The tradition of bikur cholim, Hebrew for “visiting the sick,” is an imperative to visit and support the needs of those who are ill or isolated. Visiting those in need brings comfort and reinforces connections to life.
Bikur cholim is a term encompassing a wide range of activities performed by an individual or a group to provide comfort and support to people who are ill, homebound, isolated and/or otherwise in distress. Bikur cholim can include such activities as: visiting patients in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or nursing home; visiting people who are restricted to their home because of physical or psychological impairment or social isolation; providing telephone contact and reassurance to those who are ill or homebound.
The act of bikur cholim is a mitzvah, a moral and spiritual obligation incumbent upon all Jews to perform. The Bible tells us that human beings are created in the image of God, and instructs us to aspire to be like God by emulating God’s ways. God visits Abraham while he was recuperating after being circumcised (Genesis 17:26-18:1). The Talmud teaches us that “As He visited the sick, so shall you visit the sick…”
Bikur cholim is an essential quality of good interpersonal relationships. It 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. When 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, as well, emulating the Godly attributes of compassion and lovingkindness.
The Talmud makes references to scholars and disciples making visits to the sick. The local Bikur Cholim Society was one of the principal institutions established by Jewish communities. Bikur cholim groups exist in all parts of the world, with people making the commitment to care for one another, and bring the strength of community and connection of Jewish heritage to the bedside.
Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, one of the largest hospitals in the area, recognizes the importance of support for Jewish patients and is providing opportunities for additional volunteers. The RCBC and the North Jersey Board of Rabbis can assist in recruiting volunteers from their congregations, especially now when their pews are full for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Volunteers can brighten the day for many patients who don’t get visitors.
It is hoped that people will come forward to volunteer. For more information or to volunteer at Valley Hospital, call the Valley Hospital Pastoral Care Department 201. 447.8150.
Dr. Wallace Greene lives in Fair Lawn.
By Dr. Wallace Greene
