We have all visited friends and relatives who are in the hospital or convalescing at home, or provided support to them and to their families. Our Bikur Cholim Committee gives us the opportunity to provide similar comfort and support to the community of Congregation B’nai Tikvah.

Bikur Cholim is a beautiful moral and spiritual obligation incumbent upon all Jews. The Bible tells us that human beings are created in the image of G-d and instructs us to aspire to be like G-d by emulating G-d’s ways. G-d visits Abraham while he was recuperating after being circumcised (Genesis 17:26-18:1). The Talmud (Rabbinic Commentary) teaches us that “As He visited the sick, so shall you visit the sick…“.

The loving services we provide are expressed in many ways:

  • Visit a patient in the hospital or nursing home
  • Visit and call the homebound or isolated
  • Calls to reassure those who are ill
  • Drive someone to a doctor’s appointment
  • Deliver a Shabbos meal
  • Provide support for the families of those who are ill
  • Bring food gift certificates
  • Lend a free laptop computer
  • Bring a Basket of Goodies
  • Smile
  • Listen

One of our goals is to individualize our service to the congregant or family. Each of us has unique talents and skills that can be valuable. Sometimes simply talking on the phone with the family member provides the support they need; and many times the patient or family could guide us as to how much support or involvement they want from Bikur Cholim. We depend on guidance from the Rabbi in each situation and all information we receive is kept strictly confidential.

We have created the Ruth-Ann Breitler Bikur Cholim Fund for donations to help us continue this work. Bikur Cholim reflects the primary Biblical value, “And you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). By fulfilling this role, we deeply enrich both our lives and the lives of those we visit. We attain a spiritual dimension that goes well beyond a simple personal expression of caring, and links us with generations past, present and future. Indeed, we are linked not only to the entire Jewish people, but to all humanity, emulating the godly attributes of compassion and loving kindness.

We welcome you to join us in this sacred work or contact us if you are in need.

Due to HIPAA laws, we no longer have access to patient lists at the hospital. This makes our desire to be there for our CBT families more challenging. When there is a situation which warrants our attention, please notify Lesley Lewkowicz, Executive Director, so we can help. You may also want to inform the Rabbi or Cantor. 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. Please know anything you share remains in the strictest of confidence.

Contact the Bikur Cholim Committee

You can contact the committee by emailing bikur@bnaitikvah.org.

Bikur Cholim Initiatives

In addition to our ongoing outreach, the Bikur Cholim Committee has launched several new initiatives that go beyond monthly phone calls, Shabbat meals, and general check-ins. These programs are designed to further support the well-being of our community.

Vaccine Initiative

If your healthcare plan no longer covers certain vaccinations, covers them only in part, or if you are currently without coverage, please know that B’nai Tikvah is here to help. We are offering financial assistance to cover the full cost of needed vaccinations for any of our members who require support.

If you or someone you know within our community could benefit from this assistance, please reach out — confidentially — to Lesley at lesley@bnaitikvah.org or call 732-297-0696, x111.

Together, we embody the spirit of tikkun olam — healing the world — beginning with caring for one another.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Initiative

If you or someone you know needs durable medical equipment (DME) — such as walkers, wheelchairs, or other supportive devices — B’nai Tikvah is here to help. We provide assistance to ensure that necessary equipment is available to members who require it, regardless of insurance coverage or financial situation.

For confidential support or to request equipment, please contact Lesley at lesley@bnaitikvah.org or call 732-297-0696, x111.

Through this initiative, we continue our commitment to caring for each member of our community and making sure that no one faces health challenges alone.

Ride Initiative

The Bikur Cholim Ride Initiative partners with JFS Transportation Services to provide rides for adults aged 60+ who are currently enrolled in a JFS program. Priority is given to medical appointments, followed by JFS Middlesex programs and services. Rides are also available to:

  • Banks, attorneys, and government offices
    Grocery stores

Rides must be requested at least one week in advance, and are scheduled based on availability. Ride times are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. A suggested donation of $5 per ride is requested. To schedule your ride, please call JFS at 732-777-1940 x1110.

Be sure to mention that you are a member of Congregation B’nai Tikvah — your ride will be covered by Bikur Cholim.