After all I have experienced so far, I would like to share some of the information with other Jews. It goes without saying that this guide only provides a limited view into the chassidic Tish world in Jerusalem. And as I am female, not all Tishes are available to me anyway. But what can I do ?
Many readers sent me e - mails inquiring about Tishes in Jerusalem. Religious Jewish tourists love to go to the Belz Tish. The Belzer are the absolute No. 1 among visitors from abroad. Not at all due to my writings, as Belz is famous anyway. Nevertheless, people ask me how to get to the Belzer Beit Midrash.
Religious Jewish travelers who are planning to join a synagogue service, mostly ask for one particular chassidic group:
For Karlin - Stolin.
The Karliner are famous for their ecstatic prayers and Jews from all over the world are anxious to see this. Personally, I can highly recommend the Karlin - Stolin Synagogue in Mea Shearim.
A couple of German Gentiles asked me if there is a chance for them going to a chassidic Tish. I tried to explain them that one thing should be very clear:
The participants of a chassidic Tish should be Jewish only. The same applies for the synagogue visitors in Mea Shearim. Chassidim take this very seriously and if a Gentile dares to go and is caught, he will find himself being thrown out immediately.
So far, all Tishes have been great. However, it also depends very much on what you are looking for. For lots of dancing and singing or maybe something slower and serious; for a huge Tish or a family atmosphere.
I am going to introduce some of the Tishes and the first one will be Chassidut Belz.
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The Belzer Tish
During the winter months, the Belzer start at 9pm, during the summer months at 11pm (on Erev Shabbat).
Several hundred Chassidim participate.
Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach eats and his Chassidim sing.
The atmosphere is great but take into consideration that the place is extremely crowded. And behave well, as the Belzer are very organized and don't like to have everything upside down !!!
The Tish only lasts for approx. two hours.
Separate entrances for male and female.
The Mechitzah is not bad and women are able to see everything.
The place is extremely clean.
The Chassidim are friendly and open.
You will hardly find a place with greater Niggunim.
The whole Tish is very organized and everything is in its place. Or in other words, nothing goes wrong.
Food is mostly only handed to those whose names are read out loud. Someone told me that these are the Chassidim who during the week came to see the Rebbe and asked for a Beracha (blessing). Anyway, the fruit at the end, anyone male can grab.
In Chassidut Belz, Rebbe Rokeach is treated like a king by his Chassidim. However, the Belzer have a huge group and it is anything but easy to get to the Rebbe.
I can highly recommend the Belzer Tish and it is definitely an experience.
Location: Kiryat Belz near Kiryat Mattersdorf in Jerusalem
The Belz Synagogue in Jerusalem
Tish in Belz
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