One of the most prominent commandments in the category of interpersonal mitzvot is the mitzva of hospitality. The Sages praised this mitzva highly and said: “Hospitality accorded to guests is greater than receiving the Divine Presence” (Shavuot 35b). In other words, if (as it were) God Himself would come to visit a person, and at the same time, flesh-and-blood guests were to knock on the door, one must greet the human guests first and only then welcome God.

The mitzva of hospitality includes providing all the needs of one’s guest, including food, drink, a comfortable bed, and of course, a warm and friendly attitude.

At the end of the visit, it is important to accompany a visitor on his way, for at least a few steps outside the house, in order to make him feel that he was a welcome guest from whom it is difficult to part.

The highest level of hospitality is fulfilled when one hosts a person who requires financial or emotional support, such as a lonely individual or a new immigrant. Yet even when one hosts one’s own family, friends, or neighbors, he fulfills an important mitzva, the commandment of ahavat Yisrael, loving fellow Jews.

On Rosh HaShana, Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot, it is a special mitzva to invite guests and celebrate the festival with them.

When making a family celebration, some people have the custom to invite several poor people or, alternatively, to make a donation to charity that would cover the cost of hosting several guests.