There was an established custom in Jerusalem. When a cloth was tacked onto a door, strangers were welcome to enter and partake of a meal. While we no longer spread a cloth on the door to indicate that strangers are welcome, or remove it to inform them that they are not wanted, doors in our day continue to reveal the character and the mood of the people they shelter. When we pass a Jewish door with a horseshoe nailed on it, regardless of whether the prongs face up or down, it tells us that the people residing in that house are ignorant of the meaning and purpose of their religion and are downright superstitious. A mezuzah on the door tells us that the people inside believe in the God of our people.
Chances are that they have a positive relationship to Jewish interests and ideals.
We have given to Mizrachi, Hadassah, the Heart or Cancer Funds. If we see a Siddur , a Chumash and other books on Judaism on the shelves, it is heartwarming. If there is a Chanukah Menorah and Sabbath candlesticks on the mantlepiece, we know that it is contributing to the survival of our Faith. When this Synagogue was built and we went to members of the community to solicit funds, we were usually welcomed with a warm handshake at the door. There were, however, instances when the doors were, figuratively speaking, slammed in our faces, and other doors were bolted before us.