I moved to the area for a job over a year ago. I have been disconnected from my Jewish heritage for a long time and I got up the nerve to stop by this shul trying to reconnect. I was new to the area and I was looking to make friends, as well.I went twice and each time I got a strange comment from the Rabbi, as opposed to being welcomed!I had to work up the nerve to even go inside, in the first place. Now, I am using the meetup app and facebook to connect with people and to try to make some friends! I am going through a difficult family situation and I was desperate to connect with people!I am not a beggar! I was orphaned in Europe at a young age due to violence and came to the US at age 15. Since then I earned my PhD and I have a decent job!