“Hospitality” is as old as Moses. Actually, it’s as old as Abraham. In this week’s Torah portion, Vayera (Genesis 18), we find Abraham sitting in the opening of his tent, “in the heat of the day.” He was recuperating there after he circumcised himself at the age of 99. Now, that’s a mitzvah. In fact, the rabbis commented on Abraham’s deed. They asked, “Why, after this great mitzvah did God leave him alone to recuperate in the heat of the day?” And, so it was that God sent him angels in the guise of men to visit him. Abraham was so happy to see the visitors that he quickly welcomed them into his home (tent) and chose the best foods to serve them. By the way, he served them milk and meat (Genesis 18:8), and everyone enjoyed themselves. They comforted him by taking his mind off his physical healing; but, they also provided Abraham the opportunity to continue doing mitzvahs. Ever since, hospitality has been a cherished value.
When guests arrive at our homes, we welcome them with something to eat and drink, we set the table with the good plates, not the broken or worn ones, and we make them feel at home. Certain holidays in Judaism urge us to welcome visitors. Sukkot, the Festival of Booths, includes the mitzvah called “hachnasat orchim,” welcoming guests to the sukkah. Passover, naturally, is the place we welcome strangers to be with us, “for we were strangers in land of Egypt,” and we know the heart of the stranger.
Judaism is more than religion; it’s a way of life that is all about family and community where everyone can feel welcome. It starts at home but it continues in all the places we spend time.
At Beth Israel, a warm and welcoming environment welcomes those who are familiar with the congregation, but more and more, I’m aware of visitors and new members who feel very welcome, too. Our Membership Committee has a component for Ambassadors who reach out to new families and help them feel very much at home in their new congregation. Linking new families with familiar ones bridges an important gap and maintains the important value of hospitality begun so long ago.
In our stores and businesses, too, a warm welcome helps customers and visitors feel that they’ve entered a place where their needs will be filled. “Welcome, how can I help you?” is how we want to be greeted. But, how often does a young person who hasn’t been trained properly greet us with what seems like an obligatory smile? In Houston, especially, the big hello is where it all begins. Lasting friendship and relationships, personal and business, have always begun with a smile and a firm handshake.
It may not seem obvious to us, but it’s possible to see our greetings and words of welcome as mitzvahs. They’re important guideposts that signal to newcomers that God and Torah are celebrated here, at Beth Israel, in our homes and in our businesses. The food and drink we give guests to our house are signs of our hospitality. The friendships we make and the relationships we build are signs of our enduring values.
As Shabbat comes and you have more time with family and friends, consider the mitzvah of hospitality. Bring out your best: a warm smile; a firm handshake; a generous table. The dividends are numerous in all the ways we grow our community in all the places we gather.
From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
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