Between people – Hospitality and acts of kindness

בין אדם לחבירו – הכנסת אורחים וגמילות חסד

The Rebbe's guidance on hospitality (hachnasas orchim) and acts of kindness:

A channel for blessing. Hospitality is a spiritual channel for blessing, including for children (IK 790), and together with Torah study, Chassidus and tzedakah it is a merit for having a son (IK 2606). Continue acts of charity and hospitality, for their special merit (IK 2509). Kindness and friendship, especially to relatives in need, are a great mitzvah that G-d repays with success and nachas (IK 908). Like Avraham's eshel, hospitality goes together with tzedakah and spiritual growth (IK 6559).

Hospitality with content. Hosting should include sharing G-d's greatness as explained in Chassidus, which one must first internalize oneself; when spouses disagree about how much to host, consult a Rav (IK 5778). A home run with hospitality, especially in connection with spreading Chassidus or helping a kallah, is the strength of the Jewish woman (IK 8736). Hosting others can deeply influence them even indirectly (IK 1538).

Appreciation. The Rebbe thanked hosts for their hospitality, including at the Pesach Seder (IK 450, 7319), and suggested keeping a guest book for visitors (IK 10570). On hospitality alongside family customs such as checking tefillin and mezuzos, see IK 7330.

See also: Tzedakah – Free loans (gemach) and acts of kindness; Tzedakah – A source of blessing for health, livelihood and family; Women – The role of the Jewish woman.

Shiurim in this topic

790. Blessings for Children, Medical Advice, and the Merit of Hospitality ברכות לילדים, עצה רפואית, וזכות הכנסת אורחים

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908. The Mitzvah of Kindness and Its Rewards מצות החסד ותגמוליה

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1538. Hospitality, Outreach, and the Urgency of Action in Jewish Education הכנסת אורחים, הפצת יהדות, ודחיפות המעשה בחינוך יהודי

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2509. Checking Tefillin and Mezuzos by an Expert Scribe and the Value of Hospitality בדיקת תפילין ומזוזות על ידי סופר מומחה וערך הכנסת אורחים

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2606. Earning Additional Blessing to Have a Son הוספת ברכה, להולדת בן

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5778. Hospitality, Disagreements, and Sharing Divine Greatness הכנסת אורחים, חילוקי דעות, והפצת גדולת ה'