I’m a liberal person in a liberal college town looking to join a liberal fellowship, which all feels fine except for the fact that I’m Jewish. I’ve recently had a very hard time finding true acceptance in communities because they jump to conclusions upon learning I’m Jewish, even once I think I’ve eased their worries. Too many people think I support genocide (I don’t) no matter what I say. Is this likely going to be a problem at a UU fellowship? I’m tempted to just not mention to anyone that I’m Jewish. I’ve already been subject to hate crimes in this town; I don’t need more.

I’m also a bit concerned that some of the practices at my local fellowship border on cultural appropriation. There’s something about chanting in Sanskrit that makes me feel like it would be offensive for me, a white woman who has never stepped foot in India, to join in.

It’s already out of my comfort zone because there doesn’t appear to be anyone from my generation there - seems like the youngest folks are in their 60s. I’m not sure how much more discomfort I’m willing to knowingly subject myself to.

Can anyone offer some clarity on this? Are these common things to question with UU?