BIKUR CHOLIM
by
Rabbi Bennett M. Rackman In our morning prayers each day, both men and women recite a series of benedictions as a prelude to the daily service. Three blessings are recited relating to the study of Torah. Thereby, whenever we are involved in "learning" during the day, we need not recite the blessings again. For people who may not have the opportunity to engage in the fulfillment of this mitzvah during the day, our rabbis prescribed three passages immediately following the blessings in which we fulfill minimally this commandment. The first passage is from the Torah, the second from the Mishnah, and the third is from the Talmud.

Of the many possible Talmudic choices, this one was chosen possibly to emphasize that we devote ourselves to good deeds during the course of a busy day. In this last selection we list several obligations that are so praiseworthy that the reward for their fulfillment is divided into two parts: the dividend for their performance is enjoyed in this world, while the reward for the principal is reserved for the world to come.

One of the nine listed good deeds is BIKUR CHOLIM visiting the sick. It ranks on the same plane as honoring one’s parents (for which the reward is long life), charity, hosting guests, enabling marriages (i.e., shadchan), and participating in funerals (a chesed shel emes).

Bikur cholim can take many forms in our modern society. One can visit sick or elderly patients in hospitals and nursing homes. In the Rockaways there are many of the latter. One can visit sick people recuperating from illness in the home or assist "shut-ins" with daily errands. One can call on the phone to say hello. One can escort/drive individuals to and from doctor offices.

Anyone who has experienced personally, or had a loved one experience, what it is like to be confined to a hospital room or to one’s home during an illness, knows full well how lonely and depressing a sickness can be. When it is shared with others it becomes bearable. Maybe this is what our rabbis meant when they counseled that a person who visits the sick helps remove 1/60 of the illness. Pain and suffering are alleviated when it becomes a shared experience.

God visited Abraham when he was recuperating from his circumcision. We learn from the episode the importance of visiting the sick. God wants us to emulate his ways. He wants us to engage in this form of loving-kindness. If we are able to fulfill this special commandment, our reward as promised by our sages will be very great.

However, I would commend observance of this mitzvah for another reason. Having served as the Jewish chaplain in our local hospital and its affiliated nursing home, I can attest to the immediate gratification one receives knowing you have brought respite and a smile to one who is in pain and suffering loneliness.

It would be my hope that more individuals become involved in this experience, on a part-time basis, and realize the joy you bring to your life, just as you bring it to others by giving of yourself.

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