Let All Who Are Hungry Come And Eat
Last Thursday I had a young adult gathering in which I asked them why they joined Kol Emeth. To a person, they responded that when they came to Kol Emeth, they immediately felt welcomed, known and seen. A Rabbi came to greet them; multiple people from the community made a point of saying hello and getting to know them. As they got to know the community, they realized this was the place for them. They love our deeply Jewish observant character, and are grateful for our openness and egalitarian quality. But it was that welcome, that sense of being seen, that got them to give us a real look and see they wanted to join.
Similarly, on Shabbat we welcomed an Israeli family for an “emergency” Bar Mitzvah. The family lives in Sunnyvale and had been on their way to Israel for a Bar Mitzvah for their son when Iran attacked Israel. They got stuck in Canada and then made their way back to Sunnyvale. They reached out to us and fortunately we were able to accommodate them.
I watched as these lovely people were graciously and uniformly welcomed. Though we had never met them before, numerous people went over to congratulate them and learn about them. Israeli members went and spoke to them in Hebrew; others came to tell them how wonderful their son is and learn more about them. They were so grateful and happy with the service and with the welcome they received.
That welcome is a deep part of our culture now. When there are new people in Synagogue multiple members come to me, Rabbi Graff, or Sarah Miller and make sure we greet and welcome that new person. At Kiddush, people are quick to invite others to join them. Let all who are hungry come and eat. We are an open community that wants to welcome new people. We know who we are, namely a community that is dedicated to Jewish study and practice, to joy in our celebrations and community, and a deep egalitarian ethical commitment to Israel and the world. By welcoming people, we invite them in.
What can you do to help? First, when you see someone you don’t know or recognize, go and say hello to them. Ask them their name and what brings them to Kol Emeth. If it turns out they are long time members, by the way, ask them about what the Synagogue was like when they joined. Tell them how grateful you are for them. If they are new, get to know them.
Second, when you are at kiddush offer and presume welcome. We should always be quick to offer people a seat next to us, and to introduce ourselves. If we see people sitting at a table and not interacting, we can facilitate introductions. Taking a moment to imagine yourself as a table “host” can engender warmth and connection.
Finally, if you connect with someone, take a next step. Perhaps invite them to take a walk with you or go for a coffee. Invite them to a Shabbat or other holiday meal. I know this is a much bigger step, yet also a lovely way to forge new friendships beyond that initial feeling of welcome.
I am so grateful for the warmth our community offers people. I know how hard it is to seek out a new place. When we welcome, we offer love and show by our actions that being a part of our community will enrich their lives.
I would love to hear from you about your experiences of welcome here and elsewhere. What have you been grateful for? Do you have suggestions for us in our sacred task of welcoming?
Shabbat Shalom and Pesach Samech
Rabbi David Booth
