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 Hachnosas Orchim/ |
 Providing hospitality to guests, Hachnasas Orchim, is one of the most well known mitzvos of gemilus chassadim (deeds of loving kindness) and a hallmark of every Jewish community. The mitzvah of sharing with fellow Jews at times of need and opening your home to them has a unique value in that, unlike tzedaka (chairity), which involves material gifts, gemilus chasadim involves the giving of your time and personal commitment.
 "Walk in His ways"
- Deuteronomy 28:9
 Of the many examples of our ancestors fulfilling this mitzvah, the story of Abraham running to welcome three strangers, even while in pain from his recent circumcision, provides us with the quintessential example. Abraham's unique brand of chesed (kindness) and hachnasas orchim was legendary, to the extent that the patriarch would rather forgo a dialogue with his Creator in order just to perform this mitzvah. This example provides us with a fascinating insight: it is of higher spiritual value to emulate God's chesed than to receive direct communication with Him through prophecy.
 While opening one's home to friends and family is also a mitzvah, a higher expression of hachnasas orchim is achieved by welcoming guests based on need. It became the custom throughout Jewish history to invite a stranger home for Shabbas, so much so that frequently people vied for the mitzvah. A highlight of the Passover Seder is when we proclaim, "Let all who are hungry come and eat."
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