#112 Bikur Cholim: Caring for the Sick

In this lesson, you will study the Jewish value of visiting the sick. Bikur Cholim בִּיקוֹר חוֹלִים refers to the mitzvahto visit and extend aid to the sick. It is considered an aspect of selflessness and loving-kindness. In addition to visiting the sick, it is traditional to recite prayers for healing, such as the מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ (pronounced: Mi Shebeirach) prayer in the synagogue, and psalms (especially Psalm 119) on behalf of the sick. Bikur Cholim societies exist in Jewish communities around the world. The groups gather together to say prayers and psalms for members of the community, or even absolute strangers. The earliest bikur cholim society on record dates back to the Middle Ages!

#1 KNOW THIS FROM JEWISH TRADITION

The roots of bikur cholim can be traced back to the Torah, when God visits Abraham after his circumcision (Genesis 18:1). “Just as the Holy One, Blessed be God, visits the sick, as it is written with regard to God’s appearing to Abraham following his circumcision: ‘Adonai appeared to him by the terebinths of Mamre,’ so too, should you visit the sick. – Talmud Sota 14a

Bikur cholim is mentioned in the Talmud several times, stating, “One must visit even a hundred times a day” and that “He who visits a person who is ill takes away a sixtieth of his pain.” According to the Talmud, visits should not be very early or late in the day, and one should not stay too long. Relatives and friends are urged to visit as soon as possible.

#2. WATCH – Bikur Cholim “Caring for the Sick”

Grades (K-5)

Grades (6 & 7)

#4 “MI SHE’BERAKH: A PRAYER FOR VISITING THE SICK

These comforting words can be said on behalf of those who are ill. Traditionally, they are said in the synagogue, with the Torah out before the community by the ill person themself, or by a person who came up to the Torah on behalf of someone else. Whether friends or loved ones are struggling with physical, emotional or spiritual challenges, this prayer speaks to our desire for their healing.

May the one who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless [name] son/daughter of [parents], since he/she has come up to the Torah in honor of God and Torah. May he/she merit from the Holy One of Blessing: protection, rescue from any trouble or distress, and from any illness, minor or serious; may God send blessing and success in his/her every endeavor, together with all Israel, and let us say: Amen!

#5: WATCH : Debbie Friedman performs prayer for Healing

#6 RESPOND AND REACT

1. Have you ever visited somebody who was sick and very ill?
2. What is the Hebrew for “visiting the sick?”
3. Do you believe that visiting a sick person helps them recover?
4. How would you feel if a friend visited you when you were sick?
5. How can you express/show your concern for a person who is sick?

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Also, at the end of the session, remember to review your responses in your Tamid Workbook so you can get credit for this lesson. Behatzlacha (Hebrew for good luck)!

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