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'An immediate sense of community' | East TN family reflects on Hanukkah celebrations

Marilyn Kalley said she always connected with local Jewish communities whenever she moved to a new city.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Hanukkah is wrapping up. Marilyn Kallet now lives in Knoxville and said she is an active member of the local Jewish community. She has always counted on the local Jewish community when moving to a new city. 

"I was really lonely, and someone said, 'Go to the temple,' and they instantly were like, 'Hi!' with open arms. It was an immediate sense of community," said Kallet. 

Kallet still remembers her mother decorating the house with traditional Jewish decorations and making special foods during Hanukkah. It's something that she now understands was important for her upbringing.

"It was an attempt to compensate for the fact that we were the only Jewish family in the neighborhood," said Kallet.

As she grew up, Kallet realized that her heritage was celebrated in the family, but they feared publicly embracing their culture. 

"We never had outdoor decorations growing up, because we never wanted to be a target. You don't see that. You see Christmas lights, but you don't see anyone with a big Jewish star out," said Kallet.  

When Kallet had a daughter, she wanted to change that narrative, she taught her at an early age that being Jewish was something to embrace. 

"Antisemitism is something that is an issue across the whole world, so it's important to teach our kids to hang their heads high and not hide," said Kallet. 

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