“Come to Hillel with me for Shabbat tonight!”  I coax one of my friends.

“Eh, I don’t think I’m Jewish enough to go to services on a Friday.” She tells me.

I’m suddenly grateful that this exchange occurred via text message. Had the conversation occurred in person, I don’t think she would have liked the visible frustration on my face.

It’s completely possible that I take my surroundings for granted: my friends -  the people I am with on a daily basis, whether sitting in my living room or watching TV at Hillel – all appreciate the power of the “Shabbat experience.” But, of course, there are others! Those who don’t necessarily feel 100% comfortable during services. Judaism is a religion rich with tradition: in the prayers we chant; the times we stand; the times we bow; shuckling; davening; the outsider must wonder: what is all this stuff!? The problem arises, though, when those questioning aren’t goyim, but rather, Jews. Our t’fillot is powerful for those who experience it, but it must look completely foreign and overwhelming for Jews who didn’t grow up in shul or in one of our many youth movements. Our prayer, which we love so dearly, makes other Jews feel not Jewish enough.

I remember the feeling: in sixth grade at Capital Camps, in beautiful (hickville) Waynesbor, PA. I was the kid, nearing Bar Mitzvah, who knew the basics (I could already harmonize to Debbie’s Mi Sheibeirach). But then staff and older campers began donning tallitot, t’fillin, they began shuckling, and I had no clue what to do. I didn’t feel “Jewish enough,” but knew that I wanted to, so I took it upon myself to learn.

I wish Hillel; congregations; youth movements, would have a day revolving around reaching out to those who do not feel Jewish enough. Where we open our arms and our doors and we apologize: for ignoring them for so long; for letting them feel like outsiders in a community in which they have every right to belong; for not explaining what and why earlier.

If you look at the numbers, they will tell you that this Jewish community of ours – Nationally and worldwide – is not growing. We cannot afford to let these Jews vanish from our midst because they feel like outsiders.

This Shabbat I’m bringing a friend to services. It is imperative that you do the same. I will point in the prayer book; explain  the choreography of t’fillah; answer any questions.

I will hold hold my arms wide open, and as I welcome the Sabath Bride, so too will I welcome another member of our community. Another member of our tribe.

On this Shabbat I hope we can all realize our power to make another feel welcomed in our community. Make it happen – it’s an amazing feeling.

Shabbat Shalom.