Fulfilling Bikur Cholim

Q. How is the mitzvah of bikur cholim fulfilled?

A. The Tur (YD 335) writes that there are two main components to the mitzvah of visiting the sick.

The first element is to determine the needs of the choleh, make certain he or she is comfortable and the surroundings are clean and hygienic, provide food and drink as necessary, and speak to the person in a way that affords comfort, strength and hope.

The second aspect is to daven for the individual’s recovery. When praying in the presence of the choleh, the tefilllah may be in any language, as the Shechina hovers directly above the sickbed and there is no need for angels (who do not understand every language) to transmit the prayer to Hashem. One should include the individual for whom he is praying together with all others who are ill. One should say, “Hamakom (G-d) should have mercy on you, among all members of the Jewish people who are ill.” The Rema (335:4) writes that one who visited the sick but did not pray on their behalf has not fulfilled the mitzvah of bikur cholim.

The Rambam (Hil. Avel 14:4) notes that simply by visiting, it is as if a portion of the illness has been removed.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.