I hesitate to suggest a “first step” because that would imply that there is a “one size fits all” approach to sharing the beauty of our heritage with a fellow Jew. There are really no rights or wrongs when it comes to sharing our Yiddishkeit; so much of it has to do with who you both are and what your relationship is like.
However, one thing is clear, the better your relationship is with another person the easier it is to share anything with them, whether about Judaism or anything else. A real relationship, based on care and mutual respect, and sharing your lives with one another is really the only “first step”.
Getting together for coffee or lunch and just talking about your lives, your achievements and challenges, creates opportunities for sincere dialogue that will include things that are important to you such as Yiddishkeit.
At the right time, questions are always a great way of opening up a discussion on Jewish issues. For example, have you ever thought of doing any adult Jewish learning? Why do you think there is such a double standard when it comes to Israel? Have you ever thought of keeping kosher at home, or sending your kids to a Jewish day school or camp? How would you feel about your child intermarrying? Questions imply mutual respect and encourage dialogue, as opposed to well-meaning suggestions that could be taken the wrong way.
Depending upon your relationship, your personalities, and your likes and dislikes, there are various ways to share your Judaism with others. The rule is that there is no rule and whatever you do should develop organically through your relationship. However, a combination of any of the following in any order is appropriate:
Shabbat and Yom Tov. Inviting Jews for Shabbat is a great way to engage or deepen relationships and really to show one of the pivotal Joys of Judaism.
Sharing family simchas/celebrations. There is nothing like the depth and meaning of our simchas and it is a great way to introduce people to the joys of our heritage.
Share Torah. Jewish wisdom is the key to our personal growth in life, and sharing that wisdom with others will enable growth, helping to become better spouses, parents and just better people. You can enter into a chavrusa relationship where you learn once a week, or you might begin by sharing Jewish wisdom before the various holidays; this is often a time when people are very grateful to have some deeper more meaningful ideas than what they learned in Hebrew school. (Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers, you are not the “Rabbi or Rebbetzin” and can discover the answers together)
Be a Shadchan/matchmaker. You can also keep your eyes and ears open for programs and experiences that might appeal to your friend, such as a trip to Israel, a Jewish young professional’s program, an NCSY program for teens, or even suggest that they can learn about any topic they might want through the Project Inspire One on One learning program.
Pray. Ask G-d to help connect our brothers and sisters to His beautiful Torah, in the right way and at the right time.
