 by Marcia Nichols
taken from Reform Judaism magazine
The commandment to "Remember the stranger, for you were once strangers in a strange land" (Deuteronomy 10:19) reminds us that connecting with strangers in creating community can be difficult, especially if we tend to be shy, but is nonetheless a Jewish imperative. Here are eight ways to help you get past your "I don't know what to say" stumbling block and greet a stranger on Shabbat.
1. Introduce yourself before the service. "Let me introduce myself. I am __ and I have been a member here for __ years. I am happy to meet you.... Shabbat Shalom."
2. Choose your words carefully to avoid embarrassment in the case that "the stranger" is new to you but not to the synagogue. "I have been a member here for __ years, and don't know if we've ever met, but let me introduce myself."
3. Show your interest in the newcomer by asking a question, such as, "Hi! How are you?" or "What brings you here tonight?" followed by an introduction. "Let me introduce myself.
I am __."
4. Offer a genuine compliment after the service. "Hi, I am __. You really read Hebrew well," or "I enjoyed listening to your singing," or "You didn't fall asleep once" (humor can be effective)....
5. Mention areas of commonality. "Hello. My name is __. We sat in the same aisle. May I accompany you to the oneg ?"
6. Refer to the service. "I hope you enjoyed the service," or "Did you enjoy the service?"
7. Make eye contact. Looking someone in the eye is a critical first step in initiating a conversation.
8. Smile. Communicating with friendly gestures and actions count as much as welcoming words.
The power to be an inviting presence rests fully within each of us. It is not beyond us; it is an emotional muscle we should exercise often. In putting aside our fears to welcome a newcomer, we remember that we, too, have been strangers in a strange land. And as we cultivate the habit of genuinely welcoming others, the strangers we encounter today may well become our new friends of tomorrow. Marcia Nichols, longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, Texas, is active in the synagogue's Ambassador program, which matches established congregants with new members to foster a welcoming and caring congregational community.
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The Rochester Kollel offers both one time and longer-term learning opportunities for adults. Because Jewish learning never stops.
The Rochester Kollel: The Temple B’rith Kodesh Center for Lifelong Jewish exploration, in memory of Ida Dosberg DeLeeuw is deeply thankful to the Paul P. Dosberg Foundation for its generous support. The Rochester Kollel has been named to honor the memory of longtime resident, and member of Temple B’rith Kodesh, Ida Dosberg DeLeeuw.
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Temple B'rith Kodesh's Religious School (preschool through High School) is one of the country's twenty Nationally Accredited Religious Schools, and the only one so recognized in Western New York.
We aim to help our students become Jews who cherish their Judaic heritage, who know and understand our history, who participate in Jewish worship and who feel kinship with, and responsibility for the welfare of, Jews around the world.
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 Rabbi Kotok is planning a trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest in April 2012.
See the trip flyer. Contact the Rabbi's Study at 244-7060 ext. 227 or rabbistudy[at]tbk.org to let them know if you would like to go.
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 A Zionist Boyhood in
1930s Palestine
A Discussion with
Aaron Braveman
Video Available of this program held January 31st
Aaron Braveman, a native Rochesterian and the former educational director of Temple B'rith Kodesh, moved to Palestine with his mother and brothers in 1927, when he was eight years old. The family returned to Rochester in 1936, when Aaron was 17 years old.  In conversation with Peter Eisenstadt, the author of Affirming the Covenant, Aaron will offer his memories of an American growing up in Palestine including:
- His experiences living in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
- His involvement with Zionism
- His memories of the land and its people
- Eight decades of observing the changes to the Zionist enterprise and Israel.
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