Read the following text from the Biblical Book of Genesis out loud (in English):
(1) God appeared to Abraham by the terebinth trees of Mamre; Abraham was sitting at the entrance of the tent as the day grew hot. (2) Looking up, he saw three people standing near him. Perceiving this, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them and, bowing to the ground, (3) he said, “Gentlemen! If it please you, do not go on past your servant. (4) Let a little water be brought; bathe your feet and recline under the tree. (5) And let me fetch a morsel of bread that you may refresh yourselves; then go on—seeing that you have come your servant’s way.” They replied, “Do as you have said.” (6) Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quick, three seahs of choice flour! Knead and make cakes!” (7) Then Abraham ran to the herd, took a calf, tender and choice, and gave it to a servant-boy, who hastened to prepare it. (8) He took curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared and set these before them; and he waited on them under the tree as they ate.
In this story, Abraham sees people passing by and offers them hospitality. He is exhibiting the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests. With a partner, each of you talk about the following questions:
1. In what ways did Abraham show hospitality?
2. How might his guests have felt?
3. Have you ever had a guest or friend in your home? How did you make them feel welcome?
4. Have you ever been at someone else's home? How did they make you feel welcome?
5. How could you make a new kid in your class feel welcome?
6. How could you make a visitor to your place of prayer feel welcome?
7. In this story, Abraham is rewarded for being welcoming by being told that he will have a child. What good things happen when you welcome someone?