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When we perform the mitzvah of bikkur cholim* (visiting the sick), our visit takes away one sixtieth of his/her pain. --Babylonian Talmud, Nedarim 39 Rabbi Michael Lezak and the Bikkur Cholim team Last fall, Rabbi Eric Weiss (of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center) and I taught a class about the mitzvah of bikkur cholim. We wanted to not only root people in ancient texts about the sacred power of this mitzvah, we aimed to train them to partner with clergy to do this holy work right here in our own community. Here at Rodef Sholom, we know full-well that some congregants who fall ill are blessed with speedy and complete recoveries. And we also know that too many of us are dealing with long-term illnesses that have debilitating effects not only our bodies but our neshamot (souls) as well.
At our weekly staff meetings, we go walk through a lifecycle sheet that lists everyone who we know who is ill or in crisis or celebrating a simcha and more. For many years, we have sought to match up congregants in crisis with congregants who are both socially and spiritually strong enough to accompany others through challenging periods in their lives. Our Bikkur Cholim Team is now helping us to fill this gap. Please know that Rabbis Stacy, Noa and I and Cantor David will continue to visit you and to check in on you. And please know that we have lifted up a cadre of sacred souls who will partner with us in doing this bikkur cholim work. The Bikkur Cholim Team meets monthly with Moji and me to continue to mine Jewish texts and to process the work that we are doing. The work that our Bikkur Cholim Team does is intimately related to the work of our monthly Nichum captains who call upon congregants like you to cook and deliver meals to congregants in crisis. --Rabbi Michael Lezak If you are interested in joining the Bikkur Cholim team or finding out when the next training is, please contact Moji at 479.3441 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Pesach 5770
Now that Purim is over, it's time to focus on Passover. Click here to learn about Passover services, Passover hosting, the JCRC Freedom seder, the Women's seder and more!
EWJ podcasts are now available!
Click here for more details.
Through the efforts of our Kulanu/ Inclusion of Those with Disabilities Committee, Rodef Sholom has been acknowleded as an accessible congregation by the National Organization on Disability. 