10. The Mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchot Bein Adam L’Chaveiro

1.   Hachnasat Orchim (inviting guests into one’s home) is classified as a mitzvah derabanan (rabbinic mitzvah), but it also fulfills the Torah mitzvah of loving one’s neighbor (Rambam, Hilchot Avel 14:1-2). In fact, the Torah already mentions Avraham as the paradigm for inviting guests into one’s home (Bereishit ch. 18). According to Chazal, one who fulfills the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim receives reward both in this world as well as in the next (Mishnah, Peah 1:1).

2.   Chazal state that the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim is more important than rising early to go to the beit midrash (study hall) (Shabbat 127a). Based on this, many poskim write that one should forego other regular mitzvot (e.g., a fixed Torah study session or praying with a minyan, in the case of men) in order to care for guests who arrive at that time if other household members are not available (Ahavat Chesed, vol.3, gloss to ch.1).