[EinNYC]

I was raised in the heart of the Midwest and attended public school (my parents were not religious). I had one high school teacher who would say, upon my entering the room, "Sniff, sniff, I smell gas. Hitler knew what to do with you people!" He also told me that my skin would make a beautiful lampshade. He was untouchable, as he was a winning track coach. Another teacher in that high school used to put his arm around me and declare, "I love Jewish people!" It was very obvious that he did not. It was the TEACHERS in my high school way more than the students who were blatant antisemites.

I remember being kicked off the honor roll due to a check mark indicating poor behavior. What had I done? I refused to sing Xmas carols in December in music class. The 10 other Jewish kids (out of a class of 2,000) prodded me and urged me to just sing the songs. I refused. I had no problem singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and other songs like that, but no power on earth would move me to sing the religious songs declaring worship of someone I did not. So I endured being put out into the hall during class, getting a checkmark for what they termed misbehavior, and getting knocked off the honor roll. I never told my parents about any of this, as all they would have done was yell a lot and make fools of themselves and me at the school. It was no surprise that I took up the religion my assimilationist parents had cast aside to "get along" and dedicated myself to learning my history and the intricacies of Jewish law. I bow to no one but Ha Kaddosh Baruch Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He"). Libtards and antisemites, be damned.

[Olog-hai]

What part of the heart of the Midwest was so liberal?

[Claud]

When did this happen to you? It sounds like the 50s or 60s.

Good for you for refusing on principle...and I say that as a devout Catholic who despises the secularization of Christmas.

[MayflowerMadam]

“I refused to sing Xmas carols in December in music class.”

It was suggested that I quit our City Choir because I refused to sing “Ave Maria”. So I did.

[Uversabound]

I’m so sorry to hear this. I have learned so much from you over the years reading your posts around these halls. God will make it all up to you. Actually it sounds like you’ve had a good life despite all of this, let’s pray.

[Jonty30]

Those who did that to you were in the wrong. My thought is that they didn’t understand what they were requiring you to do, recognize a Messiah that you could not recognize.

That’s unfortunate.