USHPIZIN    By Steve Cohen

ONE  of the joys of our missionary work is the regular travel  to different parts of the country to speak in congregations. When we are there, we are ushpizin, guests, of the host congregation. Sometimes we stay in people’s homes, and so we are ushpizin of the host family, too, as we are made to feel welcome and graciously cared for. 

    I especially enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their walk with the Lord and how they dealt with the challenges encountered in their daily lives: health issues, family struggles, job concerns, and bereavements are just some of what is common to each of us.  Still, in the midst of all their tsuris (troubles) people have been most gracious in extending hospitality.

    Offering hospitality to others does not have to end at your doorway. Recently I received a call from Lois in Florida who remembered Jan and me from our time there in the 1990’s. She joyfully told how she sought to make people feel at home even when not in her home.  She would let everyone she met know that they are a child of God… especially her Jewish acquaintances....