"Most American Jews came from the lower middle classes, and therefore they brought with them not a lot of Jewish culture. The American Jewish story starts with Ellis Island, and the candy store in the Bronx"

This quote by Arthur Hertzberg speaks to the experience of many American Jews in the early 20th century. It suggests that most American Jews were from the lower middle classes, and as an outcome, they did not bring with them a lot of Jewish culture. Rather, their American Jewish story started when they got to Ellis Island, and continued in the candy stores of the Bronx. This quote speaks to the concept that the American Jewish experience was one of assimilation and adaptation, as Jews needed to adapt to a brand-new culture and environment. It also talks to the concept that the American Jewish experience was one of upward mobility, as lots of Jews were able to go up the social ladder and end up being effective. Ultimately, this quote speaks with the unique experience of American Jews, and how they were able to develop a new identity for themselves in a colony.