The Mitzvah of Hospitality — Being a Greeter at Services
BRUCHIM HABAIM – הבאים ברוכים – Welcome!
The mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hospitality) is as old as the first Jew, Avraham Avinu. Among all the great personalities of the Torah he stands out, not only as a man of faith, but also as a man of chesed (lovingkindness). According to the Torah commentaries, he would sit at the doorway of his tent ready to welcome any passers-by. While doing his utmost to provide every physical comfort, he would also uplift his guests spiritually through his radiant kindness. Indeed, we are taught that Abraham and Sarah separately converted hundreds of men and women to following G-d by their example and by their teaching. Perhaps it is because these two very effective methods for deepening love of Judaism and other Jews are present in hachnasat orchim that it is such a central mitzvah in Judaism. Good…so we need you and we want you.
Greeters should be at the synagogue 10 minutes prior to the start of services.
On the bookcase with the prayer books you will find pre-printed lists. Glance at the birthday/anniversary list, the yahrtzeit list, and if it is Saturday morning, the Torah service list, for your own awareness of who may be recognized or who is participating in the service.
First impressions are everything!
Bring your smile and a warm handshake with you.
Greet each person with a Shabbat Shalom or Chag Sameach. If you do not know their name, ask them and introduce yourself. Feel free to ask them if you can do anything for them (e.g., special needs or questions, here for a special occasion, first time visiting, provide a kippah, tallit or headcovering, etc.). Please help people find seats when the sanctuary is full.
Offer them a prayer book or, on Shabbat or holiday morning, a prayer book and Chumash. If there are other handouts, such as Torah commentary printout or printed e-bulletins or event notifications, you can offer those too.
On Saturday morning let them know, if appropriate, that babysitting is upstairs from 10 – 11:45 am.
Remind board members to wear their badges as they come in (also stored on the bookshelf).
Close a/the sanctuary door(s) only if the noise level outside becomes disruptive.
When the Ark is open or during the Kedushah portion of the Amidah, please ask individuals entering to stand in the back of the sanctuary. Once the Torah proceeds past or the congregation sits, they can move into the body of the sanctuary.
On Shabbat or holiday morning, the Torah service Coordinator may ask for your help with people’s names, identifying people for honors. Please provide what assistance you can.
Miscellaneous
Help monitor noise levels, especially in the lobby. Gentle and friendly reminders to be quiet may be necessary.
Security–A general sense of awareness cannot be underestimated. For any concerns, notify a board member.
First Aid–Familiarize yourself with the location of the First Aid Kit (and defibrillator as of March 2011) in the kitchen, in case your assistance is needed in an emergency.
Todah Rabah – Thank you!
