I have some thoughts on the difference between saying you’re welcoming and being welcoming. The former is easy and the latter takes genuine thought, action, and empathy. Here’s why I’m thinking about this at all:
Last month I wrote an article for Kveller.com wondering if I spend too much thinking about Judaism in general. It was also a discussion about how many Jews instantly feel a connection to other Jews. And THAT (in the comments on Facebook) morphed into an entirely different discussion about whether or not we, as a community, are too exclusive.
What came out of all that (not last month’s article, but the comments) were honest and strong feelings about the challenge of making new friends as an adult. One of my rabbis also challenged me to NOT only describe the issue, but to offer some solutions. How could I not rise to the challenge? I also couldn’t see all those strong—and some hurt—feelings in the comments without addressing that particular piece of the puzzle.
So, I present my follow up via Kveller.com: “There’s a Difference Between Saying You’re Welcoming & Being Welcoming.”
Let me know what you think! And it’s not about Judaism at all by the way. Really, it’s about making room for new people in your life.
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