Muslim handles chores for Jews during Sabbath

In a city marinated in archaic traditions, rigid rituals and surreal customs, Abu Ali still has one of Jerusalem’s oddest jobs.

This 52-year-old Muslim works for Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish community as a so-called Shabbos goy — a service Barack Obama, Colin Powell and Harry Truman also performed in other communities.

From sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, when strictly observant Jews honor ...