Shabbos Guests – Hachnasas Orchim on Shabbos

Shabbos Guests – Hachnasas Orchim on Shabbos:[1]

Its greatness: Hachnasas Orchim is included among the Mitzvah of Gemilus Chasadim.[2] Hachnasas Orchim is viewed as even greater than receiving the Divine Presence.[3] This is one of the deeds for which a person enjoys the fruits in this world, while the principal reward remains for the World to Come.[4] A person should always strive to engage in hospitality, for there is no greater mitzvah than this.[5] The most praiseworthy form of charity is hospitality, and its reward is exceedingly great.[6] The Sages said:[7] When the Temple stood, the altar would atone for a person.

Now that the Temple no longer stands, a person’s table atones for him, that is, through hospitality, when he gives a piece of bread to guests. The Sages greatly extolled the virtue of this mitzvah in the Talmud, in midrashim, and in ethical works.

The Minhag on Shabbos:[8] It is well known and publicized that the custom of Israel (which is Torah) in all generations and in all situations (even in situations of great distress) is to invite a guest for Shabbos, and not only that, but they offer the guest the most honored and choicest, with a pleasant face, so that he should not feel that he is receiving something from the household, but rather that he is giving joy and pleasure to the members of the household, to the host, the hostess, and also to the children.

The Geder:[9] The Mitzvah of Hachnasas Orchim is only applicable when one hosts out of town guests, whether for sleeping arrangements, or for the meal. [This applies even if he is wealthy.[10]] However, hosting in town guests such as neighbors, are not considered to be fulfilling the mitzvah of Hachnasas Orchim. Nonetheless, if the guests are poor and are in need of a meal, then certainly hosting them fulfills the mitzvah of charity on the highest of levels.

Seudas Mitzvah:[11] When hosting out of town guests the meal is considered a Seudas Mitzvah. When hosting in town guests, then the meal is not considered a Seudas Mitzvah.

Leniencies afforded on Shabbos:[12] Fulfilling the Mitzvah of Hachnasas Orchim is considered a great mitzvah to the point that all matters that are permitted on Shabbos for the sake of a mitzvah are likewise permitted for the sake of guests.

[1] See Toras Hamidos Yerushalayim pp. 393-421; Encyclopedia Talmudit Erech Hachnasas Orchim p. 126

[2] Shabbos 127b; Rashio ibid

[3] Rambam Avel 14:2; Shabbos ibid

The source: As the verse states: “And he said, ‘My Lord, if I have found favor in Your eyes, please do not pass by Your servant’” (Berishis 18:3). Avraham left the Shechina, in order to welcome guests.

[4] Shabbos ibid

[5] Meiri Shabbos ibid

[6] Menoras Hamaor 1:39

[7] Menachos 97a

[8] Shaar Halacha Uminhag 5:29

[9] See Admur 333:6 “Just as they permitted certain things here for the sake of guests, as they did for the sake of a mitzvah, so too in any case where something is permitted for the sake of a mitzvah, it is also permitted for the sake of guests. However, they are only considered “guests” if they came from another city—whether they are staying at your home or were invited as guests staying with others. But if someone invites a friend from the same city to dine with him, that person is not considered a “guest,” and the meal is considered optional (not a mitzvah). Unless he invited his friend to help honor the guest he already has—then his friend is also considered a guest for this purpose.” Admur 307:23 in parentheses “([However] the prohibition [against reading the list of guests] engraved on the board and pad due to a decree that one may come to read layman documents was only applied regarding guests which are not from another  city, but he rather invited local friends of his city for a friendly feast which is not a feast of a Mitzvah.”; M”A 515:6; Terumas Hadeshen 72

[10] Maharil Likkutim; Yeosh Nochlin Arvei Pesachim Peiah 5:4; Ahavas Chesed 3:1

[11] Admur 333:6; M”A 515:6

[12] Admur 207:23; 333:6; Rama 333:1; Terumas Hadeshen 72; Rambam Shabbos 26:15; Mishneh Shabbos 126b