Exploring Jewish Harlem: From Historic Synagogues to NYC's Best Rugelach

​​Uncover the New York neighborhood of Harlem, with a focus on the stories and landmarks belonging to the historic Jewish community that once ranked as the third largest Jewish community in the world after NYC's Lower East Side and Warsaw, Poland.

Led by Jewish urban historian Barry Judelman, our visit to some of Harlem’s former legendary Jewish landmarks — along with a glimpse at the reemerging Jewish presence in Harlem — will include:

• A brief overview of the Jewish diaspora in Harlem, which peaked between 1870 to 1928 and numbered around175,000 people

• A discussion of historic synagogues and congregations in Harlem, from The first Synagogue — which was established in Harlem by wealthy German Jews in 1870 migrating uptown from the Lower East Side — to The Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, one of the first and oldest communities of Black Hebrews in the U.S.

• A visit to homes of just a few of Harlem’s celebrated Jewish personalities including Richard Rodgers, Gertrude Berg (created the role of Molly Goldberg on Radio/TV), Lena Himmelstein (founder of Lane Bryant clothing stores) and Erik Weisz (aka Harry Houdini)

• The story of why Congregations Ohab Zedek, Ansche Chesed, Shaare Zedek and the Institutional Synagogue all relocated to the Upper West Side from Harlem around the same time in the early 20th century

• A trip to new Jewish sites throughout Harlem that cater to a growing Jewish population in the neighborhood

At the end of our walk, you'll be treated to a taste of New York's best rugelach at Lee Lee’s Baked Goods!

Alvin Lee Smalls (known affectionately in the Village of Harlem as Lee-Lee or Mr. Lee) has a passion for baking better-than-store bought goodies; his Rugelach are made from only the best all natural ingredients. He’s put his own twist on tradition to bring you his critically acclaimed Rugelach. One taste will transport you to a world of true indulgence. Let their time-honored tradition become yours!

Lower East Side Food Tour: Iconic Eats & NYC History Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the Lower East Side's food scene, without scrolling through multiple reviews and recommendations, on this group food tour of the New York City neighborhood. Follow your guide as they lead you to the area's foodie hotspots and local eateries, learning about the area's history and diverse culture as you go. Enjoy trying dishes including dumplings, pizza, knish, and empanadas.

• Become more familiar with the neighborhood by exploring on foot

• Pick up recommendations on where else to visit during your trip

• Go beyond the guidebooks and gain insights directly from your guide

Private Walking tour: Jews of the Gilded Age: 5th Ave Mansions

Discover a different side of New York City’s iconic 5th Avenue on a private walking tour that delves deeper into its Jewish history and heritage. Exploring with your own private guide not only means you can set the pace, but ensures you receive undivided attention and have ample time to ask questions.

• Discover the Jewish heritage of 5th Avenue on a private walking tour

• Get a unique take on the area's lesser-known history

• Enjoy time to connect with your private guide for an insider's perspective

• Relish the undivided attention of your private guide

* No food included

NYC: Bagel Baking Class with Award-Winning Baker (UWS)

Foodies won’t want to visit New York City without trying its famous bagels, but you don’t need to stop at just tasting them—try making them yourself. Learn new culinary skills during a fun, hands-on bagel-making class led by an award-winning baker. Discover tips and tricks for making a perfect New York–style bagel, and sit down to eat your creations after, accompanied by some tasty toppings.

• Take a local bagel recipe home with you to recreate later

• Ideal for keen bakers, but you don’t need any experience

• Enjoy this morning activity to get the day off to a good start

• Gourmet spreads may include cream cheese and smoked fish

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Seinfeld Locations Tour

Discover New York through the world of Seinfeld on this fun tour. Follow the footsteps of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer as we explore the real neighborhoods that shaped the series.

During the tour, you will visit some of the most famous locations connected to the show. Stop outside the iconic Tom's Restaurant, used as the exterior of Monk's Café, visit the exact address made famous as Jerry Seinfeld's apartment on the Upper West Side, and hear the story behind the famous "No soup for you!" moment inspired by The Original Soupman.

We will also explore parts of Midtown, including places around Columbus Circle and Central Park.

This tour is perfect for fans of the show, visitors who love classic New York comedy, and anyone who wants to see the city through one of the most famous sitcoms ever made. Come enjoy great stories, famous locations, and a little bit of the everyday New York humor that made Seinfeld a television legend.

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* No food included

Lower East Side Food and Neighborhood Tour

Delve deep into the Lower East Side’s melting pot of cultures during this food-and-history-focused walking tour, which tells the stories of the neighborhood’s immigrants through their most important landmarks—and most cherished dishes. Sample food from eateries (one expense) as you pass by NYC institutions like the Tenement Museum and the Eldridge Street Synagogue Museum, plus local delis, candy shops, bagel joints, and more.

• Explore the Lower East Side in just a few hours during your NYC visit

• Sample some of the foods from famous eateries in the area (own expense)

• Understand Jewish, Chinese, Caribbean, Eastern European, etc. immigration history

• An afternoon start time leaves your morning and evening open for other plans

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Jewish Brooklyn: Hasidic Walking tour by a local

Discover the vibrant Hasidic community on this immersive walking tour. Gain exclusive access to the daily lives, rituals, and customs of the Hasidic people, guided by a knowledgeable community member. This unique experience allows for an intimate understanding of Jewish faith and culture, breaking down barriers and fostering connections. Engage directly with the community, ask questions, and enjoy a rare glimpse into a world that is often hidden from view.

- Guided by a member of the Hasidic community for authentic insights
- Explore the rich cultural heritage and daily practices of the community
- Opportunity to ask questions about Jewish faith and philosophy
- Perfect for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish culture

NYC Bagel Tours: Midtown's Iconic Bagels

Bagels are one of New York City’s essential foods, and keen foodies—or anyone who loves a good bite—will enjoy this guided tour to several of the city’s best bagel shops. Meet your guide in Midtown Manhattan and try a wide range of bagels and toppings in bite-sized pieces as you walk. Spot key local landmarks en route, and learn all about New York’s culinary culture and history.

• Receive a wide-ranging introduction to New York’s quintessential food

• Enjoy enough bagel pieces to add up to a generous lunch

• Learn insider stories and food history by going with a guide

• The tour is carefully timed to depart just before lunch

Boro Park Jewish Hasidic Private Walking Tour

Discover Brooklyn’s hidden Hasidic neighborhood, where numerous sects coexist, offering an inside glimpse into a vibrant and unexpectedly diverse community. We will enter another world where we’ll be transported back to 18th-century Poland!

While many Jewish immigrant communities in America focused on assimilation, the aftermath of the Holocaust brought a different approach. European Jewish spiritual leaders, who survived the war, rebuilt their Rabbinic courts in New York City, creating a new type of Jewish community that emphasized preserving tradition over assimilation.

To this day, a growing number of communities are isolating themselves and rejecting the larger outside culture in cities and towns across the US. Usually, a neighborhood has one isolated sect, like the Satmar in Williamsburg or the Lubavitch in Crown Heights. Boro Park is the exception within the exception – a Hasidic neighborhood with diverse sects representing a large swath of the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish World.

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* No food scheduled unless asked