Bikur Cholim demonstrates the healing power of relationship. The Talmud contains many stories about famous healer Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai. When he heard of another rabbi who was sick, he would visit, speak with the patient about his suffering, hold out his hand and the ill rabbi would rise. One day Rabbi ben Zakkai fell ill. He was visited by Rabbi Hanina, who held out his hand after speaking with the stricken sage. Rabbi ben Zakkai stood up. "Why couldn't Rabbi ben Zakkai raise himself up?" asked the disciples. The answer: "Because the prisoner cannot free himself from prison." Here we learn that even the greatest of Jewish healers needs another person to help free himself from the prison of fear, hopelessness, and isolation.

At a time of illness, bikur cholim offers the comfort of human connection and a sense of community. The mitzvah of bikur cholim helps us fulfill the obligation to "love our neighbor as yourself" that is required of every Jew (Maimonides).

Participate in the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim by visiting congregants who are hospitalized (locally, in New York, or Philadelphia), recuperating at home, or in nearby nursing homes. Please call the office if you know of a congregant who is ill!

Visit a patient in the hospital or nursing home.
Call a homebound senior before Shabbos.
Bring food to a family with a new baby.
Drive someone to a doctor's appointment.
Help a child, whose parent is hospitalized, with homework.
Say psalms together or on behalf of the ill.
Take someone's car to be filled with gas.
Bring food gift certificates.
Call when you are at the store, and ask "What can I pick up for you?"
Share your hobbies, such as baking, singing or writing.
Smile.
Listen.

Due to the strict HIPA laws and the Privacy Act, we no longer have access to patient lists at the hospital. This has made our desire to be there for our CBT families more challenging. When there is a situation which warrants our attention, please call the Rabbi or Cantor so we can help. Your care and concern by communicating when someone you know is ill or in need, would allow us to support any member and their family during a difficult time.

 

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