Hospital Committee

Ken Eben - (212) 605-2392

The tradition of bikur cholim (be-core kho-leem), 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.

• Because people need to feel connected to the community especially when they are ill or homebound.
• Because bringing the community to the bedside lifts the spirit of those who may feel forgotten.
• Because studies have shown that social contact and support positively influences those needing and receiving comfort.
• Because visiting and caring activities helps build community and character.
• Because we are acting in a G-dly way when we visit.

• An initial required orientation lecture explaining procedures.
• Our members visit only on Mondays at an hour of their choosing.  Morning hours are preferable.
• Members visit once each month or every 6 six weeks depending on their schedule.
• Visits usually take from an hour to an hour and a half depending on the patient numbers.
• We only visit Jewish patients.
• A member of the committee will gladly allow new volunteers to shadow them until they are comfortable visiting on their own.

Lastly, the experience of Bikur Cholim is exceptionally rewarding.  Each members experience is different, but all of our lives are enriched by the experience.