No Hospitality Committee at your Shul? Don’t Worry!
Many shuls do not have a hospitality committee in place, and due to that, many singles or newbies feel unwelcome when they are first in a shul. If you are the social outgoing one who is single or even married, maybe the Hospitality Committee starts with you. Talk to your Rabbi and ask about starting a program where new people get welcomed and invited for Shabbos meals, events, etc. and feels warm and welcome to the Jewish Community you already know and love.
If you are someone that wants to take on Hospitality, talk to the Rabbi about an idea that can be as easy as: At the end of Maariv, Shachrit, Mincha; ask the congregants to raise their hands for those who doesn’t have a meal or a place to go. Then the inviting starts flowing; people raise hands and others are ready to accept those guests for meals.
If you are new to a Shul and one of those that are not as social and there is no hospitality committee in place; talk to the Rabbi and ask to set you up with families or other young professionals/singles in your age group for meals. This will make you feel invited and welcome to the community. It only takes a few people’s invites and lunches before your part of the Jewish Community.
Other Ideas:
- Chabad shuls in major cities often attract young professional and/or single orthodox jews who are looking to find others, friends, dates, etc. They host large events and the rabbis are often social indivdiduals and love making introductions.
- Young Israel type communities or Post-Yeshiva-esque shuls are great places for young people to meet others as well.
- Focus on finding those that are social who can introduce you to others and can be your Friendly advocate for you in the community.
Truly, you will never feel alone if you focus on building your own mini friend network using some hospitality committee tactics or by meeting Rabbis at Shuls and having them introduce you to others.
