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 Life-Cycle Outreach
There are so many occasions when we can reach out to people in the course of life. Special days such as birthdays and anniversaries are great opportunities to:
1. Reach out and show someone that you care
2. Inspire them in a Jewish way
Here are some ways to do this:
1. Make a list of the dates of birthdays and anniversaries of the unaffiliated people you know.
2. If you do not know when they are, call them (or email them) to find out. They will be touched just by this.
3. On their birthday / anniversary, contact then to wish them a happy year whether by phone (better) or e-mail. This again shows that they are special to you and in itself can be very touching.
4. Even better is to send a personalized card (as well).
5. Even better is to send a gift!
These gifts can be:
(i) Of a general nature - something that they need or would appreciate even if it has nothing to do with Judaism or
(ii) Something related to Judaism . . .
Think what area of life they need help in, enjoy, or are involved in, and think if there's something Jewish that might help or be appreciated. Just be careful that it comes across as thoughtful, not as I'm trying to "get you into Judaism." Use your intuition to clarify whether they will respond positively. Perhaps take a look at a Judaica store (e.g. Eichler's) or go online to a Judaica store - whether books or gifts this can offer a beautiful connection for them to their heritage (e.g. go to http://www.judaicawebstore.com/aish/ or www.koshergiftbaskets.com).
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