A Story for Shabbat: The Rebbe Who Gave Hospitality with His Own Hands

In the city of Ryesha, in the region of Galicia, there lived a Jew named Rabbi Tzvi. He was a devoted follower of the holy Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach, the Rebbe of Belz, known as the Maharid of Belz. Rabbi Tzvi was famous for his open heart and welcoming home, a true example of the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests.

During World War I in 1914, many Jews were forced to flee their homes. Ryesha became a temporary haven for refugees, and Rabbi Tzvi's home turned into something like a busy inn, where people found food, a place to sleep, and a bit of peace in the middle of the chaos.

Among the many guests who stayed with him was a fellow Belz chassid, Rabbi Chaim Neta Katz. At one point, Rabbi Chaim traveled to the town of Bardejov, where the Rebbe himself had taken refuge after fleeing from Russian soldiers.

When Rabbi Chaim arrived, he went to the Rebbe for a blessing. During their conversation, the Rebbe asked him where he had been staying. Rabbi Chaim didn’t hesitate to praise his host, telling the Rebbe how Rabbi Tzvi had opened his home with great warmth, caring for so many displaced Jews and creating a calm, uplifting space where they could pray and learn Torah in peace.

Some time later, Rabbi Tzvi made his way to Bardejov for Shabbat. After the Friday night prayers, he approached the Rebbe to wish him a “Shabbat Shalom.” The Rebbe asked him where he was staying. Rabbi Tzvi explained that he had just arrived before Shabbat and hadn’t found a place yet, but he was sure someone would take him in.

The Rebbe responded with a smile: “I heard from Rabbi Chaim that you are a wonderful host. Now it’s my turn. You will stay with me.”

There was a wide armchair in the Rebbe’s room. The Rebbe moved it out himself so they could bring in another bed. Then he went even further, he stood up and personally made the bed for his guest, smoothing the sheets and arranging everything.

Rabbi Tzvi, overwhelmed, tried to stop him. “Please, I can do it myself,” he said, embarrassed to watch the holy Rebbe serving him this way. But the Rebbe gently insisted. “You are a great host,” he told him. “Now I have the chance to host you and I’m not giving that up. No one else will do this in my place.”

That night, Rabbi Tzvi couldn’t sleep. The image of his Rebbe humbly making up his bed wouldn’t leave his mind. It taught him a powerful lesson: hospitality is not just about opening your door. It’s about putting your heart into every detail.

When he returned home, he joked with Rabbi Chaim Neta, the one who had praised him to the Rebbe: “I should have thrown you out for getting me into so much trouble!” he said, smiling warmly.

And here’s another story that shows just how deeply the Rebbe cared for others.

One night, a Jew arrived in the town of Belz long after midnight. He saw a light on in what he assumed was the Rebbe’s house and knocked, thinking a family member might be awake and could help him find a place to stay. To his surprise, it was the Rebbe himself who opened the door.

The Rebbe’s face lit up with joy. “Have you eaten anything yet?” he asked kindly.

The man said no. Without hesitation, the Rebbe went into the kitchen and prepared food for him. The guest, feeling uncomfortable, didn’t know what to say. But the Rebbe reassured him:

“You don’t understand. I don’t get the chance to do the mitzvah of hospitality like this every day. Thanks to you, I get to fulfill it beautifully.”

Even as a leader of thousands, the Belzer Rebbe saw every Jew as a precious guest. With warmth, humility, and personal care, he reminded us that holiness is found not only in prayer and learning but also in simple acts of kindness done with love.