Bikkur Holim at Dor Hadash is a fellowship that provides practical and emotional support to congregants in crisis, usually due to illness or bereavement.

Bikkur Holim, the mitzvah of visiting the sick, is one of the nine obligations without measure which we recite each Shabbat morning. It is important for us to understand that the observance of visiting the sick is not just considerate and helpful. It is a spiritual practice, linking the everyday with the divine. When we visit the sick, we bring inspiration into our life, into the life of the one we visit, and into the life of the community. Thus are we made holy (kideshanu) by this act.

Tradition tells us that when we visit the sick we hasten their healing, both physically and psychologically. The rabbis believe that a sick person cannot recover alone, but needs the support of others. Thus the practice of Bikkur Holimsupports the Jewish reverence for life. It also strengthens the community through interdependence of the individuals in it. Therefore, it is also a mitzvah to let others help you when you need support.

Peformance of mitzvot is rewarding because we are living according to our own ideals and participating in the spiritual life of our people. PracticingBikkur Holimadds a dimension to this satisfaction. It is a personal act of compassion and an immediate expression of Tikkun Olam, the repair of the world.