Meaning: The quote "During the Second World War, evacuated to non-Jewish households, I encountered Christianity at home and in school" by Lionel Blue, a clergyman, reflects his experience as a Jewish child during a tumultuous period in history. The quote suggests that during the war, when many Jewish families were evacuated to non-Jewish households for safety, Blue had his first exposure to Christianity in a domestic and educational setting.

Lionel Blue was born in 1930 in the East End of London, and his family was part of the Jewish community. When World War II broke out, many Jewish families, like Blue's, were evacuated from the cities to avoid the dangers of bombing raids. During this time, children were often sent to live with non-Jewish families in the countryside or in safer areas. This experience of being evacuated to non-Jewish households would have exposed Blue to a different religious and cultural environment than the one he was accustomed to within the Jewish community.

The quote also mentions encountering Christianity "at home and in school," indicating that Blue was immersed in Christian practices and teachings during his time with the non-Jewish families and in the educational institutions he attended. This exposure to Christianity would have been a significant departure from his Jewish upbringing and would have likely raised questions and sparked curiosity about the beliefs and practices of this different faith.

As a clergyman, Lionel Blue became known for his openness and willingness to engage with people of all faiths and backgrounds. His experiences during the war, including the exposure to Christianity while evacuated to non-Jewish households, likely played a formative role in shaping his inclusive and compassionate approach to interfaith dialogue and understanding.

The quote also hints at the broader historical context of World War II and its impact on religious and cultural identities. The war not only disrupted the lives of millions of individuals but also brought people of different backgrounds into closer contact with one another. For many, this contact led to new and sometimes challenging experiences as they encountered unfamiliar beliefs and traditions.

Lionel Blue's quote serves as a reminder of the ways in which historical events can shape individual experiences and perspectives. It also underscores the importance of empathy and understanding across religious and cultural boundaries, especially in times of upheaval and displacement.

In conclusion, Lionel Blue's quote about encountering Christianity while evacuated to non-Jewish households during the Second World War offers insight into his personal journey and the broader themes of interfaith interaction during a tumultuous period in history. His experiences during the war likely influenced his later work as a clergyman and advocate for interfaith understanding, making this quote a poignant reflection of the impact of historical events on individual lives.