Meaning: The quote by Arthur Hertzberg highlights an important aspect of the American Jewish experience, particularly in the early 20th century. Hertzberg, a prominent theologian and historian, suggests that the majority of American Jews in that era came from the lower middle classes, and as a result, they did not bring with them a significant amount of traditional Jewish culture. Instead, their story begins with their arrival at Ellis Island and their subsequent settlement in neighborhoods like the Bronx, where many of them operated small businesses such as candy stores.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States experienced a significant influx of Jewish immigrants, primarily from Eastern Europe. These immigrants often came from impoverished backgrounds and sought better economic opportunities in America. Many of them settled in urban areas like New York City, where they formed tight-knit communities and established businesses to support themselves and their families.

The notion that most American Jews came from the lower middle classes is significant because it speaks to the socioeconomic context in which they found themselves upon their arrival in the United States. Unlike some other immigrant groups who may have had more resources to preserve and maintain their cultural traditions, the Jewish immigrants often had to prioritize economic survival, which meant that aspects of their traditional Jewish culture were not as prominently preserved or passed down to the next generation.

The reference to Ellis Island is also noteworthy as it symbolizes the point of entry for millions of immigrants to the United States. For many Jewish immigrants, Ellis Island was the first place they set foot on American soil, marking the beginning of their journey to a new life in a new country. The experience of passing through Ellis Island was often overwhelming, with immigrants facing medical inspections, bureaucratic processes, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead in their adopted homeland.

Furthermore, Hertzberg's mention of the candy store in the Bronx serves as a metaphor for the types of businesses that many Jewish immigrants established as they sought to carve out a livelihood in America. The image of the candy store evokes a sense of humble entrepreneurship and hard work, reflecting the determination of these immigrants to build a better future for themselves and their families.

In examining the American Jewish story in this context, it becomes clear that the early immigrant experience was shaped by the need to adapt to a new environment while simultaneously striving for economic stability. This often meant that the transmission of traditional Jewish culture was not as robust as it might have been in other circumstances. Instead, the focus was on integration into American society while also striving to maintain a sense of Jewish identity in the face of the challenges of acculturation.

Hertzberg's quote sheds light on the complexities of the American Jewish experience, emphasizing the intersection of class, culture, and immigration. It invites us to consider the ways in which historical and social factors have influenced the evolution of Jewish identity in the United States, from the early days of immigration through to the present day. While the American Jewish story may have begun with modest beginnings in places like Ellis Island and the Bronx, it has since evolved into a rich and diverse tapestry of cultural, religious, and communal expression across the country.

In conclusion, Arthur Hertzberg's quote encapsulates the early experiences of American Jews, highlighting their origins in the lower middle classes, their journey through Ellis Island, and their entrepreneurial spirit in neighborhoods like the Bronx. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of Jewish immigrants in the face of new challenges, while also prompting us to reflect on the ways in which their experiences have shaped the broader narrative of American Jewish identity.