By anonymous
Walk down Kingston Avenue on a typical day, and you’ll see Crown Heights on full display: Bochurim, tourists, visiting groups, locals, and families all blending into a colorful fabric of Jewish life. There is something undeniably beautiful about this.
But when the sun sets and the shops close, a different story plays out—one that too many families on Kingston know all too well.
The lingering groups, the shouting across the street, the singing at all hours, and the honking—it continues well into the night. And while a visitor may find it charming or spirited, those of us who live here know the cost: the baby who can’t fall asleep, the toddler who wakes crying, and the parent up again at 1 a.m. because the noise outside won’t stop.
Let’s be clear: Kingston Avenue is not a main street in a sleepy suburban town. But it is also not a 24/7 festival ground. It is a residential street. People live directly above and next to these storefronts. Our children’s windows face the street. Our babies nap in the middle of the day. We rise early for work, for davening, for school. We’re not trying to stop the energy and simcha—far from it. We just want some balance. We want to be able to sleep at night.
The growth of Crown Heights as a destination for Jewish tourism, learning, and inspiration is something to be proud of. We welcome guests with open arms. But with that growth comes responsibility. Tour groups, schools, and organizations visiting the Rebbe’s neighborhood must educate their students not only on the greatness of 770 but on the kedusha of derech eretz—respect for the people who live here and keep the community functioning day in and day out.
That means no shouting outside late at night. No group singing on the sidewalk after 10 p.m. Respecting Kingston Avenue means respecting the people who call it home.
Local leaders, store owners, and community organizers can also help by setting expectations and establishing norms. Clear signage reminding visitors about quiet hours. Conversations with group leaders about appropriate conduct. Even something as simple as a friendly word from a mashpia or chaperone can go a long way.
We’re a community built on hospitality—but also on chessed, tznius, and ahavas Yisroel. And loving your fellow Jew sometimes means remembering that their baby is trying to sleep two floors up while you’re reliving a Farbrengen outside.
Kingston Avenue is the heart of our neighborhood. Let’s make sure it beats with simcha—and also with sensitivity.
completely agree!!
i hear yelling and screaming late at night from my 3rd floor windows!!
world
TURN YOUR MUSIC DOWN
OR OFF
we don’t want to hear your music ever
especially nonjewish music. or even “jewish” music that has been influenced by nonjewish music styles.
turn it off! we don’t want to hear it anywhere
and even at events, turn your volume way down, haven’t you ever heard of loud noises damaging the ear?? seriously
How come the city council can’t find a way to help to help this issue?!?!
The house of glatt music is outrageous!!!
10pm and I hear music blaring into my bedroom. Even with all the windows and blinds closed.
House of glatt corner has the best music
Let’s play that “best music” at you while you’re trying to sleep. Or to your baby, if you have one.
I like House of Glatt’s food but the music is loud and annoying. I haven’t seen another restaurant with blaring music outside. I truly don’t believe they attract more business because of their music. Crown Heights has gotten out of hand with the noise pollution as well as the trash all over the streets. Do the residents not care about the aesthetics of their neighborhood? The rat problem is out of control as well.
Can you please speak up?
Let Manager know
+1 (347) 277-6908
In a noise machine
and go study Torah
during sleeping hours
if they are in public
Get a grip, it should be popping 24/7 it’s the times sq of the chabad headquarters
This is a callous and uncaring response – uncalled for – put yourself in someone else’s shoes for a second and reflect
There’s multiple times a year, a Shooting in or in front of 451 Kingston. That makes much louder noise
Very inconsiderate!
Glad I’m not related to you!
Yes
You live prime location in Crown Heights, and every location has its pros and cons. Living on Kingston means prime location, and also noise. You are more than welcome to leave if you dont like the noise, there are other people who are dyingggggg to have a house in that location!!!!!
I understand the frustration (and the exhaustion) as a fellow parent myself, but I dont think it’s quite realistic of even possible to have quiet hours on Kingston Ave. I know there are people who live directly above like your mentioned but when you make choices and sacrifices when you choose to live somewhere (like on top of a busy street or store)
I sympathize but I think you also have to be realistic and really see what you’re asking from people.
You make choices and sacrifices when you choose to live somewhere? Perhaps these people can’t afford to live where YOU live. The point is, that there is a reason you can call 311 and make a “noise complaint”. I’ve done it and it worked. When I grew up a police officer walked his beat with “billy club” in hand and the only loud noises were sirens which came and went or an occasional drunk that was dealt with swiftly. “Be realistic and really see what you’re asking from people”? How about the word COURTESY or CONSIDERATION for your neighbors or… Read more »
If you want quiet, move out of crown heights. That’s life living in a busy city and that is one of the reasons I chose to live out of town. It’s not just the visitors making noise. No one is forcing you to live there.
Thats a selfish self serving attitude. Learn to act like a mentch. We pay to live here and have a right to a sense of peace and normalcy. We know its not the suburbs but we can act decent.
This is the beauty of crown heights. A lot find the noise comforting. If it’s not what you’re looking for go to a place that serves what you want. So tachlis this is crown heights and the beauty of it, please don’t try to change it.
Then get yourself headphones and blast the “comfortable” noise into your own skull, not others’.
“You don’t like ____, just move out”
Fill the blanks with whatever issue is allways spoken of, eruv, rising costs of living
So rude and lazy (because it’s easier to ignore issues and not do anything)
Not everyone can afford not working and move out, or the cost of moving even.
If crown heights is so expensive then you can easily afford to move out.
Stay away from the suburbs, yall are messing up the housing markets
Be glad your noise is chassidim singing. I have rap playing outside at all hours of the night.
Yep, the “music” coming from the Kingston / Lefferts drug gang building is 100 times worse than a few Chabad teenagers making noise on Kingston & Montgomery. Not to mention all the police sirens outside that building, all night—every night
that is unfortunate
2 wrongs don’t make a right .
I don’t know, I have such Nachas hearing the noise of Kingston and really feel jealous of it. On the off chance of hearing late night Lubavitcher singing, it makes me smile. World of a difference.
Both inconsiderate !
There is a time and place for everything. Even chassidishe music.
Most others are struggling to support their families. Most others are barely able to afford their rent or mortgages to live in Central crown heights.
If your biggest issue is with Kingston ave then perhaps move to church and Albany or to pitkin and Thomas boyland….
Who says he’s not suffering in all those ways as well… Maybe this just tops it all off… Some minute amount of empathy wouldn’t hurt…
According to Halacha your not allowed to steal someone sleep. People need to know basics . Making noises at night I don’t care where you live is not okay !
There is no makor for gezel shaina unless you can’t ahavas yisroel so don’t say people need to know basics opif you don’t.
Sorry your so miserable . A little consideration .
When someone is in pain . Don’t add to it.
Respectfully, focus first on bigger issues on Kingston, like the crime ridden building which rents to all the city programs and lets NYC place violent criminals which were just released from Rikers Island prison, inside 451 Kingston Avenue, those “Residents” which were dumped in crown heights, cause lots of noise in addition to the local crime
Shots fired causes the loudest Kingston noise, much more than shmoozing. Go after the loudest noise first, outside 451 Kingston Avenue
Erm, its the middle of Brooklyn. Try Manhattan on for size.
I live in the middle of Brooklyn, just not in CH and I don’t experience this rudeness. Not even from Goyim. Respect and Consideration are qualities of people, (Jewish or not) who were brought up to be aware that other people exist besides themselves.
I appreciate the sentiment but you know what living in crown heights, especially ON Kingston, entails. As they say if you can’t take the heat get out of the kitchen! I don’t mean to sound harsh but “your” Kingston is also our Kingston. We travel miles and hours to visit. Sometimes we are in and out and we only have a few hours late at night before we need to catch our flight. This is the nature of kingston. If you like Kingston living but don’t like the noise consider Kingston, PA. I hear it’s nice and quiet there.
Would you shout across the street to a friend in middle of London at midnight?
lol love the PA part
Yes unfortunately I live in Kingston PA , funny that you mention it. My family moved from crown heights and every time we visit I only fall asleep when I hear the noise. That’s what crown hieghts is meant for – I wish I could live there. So if it’s not something you appreciate let’s switch places because it’s really quiet here
Wow, I’m sad that your disappointment came in Kingston PA some people like it. Some people don’t I think it really depends on the type of person personality people could get used to it and they can enjoy that quiet.
Especially because the noise is very often coming from visitors not residents. Crown Heights is supposed to be a place of excitement. So many different people come to Kingston. Some only once in a lifetime- and maybe for only a 24 hour visit. Kingston’s noise comes from many different things because many hundreds of different people walk through it daily. Therefore we can’t really calm on anyone to be quiet. The heat in the kitchen example is perfect. Like you can’t place yourself in an amusement park and tell everyone screaming to be quiet
Ye so like it very much here
I walk down Kingston often 530 am, to my minyan, very quiet then
The one time it’s quiet, you’re awake. If only every one woke up like that to the minyan.
People that didn’t sleep because of the noise at night can’t wake up and “enjoy” the quietness. I really don’t understand what your comment is suppose to mean
i have lived in crown heights for about 20 years, and really do not understand why 770 is not full of people studying chassidus in the early AM before the minyan, etc. (yes I am a BT). I go to bed somewhat early and get up early and go to shul, and the streets are bare in the AM. this should be the complaint, why are not people doing what we read about, is the answer simply because it is NY City and no Europe in the 1800’s? or is America nicht anderish?
I’m sure you were the first one to complain about this noise last year, after all, the entire CH heard this noise
From last year:
A Jewish man was the possible target in a shooting in Crown Heights.
Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was walking on Kingston Avenue near Lefferts Avenue when he heard a gunshot and felt a bullet whizz just past him
https://collive.com/update-shot-fired-narrowly-misses-jewish-man-in-crown-heights/
Maybe move to Liberty, Kentucky if you’re looking for peace and quiet…
Just come to kingston Pa
It’s a beautiful chassidishe community.
It’s nice and quiet at night.
And no honking!
Please don’t move to Kingston you will get so bored and it’s worth those sleepless night not to live in Kingston
That’s very sad I heard it’s so nice there!
You’ll end up ripping your own hair out in the quiet that you wish for
You should move to Kingston but definitely come with friends to have fun!
Yesssss you think you want quiet? Come to Kingston and you’ll get all the quiet you need 😭
Baruch Hashem it’s nice!
There is way too many drug addicts roaming the streets
There are way to many kids throwing tantrums and mothers with to large strollers taking up to much space and being a nuisance
Feel bad for those mothers who are trying to deal with their kids.
Spot on! Somebody better tell all the “Bocherim” in 451 Kingston Ave near Lefferts, to stop popping noise every night, during their “night shiur” sidewalk takeover “Fabrengen” with triple parked “Mitzvah Tanks” sometimes attempting to do “Mivtzoim” on passerby’s, but usually just trying the blocks car door handles in search of Sichos and Mamorim..
Could not agree more
Music here blaring is unacceptable. It needs to be off by 9pm latest. Its disrespectful to the neighborhood
Nope. That’s the whole vibe of ch. Move if it’s not what your looking for
You can look in all of the relevant halachos in Shulchan Aruch, Hilchos Shecheinim, and there’s not a word about “vibe.” You want to bring in a non-Jewish notion and claim that everyone should have to accommodate it?!
Oh my gosh I’m so sorry I used a word you dont like- my apologies rabbi. Just because I used a word not in your dictionary it has nothing to do with goyishkiet because the vibe can be Jewish Chassidush vibes so like what?
First, who says so?
Secondo, who you think you are to say so?
Um firstly I’m a girl but okay? Second everyone knows that’s what crown hieghts is. Don’t try to change it- if u don’t like it simply move to a place that does have what you like
So, Like I thought, no basis for it.
Also, the point is so clear in the article, whatever you do, do JUST please don’t make noise after 10
Is that too much?
What I mean by everyone knows is that’s always how it’s been. If someone is wondering what ch is like that’s what it is. Like what you want me to prove scientifically? No it’s obvious
It’s the type of place where there will rarely be quiet , you can’t just except to stop.
To lower the noise level may be the responsibility of those on the street. The garbage on Kingston which is a worse problem is the responsibility of the store owners and residents who live there.
One problem doesnt negate another. We start with one issue then move to the next.
I’m really surprised and disappointed to hear some people respond to noise complaints with “if you don’t like it, move out.” That’s outrageous and completely dismissive of the community’s right to a peaceful environment. The stores are part of the neighborhood, and while we want businesses to thrive, it shouldn’t come at the cost of residents’ ability to sleep and live without constant loud noise late at night. Many people have already expressed how the loud noise is affecting their rest and wellbeing. It’s about basic respect and consideration — no one should have to “move out” just because they… Read more »
If you want peace and quiet you can move to Kingston Pennsylvania. There is definitely no loud music playing there.
There is so much quiet after you move you will regret it
If you live on a bustling center of a universe you can’t expect standard norms.
If you are in a residential public place at night, and you make noise, you’re being inconsiderate.
We can no longer tolerate people driving through our neighborhoods at high speeds. We need to design the roads in a way that is inconvenient for through traffic. For example, Kingston Avenue should be closed off to traffic Only pedestrian and bike traffic allowed and all the streets that intersect should end at Kingston Avenue
Its a nice idea but we’re living in brooklyn NY lol
Comon!
What about people who need to carry groceries or other large items? No, if anything, they can just put up speed bumps.
The same applies to illegal short-term rentals. I live off of Kinston Ave. and need to put up with loud visitors renting out the short-term rental apartment across the hall. They leave garbage in the hallway and aren’t considerate at all.
We love visitors, but they need to be considerate and realize that, unlike them we are not on vacation. We have work and school.
The worst problem still is the unaffordable rent the non wealthy majority have to suffer with living on streets that arent ideal . The world will never change. You would think the rebbes shechuna and mosdos would be affordable,buy no,its always about the money. My teacher when I was little taught us that the avoidezara these days isn’t idols but it’s what we idolize and worship and that is money and TV for most people. It has come to a point that to just live and raise your kids in crown heights and send them to the frum yeshivas you… Read more »
It’s true that Kingston is a busy thoroughfare, but it’s also true that people should be considerate when walking at night. As yidden and chassidim we are taught to be eidel and kind, if it’s too hard to take the writers words to heart and be considerate, it’s time to go back to yeshiva or high school and open a Tanya and learn some basics.
The article was written so well and super respectful of the neighborhood concept. The other trollers/bochurim are embarrassing.
The author is 1,000% correct.
Basic Derech eretz and Shana’s yisrael dictate the concept of quiet hours.
Your comments are very distasteful and rude
The noise is not just on Kingston ave but on Albany ave and Brooklyn ave. Be respectful. Would you be making noise under YOUR parents windows???
What would a mensch do?
What would the Rebbe truly want us to do?
What would we want our children to do?
The rebbe would want us to do alot of things differently…..I could make a list
U can’t fix anything so why be upset?
Why everyone so upset and saying there street etc ch is a busy place and can’t change it
If you believe in this statement that you wrote you really should put your name on it. It’s absurd this is Kingston Avenue which is a main street going through a busy neighborhood called Brooklyn New York. Crown Heights has never been a quiet place and it never will be. If you think you’re living in the suburbs you are smoking something. My wife is from Crown Heights and would never go back because she did not want to live in the busy urban area that you live in. It’s a very holy place and if you wanna work on… Read more »
Who are you?
Wow! Your comment is that of a very selfish person. As you can see your comment earned 7 negatives! I live in Brooklyn on a busy street and I don’t have this issue, B”H. Loud music and speaking loudly in general is considered low class, how much more so during late night hours.
Yes I agree
Pesach is never over and neither does the simcha of Sukkos.
Just kidding.
We are still in sefirah and have to increase in respecting each other.
The writer is not rebuking, just asking nicely. Trying to make people aware of this need. Respectfully written. He’s not expecting everything to change. Just to try to be mindful of this. Not too much to ask. — As a bochur I was once walking and conversing with a friend through the Old City of Jerusalem like 10 pm on a Friday night. Suddenly we hear a loud “shshhh!” We had been completely oblivious to the fact that were literally feet away from peoples home windows. Real people actually live there and were trying to sleep. We felt bad. Never… Read more »
Although this may sound insensitive, I do believe that Crown Heights is a vibrant and lively hub and if that’s not your preferred way of living there are many beautiful Chabad communities that are in quiet and peaceful areas. Like Kingston, PA for example. You wouldn’t move to central Yerushalayim and then make an announcement that all residents must be quiet at certain hours. Certain places are always noisy and happening and constantly filled with excitement because that’s just what they are. If you choose to live there it means you’re choosing to live around excitement at all hours I… Read more »
Look at the comment immediately above yours. Yes, even in Yerushalayim you can and should learn to be considerate.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGRTMflAmk3/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Its not as if every block has groceries and eateries open late at night and people hanging out making noise.This is kingston ave,the main center . We are allowed as a community to have a few streets like that. Living right on kingston Avenue in the center is a good place for singles to live, not families with babies and young children.
The next person to wake my baby up in middle of the night with inconsiderate loudness is getting an egg thrown at them from my 3rd story window:)
Must be nice to be rich
Not in the Community Not in the “police” force Unfortunately MANY officers completely unqualified for their positions or responsibilities We are not from the neighborhood The other night we were driving down Kingston Ave near Union This police car which was parked on Kingston corner in front of a fleishiker take out/restaurant started to back up Kingston at full speed turn its light on stopping/blocking the traffic and ALMOST hitting our car, we could not go backwards because there was traffic behind us We could not understand what was happening or EMERGENCY taking place, everyone just watching, traffic completely blocked… Read more »
Sorry, with all due respect, this is a pointless article. Would you move into time square and complain about the bright lights at night? Even if you have been living on Kingston for 40 years, this type of complaint coming now would be strange. Kingston has been this way for many decades, so this isn’t something you will change – it’s a reality. The only point that you can legitimately make is that you can’t tolerate the noise and decides to leave Kingston for this reason. But asking others to change, or just complaining about it, is utterly pointless. I… Read more »
that means we are not trying to live for ourselves we give and inspire all jews we are the impact the world, and yes it comes with a package there is nothing you can do about that! sorry be realistic for a moment. (and i lived in ch for a while and its only noisey during those 10 times a year when something is going on and the rest can be tolerated)
“so either try to live a good life or fight all your life and live a hard one”.
Asking for zero noise on kingston Avenue is a little much but music blasting? All the money going to shluchim and barely any to the yeshivas?
We need more affordable housing for growing families
Long, long before ג׳ תמוז, I babysat for someone who lived (what sounded like), right under the siren.
The siren went off quite frequently then, however on that night when it did, I was sure the baby would wake up. But no, not even a stir when I went to check.
I suppose it was a conscious choice /decision the parents made to live there and it became like background noise.
It’s the nature of living close by to the ever popular beating heart of Lubavitch (world headquarters).
Which, for some reason, seem to come at 3am on some mornings including Shabbos. And can the community council PLEASE petition for recycling bins on the corners of Kingston/President and Union?? They have them all over Manhattan, why not Crown Heights so we can recycle????
Unfortunately crown heights is a low class place to live and therefore the city doesn’t care about the neighborhood
When i was little I used to watch the garbage trucks from the window on shabbos morning. I woke up to that and wasn’t bothered,never thought much of it except curiosity.
My friend, congrats on discovering New York City. I you don’t like it, don’t live on a busy street buddy. Eizehu Chacham….
Thank u for letting us voice our frustration I stay on Carroll near Albany & i hear talking & music at 3 am!!
Its Impossible to sleep peacefully in כאן צוה…..
Just thank hashem and Moshiach now
unfortunately Kingston Avenue is actually the Main thoroughfare 24/7 in our neighborhood. There is very little that can be done except relocate in my opinion.
it is very quiet at 530 am when i walk to shul every morning. in fact, i have the opposite complaint, why is it not bustling then with people going to shul or mikveh?
People can still walk on Kingston Avenue just no need to shout and sing loudly at 1 am
needs to quit their position of leadership and let someone who will respond, replace them.
On Kingston Avenue, where colors blend, Bochurim, tourists, families wend. A vibrant weave of Jewish delight, Yet shifts the scene when day turns night. Shouts and songs pierce the quiet air, Honks and chatter, a nightly affair. The charm for guests, a lively spree, But sleepless babes and parents plea. No suburb calm, yet not a fair, Homes line the street, with lives to bear. Kids need naps, and dawn comes fast, Balance is sought, not joy surpassed. Crown Heights grows, a sacred draw, Welcoming all with open awe. But derech eretz, respect, we crave, For those whose homes this… Read more »
Thank you for sharing
Such a triggering article there are both pros and cons, we understand on Thursday nights might be noisy but not every night of the week
You chose to live in Crown Heights and it is in New York City. Key word is city. It’s gonna be loud whether you like it or not. GO MOVE TO A LITTLE SUBURB COMMUNITY where the only noise you will hear is a MOO from a cow every few months. People make noise, it’s a reality.
I live next to airport – so stop those noisy planes after 10 PM. I gotta get up in the morning! And my friend lives next to a highway, so shut down the traffic after 8 PM! NOPE! If you choose to live there, you are gonna hear those planes and the traffic. But…but… it’s not fair! Well, listen, Karen, life ain’t fair, so suck it up.
CH isn’t like any sleepy suburban town at all or any town for that matter, it’s the HQ of Chabad and effectively of the whole wide world! now a community like that is never quiet, not even on the side streets. IF YOU WANT A QUIET LIFE MOVE TO HAWAII!!!! CH IS ALWAYS GONNA BE PUMPING!!!
A: it totally is a tourist location at this point
B: if there is an issue I don’t think an article like this is solving it.
Kingston, Jamaica is much noisier, I hear. I’ve never been.
I actually think the author has a very valid point here.
Ppl should just be considerate and if they’re walking around past 11, try to be more quiet. I’m not saying that it’s going to be silent all the time, you are living on a Central avenue in a busy community, but asking general decency from people shouldn’t be so controversial.
Also, to anyone who is saying that they should just pick up and move, I don’t think you understand what moving entails. Moving is not easy or cheap or even possible at times.
I feel like our parents or grandparents, depending on everyone’s age just had it so much easier. Rent and buying houses was way cheaper and so was tuition or at least the schools were more sympathetic. What happened over the years,without getting into specifics is the greed of a minority. People with money also don’t donate or give maaser to yeshivas as they do to shluchim. If frum life becomes a way of living only for the wealthy we’re in a crisis.
I’ve been living here for over 25 years. Yes the non residents do create a major noise factor. Also so does the Jewish community when they celebrate the holidays, there is no other ethic group that is allowed to celebrate from 10pm to 6am with music blaring which can be heard with windows closed. So to be fair let’s make truthful statements concerning all.