By COLlive reporter
Monthon Kasantikul, the world traveler who visited more than 50 countries and has a following of millions on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, released her 3 episode series about Chassidic Jewish life in New York for her channel “I Roam Alone.”
Kasantikul, also known on social media as “Mint,” reached out to Shloime Zionce of Ami Magazine and expressed interest in learning about the Chassidic tradition. Together, they visited Jewish communities in Brooklyn and beyond.
She first went to Boro Park on May 20 and visited Mendelsohn’s Pizza for lunch and Eichler’s Judaica where she learned about Jewish books and holy items. At Fino clothing, she learned about Chassidishe Levush (garb) that Chassidim have brought with them from Eastern Europe and proudly wear on a daily basis.
On May 31, she traveled to the Five Towns on Long Island to the home of Mrs. Sarah Dukes in Cedarhurst. Dukes, an award-winning composer, explained the concept of “Bayis Malei Seforim” (a home filled with holy Jewish books) and explained the intricate details of a Kosher kitchen.
As she played one of her soulful musical compositions, Dukes spoke about her late husband Rabbi Yudi Dukes OBM, founder of the Jnet Torah learning organization who passed away at the age of 39.
Mint later had lunch at “Upper Crust” and visited Aron’s Kissena Farms in Queens where she learned about Kosher food and sampled Kosher products.
Mint returned to Crown Heights on June 1 where she filmed at Lubavitch World Headquarters – 770 Eastern Parkway, with Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Merkos 302. Rabbi Chaim Baruch Halberstam showed her the WLCC broadcasting room of the Rebbe’s farbrengens.
She later filmed at the Jewish Children’s Museum and then to Merkos 302 office where its director Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky detailed the growing operations that cater to kids, teens, young professionals and more.
In Pomona, she met with Chassidic singer Lipa Schmeltzer who talked to her about his music and the art her personally creates.
VIDEO:
A Day in Boro Park and a visit with Sarah Dukes
A visit to a Kosher Supermarket & tasting Shabbos food
A Day in Crown Heights and a visit with Lipa Schmeltzer
