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

Telechaplaincy: Providing Spiritual Care at a Distance

by David Balto, Staff Chaplain

Telechaplaincy 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 Mental Health 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.

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..

Bikur Cholim Resources Manual

Bikur Cholim Training Manual

Probably Forbidden Lines