Would a Jew be accepted in Missouri society?

Question

My husband is Jewish and we would like to move out of California. He's very concerned with rural areas that have many church's and no Temples or Synagogues. Realistically are there still hateful people that shun you from their community for being Jewish?? We are looking at an area outside, western of Cape Cape Girardeau MO. Honest answers only please.

Answer 1

I cant speak for my whole state, but in St.Louis a Jew is accepted in our society just as well as a Muslim, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Mormon, Wiccan, Russian Orthodox...etc, or an Atheist for that matter would be. The lou may not be the big apple, the windy city, or the city of the angels, but we too are a diverse city on a smaller scale, and have people of many faiths/non faith that call this city home, and no one bothers them for their beliefs, and I doubt any of my fellow Missourians could be shallow enough to either.

Answer 2

The larger the community the better chance of having Temples or Synagogues. I could be wrong but unless a person wears their religion on their sleeve or brings it up as a topic at every opportunity, I dont see religion as being any problem.

I live pretty close to Chicago but hunt very close to mid-east Missouri. Yes, people are different in different regions but what I have seen is most people are actually very nice. I am definitely a realist and know my share of not so nice people.

If it is rural you are looking for sounds like you already have a pretty good plan. I'd take a one week visit in the area and go to alot of stores and restaurants etc. You'll get a feel for people pretty quick I think.

Good luck in you new location.

Answer 3

I live in a fairly rural part of Wisconsin. My husband and I are Jews. We both would prefer to practice Orthodox but because of work restrictions (he's a cop) and relatively limited number of places he can work (he's a federal cop on military posts), there's only so much we can do. We have found two good synagoges within an hour's drive of where we live. Both are Conservative and recognize the need for people to earn a living, as well as observe their faith. We haven't had any problems within the religious community. If you do an on line search for synagogues in the area you're looking to move to, you should be able to get an accurate idea of what's available.

As far as the general community, we've been fairly lucky. We've both run into low level harassement at work that stems from unfamiliarity and lack of knowledge. As we've educated our co-workers and supervisors, the behavior/comments have stopped. I've seen people slow down driving past our house after dark during Hanuakkah, I think out of sheer surprise at seeing a real live lighted menorah.

I don't know how strictly you keep kosher. The only item we have trouble with is meat (of course) but the synagogue we prefer going to puts in group orders to a kosher butcher about once a month. Most of the small scattered synagogues in the area seem to do this, I would imagine it to be the same in MO. The grocery stores we patronize all carry a large selection of circle U and other reputable kosher certified products.

We moved here from Seattle and we did have to make some changes to the way we practice our religion in order to settle here. But the slower pace of life is definitely worth it. In general, I've found the middle of the country less aware of what sort of comments/behavior are anti semetic but if their actions are pointed out repectfully, most are apologetic and eager to learn.

Answer 4

I have lived in this area all my life and can honestly say I have not personally known a person of the Jewish faith. I know there are Jewish people in the area. As far as treatment is concerned, well, we have a few mosques in the area and I have not heard any issues with them. However, I know of one incident with a Jewish family. They lived in a rural suburb and their backyard was adjacent to the two-lane highway in the area. I drove by this house on a daily basis as part of my work commute. This family flew an Israeli flag on their property near the highway. A few days later all that remained was the loop and some shreds that were left after it was cut off. Was this an act of hatred or just some punk kids...???...not sure. Honestly though, we have different sects of Christianity here that take shots at one another. Most people I see tend not to wear their religion on their sleeves to avoid defending their view, be it catholic, baptist, Methodist, or what have you.

Answer 5

You should be fine. I live in a smaller Missouri town outside of St. Louis and I don't have any problems with Jewish people. Everyone is equal and entitled to their own beliefs. My family is friends with a Jewish family and nobody has a problem with it. St. Louis has a couple of synagogues if you ever travel up north from Cape. Good luck and welcome if you move to Missouri.

Answer 6

I live in a small town in Missouri and I know several Jewish families in our community. But growing up I lived in St. Louis County and had many Jewish friends. Missourians are generally very nice accepting people. Not too many people are going to judge you on your religion and if they do then they aren't worth talking to. Good luck.

Answer 7

Sure. Lot's of Jews in Missouri. Ya'll shouldn't have a problem. Try finding an internet group in that area.

Answer 8

You won't have a problem. Most people are open and welcoming. Contact the nearest town with a synagogue and ask for infomation.

Answer 9

Don't see any reason why you wouldn't be accepted except if you push your beliefs on others or become overbearing...