The art of welcoming rests on a central Jewish idea: every human being is created in the image of God. When we see each other as an embodiment of Godliness, welcoming someone becomes an act of profound spirituality. Welcoming is the first step in building a relationship with another. So when I see someone walk into a worship service or JCC, I have a choice to make. I can ignore the person or I can initiate a conversation with a simple greeting of welcome. Without that crucial move there is no possibility of relationship.
Abraham and Sarah practiced the art of welcoming strangers. In parashat Vayeira Abraham is sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day, convalescing, when three strangers appear. The instant Abraham sees them he runs to welcome them, calls to Sarah and his servant to bring water and food and fulfills their needs.
Rav Dimi of Nehardea said: Hachnasat orchim – the welcoming of guests –
takes precedence over the beit midrash – the house of study.
Rav Judah said in Rav’s name: Hachnasat orchim – the welcoming
of guests – takes precedence over welcoming the shechina, the divine presence of God herself. (Shabbat 127a)
If we are to create Jewish institutions of relationships, we all must continually work on improving our ability to welcome others. It will not be enough to only have greeters at the front doors of our buildings. The upcoming High Holy Day period is our annual family reunion, the largest gathering of our people. This year, after greeting family and friends, spend three minutes welcoming someone you don’t know. If we all did it, we would change the culture of our community from transactional to relational, from cold and aloof to warm and welcoming. Tap into the Godliness within you and connect to the Godliness in others.
