The patriarch Abraham typifies the virtue of hospitality on the basis of the story of his generous welcome to three wayfarers (who proved to be angels) as recounted in Genesis 18. The importance of hospitality, especially to those in need, was expressed by Yose ben Johanan, when he stated: “Let your home be wide open, and treat poor people as the members of your household.” The Talmud lists hospitality among those precepts “whose fruit is eaten in this world, while the principal remains for the World to Come.” The statement at the beginning of the Passover Seder, “Let all who are hungry come and eat,” was originally recited by R. Huna before every meal throughout the year.

The rabbis advise how to make guests feel comfortable. Upon their arrival, they should be treated with the utmost courtesy, no matter how boorish they may be. Food should be brought to them as soon as possible because if they are poor they may be too embarrassed to ask for it, even if they are hungry. Although the host may be troubled by his own personal problems, he must appear to be cheerful and in good spirits, nor may he boast of his wealth and possessions, because this would make the guests feel inferior. Furthermore, like Abraham, the host should attend to the guests himself, and not rely on his servants to take care of them. The guests, for their part, should express their appreciation to the host. A special insertion is added to the Grace After Meals in which guests ask for God's blessing on the host and his family.

 In the Middle Ages and thereafter, when many Jews were forced to wander from town to town, special Hachnasat Orchim societies were founded in Jewish communities, to feed and shelter visitors, often on the premises of the synagogue or in a special hostel constructed for the purpose.

 Abraham and the travellers He lifted up his eyes and looked, and three men were standing by him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to greet them, and bowed to the ground, saying, “My lords, if it please you, do not go on past your servant. Let a little water be brought and bathe your feet, and rest under the tree. Let me fetch a morsel of bread that you may refresh yourselves: after that you shall go on”.