אם נא מצאתי חן בעיניך אל נא תעבור מעל עבדיך…(וירא יח: ג)

אמר רב יהודה אמר רב: גדולה הכנסת אורחין מהקבלת פני שכינה (שבת קכז) Receiving guest is greater than receiving the Divine Presence

The Shinover Rav, Harav Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam zt”l, once spent some time in a resort town in Poland. Before departing, he took leave of the resort’s owner and warmly blessed him, saying: “In the merit of your great chesed of hosting and providing for so many Yidden, may Hashem grant you much hatzlacha and success in all areas of life.”

The man was taken aback by the Rav’s words and said, “Rebbe, am I truly doing chesed with my guests? They pay for their lodging and meals; why should I deserve such a bracha?”

The Rebbe smiled and replied: “You give Yidden a place to sleep, a roof over their heads, and nourishing food and drink, that is a great chesed!  For you to continue doing good for others, you must take payment; otherwise, Heaven forbid, you would go bankrupt and no longer be able to help anyone.”