Jewish Law
The Mitzvah of Hosting Guests: Opening Homes and Hearts
A practical guide to fulfilling this mitzvah and caring for the vulnerable
- Naama Green
- פורסם כ"ב תמוז התשפ"ד
#VALUE!
The Mitzvah of Hospitality
The mitzvah of hospitality reflects the basic values of kindness, generosity, and concern for others. When we host guests, we not only provide them with a place to stay or a warm meal, but also give them a sense of belonging and the reassurance that we respect their dignity.
This mitzvah is mentioned many times in the Torah and in Rabbinical tradition. Avraham Avinu (our forefather Abraham) is considered the exemplary model of hospitality, as he ran to welcome three strangers and offer them the best his home had to offer even when he was sick and weak. Fulfilling this mitzvah serves as a constant reminder of the importance of community and mutual concern for its members.
Regarding the importance of the mitzvah of hospitality, the Talmud states: "This is greater than receiving the Divine Presence." The Sages also state that a table around which a person hosts guests is equivalent to the altar in the Temple, and the food served to guests is equivalent to the sacrifices that were offered on the altar.
The Chofetz Chaim in his book Ahavat Chesed details the obligation of hospitality: "As soon as a guest arrives, food and drink should be placed before him, because he may be hungry and thirsty, and too embarrassed to ask. Everything should be done promptly, so that the guest feels welcome."
This mitzvah is primarily aimed at the poor, who have nowhere to eat or sleep. In our times, the most severe poverty is often emotional and spiritual poverty. The mitzvah of hospitality also incorporates the spiritual dimensions of providing emotional support and guidance. There are people who have lost their direction in life, who have given up on themselves and their future. Good, supportive, warm hospitality can restore their faith that their lives have value, that people appreciate them, enjoy their company, and want to help them. From this, they will draw new strength to continue life. And blessed is the person who knows how to perceive which of their friends needs encouragement.
The Torah calls the Shunamite woman who hosted Elisha "a great woman." The Zohar explains how she earned this title: "A great woman, who is greater than all other women in the world, because with other women, when they see a guest in their home they become distressed ... all the more so if it means spending money on them, but this woman rejoiced in her guest, and spent money on him ... Therefore all the praise belongs to the woman, because a guest in the house is the woman's responsibility, and because of this it is written 'and there was a great woman' who is greater than other women..."
Practical Examples for Fulfilling the Mitzvah
Inviting friends and family for a meal: Host friends and family in your home for a Shabbat meal, or even a regular meal during the week.
Hosting people who would otherwise be alone: Invite people who have nowhere to celebrate holidays, such as the elderly or people who don't have close family nearby.
Supporting families of the sick: If you live near a hospital, you can host family members of patients who are hospitalized far from their homes.
Open house: Understanding the magnitude and importance of this mitzvah will help you be ready and available to open your home and heart to passersby who are in need, and to offer a hot drink or bowl of soup to anyone who happens to drop by.
Hosting new members of the community: Invite people who have recently joined your community for a meal or social activity, to make them feel welcome and accepted.
Hosting your children's friends: When your children's friends come to your home to play with them, welcome them warmly.
Practical Tips for Hospitality
Be welcoming: Focus on the importance of the mitzvah, and welcome your guests as warmly as you can.
Menu prepared in advance: Prepare a basic menu for meals you typically serve guests. This can include easy-to-prepare dishes like pasta, salads, and simple main courses. This way you'll always be ready to host people without last-minute pressure.
Hosting kit: Keep a hosting kit that includes additional dinnerware, tablecloths, cutlery, and extra serving dishes. This way you'll always be prepared for any number of guests that arrive.
Be prepared: To make hospitality easier, it's recommended to keep at home several basic items such as extra pillows, blankets, tea, and coffee.
Storage space for guests: Allocate space in a closet or drawer for guests, where they can store their personal belongings during their stay with you. This will give them a sense of home and comfort.
Towels and cleanliness: Make sure you always have clean and fresh towels and linens for guests. Provide toiletries in the bathrooms.
Flowers and plants: Place a vase with fresh flowers or house plants in the hosting area. This will give the home an additional sense of warmth and pleasantness and contribute to the atmosphere.
The mitzvah of hospitality is a way to make people feel welcome even when they are far from home, and to build strong, warm communities. Each of us can perform this mitzvah in different ways, and create a meaningful change in someone else's life.
