Hospitality — Hachnosas Orchim — is primarily fulfilled by providing for travelers, beggars and other guests. A surprising amount of attention is given to Hachnosas Orchim in the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and holy teachings. It is a special mitzvah, a commandment, an obligation.
A traveler wandered into the village late one night and while all the homes were dark, one home had a light shining in the window. He made his way to the home and after knocking was and was greeted by the rabbi man who lived there. He asked if he can stay for the night and the rabbi who was known for his chesed (kindness) was delighted with the opportunity to accommodate. He quickly sprung into action to bring food, make a bed, and cater to his guest’s every need. Realizing that he was dealing with the holy rabbi of the village himself, the guest could not allow the holy rabbi to lower himself to serve him. He vehemently protested and would not let the rabbi engage in any trouble on his behalf.
The next day in shul the gabbai (is a beadle or sexton, a person who assists in the running of synagogue services) noticed the guest and was going to give him an aliyah as was customary for guests. The holy rabbi went to the gabbai and told him not to give the guest an aliyah to the torah but rather he should give him hagba’as haTorah. The gabbai obeyed the holy rabbi without questioning this odd request.
After the guest was called for hagbah and was about to pick up the sefer torah the holy rabbi made his way to the bima and stopped the guest from picking up the torah. “don’t be matriarch (overburden) yourself” said the holy rabbi, “it is quite heavy!” “but is not that much of a strain” protested the guest. “it is an honour.” “and so is serving another Jewish person and doing the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim”, said the holy rabbi delivering the punch line.
There are many exerting exercises that we happily do without complaining. We consider them a privilege. When it comes to doing a favor for another Jewish person even if it takes time and effort, we should view it in the same light. It is a privilege and an honour, so indulge yourself with a smile!
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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