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This is the kind of
dwelling place Joseph and Mary sought when they were on the way to register for
the census. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in
cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the
inn.” (Luke 2:7).
The Latin word for
this type of lodging was hospitum, and oshpisa in Aramaic. Our English words hospital, hostel, hospice and hotel
all derive from the religious concept of a place where strangers are welcomed,
fed and cared for in an otherwise desolate place. Within the city free
lodgings did not need to be built because homes were expected to take in
guests. It was customary to hang a curtain in front of the door to indicate
that a room was available.
Jose ben Jochanan of
Jerusalem wrote, “Let thy house be wide open, and let the poor be the children
of thy house.” He taught that hospitality
more important than religious study, and entertaining visitors has more
spiritual significance than the daily offering in the temple or giving alms to
the poor.
