Hasidim seem very stern and forbidding on the streets. Is the Hasidic life really so strict and somber?
A-6: Actually, the Hasidic way of life is quite gentle, beautiful and joyful. But we tend to be rather reserved on the streets. Why? Mostly for personal safety. Hasidic Jews often get harrassed on the streets, so we tend to avoid eye contact or starting conversations with people we do not already know. Many of us will put on a stern face for self-protection in public, but we are really quite friendly behind the scenes. Also, it is not our custom to socialize or "hang out" on the streets. Most Hasidic socializing is done in the synagogues, schools, in each other’s homes, etc. The streets are often seen as just a way to get from one place to another with a minimum of hassles. At home, we are much more relaxed among ourselves. On the Sabbath and holy days we spend hours around the festive table, singing our traditional songs, telling stories, and visiting with family and friends. But the world at large does not see this joyful celebrating, because it takes place in the privacy o
