36. What to Do During a Bikur Cholim Visit (Part 1)

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.       We learned previously that the main purposes of bikur cholim include caring for their physical needs, praying for them, and offering companionship. Accordingly, one who visits the sick should inquire about his or her welfare, whether they need anything, others matters about the illness, or anything else the patient wishes to discuss (Tzitz Eliezer 5, Ramat Rachel 3).

2.       In addition, as mentioned previously, one should also pray for the patient’s recovery during the visit. One may suffice with a short prayer asking for Hashem to cure the patient such as “May the Omnipotent should have mercy upon you among the ill of Israel” (Shulchan Aruch, Y.D. 335:6). One may also recite chapters of Tehillim, such as chapters 2, 6, 13, 30, 130, and 142 (Gesher Hachaim, vol.1, 1:3:1; see there for more appropriate selections of Tehillim). Some recommend praying silently at a distance from the patient or immediately after leaving to ensure the sick individual does not get alarmed that the visitor is praying for him or her (Gesher Hachaim, ibid.; Halichot Shlomo, Tefillah). It has been suggested, however, that in recent times, many patients welcome the opportunity to daven to Hashem together with the visitor and one may offer to pray aloud together with them (R. Joseph Ozarowski, To Walk in God’s Ways, p.45).