Resources
Resource List
SPIRITUAL GUIDES
Guide me Along the Way: A Jewish Resource Guide for Surgery
by Rabbi Simkha Weintraub and Rabbi Aaron Lever
Jewish Spiritual Companion for Medical Treatments: Resources for Patients, Family Members, Friends, Clergy and Health-Care Professionals
Collaborative project of Twin Cities Jewish Healing Program and National Center for Jewish Healing.
With Sweetness from the Rock: A Jewish Spiritual Companion for Caregivers
Rabbi Stephanie Dickstein, LMSW
The Healing Circle: A New Model for Nurturing Spirituality in Jewish Family
Service Agencies
Marjorie Sokoll
Director, Jewish Healing Connections, Jewish Family & Children’s Service,
Waltham, Massachusetts
TRAINING
Tele-Chaplaincy: Providing Spiritual Care at a Distance
by David Balto, Staff Chaplain, Washington (D.C. ) MedicalCenter
Tele-chaplaincy uses technology to provide spiritual care to patients and families remotely, addressing barriers created by the pandemic. Chaplains have adapted from in-person visits to virtual ones, primarily through phone calls, with some exploring video options. A study showed high patient satisfaction with tele-chaplaincy, particularly with the chaplain’s ability to comfort and listen. Despite the challenges of not being physically present, chaplains strive to establish trust and provide comfort through these virtual interactions.
Being a Bikur Cholim Telephone Visitor
The ubiquitous telephone! How many of us have gotten calls that lift our spirits or warm our hearts? With forethought and skill the telephone can be used for bikur cholim in a meaningful and efficient way. Many points of visiting are the same whether face-to-face or via the telephone, but some are different. Both require […]
Prayers for Bikur Cholim Visitors
Traditionally, prayer has been an integral part of a bikur cholim visit, with two main purposes: Comforting the sick Helping them experience, in a tangible way, a connection with the Jewish community Jewish sources cite specific prayers to be offered at the bedside of the sick. The Shulchan Aruch (16th century Code of Jewish Law) […]
Conversation Essentials for Bikur Cholim
Bikur cholim is an investment of time and includes attention, patience, perceptive listening, sincere concern, openness, and communication skills. As in all verbal communication, tone of voice is very important and can change the meaning behind the question. Below are techniques to help facilitate communication when making a visit or talking with the person on […]
Tips For Bikur Cholim Visitors
Bikur cholim visiting skills are skills for life. They include being fully present, and being a good listener and knowing proper visiting etiquette. These guidelines will help you in communicating your caring intention and being an effective visitor: Being fully present Try to put yourself in the other person’s place. Put aside daydreams and distraction […]
A Digest of Laws of Bikur Cholim
The following digest of laws of Bikur Cholim is compiled from the Shulhan Arukh (16th Century text) & Rabbinic Literature Visiting the sick is in emulation of the Almighty’s own actions, when He visited Abraham after his circumcision: “The Lord appeared unto him by the terebinths of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door […]
About Being a Bikur Cholim Visitor
Our good intentions can be enhanced with skill, grace, and efficiency. The ideal visitor needs to be mindful as he/she provides optimistic support,
Adapting to the New Challenges Suicide and Depression
Rabbi Simkha Weintraub
Adapting to the New Challenges-Attending to MH in the Community
Rabbi Simkha Weintraub
Jewish Principles of Care for the Dying
An article from the National Center for Jewish Healing by Rabbi Amy Eilberg.
A Loss Worthy of Grief
This links to an issue of The Outstretched Arm that was published on an issue by the National Jewish Healing Center.
Caring for the Caregiver PowerPoint Slides
Clicking this link will download the slides used in Faye Wilber and Rabbi Cheryl Weiner’s presentation on caring for yourself as a caregiver.
General Bikur Cholim Links and Additional Resources
These links give resources of interest to those who do this holy work.
Bikur Cholim Resources Manual
Guidance and resources for those new to visiting the ill and dying.
Bikur Cholim Training Manual
Yad L’Yad (hand to hand) training manual for Bikur Cholim volunteers.
Bikur Cholim Handbook
from the TEMPLE BETH HILLEL-BETH EL HESED NETWORK
Jewish Guidance on the Loss of a Baby or Fetus
Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner, BCC, Senior Rabbi & Director, Spiritual Care Department, Cedars-Sinai
Being a Bikur Cholim Telephone Visitor
The ubiquitous telephone! How many of us have gotten calls that lift our spirits or warm our hearts? With forethought and skill the telephone can be used for Bikur Cholim in a meaningful and efficient way. Many points of visiting are the same whether face-to-face or via the telephone, but some are different. Both require […]
Counting Hallel for Hannukah
A National Center for Jewish Healing article with resources for healing.
From Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub:
Prayer for a Loved One Diagnosed with COVID-19
Probably Forbidden Lines
Why Do People Not Visit the Sick?
What May People Who Are Ill Lose?
From the Depths Healthcare Professionals in the Trenches
Ten Possible Questions to Ask Oneself after a Bikur Cholim Visit
Telechaplaincy Article by David Balto
Telephone Visiting Manual
Prayers for Bikur Cholim Visitors
Traditionally, prayer has been an integral part of a Bikur Cholim visit, with two main purposes: Comforting the sick Helping them experience, in a tangible way, a connection with the Jewish community Jewish sources cite specific prayers to be offered at the bedside of the sick. The Shulchan Aruch (16th century Code of Jewish Law) […]
Conversation Essentials for Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim is an investment of time and includes attention, patience, perceptive listening, sincere concern, openness, and communication skills. As in all verbal communication, tone of voice is very important and can change the meaning behind the question. Below are techniques to help facilitate communication when making a visit or talking with the person on […]
Tips For Bikur Cholim Visitors
Bikur Cholim visiting skills are skills for life. They include being fully present, and being a good listener and knowing proper visiting etiquette. These guidelines will help you in communicating your caring intention and being an effective visitor: Being fully present Try to put yourself in the other person’s place. Put aside daydreams and distraction […]
A Jewish Spiritual Companion For Caregivers
Give Me Your Hand
This is a remarkable booklet that is one of the best user friendly texts on Bikur Cholim.
You Are Your Parents’ Keeper
A comprehensive book covering all aspects of Bikur Cholim.
Turn to Me (video)
The Act of Visiting (video)
The Art of Reaching Out
The Art of the Shiva Call
Spiritual Fitness Exercises
A Digest of Laws of Bikur Cholim
The following digest of laws of Bikur Cholim is compiled from the Shulhan Arukh (16th Century text) & Rabbinic Literature Visiting the sick is in emulation of the Almighty’s own actions, when He visited Abraham after his circumcision: “The Lord appeared unto him by the terebinths of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door […]
About Being a Bikur Cholim Visitor
Our good intentions can be enhanced with skill, grace, and efficiency. The ideal visitor needs to be mindful as he/she provides optimistic support, assistance toward independence and a listening ear. Hiddur (Hebrew for “beautify”) is the concept of enhancement of a mitzvah through beautification. Conventionally, hiddurapplies to the ritualistic aspects of religious observance: the […]
JFCS Prayer Pamphlet
A booklet distributed in Boston area hospitals and synagogue caring communities who request them for congregants. Two of the prayers were written by David Breakstone and Betty Ann Miller who the Center for Jewish Healing is named after. This booklet was written by Marjorie U. Sokoll.
And God Appeared to Abraham
Alexander Massey article about Bikur Cholim.
JTS Course on Bikur Cholim
This link gives a description of a course on Bikur Cholim offered by JTS.
Make A Difference Day
Educational materials around Bikur Cholim.