The Power of Jewish Hospitality: Why Hachnasat Orchim Is Greater Than Receiving the Divine Presence

The Talmud states: “Hospitality to guests is greater than receiving the Divine Presence.” (Shabbat 127b)

The Talmud further teaches: “Rabbi Yochanan said: Hospitality is as great as rising early to study in the Beit Midrash. Rav Dimi from Nehardea said: It is even greater.” (ibid.)

A Person’s Table Is Like the Temple Altar

In Tractate Chagigah (27b), the Sages teach: A table around which one hosts guests is equivalent to the altar in the Holy Temple, and the food served to guests is likened to the offerings brought upon the altar.

Rabbi Eliezer, Father of the Baal Shem Tov

Rabbi Eliezer, father of the Baal Shem Tov, excelled in the mitzvah of hospitality. He even hired a man to stand at the edge of the village to invite poor travelers to his home. He fed them generously, provided drink, and prepared a comfortable place for them to sleep.

A great joy arose in Heaven over his deeds, until Satan argued that he must be tested to determine whether his hospitality was truly for the sake of Heaven. In the merit of his mitzvah, it was decreed that Eliyahu the Prophet, not Satan, would test him.

One Shabbat afternoon, a Jewish traveler arrived — a public desecrator of Shabbat, yet greeted Rabbi Eliezer with a warm “Shabbat Shalom.” Not wanting to embarrass him, Rabbi Eliezer ignored the transgression and invited him to the meal, treating him with kindness and respect.

The next day, he again parted from him lovingly and even invited him to return whenever he passed through.

At that moment, Eliyahu revealed himself and said that in the merit of Rabbi Eliezer’s love for Jews and his dedication to hospitality, he would merit a child in his old age — a child who would illuminate the eyes of Israel: Rabbi Yisrael, the Baal Shem Tov.

The Chofetz Chaim’s Guidance

In Ahavat Chesed, the Chofetz Chaim instructs: “The moment a guest arrives, place food and drink before him — for he may be hungry or thirsty but embarrassed to ask. Do everything quickly so that he feels loved and welcome.”

Hospitality Today: Emotional and Spiritual Needs

The primary mitzvah historically involved hosting the poor who lacked food or lodging.

But today, the deepest poverty is emotional and spiritual. Many people feel lost, discouraged, or disconnected. A warm and loving home can restore a person’s sense of worth and belonging.

Hospitality can give someone:

• renewed hope

• emotional strength

• the feeling that they matter

• a sense of family and support

This is especially true for students from abroad, or new immigrants who came to Israel despite family opposition — they especially need warmth and connection.

Designing a Home for Hospitality

One who seeks to fulfill this mitzvah beautifully should plan his home so that guests can be hosted with comfort and dignity.

The Mitzvah Ends With Escorting the Guest

The mitzvah is not complete until one accompanies the guest upon leaving. The Sages taught:

• “The reward for escorting has no measure.”

• “Whoever escorts his friend even four cubits within the city will not come to harm.” (Sotah 46b)

Hosting Guests Brings Atonement Like the Temple Offerings

The Sages teach: “When the Temple stood, the altar atoned for a person. Now, one’s table — when used to host poor guests, atones for him.”

In the Torah’s section on festival offerings (Vayikra 23), the mitzvot of Pe’ah and Leket — gifts to the poor, are included. The Torat Kohanim explains that this teaches: “Whoever gives these gifts properly is considered as if he built the Temple and offered sacrifices in it.”

The Shunammite Woman

The prophet describes the Shunammite woman who hosted Elisha as “a great woman.”

The Zohar explains: She was called great because, unlike most women who feel burdened by guests or worry about the expense, she rejoiced in hosting, gave generously, and welcomed Elisha with love.

Because hospitality is primarily the domain of the home — and the home is the domain of the woman, the Torah praises her as greater than all other women.