Sefer Likutei Yesharim relates a story that shows how the Rov of Yerushalaim, Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld zt”l, fulfilled the words “kol dichfin yeizei v’yeichal” (anyone who is hungry may come and eat) to the utmost.
A group of guests from Chutz La’aretz once showed up at Rav Yosef Chaim’s house on erev Pesach and asked if they could eat the Seder with him. He told them that he would be overjoyed to have them as his guests. The men then took some money out of their pockets and put it down in front of him. Rav Yosef Chaim took the money and gave it to his wife, saying, “This money is for the guests’ seudah.”
The guests enjoyed the Seder in the Rov’s home immensely. They ate and drank to their hearts’ content and were thoroughly inspired by the uplifted atmosphere. On Chol Hamoed, the guests were shocked when the Rov came to their hotel room to return their money to them. However, they refused to accept it.
Rav Yosef Chaim said to them, “Did you think I would take payment for the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim? Chas v’shalom!”
The guests asked, “If so, why did you take the money from us in the first place?”
He replied, “I wanted you to eat your fill at the Seder, as if you were paying for your own food. That is why I took your money.”
