Question
I have some Jewish acquaintances who refer to me as “Goy” because I am a non-Jew. As I understand, “Goy” has an edge of insult to it. Am I correct in this understanding? Is Gentile the “polite” term for a non-Jew?
Answer
The word, “Goy,” means a nation. Israel is called a “Goy” many times in the Torah. But, you are correct, that in today’s manner of speaking the word has a slight negative connotation to it. Gentile or non-Jew would be much better terms.
All the Best,
Rabbi Azriel Schreiber