August 2004
Hachnassat Orchim
As I return from my study time in the Bay Area, I have learned about many
additional subjects in addition to my doctoral classes at the Graduate Theological
Union in Berkeley (I am working on my doctorate through the University of Texas
at Austin, but taking most of my remaining classes here in California).
One of the things that I learned about this summer was the value of Hachnassat
Orchim, or welcoming the sojourner. This mitzvah was modeled by the first Hebrews,
Abraham and Sarah. The Midrash tells us that their tent was open on all sides
in order to welcome passers-by, and that the mitzvah that Abraham did of welcoming
strangers was "greater than receiving the Divine Presence." Likewise,
the Mishnah tells us that the mitzvah of welcoming is "limitless"
in measure. The Hebrew expression for "welcome" is "blessed are
they who come." We should make each person who comes into our community
and our lives feel blessed and welcome.
Usually I'm on the welcoming side of the equation, but as a guest in the Bay
Area I was in the position of one to be welcomed, which was instructive. For
one thing, I was hosted for my study time by Fran Halimi's sister Alita, her
partner Kate and their son Danny, who exemplified the true nature of hachnassat
orchim. They made me feel completely at home and enabled me to pursue my study.
I can't thank them enough for this mitzvah.
The GTU itself was a model of welcoming, by providing the summer students with
hospitality and an orientation to the Bay Area. I also noted the welcoming attitudes
of some churches in the area. One church, the All Souls Episcopal Church, had
a sign that read, "All Souls Welcome. Visitors Expected." I thought
that was a beautiful sentiment and one that we could adapt.
In addition, I visited several synagogues, where I had the unusual experience
(for me) of being the guest and not the host. I felt welcomed everywhere that
I went, but I did notice differences. In one place, people were fairly friendly.
In another place (a small Orthodox shul), they were extremely hospitable and
invited me to Shabbat meals. In yet another, I was amused to see how reluctant
people were to sit by me (a "stranger") or to introduce themselves
or strike up a conversation. Later, they began to converse with me, and I realized
that they were probably just shy.
I'm a rabbi and familiar with services and Jewish practice, and had some friends
in the area and at these services. I wondered how I would feel if it were my
first time at a Jewish service, or if I felt insecure or uncertain about my
Jewish identity. I put myself in the place of people who may walk through our
doors at CBI. That may be our only opportunity to make them feel truly welcome
and personally valued. This may be their opportunity to connect with Judaism,
Torah and community.
CBI is already known for being a welcoming congregation. Like many smaller communities,
we are open and hospitable to visitors. We generally take time at each service
to greet newcomers. However, we can always go further with this mitzvah. We
can convey the unspoken message that our doors are open "on all sides"
to the widest variety of seekers. Each member can see themselves as part of
our hachnassat orchim team. We can welcome new people as soon as they step in
our "tent," taking a genuine interest in them, inviting them to be
on our mailing list, inviting them to our events and ideally welcoming them
into our homes for Shabbat meals before or after services, or other occasions.
These are not only social graces, but holy ways of living.
As we enter the month of Elul and approach the Days of Awe, let us walk in the
footsteps of our ancestors and perform the mitzvah of welcome.
Bivrachah (in blessing),
Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan