You're staring at the grid. The clock is ticking—maybe you're at the 25-second mark and trying to beat your personal best. Then you hit it: certain religious Jews NYT Mini.
It's one of those clues that feels like it has a dozen possible answers. Are they talking about a specific sect? Is it a Hebrew term? Or maybe a more general English word? If you are stuck on the five-letter variation that often pops up in the New York Times Mini Crossword, the answer you're likely hunting for is HASID.
If the grid calls for a plural (seven letters), it’s HASIDIM.
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Honestly, the Mini is famous for these kinds of clues. They aren't meant to be impossible, but they require a specific type of lateral thinking that connects religious history with modern vocabulary. Let's break down why this specific clue trips people up and what you actually need to know about the people behind the word.
Why "Hasid" is the Go-To Answer
The NYT editors love the word Hasid because it’s a perfect crossword "staple." It has a high vowel-to-consonant ratio and uses common letters like H, S, and D, which makes it easy to bridge with other words.
When you see certain religious Jews NYT Mini as a clue, you’re basically looking for a member of a specific branch of Haredi Judaism. Hasidism started back in the 18th century in Western Ukraine. It was a bit of a revolution at the time. Instead of just focusing on intense, academic study of the Torah, it emphasized a personal connection with God, joy, and mysticism.
The word itself comes from the Hebrew Chesed, which means "loving-kindness." So, a Hasid is literally a "pious one."
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Other Possibilities You Might Encounter
Crosswords are tricky. While HASID is the heavyweight champion of this clue, keep these in your back pocket just in case the letter count doesn't match:
- ORTHODOX: Too long for the Mini usually, but it shows up in the 15x15 Sunday puzzles.
- SECT: Only four letters, but sometimes used to describe the group itself.
- ESSENE: A five-letter word for an ancient religious group, though they haven't been around for a couple of thousand years.
- AMISH: Often used as a "misdirection" clue because both groups are known for traditional dress and avoiding certain modern technologies.
The Culture Behind the Clue
Understanding the context makes the game more fun. When the NYT refers to certain religious Jews, they are pointing toward a vibrant, living community primarily found in Brooklyn (places like Williamsburg and Boro Park), Israel, and parts of Europe.
You've probably seen them. Men often wear long black coats (rekels) and fur hats (shtreimels) on Shabbat. Women dress modestly, often wearing wigs (sheitels) after marriage. It's a world built on deep communal ties and traditions that have survived against incredible odds.
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In the context of the NYT Mini, the clue is a nod to the newspaper's home base. New York City has the largest population of Hasidim outside of Israel. For a local solver, this isn't just "trivia"—it’s the guy they saw at the deli or the family they passed on the subway.
Solving Strategy for the NYT Mini
The Mini is a sprint. You don't have time to ponder the theological nuances of the Baal Shem Tov (the founder of Hasidism). You need the answer now.
If you're stuck on a clue like certain religious Jews NYT Mini, check the "crosses" (the words that intersect it).
- Look for the 'S' or 'D': These are common anchor points for this answer.
- Pluralization: If the clue is "Certain religious Jew" (singular), go with HASID. If it's "Certain religious Jews" (plural), try HASIDIM.
- The "H" Factor: If the first letter is H, it’s almost certainly Hasid.
Sometimes the clue might be more specific, like "Brooklyn-based religious group." In that case, the answer might be CHABAD, which is one of the most well-known Hasidic movements. They are the ones often seen with "Mitzvah Tanks" or doing outreach at colleges.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Puzzle
Don't let a five-letter word ruin your streak. Here is how to handle these types of clues moving forward:
- Memorize the "Crosswordese": Words like HASID, ALOE, AREA, and ETUI (a small needle case) appear constantly. Learning them is like learning the "meta" of a video game.
- Read the Plurals: Always check if the clue is asking for a person or a group. That 'S' at the end of the clue is a 90% guarantee you need an 'S' or an 'M' (for Hebrew plurals) at the end of your answer.
- Use the Reveal Tool Sparingly: If you're really stuck, use the "Check Square" feature instead of "Reveal Word." It keeps the challenge alive while nudging you in the right direction.
Next time you see certain religious Jews NYT Mini, you won't even have to think. Type in H-A-S-I-D and move on to the next one. Your PB (personal best) depends on it.