For nearly 30 years, a dedicated group of JFS volunteers have made daily visits to sick Jewish patients at Greenwich Hospital.
Volunteer Dawn S. explains: “When my mother was hospitalized, Bikur Cholim volunteers visited daily, comforting me and my mother. Now a volunteer myself, I try to bring patients and their families some peace and solace; I find the experience to be deeply rewarding."
“I especially enjoy visiting patients who are without family members or friends,” says volunteer Robin B. “I engage them in conversation about their lives, work, and interests. One 95-year-old patient told me about her brother surviving the World War II landing at Normandy Beach, while another explained what local Jewish life was like in the 1940’s in Stamford, where her family owned a general store. I’m grateful to to be able to do this mitzvah and help with simple acts of kindness.”
Bikur Cholim volunteers are needed now! A simple conversation with can uplift patients' spirits and make a tough day a little brighter. Training sessions are led by Rabbi MJ Newman, JFS Rabbinic Scholar in Residence and Rabbinic Chaplain at Greenwich Hospital, and start Tuesday evening, October 15, with the remaining sessions on October 22, October 29, November 5, and November 12. For more details, please contact Jessica Berger.
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