A group of young South African Christians, one of whom had to go out for air because he was overcome by emotional tumult. A Christian Australian family, a day after arriving on their first visit. A middle-aged Florida tourist who spoke earnestly of Jesus, challenging Mordechai to respond wisely. Another of them asked me, wide-eyed and whispering, if this is how all Jewish homes are. I could barely answer for the lump in my throat.
People speak, awed, of the Machlis sense of charity and kindness.
A homeless man sleeps in their van, and they never know who they might find on their couch in the morning. The poor and hungry know they can walk in anytime and fill their pockets from the Machlis pantry. A sorry old drunk was invited to the eldest Machlis daughter's wedding and was honored by getting to dance with the bride's father.