From Parshat Vayera, the Talmud (Shabbat 127a) learns that “The mitzva of Hachnasat Orchim is greater than greeting the Divine Presence (Shechinah).” Nowadays, opportunities to greet the Divine Presence are few and far between, so we are rarely faced with this choice. However, it does sometimes happen that tending to guests has an impact on other mitzvot. For example, let us say that guests arrive at one’s home unexpectedly on Shabbat itself, and they need a place to stay. In order to accommodate them, he must work hard to clear space for them. Though normally we would avoid exerting ourselves on Shabbat, since this is for a mitzva it is permitted. Bear in mind, we are not talking about neighbors who drop in for a cup of coffee, but travelers who have nowhere else to go.
Another possible conflict presents itself if one is planning to attend a shiur (Torah lecture) when unexpected guests arrive. Should he sacrifice Torah study for Hachnasat Orchim?
On the one hand, the Talmud (ibid.) states that “The mitzva of Hachnasat Orchim is greater than waking up early in the morning to go to the beit midrash (study hall).” On the other hand, the Mishnah (Peah 1:1) states that “Talmud Torah keneged kulam,” the study of Torah supersedes all other mitzvot. Hachnasat Orchim is certainly included, as it is mentioned explicitly in the same mishnah.
Some resolve this seeming conflict by explaining that one’s Torah study takes precedence over Hachnasat Orchim only when there are others who will host the visitors if he does not. Alternatively, it may be that Hachnasat Orchim takes precedence over waking up early to go to the beit midrash. In contrast, when the conflict is between hosting guests and Torah study itself, Torah study takes precedence.