Chapter 29 (72-75) Crown Heights (written in 1991 for a school travel essay)
Crown Heights is a busy place! People from all over the world come here – Israelis, Frenchies, English and more. Even from its name, “Crown Heights” is on top, the crown of the heights! “What is so great about Crown Heights?” you may want to ask. Maybe if I will write four more pages of vivid detail you will begin to marvel at the “crown of the heights.”
First let us start with the Lubavitch community and the wondrous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Their headquarters are at 770 Eastern Parkway (the red brick building that serves as a shul for Lubavitchers, the Rebbe and to all Jews far and wide…) The Rebbe is very close to his people, the Chassidim. He guides them in the right path.
Every Sunday, the Rebbe gives out dollars, to men, women and children, each one individually receives a dollar and a blessing, too! The Rebbe gives a dollar to reinforce giving of Tzedakah. The Rebbe is really very special. It’s amazing how people from all over the world come to see him in 770, the so very crowded Shul.
The shopping avenue in Crown Heights is Kingston Ave. It’s bustling with activity; people are coming and going. There’s Raskin’s Fruit Store, the Pharmacist, the Floral Shop, the Shoe Store, Bookstore, clothing store, Women’s World, the Hat Place, the Library, and the Bagel Shop. There’s a nice Lubavitcher school for girls, here, too! It’s called Bais Rivka. (In fact I go there!)
Here the houses are closely attached, it may cause one to get claustrophobic. There’s not too much greenery either. But the warm atmosphere of Crown Heights makes up for all the slight inconveniences.
Crown Heights is a lively atmosphere: girls are laughing, women chatting, boys playing… People are open and friendly once you get to know them. As in most communities, there are all types of people. Some are outgoing, some shy; some talkative, some quiet; some are formal, and some are casual. You may meet creative people with interesting personalities. Crown Heights is an interesting place to visit. You will meet new people and experience another world.
Come see Crown Heights!
I remember walking with her to school every day, and I had to learn patience. She was new to the school and her grandmother asked me to walk with her every day to school,. I was the fast walking city kid walking across town to high school, and she was the more relaxed in her steps. no hurry. just slow graceful steps....
ReplyDeleteChanie Levin