Bikur Cholim of Cleveland Hosts Melavah Malkah

By: Susan Efroymson (Images below)

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS: Motzai Shabbos, January 19th, the Cleveland community turned out to show it’s support for one of it’s most appreciated, dedicated, and necessary institutions: Bikur Cholim of Cleveland.  The event, hosted by Rabbi Shimon Weiner, honored both Rabbi and Mrs. Nathan Berman and Rabbi and Mrs. Eliyahu Rennert for their inspiring dedication to the organization through all of their tireless volunteer work.

“Nobody does it like we do” we’re the oft repeated words that evening.  The extent that the organization reaches in order to help families during a medical crises or with chronic medical issues, were highlighted by both recipients and volunteers.  Emphasizing how Bikur Cholim attends to even the smallest details and highlighting the impact of that care, recipient Rabbi Rubin spoke of his arrival in Cleveland with a critically ill child. After placing a call to the one acquaintance he knew, Rabbi Rubin shortly received a call back from Bikur Cholim’s head Mrs. Sora Shapiro.  Putting his mind at ease, Bikur Cholim quickly and happily provided everything that the family required, including transportation from the airport (negating a car rental), housing, food, and emotional support, as well. The extent to which was both true and typical was evidenced by the time of his son’s operation, 3:30 am.  He expressed amazement that by 4:30 in the morning, members of Bikkur Cholim arrived at the hospital to sit with him and simply be there for him.  Rabbi Rubin continued to show his amazement at the way the organization operates, and the style that is seamlessly integrated in all of its services.

 

Bikur Cholim of Cleveland assists patients and their families in many ways. Visitations, transportation to and from medical appointments and hospitals, referrals, Tehillim list and Tefillah group, mental health assistance, and hospitality rooms located in local hospitals, combine to help provide a caring support system to those in times of need.  With its typical attention to detail, those hospitality rooms, for example, have something for everyone: salt free diet, low sugar, low fat, high calorie, bland for an upset stomach, tasty, hot or cold options, and options if you are lactose free or simply fleshig. Additionally, nutritious and delicious home-prepared meals are provided by many dedicated volunteers and are then delivered to either homes or hospitals for not only the patients but with attention to the total picture, also the affected families. This service is available for both weekday and Shabbos and Yom Tov arrangements, even when the need has arisen last minute, with thoughtful menu variety and attention to beauty of presentation.

 

The inspirational dinner, which embraced Bikur Cholim’s symphony of services, was testimony to the many individuals who have devoted and committed themselves to creating an internationally renowned organization that has had a tremendous impact on countless lives and families.