In the Bronx, we had three synagogues on one block at 161st Street. My father was Orthodox and we went to the Sephardi one. Further along was the Conservative, the biggest. In between was the Ashkenazi shul. And guess who was their shabbos goy? Colin Powell!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The anecdote recounts three synagogues of different Jewish traditions on one block in the Bronx, and humorously notes that Colin Powell served as the shabbos goy for one of them.
- In plain terms
- It humorously describes diverse Jewish congregations side‑by‑side and Colin Powell’s role as their helper.
- What can you take from it?
- Cultural diversity can exist in close proximity, with unexpected helpers.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does this tell us about urban religious diversity?
- How do unexpected helpers shape community bonds?
Another view
The story relies on a specific anecdote that may not be verifiable.
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