The holiday of Passover celebrates the redemption of the Jewish people from bondage, and is traditionally celebrated together with families − which means that it can be an especially lonely time for a hospitalized individual.
Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County filled this void by ensuring that customary holiday foods, like matzah and wine (grape juice), macaroons, and Haggadah booklets were conveniently on hand at all nursing stations at Boca Raton Community Hospital should a patient desire. The nursing staff at the hospital also received beautiful packages of Passover cookies as a token of appreciation and gratitude for their dedicated service.
Bikur Cholim, meaning “visiting the sick” in Hebrew, is a not-for-profit all-volunteer service organization providing assistance to individuals facing medical and life crises. The trained clergy, professionals and volunteers strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. Their mission is to minimize the physical and emotional pain of the sick and their families and to provide reassurance and hope.
The loyal volunteers of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County visit patients at hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, hospices and homes on a regular basis to chat, cheer and comfort.
At a recent Bikur Cholim breakfast Rabbi Efrem Goldberg of Boca Raton Synagogue spoke about how every person can discover their own unique way to do the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim and make a huge difference in the lives of patients. It can be a life changing experience for volunteers as well.
The group has an extensive volunteer training program, and provides important patient advocacy and support services including translators and transportation to medical appointments. They also maintain a warehouse with a wide variety of durable medical equipment available for free loan, and recently published a booklet of healing prayers for both patients and visitors. Bikur Cholim has made available a professionally produced training video about the special needs of the observant Jewish patient during hospital stays.
Bikur Cholim services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to all in need without regard to race, religion, nationality or creed. Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County Inc. is an IRS approved 501(C)3 exempt organization.
For more information about Bikur Cholim and ways you can help, please contact Stanley Smith at 561-362-7345, or email: BikurCholimSPBC@gmail.com
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