The Hasids of Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Outremont, Montreal — Where Trend Meets Tradition

Photo credit: Adam Jones

The neighbourhoods of Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Outremont, Montreal have a lot in common. Gentrification has made both areas vibrant cultural hotspots. Hip restaurants, bars, and coffee shops abound. There are independent galleries and bookshops, local design stores and organic grocers. And both neighbourhoods have very large Hasidic Jewish populations. So how does a deeply religious community maintain its practices and faith while living in the beating heart of a progressive North American city? How do the Hasids get along with their secular neighbours, and vice versa? North Americana producer Lia Grainger brings us the story of two remarkable women from profoundly different backgrounds attempting to bridge the divide.

LISTEN NOW: Jay Kipps Band (thanks for the amazing theme song!)