In this context, it would be said to any person with the same circumstances. You just don't seem to understand the lingo used in normal conversations.This interviewer can be very annoying for other reasons, but I might say the same exact thing.
how about when they're visiting another city and ask a local where the synagogue is and what time they pray
Never seen that, but that would come from a mistaken perception of English lingo used in different places. No way patronizing.Do you carry a chip on your shoulders?