Bikur Cholim at Temple Israel

Bikur cholim means “visiting the sick.” It also means checking in on their welfare, doing what we can to provide for their needs, and praying for their refuah shleimah – return to wholeness. 

Bikur cholim is a significant mitzvah, and it is one of the core values of Judaism. It is one of the basic ways in which we can perform acts of chesed - loving-kindness - for another person. The Talmud describes it as a way in which we can imitate God, who visited Abraham while he was recovering from circumcision.

The Bikur Cholim committee at Temple Israel acts like an extended family for members of our congregation who are struck with sudden illness or bereavement.

What do we do? We visit. We send cheery, encouraging messages. We provide assistance with meals, childcare, housekeeping, grocery shopping, errands, and rides. We relieve the ill person of some family responsibilities. We make sure that people who live alone are safe and not fearful or lonely.

If you would like to help with bikur cholim, please contact the Temple Office at office@templeisraellondon.ca

Mi Shebeirach - Prayer for Healing

These comforting words can be said on behalf of those who are ill. Whether friends or loved ones are struggling with physical, emotional or spiritual challenges, this prayer speaks to our desire for their healing.

Mi Shebeirach avoteinu v’imoteinu,
Avraham, Yitzchak v’Yaakov, Sarah, Rivkah,
Rachel v’Lei-ah, hu y’vareich et hacholim
[names]. HaKadosh Baruch Hu yimalei
rachamim aleihem, l’hachalimam ul’rapotam
ul’hachazikam, v’yishlach lahem m’heirah
r’fuah, r’fuah shleimah min hashamayim,
r’fuat hanefesh ur’fuat haguf, hashta
baagala uviz’man kariv. V’nomar: Amen.

May the one who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless and heal those who are ill [names]. May the Blessed Holy One be filled with compassion for their health to be restored and their strength to be revived. May God swiftly send them a complete renewal of body and spirit, and let us say, Amen.

Content provided by: URJ