Had a weird experience in the Orthodox part of Williamsburg today
Got breakfast in the city this morning with some family who were visiting, and after we went our separate ways I decided to walk to my place in Brooklyn. I cross the Bridge into Williamsburg and understand that I have entered an Orthodox Jewish area but don't think much of it. However, as I am crossing toward the street that runs along the BQE, an Orthodox man who was walking in the opposite direction suddenly stops and turns to me. He seemed upset? Like he was going to reprimand me or ask me a hostile question. I was pretty taken aback, but he seemed to stop himself from saying anything and just stared at me. I kept going, and after about 50 feet I turn around and there he was, still staring. I thought to myself, "Well, that's fucking weird" and continued along. Around 5 minutes later though, a Jewish girl gave me an incredulous, skeptical expression, and that's when I began to question if something was provoking these reactions.
I am Jewish through my father, and it's visible. My hair is brown and curly, my nose is pretty big - point being people have generally been able to discern my Jewish heritage on their own, including other Jews. Given that, I am curious if they thought I belonged to their community but was breaking the rules by not being dressed appropriately. What do you think? This has never happened to me before, so I don't know what to make of it and am wondering if anyone has thoughts. I am also a shorter guy in his 20s if that matters.