In Parsha Vayeira, we read about the greatness of the mitzvah of Hachnasas Orchim. The Torah tells us that Avrohom Avinu "was sitting at the entrance of the tent in the heat of the day."(Bereishis 18:1) Rashi explains that Avrohom Avinu was waiting to see if travelers would pass by, so that he could invite them into his home. When Avrohom Avinu saw that three men were approaching, Avrohom Avinu ran towards the men in order to offer them hospitality.
When the guests arrived, Avrohom Avinu was in the middle of receiving the Shechina - the Divine Presence of Hashem. Hashem had come to visit Avrohom Avinu who was still recovering from his bris milah which had taken place three days earlier. The Torah quotes Avrohom Avinu as saying: "My L-rd, If I find favor in Your eyes, please pass not away from Your servant." (18:3)
The Sages explain this verse to mean that Avrohom Avinu asked the Shechina to wait for him, so that he could take care of the guests. Avrohom Avinu and Sorah Emainu then quickly prepared a meal for the travelers. (Stone Chumash, p.79 citing Shabbos 127a and Shevuos 35b).
The fact that Avrohom Avinu put the needs of his guests over receiving the Divine Presence, shows the greatness of the mitzvah of Hachnasas Orchim.(ibid.) As the Sages tell us, "let your house be open wide" (Avos 1:5) Bartinurah explains that the house of a Jew should be like that of Avrohom Avinu, which had entrances on all four sides in order to make it easy for guests to enter. The Baal Shem Tov once gathered a select group of his students and announced: “Come, I will show you someone who sincerely and wholeheartedly welcomes guests into his home.”
The Baal Shem Tov once asked for his horse and wagon to be prepared for a trip. The wheels of the wagon flew road through fields and forests, The wagon finally came to a halt in front of an inn.
A Jewish man came running out of the inn to greet them. He called out: “Hooray, there are guests! Precious Jewish guests!” The innkeeper went over to the travelers and invited them into his home.
“Come, dear rabbis, come into my home. You can rest up and eat something. You will refresh yourselves, and at the same time bring life to me! It’s not every day that I am so fortunate to do the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim [welcoming guests]!”
The Baal Shem Tov responded, “Perhaps it would be better that we continue on our way to the nearby city. There we will have a mikvah, and we will be able to pray with the congregation and hear the Torah reading.”
