Bikkur Cholim (Caring Community)

Bikkur Cholim translates directly from Hebrew to “visiting the sick”, the mission of this committee is to connect those in need in our community with those who wish to extend their kindness.

This committee can truly be thought of as our “caring community” intiative. It fulfills the mitzvah of bikkur cholim, which enriches the lives of our congregants and strengthens our connections with one another.

We do this through the many following initiatives:

Outreach by card or call:

The committee are active in communicating to members by mail and phone. For example, handwritten cards are sent to those who are ill, and, at chaggim (Rosh Hashanah, Channukah, and Pesach), sent to all Holy Blossom members over 90 years old, and living in retirement facilities.

Phone matches and home/facility visits:

Additionally, matches are made with those who are shut in, with long-lasting relationships formed according to mutually agreed-upon arrangements, whether it is a monthly phone call, bi-weekly Zoom meeting, or the occasional visit at home or at a relevant hospital or rehabilitation facility.

“Shalom Aleichem” visits:

A wonderful group of volunteers visits several of our retirement facilities with Holy Blossom members, approximately once per month. Currently, this is: Amica on the Avenue, Baycrest, and Forest Hill Place. Together, residents and volunteers will either bring in Shabbat together with song and story, or partake in Shabbat-appropriate activities on Saturday afternoon (e.g. card and board games). This allows an extra touchpoint with our congregants, and helps them know we are thinking of, and caring for, them.

Kugel Kindness

In December 2022, the Bikkur Cholim committee began their Kugel Kindness Initiative, in which volunteers bake kugels and deliver them to those within our congregational family who find themselves at a moment where some extra support is appreciated. For now, we are delivering to those who are ill, to those who need some outreach and to mourning families. Our future plans include expanding to families with newborns.

It is based off an initiative from Bet Shalom Congregation, one of our sister synagogues just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. It’s goal is to create community and make connections between our members, as drivers are encouraged to make a visit, whether a brief drop-off at the door, or even staying for a cup of tea. It is a way for us as a Holy Blossom Temple family to be warm and welcoming to one another, and to also give back to and catch up with each other.

It is a wonderful experience for the recipients, who appreciate the care the kugel signifies, and for the paticipants, many of whom have brought their expert skills into the Mishkan kitchen and are working hard to perfect the recipe and baking procedures.

For more information about, or to volunteer with, the Bikkur Cholim committee, please contact Rabbi Eliza McCarroll [email protected]