Thanksgiving is this coming week, I am told it celebrates Pilgrims and Indians eating food together, but I am not convinced. But it reminds me of the important principle of hospitality. Since people who lived in tents, welcomed in strangers and travellers in for food and rest, it has been an important part of Jewish culture. Not just on holidays but always.
This always reminds me of the “stray humans,” some people collect stray animals, my mom has always had a knack for welcoming in stray humans. I think back to one Thanksgiving when we had the store cashier, the recently divorced guy from down street, the cat lady from across the street who was really more a dog lady. It was an interesting supper to say the least! But if you didn’t have anywhere to go, it was a safe bet you were invited to our house.
And as tonight is shabbat it makes me wonder beyond feeding anyone, as my cooking is more of a punishment, what have I done to make people feel welcomed and show hospitality. And while not everyone feels comfortable welcoming complete stranger into their home, I bet you know someone you could know better, if not it time to stop being a hermit and leave your house! That bell ringer, while he is thankful for the change in that red bucket, as learned last year working at coffee house, HE REALLY WANTS HOT COCOA! Hospitality is not about you, though I am pretty sure it will make you feel awesome. But I don’t advocate being overly welcoming to hitch hikers, or people with guns!
I remember growing up and having “safe homes” I could spend time at when I needed it. Those places we’re a life saver.