I have learned a lot about a lot of things in New York. Some of the most interesting are the religious aspects of Orthodox Judaism. There are a lot of Jewish observers who believe on the Sabbath (which I think is dusk Friday to dusk Saturday) that they cannot operate any electrical / mechanical modern conveniences.
.
I am used to Hollywood Jewish people. This is not really something they partake in – for the most part. Or if they do, they are relatively invisible about it.
.
But this has some unusual side effects in this city. For example, there are high rise buildings that are orthodox friendly where the elevator stops on every floor – because they can use the elevator, but can’t press the floor buttons. Really. I am not making this up for a joke or anything.
.
It actually turns out this is a big deal for co-ops here and a reason that many people will or will not move into a building. Because while this is convenient for the religiously observant, it is kind of a pain in the ass for others in a high rise. It is one of the things that a co-op has to disclose.
.
There was a question on Salon today where a non-observant Jewish woman was complaining because visitors to her observant neighbor refuse to press the buzzer to announce they are waiting. When she comes out, they go in. But she isn’t comfortable letting in people she doesn’t know.
.
Interesting huh?