A Goyim Moves Out of Borough Park
As a child, I lived in Sunset Park with my family. When I moved out, I found Borough Park to be VERY affordable. I found a house with my friends within walking distance from where I work.
People told me I wouldn’t like it there because the people there are different. I’ve been around so many different people, so I just assumed they haven’t and they had their own prejudices.
I moved into a great house in the middle of a block. I loved the house from the moment I saw it. Parking was super easy when I first moved there (it isn’t anymore). We basically kept to ourselves and just exchanged pleasantries and greetings with neighbors when we passed on the street.
Once in awhile, I would stop in awe at the Jewish celebrations. I loved when they built sukkahs. I love decorating and seeing another cultures outward symbols of their religion made me curious.
I was glad to see the community celebrate Purim so enthusiastically. On the second year of living on the block, one of the little boys said to his friend: “Don’t speak to them – they are goyim.” I wasn’t sure what that meant, but I heard it was said with a negative connotation. I called a Jewish friend of mine and asked him what GoyEM was. He told me it’s a negative connotation for a Christian. So although my neighbors never asked me my religion, they assume I was Christian….okay. But why use a word with such a negative connotation?
The Jewish synagogues need to teach acceptance to their community. As of now, this Goyim has moved to Bay Ridge and is happy that people don’t classify me by my religion.
Hugs,
marlene
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