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Not-So-Observant’s Orthodox Shabbat

To assume a less observant is self-conscious and that this self-consciousness gets interpreted as hostility is both baseless and arrogant. The OJs are as a group, the rudest in the world. I took a goyish relative into BT for Shabbat services and not one person in the shul acknowledged her presence. While shopping, I get acknowledged only when I dress within our standards. A modern orthodox rabbi at another Pikesville shul said he also greets and fails to get a response. My Orthodox Israeli neighbor who are new to the community said they never meet adults on their own.  They said that if it were not for their children, they would not have any friends. They at least admit they don’t interact with the others who share their surroundings. That said, when does a simple greeting constitute being friendly?  Not only are many not friendly, they lack basic civility.

I’m sorry that BL feels that way and i understand where its coming from. i am one of those “penguins” and I greet everyone with a warm smile and a friendly hello. That includes those that are not Jewish too. Every person deserves respect and acknowledgement no matter their dress or level of observance.

Regarding the friendliness aspect, the reason that most super-Orthodox don’t realize they are being unfriendly is they are analogous to an immature high school clique, not realizing that anyone that does not look like them feels unwelcome. Walking down the street on Shabbos, I can almost entirely predict who will be friendly and return a “Shabbat Shalom” or “Good Shabbos”: those that don’t look like penguins entirely. If they do, and I am not dressed like them, I usually get a grunt. The biggest threat facing Judaism isn’t intermarriage, it’s the super-Orthodox committing Chilul Hashem’s weekly.

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