PBC –
What I meant by “THE place” is that, properly observed, Yidishket and Emunas Hashem have proven to be a very good and wholesome way of life. Yes, there are rules and restrictions, and yes, sometimes its a challenge, but in the long run, it pays to be part of the klal.
The problem your friend may have is that all she saw growing up is the “burden” of being frum, and not enough of the joy. Is Shabbos a good thing? It depends how you look at it. If as a kid you hear “we can’t work on Saturday, and my competetion is going to steal all my customers” then Shabbos is a bad thing.
If you hear “Shabbos is a time for us to put our daily routine on hold and reconnect with Hashem” then Shabbos is the greatest gift.
The same can be said for all mitzvos (do’s and don’ts). If you look at them as a burden, then being frum is a killer. If you look at them as membership rules to a prestigious club, (one which you want to join because of all the benefits that come with membership)then mitzvos become something you look forward to.
So, Yiddishkeit is THE place to be! (and for those lamdonim out there, I just relazied a great unintended choice of expression. One of Hashem’s names is Hamokom (THE Place!)