Everyday

It is an enchanting moment when we hear the doorbell ring. The guests have arrived! We have so wanted everything to be just right for them: the house in order, the table sparkling, the food lavish. When we perform the mitzvah of kabbalat orchim, receiving guests, the pleasure is all ours.

Meditation

God, help me carry on the tradition of Abraham and Sara, who ran to bring in guests, who knew how to provide for each one in the most fitting way, and who escorted them on their way out, exemplifying overflowing kindness.

Ritual

When your guests arrive:Greet your guest in the name of God: "God bless you!" "God be with you!" "Thank God you’re here!"

Brukhim ha’ba’im brukhim ha nimtza’im.

Hosts: Blessed are you who have come!

Guests: Blessed are you who are here!

Blessing

Yehi ratzon mil-fanecha, Hashem Elohei v’Elohei avotei, she-tashrei sh’chinat-cha beineinu.

May it be Your will for Your presence to reside among us.

Ritual

When your guests depart: In Jewish tradition, we treat the departure of a guest as graciously as we treat their arrival, escorting them to their car or walking along with them until they are safely on their way.

Blessing

Yehi ratzon...

May it be your will to bring our guests home safely, and in peace.

Teaching

"A person should greet his associate with God’s name. As it says, "And behold Boaz came from Bethlehem and he said to the reapers, ‘The Lord be with you!’ And they answered, ‘The Lord bless you!’"

(TJ Brachot 9:5)

Bruchim Haba-im b’shem Hashem.

Blessed are those who come in the name of God.

(CLAL Faculty)

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