I, myself, did cleaning for families while I was a sem student in Israel. I worked for several families and had such different experiences at each. One woman never spoke a word to me and would rush me out of there before her kids came home (like she didn’t want them to see me). Another was so nice. After I cleaned, she would sit me down at her kitchen table and give me kugel and some of her shabbos food she had just prepared (Thursday night) and sit with me. I really learned a lot about how to treat vs. how not to treat people. I try to give a cup of coffee and a few cookies when they first come in if they’ve traveled far. I try to make good lunches for them. I introduce them to others if I meet someone I know while with them. I try to talk to them, and ask them about themselves, their families, where they are from etc. I make a real effort to treat them with respect, which is why, when they simply don’t show, or bring others etc, it really changes the dynamics in the relationship (the trust). My husband thinks I go too far, but given my experience, I see the difference extra kindnesses can make.
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