Lesson Topic Welcoming Guests with a Pleasant Attitude
Grades: 3rd–6th
Lesson Objectives:
- Students will understand the importance of welcoming guests.
- Students will learn the concept of Sever Panim Yafot (a pleasant and welcoming demeanor) and be able to explain and apply it.
- Students will understand how to make a guest feel comfortable and appreciated.
Opening (10 minutes):
Guiding Questions:
- What does welcoming guests mean to you?
- Why is it important to receive guests in a pleasant manner?
- What do we do when hosting guests?
Discussion:
Students share personal experiences as guests or hosts.
Main Lesson (25 minutes):
Learning from Jewish Sources:
“Receive every person with a pleasant demeanor” (Pirkei Avot 1:15).
Explanation: What does Sever Panim Yafot mean?
The word Sever comes from the Hebrew root for “thought” or “perception.” It refers to how others perceive us when we welcome them.
Famous Expression:
“Make yourself at home.”
Why do hosts say this? A good host strives to make guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and valued.
Discussion Questions:
- How can we make a guest feel welcome and appreciated?
- What does this Mishnah teach us about hospitality?
- What is the first and most important step in hosting? (Sever Panim Yafot – greeting guests warmly.)
Second Teaching:
If a person gives a gift with a frown, it is as if they have given nothing. But one who greets another with Sever Panim Yafot, even without giving a gift, it is as if they have given them all the gifts in the world.
Discussion:
- What is the lesson here?
- What is more important – giving gifts or welcoming with a smile?
- How does a guest benefit from a warm and friendly reception?
Advanced Question:
Is it better to receive a gift from someone who is unhappy, or to be welcomed warmly without receiving anything?
Conclusion (10 minutes):
Review:
Hospitality is an important mitzvah, and its essence is greeting guests warmly.
Activity:
Two students role-play as guests, and two as hosts, demonstrating Sever Panim Yafot.
Teacher’s Notes:
- Adapt the language and content based on the students’ age.
- Use visual aids such as pictures or videos.
- Encourage student participation and discussion.
- Homework: Ask students to write about a time they hosted or were hosted and describe their experience.
Laws of Hospitality:
“Make yourself at home.”
This phrase is commonly used to make a guest feel comfortable and welcome. A good host puts effort into making the guest feel valued and appreciated.
Sever Panim Yafot – Rabbi Yitzchak Abohab in Menorat HaMaor:
The primary aspect of hospitality is greeting guests with a pleasant and warm demeanor, as stated in Pirkei Avot.
If a person gives gifts but does so with a frown, it is as if they have given nothing. However, greeting someone warmly, even without giving them anything, is considered greater than any material gift.
Teaching Sever Panim Yafot
Explain to students:
- Sever Panim Yafot means greeting others with warmth, kindness, and a pleasant expression.
- Show genuine interest in others by asking how they are doing and listening attentively.
Examples:
- Smiling: A simple and powerful way to make others feel comfortable.
- Eye Contact: Shows attentiveness and respect. Avoiding eye contact may signal disinterest.
- Positive Language: Use encouraging and kind words. Avoid negative speech or criticism.
- Active Listening: Pay attention, ask questions, and engage in conversation to show you care.
Home Activity:
Organize a class lottery where each student will host two classmates for a playdate and shared meal, practicing Sever Panim Yafot in real life.
