- Gemilus Chassadim[1]
A person is obligated to educate his child to perform the mitzvah of gemilus chasadim (acts of kindness), such as giving Tzedaka[2], hospitality toward guests, visiting the sick, escorting the deceased, and comforting mourners—and so too with all similar matters.
Hachnasas Orchim:[3] One is to educate one’s children in the mitzvah and value of hachnasat orchim—maintaining an open home and being willing to give up personal comfort and private space for the sake of guests. Children should be taught that hospitality often requires flexibility, patience, and self-restraint, and that inconveniences are part of serving Hashem through kindness to others. This lesson is especially important when relatives or guests are staying in the home for an extended period, a situation that can naturally be challenging for children. In such cases, parents should consciously prepare and guide their children, helping them understand the significance of this value and training them to respond with respect, generosity, and a positive attitude rather than frustration or resentment.
Example
When the Cohen family learned that relatives would be staying in their home for two weeks, eleven-year-old Moshe complained that he would have to give up his bedroom and sleep in the basement. His parents explained that hospitality sometimes requires sacrifice. They reminded him how Avraham Avinu opened his tent to guests and how a Jewish home is measured by what it gives, not only by what it keeps for itself. Although reluctant at first, Moshe eventually embraced the opportunity and later felt proud of his contribution.
[1] See Toras Hakatan [Rubinovitch] Chapter 2:30-32; Likkutei Sichos 16:625; Shaareiy Chinuch p. 153
[2] See Sefer Hachaim 3:5; Kinyan Torah 1:132
[3] Ahavas Chesed 3:2; Piskeiy Teshuvos 343:6