Teaneck—Bikur Cholim Bergen County’s inaugural Melava Malka, an evening of awareness, inspiration and opportunity, was attended by an overflow crowd on Motzei Shabbat, May 6. The event topped off a “Shabbos of Awareness” when rabbis throughout Bergen County addressed their congregants about the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim and the valuable service that Bikur Cholim Bergen County provides. Hosted by Dr. Jessica and Laizer Kornwasser, the event attracted over 200 guests who were eager to learn about the work done by the organization and to show support for its activities. In attendance were community rabbis, volunteers, supporters and many people seeking ways to participate in the important work of Bikur Cholim.
Meredith Yager, president of the organization, described the organization’s diverse chesed activities: providing meals to families dealing with illness; hospital visits; driving patients to therapies and medical care; lending medical equipment; offering a taxi service with Shabbat arrangements; and visiting homebound patients.
She also introduced Bikur Cholim’s newest endeavor: hospitality apartments serving people whose family members are patients at local hospitals. Tastefully decorated and offering all the amenities necessary for Shabbat, the apartments are a home away from home for people struggling with the fear, confusion and disruption of illness in the family. According to Mrs. Yager, “When we opened the apartments, we knew they would be a source of comfort for patients’ families. But we were not prepared for the staggering need we encountered. We were astonished that since November, the beds have been used over 500 times and, as more people learn about the service, the number of requests is constantly growing.”
Mrs. Yager illustrated the impact of the apartments by sharing one of many notes she has received from grateful families. A family whose 19-month-old baby was hospitalized with a life-threatening illness over Pesach wrote, “We are forever grateful for the enormous chesed and nechama…with the use of the apartment over three Shabbatot and four days of Yom Tov…We were able to be in walking distance to our son’s bedside and remain together as a family…Every detail, from the luxurious apartment, to the food and Shabbos amenities, to even the touches like the neatly folded towels at the edge of the bed, made us feel comfortable and ‘at home.’ It eliminated a huge potential source of stress. It, in fact, strengthened us to provide our son with the support he needed to recover.”
The guests at the Melava Malka were also deeply moved to hear from some of the other people whose lives were touched by the organization. In the words of a new mother who was diagnosed with cancer, “In the beginning I thought meals??? I can do this, no problem. I’m super woman. I quickly learned I’m not. I never thought meals would be such a help, but they are. They help not only to fill my family’s bellies but remind us we are not alone. That local strangers are here to help us. So thank you.”
Rabbi Ephraim Simon was the keynote speaker and he truly inspired the guests. He expressed his deep pride at the large number of people who attended the event and the overwhelming support the community showed by the large number of people who attended the event. His remarks offered insights into how chesed not only benefits those who receive it but profoundly pleases Hashem, benefits those who do the chesed and, very importantly, their children as well. Rabbi Simon’s presentation was a moving call to action, inspiring people to become involved in Bikur Cholim’s chesed work.
Mrs. Yager summed up the evening by saying, “We are in awe. We are so impressed by the outpouring of support that we received tonight from so many people from so many communities in Bergen County. We now look forward to working with new volunteers to expand our services and bring comfort and assistance to people struggling with illness.”
For information about Bikur Cholim Bergen County visit their website: bikurcholimbergencounty.org or for assistance call 201-579-3066 or email [email protected].
