32. Bikur Cholim (#1)

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchot Bein Adam L’Chaveiro

1 – The Mitzvah to Visit the Sick

1.   It is a mitzvah to visit a person who is ill, which is known as the mitzvah of “bikur cholim” (Sotah 14a). According to some opinions, this mitzvah is a biblical one (Ba’al Hilchot Gedolot, cited in Hasagot to Sefer Hamitzvot, Shoresh 1), while most commentaries hold that the mitzvah is rabbinic (Rambam, Hilchot Avel 14:1; Tur, Yoreh De’ah 335), though it may be included as part of the wider mitzvah of gemilut chasadim (see Rashi, Shabbat 127a).

2.   The Gemara and commentaries allude to three primary reasons for the mitzvah to visit the sick:

a.   To take care of the patient’s physical needs, as evident from Rabbi Akiva, who swept the floor when visiting his ill student (Nedarim 40a) 

b.   To pray for the patient while in close proximity to him or her (Ibid.)

c.   To offer companionship (Ramban, Torat Ha’adam; Gesher Hachayim, vol.1, 1:1)

These various reasons may impact upon how the mitzvah is properly fulfilled, as will be discussed in some of the upcoming posts.