The Great Hasidic Headcount: A Totally Unofficial Investigation
Ah, New York City. Where the bagels are schmeared to perfection, the traffic horns play a never-ending symphony, and trying to figure out how many of anything there are is like counting pigeons in Central Park (spoiler alert: it's a lot). So, the burning question on everyone's mind (or at least yours, because you just asked): how many Hasidic Jews are there in the concrete jungle?
Well, buckle up, because this is where things get interesting. There's no official tally, and counting them yourself might get you some serious side-eye (plus, it's kinda rude). But fear not, intrepid data enthusiast! We've got some detective work to do.
What the rumour mill says:
- We hear whispers of a sizeable number, like a really big number. We're talking hundreds of thousands big.
- Some reports throw around the figure of 200,000, which sounds like enough people to fill a stadium...with room for some kugel on the side.
But is that all she wrote?
Probably not. Here's why:
- Baby Boomers of Brooklyn: Hasidic families are known for their, ahem, enthusiasm for procreation. Lots of kids means a growing population.
- The Hipster Effect (Wait, what?): Believe it or not, Williamsburg's Hasidic community has become a bit of a tourist attraction. Turns out, those long black coats and fedoras add a certain, shall we say, exotic flair to the neighborhood.
So, where do we stand?
The truth is, we can't say for sure. But here's the takeaway: there are a whole lot of Hasidic Jews in NYC, and they're a vibrant part of the city's cultural tapestry.
P.S. If you ever do find yourself counting Hasidic Jews (not recommended!), be sure to do it discreetly. Maybe count pigeons instead – they're less judgemental and easier to spot while casually strolling down the street with a bagel in hand.
