooklyn neighborhood and teaches others.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day Celebration Draws a Record Crowd in Diocese of Brooklyn

By Jessica Easthope and Bill Miller

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Bishop Robert Brennan was visibly emotional as he greeted the just-assembled congregation for the first Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. 

Later, before the second Mass, Bishop Brennan explained the record-breaking crowd of Guadalupanos — some 4,400 young people combined at both Masses — was the future of the Church. 

“It’s very emotional,” he confirmed. “Oh, my heart just beats so quickly when I see the crowd walking in. I’m extremely proud, not just because of the numbers, but the numbers of young people. 

“The challenge of the Church has been to connect with the next generation. And to see that happening at something like this is a real sign of hope.” 

RELATED: Local Artists Embrace Culture, Tradition at Brooklyn’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorates the day in 1531 when the Blessed Mother appeared in an apparition to an indigenous peasant named Juan Diego atop the hill of Tepeyac on the north side of present-day Mexico City. 

She appeared as an indigenous woman, according to tradition. 

It is a major celebration in the Diocese of Brooklyn — home to an estimated 175,000 Mexican Americans. 

“This really is our biggest event of the year,” Bishop Brennan said. “The whole co-cathedral is full. This morning, they counted about 700 people downstairs, plus the choir loft. And again, young people.” 

The crowd at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph was spread over two Masses — one in the morning for Brooklyn parishes and one in the afternoon for Queens parishes.  

Fifty-four parishes participated, growing past the 52 at last year’s feast, when about 4,000 people attended. 

Father Baltazar Sánchez-Alonzo, pastor of St. Mary Gate of Heaven Parish in South Ozone Park and director of the Mexican Apostolate for the Diocese of Brooklyn, said this is the third year that the feast was spread over two Masses. 

And as in years past, Guadalupanos processed from the co-cathedral back to their home parishes behind torches lit by Bishop Brennan and Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Octavio Cisneros. 

RELATED: Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Message Transcends Time and Space

Father Sánchez-Alonzo said the feast is built on four pillars that are passed on to the Guadalupanos from their families, which explains why the event gets bigger each year. 

“In this celebration,” he said, “we put together tradition, history, faith, culture. I think that first, Mexicans are people of faith. And certainly, the parents, I think, are educating the children in sharing their own cultures, lives, and faith.” 

Father Sánchez-Alonzo noted that their faith is undeterred by the current political climate, where many undocumented immigrants fear being detained and deported. 

Father Sánchez-Alonzo said that while planning this year’s feast, he asked committee members from the 54 parishes if they thought the event should be canceled because of the immigration situation. 

“But they said, ‘No, father, we will go,’ ” he said. “Our Lady of Guadalupe will protect us.” 

RELATED: By Any Name, the Mother of Jesus is Beloved by Catholics

Still, Father Sánchez-Alonzo thought this year’s turnout would be smaller, but advanced sales of silkscreened sweatsuits – the Guadalupanos’ uniforms – outpaced previous years. He added that some of these young Catholics said they were motivated to participate this year so they could intensify prayer for their parents. 

Bishop Cisneros delivered the homily at the first Mass. He praised the Guadalupanos’ families for promulgating the faith and providing hope for future generations. 

“Thanks to those parents, thanks to those grandparents, the dark-skinned Virgin of Tepeyac lives in your hearts, because she has lovingly transmitted what it means to be a follower of Our Lady of Guadalupe on this Dec.12,” he said.  

He continued, “I invite you to this reflection because Pope Francis, now deceased, invited you to celebrate the ordinary Jubilee of the Church, beginning in December 2024 and ending several days later on Jan. 6, 2026. 

“And what did Francis, the Holy Father, tell us? He asked us to be pilgrims of hope.” 

RELATED: Vatican Announces ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ as Motto for Holy Year 2025

Bishop Brennan touched on immigration in his homily for the second Mass. He paraphrased a letter on the topic that he co-wrote with other U.S. bishops. 

“As bishops,” he said, “we advocate for meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not conflicting values. 

“Both can be achieved with goodwill and by working together.”

He urged the congregation to turn eyes to Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe — “the first pilgrim of hope in Jesus Christ.” 

“As we walk our pilgrimage path, we hear her whisper, ‘Do not be afraid, am I not here, I, who am your mother?’ ”

Catholic News Headlines for Friday 12/12/25   

More than 3,000 Catholics from 54 parishes filled the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

As immigrants nationwide join Guadalupe pilgrimages during ICE crackdowns, a leader at the Illinois shrine is urging the faithful to prioritize safety while church grounds remain protected.

A Massachusetts pastor is making a statement against ICE with a controversial Nativity display, prompting backlash and a request from the Archdiocese of Boston to take it down.

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Queens is gearing up for its beloved 40-year Christmas concert tradition.