In many Hasidic courts, rebbes appointed professional cantors — often backed by choirs — whose compositions helped shape the spiritual atmosphere of the court.

Focusing on survival skills and self-confidence, folk schools date back to the 19th century. Lately they've had success weaning Scandinavian youth off their phones.

Follow Eastern Parkway past the Brooklyn Museum, the Botanic Garden, the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway, and you’ll arrive in the heart of Hasidic Crown Heights. The ...