Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Eliza McCarroll

Chesed at Holy Blossom 

עַל שְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד, עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים: 

“The world stands on three things: on Torah, on worship, and on acts of lovingkindness.” (Pirkei Avot 1:2) 

These are the words that we’ve chosen to open our updated web page for our rebranded Chesed Committee, formerly known as Bikkur Cholim. 

We recently made the name change because, while Bikkur Cholim literally translates to “visiting the sick”, our good work encompasses, and has expanded to include, more mitzvot than that. What we realized instead, in line with our quote from Pirkei Avot, is that we really fulfil many different acts of “G’milut Chasadim”, compassion and lovingkindness. 

So, who are we, and what are our guiding principles and deeds? 

Chesed, which shares the same root, is the Jewish value of “lovingkindness”. Our mission is to connect members of the Holy Blossom Temple community who are in need with those inspired to perform acts of chesed. Through kindness, compassion, and meaningful human connection, we strive to ensure that no one in our community feels alone during times of illness, loss, celebration, or transition. 

Guided by empathy and respect, we match acts of caring with individual needs, always within the capabilities of our dedicated volunteers. 

We share chesed by bringing the warmth and spirit of Shabbat and our festivals to residents of retirement homes and care facilities through visits and holiday programming. We contact our community members aged 85+ throughout the year. We also prepare and deliver homemade kugels to members who are ill or grieving, and to families celebrating the arrival of a new baby. Finally, we reach out through handwritten cards, phone calls, and occasional visits to offer companionship, encouragement, and a listening ear. When needed, volunteers may also provide and deliver simple meals. 

Our work will, of course, remain grounded in the timeless mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim, with this sacred tradition remaining at the heart of our mission. 

I am so grateful to be joined in these sacred acts of service by amazing lay-leader partners, including Bambi Katz (Chair of the Chesed Committee), Sandi Smith (VP of Kehilah Kedosha – the Temple department this committee falls under), Debra Merowitz (Co-Chair of Kugel Kindness), as well as the many other volunteers who give of their time and talent to bring our many important Chesed initiatives to life. 

We would be delighted to have you join us in our G’milut Chasadim. 

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Rabbi Eliza McCarroll [email protected]