תלמוד בבלי מסכת בבא בתרא דף צג עמוד ב
עוד מנהג גדול היה בירושלים, מפה פרוסה על גבי הפתח כל זמן שמפה פרוסה - אורחין נכנסין, נסתלקה המפה - אין האורחין נכנסין.
There was another fine custom in Jerusalem. [At the commencement of the meal] a cloth was spread over the door. So long as the cloth was spread, guests entered. When the cloth was removed, no guests entered. [Soncino translation]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. What was the custom in Jerusalem? Why was it called a “fine” custom?
2. Why did people put a cloth over their door? Did they have to do this for every meal?
3. Is their a modern equivilent to this custom?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)