Visiting The Sick

Visiting sick people is an age-old Jewish practice, which seems to be enjoying renewed interest these days; it’s called Bikkur Cholim, visiting the sick.  In Hebrew “cholim” means the sick, but the word bikkur seems to imply some puzzling notions. Some sources relate “bikkur” to ”boker” which means morning; the imagery suggests opening the window, when visiting the sick, to bring the light of dawn to the darkened soul. Other sources relate “bikkur” to examination, as animals were examined for bodily defects in order to qualify them for sacrifice. So bikkur cholim can be interpreted as examining the sick: to assess the spiritual condition so we can relate to the patient in more appropriate ways. Regardless of its real meaning of the word, bikkur cholim is a practice that has bound Jewish communities together throughout the centuries.

The custom of visiting the sick originated in the Talmud. In the Tractate Nedarim—which deals with vows—we come upon this Mishnah, “[If] one has vowed not to benefit from his neighbor and he went to visit him [while he was sick] he [may] stand, but not sit. He may cure his soul, but not cure his money [his animals].” Sitting down would take advantage of his neighbor’s belonging, a chair; however he may benefit his neighbor by healing him. The gemara (the rabbinic commentary on the Mishnah) goes on to teach that “there is no [maximum] measure for visiting the sick”. We also find this phrase in the daily prayer book, which ranks along with such items as hospitality to strangers, devotion in prayer and effecting peace between people. The gemara continues with the words of Rabbi Aha bar Hanina, “Any one who visits the sick takes away one sixtieth of his pain”, which brings up the point that if sixty people visit a sick person, his health would be restored.

Why is there such a burgeoning interest in Bikkur Cholim today? Concerned groups are forming in many areas bearing such compassionate names as “Healing Partners” and “Caring Communities” and there are literally hundreds of Bikkur Cholim societies operating within the framework of synagogues around the country. Visiting the sick is a rabbinically ordained Mitzvah in its true sense. As such it goes beyond the duties of the rabbi and becomes incumbent on every Jewish person. Many of us, who visit the sick, realize that this Mitzvah enlivens us, spiritually. It become an exhilarating experience; it’s like being on top of the world.  Also as Jewish healing has recently blossomed into the consciousness of American Judaism, we have become aware that visiting the sick adds significantly to the healing potential of the ailing and the infirm. With this newly conceived insight, visiting the sick has been assigned as another of the many lay duties required by the Jewish community: from the shochet (the ritual slaughterer) to the mashgiach (the inspector of kashrut) to the sofer (the scribe), etc. There is nothing closer to walking in God’s footsteps than to aid someone in his or her healing process.  Who knows, perhaps one day, we will all have the rofeh (the healer).

Should one person take on the Mitzvah of paying a sick call himself, or should this be the work of a committee? That’s hard to say. It may be difficult for some people to visit the sick. “What will I say”, What if it’s catching”, are the kinds of thoughts that may enter people’s minds. People confined to home or hospital due to illness experience a wide range of emotions. Many are uncertain and frightened of what the future holds in store. Some are angry with themselves for getting sick and some are angry with God, believing He made them sick.  Those who suffer both physically or mentally might be sad and often lonely; they need the reassurance of a warm smile from a friendly face. What they don’t need is a pep talk or predictions that might lead to false expectations.
Visitors often wonder what to say. A simple introduction and perhaps a brief explanation of bikkur cholim will do. Very little else needs to be said. Hospital patients generally welcome the opportunity to unload their emotional burdens, especially to non-threatening strangers. “I suspect that the most basic and peaceful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we can ever give each other is our attention. And especially if it’s given from the heart”—from Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.

We must make every effort to preserve the Mitzvah of bikkur cholim. It was first taught to our forefather Abraham as he was recovering from his circumcision. In Genesis, it is told that the Lord appeared to him by the terebinths of Mamre; he was sitting at the entrance of the tent, as the day grew hot. The Talmud tells us, “Just as God visited the sick, so too, should you visit the sick.”