Bikur Cholim is dedicated to trying to meet patients’ special needs in the hospital during Shabbat and other Jewish Holidays.
Shabbat
Fire regulations strictly prohibit the lighting of candles in the hospitals. Bikur Cholim provides electric candles which are available in the Hospitality Centers of the hospitals. Please consult with your Rav as to whether you should or should not recite a bracha. In addition, food for Shabbat can be arranged by calling the Bikur Cholim Hotline. (This latter service is on a limited basis, depending on how close to Shabbat the meals need to be available and the length of time meals need to be supplied.)
Rosh Hashana/Yom Kippur
Machzorim are available in the Bikur Cholim Hospitality Centers. Shofar blowing may be arranged upon a patient’s request by calling the Bikur Cholim at 732-572-7181.
Sukkot
Machzorim, lulavim and etrogim are stocked in the Bikur Cholim Hospitality Centers.
Chanukah
Fire regulations strictly prohibit the lighting of candles in the hospitals. Therefore, patients are encouraged to ask a family member to light the Chanukah menorah for them at home. If that is not possible, electric menorahs can be arranged through the Bikur Cholim. Please consult your local Rav regarding the use of electric menorahs on Chanukah.
Purim
Megillah reading is available by Bikur Cholim volunteers. Please contact the Bikur Cholim at 732-572-7181 to request this service.
Pesach
Matzoh and Kosher for Passover food items are available in the Bikur Cholim Hospitality Centers. Matzoh for the hospital is packaged by the Bikur Cholim. Seder plates are available upon request.