religion

[creeksitter]

I've lived most of my adult life in Knoxville and don't recall hearing any disparaging remarks about Jewish people.

[Vanderbiltgrad]

Have a blessed day is said everywhere now not just the South.

[NJDevil]

Barry, NYS gave you the best answer.

[siameseifyoupls]

Originally Posted by barrysteven

is it possible to live in this bible belt area and not be imposed upon by the evangelicals or other christian believers.are there any/many synagogues in knoxville? i do not want to be discriminated against by anyone.

I'm so tired of this question.

[NYS2Tennessee]

Originally Posted by Vanderbiltgrad

Have a blessed day is said everywhere now not just the South.

Not with nearly as much regularity. I never heard anyone say that before moving south.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by barrysteven

is it possible to live in this bible belt area and not be imposed upon by the evangelicals or other christian believers.are there any/many synagogues in knoxville? i do not want to be discriminated against by anyone.

You should have no problems unless you live in a very small rural area.

[BGCTFL]

Originally Posted by barrysteven

is it possible to live in this bible belt area and not be imposed upon by the evangelicals or other christian believers.are there any/many synagogues in knoxville? i do not want to be discriminated against by anyone.

And, it's a pretty safe bet that the Evangelicals and other Christian believers do not want to be discriminated against either.

[barb712]

Originally Posted by barrysteven

is it possible to live in this bible belt area and not be imposed upon by the evangelicals or other christian believers.are there any/many synagogues in knoxville? i do not want to be discriminated against by anyone.

My husband and I are non-religious Jews who grew up in NYC. We retired not to Knoxville but a few hours away in NW South Carolina. Although we're not religious, we were raised with our core beliefs and identify as Jewish. We tiptoed around when we first moved down here for fear of discrimination or proselytizing. After three years here, it turns out that the subject seldom comes up. We usually get away with "we don't go to church" and that's the end of that. I found many more uncomfortable encounters up in New York by born-again Christians, Buddhist chanters, Moonies, Hare Krishnas, etc. who stopped me on the street and wanted to convert me right there.

A couple of our neighbors know we're Jewish. Their reactions were, "Oh, you're the Chosen People!" when I spoke with them. I chuckled, we found our common ground and realized we believe in the same God and really don't discuss the details. They're good neighbors to us and vice-versa. Strangers don't stop us on the street and try to save us. We just don't bring it up with strangers, not even acquaintances.

Let's face it, we represent 0.2% of the world population - not many of us. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in New York, where so many of us live and it's easy to just be. Once you step outside of there, it's different. I've learned to blend and tiptoe all my life because of this, living in various other places including Europe. Being American is enough of a gap to bridge; being a Jewish American adds another layer to say the least.

All that said, there are synagogues all over South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and according to what someone posted above Tennessee as well. I don't go but feel secure enough knowing they're there.

[Beretta]

Thanks for the replies. There have been plenty of replies and the thread is now drifting off of Knoxville. Thread closed.