N.Y. / Region: 'Are You Jewish?' | The New York Times 

I was in Manhattan on Christmas and two kids from Brooklyn asked me if I was Jewish. I said well, as a matter of fact I am. So they gave me a menorah. Now I know who they were. Good guys.

I met them in Times Square - they lured me in with bagels. Not bad.

3:05 is how I think every new yorker talks to each other lol

IS THIS WHY THEY KEEP ASKING ME IF IM JEWISH!

I think alot of people who arent religious are quick to generalise and think that these people are crazy. But, they are spreading a good message and reaching out to people in a world that is on the brink of destruction. Even though I am not too familiar with the Jewish faith I admire the dedication and passion in spreading a positive message about God. This world needs it

I love how he diffused that situation with the angry guy: shows his goodness and his faith.

So these are the people who are pretty much blamed for absolutely everything

I'm Roman Catholic, Mexican parents edition. What I found beautiful was how nice Peter was towards them. He didn't cause a scene. He didn't start flipping tables. He didn't bring a weapon. He was frustrated and annoyed, yes. But he still said Please and Thank You. And had a quick conversation with them too. Be like Peter. :)💙

That interaction starting at 3:00 has got to be the most New York thing I've ever seen, LOL!

Remembering the times when the NYT would still say positive things about Jews...

At least they're friendly, and respectful to non-Jews as well, unlike a lot of other Orthodox Jews, who seem hostile toward Gentiles.

The problem I have with this community is not their religious devotion.....its the destruction of the surrounding community that bothers me. Public schools in these communities suffer greatly as they get their funds drained and are then shoveled to the Yeshivas.....also this community depends greatly on welfare for the numerous children they have and some declare their homes a house of worship that avoids property tax payments and there is strong evidence their religious schools do little to prepare these children for jobs in the real world. There are some serious problems in this community

My stepfather met some of these blokes, he said he was not Jewish (he's a Gujarati Catholic) and he said "this is nice, it's a good way to learn about God." That's what he always says about places of worship, "you can go to learn about God." I'm a convert to Judaism, and I keep the same idea in my mind. We go to places of worship to learn about God. A mosque, a Hindu temple, a Buddhist temple, a Lutheran church, "you learn about God there."

I once visited a synagogue in Minsk which was full of Australian Lubbavitchers. Of course they made me do the "Jewish blood pressure" thing.

I remember being approached by one of these guys - a sweet smiling kid - when I first moved to the city. “Have a good day” he said blankly as he looked away. Made me think of the character Mike from Breaking Away: “Something else I never got the chance to be...”

@3:05 lol typical new yorker

These are good peace loving people who promote the message of Harmony and brotherhood, NYC is blessed to have these people

Orthodox Jews are very polite, wholehearted people. I even had the pleasure of meeting some at the bowling alley one Tuesday night.

there are many jews in new york city we saw them several jews in new york its amazing how they are interviewing and asking the questions if you are jewish or not

There was one day that a Hasidic woman asked me very strongly if I was jewish on the street. I was so startled for a second I started to question if I actually was. I’m Italian 😂

Its hard to be jewish, i feel that they suffer a lot, even in this days where its suppose to be freedom to believe in what you want, they deserve respect as any human, they deserve to live without fear

I'm Christian but that wouldn't stop me from checking these guys out. Jews are awesome anyways

OK .... yes, I'm Jewish and since the 1980s I've donned tefillin a number of times with these folks and at the kotel, but, answer me this, why, when out out public only pray with other Jews? Why can't we also pray with other people who may not be Jewish? I get not putting refillin on a cristian or muslim man or whatever, but why do we have this avoidance of not praying with other people who aren't Jewish? Just curious!

These guys asked me if I'm Jewish and if I waved the lulav, I said i used to be. I'm pretty sure I broke his heart

USA loves the Jewish People Forever . . . thank you for being here . . .

Even though I have some Jewish blood, it's all on my father's side so unfortunately I don't qualify being a Jew. But they still ask me almost every time and I can see why. I kind of look Jewish.

I can't understand why people hate them! They sound awesome!

Emily Tamkin, a Jewish writer from the UK who writes about American Jewry, has recently published a book titled Bad Jews: A History of American Jewish Politics and Identities. The book’s publisher, Hurst, describes it as “A lively, thoughtful history of America’s Jews, exploring their complex relationships with national culture, identity, and politics-and each other.” The book caused a bit of a stir among Jewish publications. JTA, for example, wrote that Tamkin “takes a different tack, tracing the history of American Jewry through the ways Jews on one side of social upheaval seek to discredit the very Jewishness of those on the other side.” The book itself focuses on what is happening in America, since “American Jewish history,” writes Tamkin, “is full of discussions and debates and hand-wringing over who is Jewish, and how to be Jewish, and what it means to be Jewish.” So, first, we need to realize where the word Yehudi (Jewish) comes from. There is the known answer, that Yehudi comes from Yohuda (Judah), the name of the tribe that lived in the land of Israel during the Second Temple. However, there is another meaning to the word: Yehudi also comes from the word Yechudi, meaning united. This makes perfect sense if you remember that we were pronounced a nation only after we committed to love each other “as one man with one heart” at the foot of Mt. Sinai, yet, for the most part, this explanation did not receive the notoriety it deserves. If you look at being Jewish through the spectacle of Jewish unity, as I do, then being a good Jew means first and foremost that you want to unite with all the Jews, that this is what really matters to you, your prime value. If Jewishness is about unity, then a Jew is a person who knows, feels, understands, and even spreads the idea that the most important thing is to be connected in ties of love with all the Jews, regardless of denomination, customs, political views, or any other issue that currently divides and splinters the Jewish people. The author wrote that one of the answers she got to the question about the meaning of being a bad Jew was “someone whose conception of Judaism doesn’t have applications to the wider world.” I understand where this answer comes from. It is with good reason Jews gave the correction of the world such a pivotal place in their identity. We even gave that mission its own Hebrew term, Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “Correction of the World”). However, we must know what it means to correct the world, to be responsible for it, or even to care about the world. Tikkun Olam are not simply words; they imply a very specific task, and until we accomplish it, we will not be “good Jews.” At the “inauguration” of our people, we were commanded to unite “as one man with one heart,” as RASHI interprets. Immediately after, we were declared a nation and were tasked with being “a light to the nations.” In other words, our unity and our obligation to the world are indivisible. We cannot be a light to the nations if we are not united. At the same time, we cannot unite unless we do it in order to be a light to the nations. When our ancestors united for the first time, under the guidance of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they were not a biologically related group. They were an eclectic crowd that was taken by the idea that all the people should unite, and we should not succumb to our ego. This is why Abraham advocated kindness and mercy, to teach people how to rise above their self-absorption and care for one another. Abraham was a maverick, a pioneer, a trailblazer, but thanks to him, these noble ideas are now universal. As a nation that formed out of disparate tribes and clans, it was our duty to be the living proof of Abraham’s paradigm. This is why we became a nation only after we united, and not a moment prior. Since our inception, we have known that unity is our “secret weapon.” However, we never understood why, what was the secret of the strength in our unity. The secret is not that unity itself makes us undefeatable, but that our unity dissolves the world’s hatred toward us and turns it into respect and awe. It gives the world the example of unity that it needs so that all of humanity can unite, as well. Not only we received a message when we were at the foot of Mt. Sinai. At that moment, the nations of the world received the knowledge that we received the calling. Since then, they have been wait .

What's the safe word when they take you in the truck? Oy vey?

I hate when anyone approaches me for any reason when I’m just trying to go about my day. The fact that it’s intrusive as well is annoying.

This happened to me in Washington, D.C. It was a very moving experience. These people are going to save the world.

This made my day! What beauty of anyone to care so much for anyone else to do good deeds over making money. Yet, God still provides for them. Beautiful. May you be continually blessed.

Shalom. This is so so great.. in the midst of so much that is breaking down society, you are a ray of light....until Messiah comes. Blessings

I watch a lot of You Tube Jewish videos and you are the kindest sect I have ever seen. Blessings!

I'm Indian (dot), and they asked me lol

People are waking up to the truth, watch out.

LONG LIVE CHABAD❤️🍷. WE MISS YOU REBBE 💙

I'm Jewish and don't understand why Orthodox Jews in Israel do not do their country duties and participate in the military... as is required by everyone else in Israel. I believe it would be invaluable to have that experience of helping to protect the country and would help make Israel so much stronger and unified than it currently is.

Jews are some of the most kind people on the face of the planet. While everybody is in a hurry and forget their values in life, these type of people remind them of what life is really about: helping others and spreading love.

so happy to have Chabad in my life and a path to follow, which I was missing through my more secular teen and adult years.

“Are you Jewish?” Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. What do you think?

This brings back memories ive had these dudes do this to me too. I almost regretted telling them i was Jewish lol. They wouldnt stop making me wrap the stuff around me and the prayers lol

This jews look like drunk heavy metal fans 😂

i love being Jewish... I can't wait to go to Israel in two months for a year to learn at Yeshiva! I love when i wear my Black hat, and i love when i show my Tzizit. :)..

I never met a Jewish person. I grew up in a Hispanic area. Not many Jews there. I would be ecstatic to meet one some day!

I LOVE WHAT THEY ARE DOING, I LOVE THE JEWS. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS.

Salaam wa alaikoum brothers

@extrapressure Notice they're not trying to convert anyone.

What a Mizvah! Wonderful people!

How many of these jews were digging tunnels underneath new york city?

Blessed be all my brothers for being a light to the world through HaShem! Baruch HaShem.

I'm Mizrahi/Sephardi-These are the only Ashkie Haredi who embrace all of Jewish World. I'm not a Rebbe Worshiper, but Rebbe Schneerson was given a true vision to educate assimilated Diaspora Jews in being Jewish. Bless them a thousand times!

I'm a 71 year old woman and as a child was rejected by the Jewish community because I have an Italian last name, even though my mother was Jewish. I got tired of explaining and left it, no regrets.

- Excuse me, Are you Jewish? - Yes I am, but it's none of your business.

Love this as a Muslim! Spread the word of the Jews! Shalom!

I hate when I tell people of my Jewish heritage- They say What’s your last name? Or worse-- You don’t look Jewish!

Can someone be Jewish and atheist? Like, Jewish in terms of ethnicity but a disbeliever of the Jewish religion? Also, can someone not from the Jewish ethnicity convert to the Jewish faith? I've rarely met any non-religious ethnic Jewish people, or any people who are not ethnically Jewish but practice Judaism. Just curious about how they would feel about Christians converting to Judaism, and about any Jewish people not practicing the religion. I apologize in advance if any of my questions were offensive.

I live in San Francisco but I know that most New Yorkers have an attitude problem. But I’m saying that people who are native San Franciscans are much nicer than those who moved to San Francisco from other states. As a transplant, I feel fortunate to have moved into a community of locals who are extremely welcoming and supportive people. I haven’t been to NYC for years but I’m extremely disappointed in the way how transparent they still are without showing any sense of decency towards fellow New Yorkers including those from other states. I expect New Yorkers to improve the way they interact with other locals including those who are visiting or those who moved to New York City from other parts of the world.

If these are Mitzvah "Tanks" then that infers an "aggressive intent. Why don't they get serious and go park outside the mosques....

Are you Jewish? That's a 2 sided question; one can be Jewish in genetics, but have a different religion. They can also be Jewish but have no religious preference. They should ask, "Do you practice Judaism?"

They should turn those trucks into food trucks and sell matzo ball tacos.

Reminds me of the Hare Krishnas, actually. Approaching strangers, asking inappropriate personal religious questions, fanatical, persistent.

They say Jerusalem is their land as they are dreaming

Jews: Are you Jewish?? Me: No I'm German 😎😎😎

Good souls. If you don't want to participate they are totally OK with it. What's wrong with bringing more love and light into this dark world. we need more like them.

They followed me into AutoZone in Kingston, NY...wouldn't leave me alone, wouldn't take "No!" for answer. What could I do? Finally, I relented, and laid tefillin. Everyone was happy. But my 2013 Subaru Impreza shouldn't have needed oil so soon after an oil change at the dealer. What's up with that?

12th . Although large areas have under their belt , the Arab refugees deliberately avoided mingle population of the country inhabited them. Compared to 100 million refugees were as a result of World War II , the Arab refugees are the only team that joined the allies . Most of the Jewish refugees from Europe and Arab countries settled in Israel , a country no larger than New Jersey , USA. 13th . There are 22 Muslim countries . There is only one Jewish state .

"excuse me sir! are you jewish?"...no luckily i'm not!

I am Orthodox in Florida! G-d Bless! Yes! :D

I love jews. My grandmother was a jew and I loved her. I miss her.

Loved the video. It's so nice to have people to keep the customs and to remind us how to keep them too.

They proselytizing can be a little annoying, but man, does Chabad make a MEAN noodle kugel!

That was psychotic! LOL

I’m Jewish and I might go to New York and learn Torah. If I get caught by a Jew and tells if if I’m Jewish or not and I say yes, will I be part of the Lubavitcher community like the other rabbis and live in Jewish homes in ny? Please, I need a answer.

At -722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the northern part of the kingdom of Israel , and exiled 10 tribes ( nine tribes tribe of Levi + part he had his own share , from the tribe of Levi were parts scattered tribes) , among the 12 tribes of the children of Israel , and 10 these tribes have lost their faith and became gentiles and assimilated them.

I'll take them seriously when they move to Israel.

Jews and Israelis words have the same meaning :

This is discrimination.. Only for Jewish people?? Disgusting

Did anyone realize that that guy didn't put his tefilin on right?

THIS MUST HAPPEN IN MEXICO CITY

This is great! You go Guys! May G-d bless what you are doing!

Three . After the conquest of the land in -1272 BC, Jews ruled a thousand years and maintained a continuous presence there for about -3300 years. Four . The only Arab rule following conquest at 633 BC, lasted 22 years. Five . -3300 For more than a year , Jerusalem was the Jewish capital . Jerusalem was never the capital of an Arab entity / Muslim whatsoever. Even under Jordanian control , East Jerusalem did not become capital , and Arab leaders did not come to see coming.

Oh I was in New York once and had some random bloke in FiDi asked me if I was Jewish, I just kept on walking, no idea it was an actual thing thought it was just some random guy who was bizarrely interested in my religious beliefs.

This seems very much like a cult.

May God grant Israel victory over the fugitives, and may God protect the people of Israel and the people of USA. Our hearts are with you from Kurdistan.❤️❤️

That is fine but can they do it silently? Not every one likes loud music. I cannot work or concentrate with it near me. They need to keep down noise pollution

"Are you Jewish" Jew- "that depends"

"Excuse me, are you Jewish?" Have the Jews no Jewdar?

The black hats look really cool and stylish. Nothing like the stupid baseball caps guys choose to wear. Anyone judging them should think twice. The women from a young age are not promiscuous and marrying as a virgin is expected. The women don't dress slutty or show skin, but instead respect themselves, their husbands and their marriages.

18th . Arabs started all five wars against Israel , and lost them all.

These guys are so annoying; whenever I see them on the street - I go the other way to avoid trouble

I'm not Jewish, but it is always good to listen to words of wisdom. Would a non Jew be allowed to benefit from their wisdom?

This backwards . In Egypt we were delivered when we reached the 49th level and Hashem did not deliver us before we reached the 50th we would have reached the point of no return . This will happen in the end.

We are all individuals. They seem nice though.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own Soul ?

10th . Jewish Haoclsiih Arab countries were forced to flee because of violence and Frogromim . 11th . About 630,000 Arabs left Israel in 1948 , when a million Jews were expelled from Muslim countries .

When you blur the line between religion and ethnicity,, bad things happen

can they stop asking...like, do i look jewish?

They are not tanks, they are vans ...

hahahahaahah. HI I LIVE HERE CAN YOU LOWER THE VOLUME. Man, I admire that jew's tranquility when handling that guy. Kudos to him.