On Site
“People are looking for something that will fit in with their life-style; something that will light their love for everything Jewish,” says Rabbi Stern. That’s why “The Rabbi Without Walls” offers a variety of options. Interested in a one-on-one visit or pizza and chillin? Looking for a counseling workshop that explains the principles of mind, consciousness and thought? A motivational speaker? Someone to prepare your son for his bar mitzvah or your daughter for her bat mitzvah? Just call “The Rabbi Without Walls”.
Discussing one of the keys to kiruv work, Rabbi Stern mentions comfort. “No one should feel uncomfortable. A person needs to land in a place that fits them,” he says. In Philadelphia, this caveat meant that anyone coming to shul could choose between attending a regular service or a class that focused on the meaning of prayer. “One family began to attend while their daughter was dating a non-Jew,” says Rabbi Stern. “Today the whole family is observant.”
Where is “The Rabbi Without Walls” Heading?
Rabbi Stern is a man with a vision. “‘The Rabbi Without Walls’ could grow to be a world-wide network. Just as we have Chabad rabbis all over the world working to bring people closer to Judaism, RWW could be doing them same – drawing people closer to Judaism by working with the local infrastructure to find the place that suits them best. It all starts with building a relationship. And the secret to doing that Rabbi Stern learned from his mentor, Rabbi Noach Orlowek. Remember that ‘Whatever’s important to you is important to me.’”
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One Heart Workshops
After the Sterns’ twelve-year-old daughter Shoshana passed away on April 14, 2013, Rabbi Stern was inspired to begin his One Heart workshops. “Shoshie was exceptional at seeing people for who they were despite their social standing or their level of religious observance,” says Rabbi Stern. “She would lovingly give up her seat to any newcomer to the class. She would insist on including the less popular girls in the class social life. And yet, she was a normal kid who loved painting her nails and going shopping,” he says. One incident in particular stands out in Rabbi Stern’s mind: “During the shiva, a non-Jewish lady told us that towards Pesach she had been approached by kids selling kosher-for-Pesach chocolates. Shoshie was the only girl who came by even after selling her the chocolate.” Shoshie saw everyone as worthy of affections. Shoshie’s ability to make everyone feel accepted and beloved has become the lodestone of the One Heart workshops that Rabbi Stern imparts in school settings. “This is the way every Jew should live,” he says.
Kiruv Tools
Notice that someone exits.
Don’t try to do anything. Just be yourself.
Take an interest in the people you meet. Share the moment with them. Practice deep listening by leaving yourself out of the picture and putting the other person in the center.
Remember that the goal of your interaction is to build a relationship. Get to know the person and let the person get to know you.