hosting-tipsHosting Tips

The following suggestions are given as a guideline only.

  1. Most Hosts have commented over the years that it is enjoyable and a blessing to host Israelis. For most the blessings of being a host far exceed any possible difficulties, but it’s good for you to pray for God’s help and guidance re hosting Israelis and to be convinced of God’s love for the Israeli/Jewish people, so you can host in His strength and be a channel of His love to them.
  2. When Israelis phone, sms/text or email you to ask if they can visit, be as warm and friendly as possible. If it is convenient for them to visit you, give them directions to your home.
  3. If it’s not convenient for you, for Israelis to come when they want to, let them know when it is possible. Don’t feel bad if you need to say NO to Israelis sometimes. Hosts will need to know how to say NO, as well as YES. If relevant, suggest that they contact another host in the area.
  4. On the website Israelis are informally requested, (“for the hosts peace of mind, and so that Israelis can help safeguard Chiburim, for their own benefit”), to be willing to show their Israeli I.D to hosts if asked, so that hosts may note their details. In practice most hosts never ask for this, but this information is included in case the host feels it necessary to ask for I.D. Hosts should ask in a casual and friendly way in this case.
  5. Warmly welcome your guests, offer them a coffee and have a friendly chat with them. If you are the first host they have ever visited they will probably be reserved at first, and you might feel a little uneasy, but just keep on being friendly. Israelis come from different backgrounds, the travellers are mostly secular, some are traditional, and others very religious. Most of them will be “Sabras”, (native born Israelis). Sabra is a cactus fruit with prickles on the outside, but soft and sweet on the inside! Don’t quit on them, and you’ll see. Start a visitor’s book, and take photos of Israelis that have visited you. Showing this to guests helps them relax, and it will help you to remember them, as Israelis often like to write a few words of thanks to their host.
  6. With introductions made you may want to show your guests around your house, where they’ll be sleeping and can put their luggage, inform them re laundry and computer use if relevant etc. For phone use Israelis normally have their own phones or phone cards, although if you have a computer, with wireless internet or high speed adsl cable internet available in your home they may prefer Skype to Skype as that is free. If you have “ground rules” just gently let your guests know at the beginning of their stay.
  7. Mostly Israelis will arrive in the afternoon, or evening after a day of travel. Israelis are informed not to expect meals, so don’t feel obligated, however you might want to invite them to join you for a meal, or they may want to cook a meal for you, or a bit of both. In this case ask if there’s anything they don’t eat, eg. Pork, or meat and dairy together, shellfish, etc.
  8. Tell Israelis about the area where you live, as this is a part of what makes up their trip. Suggest some places of interest, or scenic beauty for them to visit. Sharing about family, and life’s experiences, etc, is a good way to get to know each other and have an enjoyable time together.
  9. Put a map of Israel on a cork board and hang it on a wall in your home and ask Israelis guests to put a colour pin in the place they are from. It will be encouraging for you and also for future Israeli visitors to see where previous guests are from.
  10. Ask them to sign your visitor’s book before they leave, and take a photo, as then you’ll be able to remember them. You’ll probably receive invites to visit in Israel, so, “Next year in Yerushaliyim”!