Hospitality

Wherever I’ve gone I’ve been graciously received. Would I have offered the same degree of kindness, hospitality and blister pads to a guest who walked to my door? I hope so.

Many medieval synagogues had a room attached for travelling guests, and to fail to include such people in a Sabbath or indeed a daily meal would constitute a blot on the reputation on the whole community. Hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests, includes everything from an open door to an open heart, with a boiling kettle, a full pot of soup and a listening ear. How much this mitzvah matters! All through the ages there have been Jews, and of course others, who considered it a disgrace to have a closed door.