34. Who Should Fulfill the Mitzvah?

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 of bikur cholim can be fulfilled by anyone, and one need not know the patient personally. Furthermore, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 335:2) writes that even distinguished individuals are obligated to visit those of lower stature and attend to their needs. However, the mitzvah applies only to a visit that will be beneficial and meaningful for the patient. One is not obligated to visit all sick people in every location (Chashukei Chemed, Bava Batra 116a, citing R. Chaim Kanievsky).

2.       In light of the above, one need not visit a sick patient who will certainly be difficult or uncomfortable to interact with (see https://outorah.org/p/123217/). In addition, one should verify first whether the person actually desires visitors. Today, many sick patients, whether at home or in the hospital, prefer to remain alone and do not want visitors. We will see tomorrow that there may be other ways to fulfill the mitzvah in such cases.