THE SONDRA RUBIN-WANDERER FUND has been established for Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County with the generous support of her family. Sandy—Shprintza bas Shmuel HaLevi a”h—was truly an incredible woman, and many of our friends and neighbors were blessed to have known her. On many occasions Sandy expressed the wish that she had the strength to be a Bikur Cholim volunteer—and what a volunteer she would have been with her infectious smile and dynamic personality! Sandy understood what a need there was for Bikur Cholim in the community, and her many friends have been waiting for this opportunity to make contributions in her memory to a cause she wholeheartedly supported. For more information about adding your gift to the Sandy Wanderer Endowment Fund, please contact Stan Smith. Click here for complete details.
A NOVEL WAY TO KEEP A PATIENT’S SPIRITS UP :-) BIkur Cholim has obtained several copies of The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker to help patients maintain a sense of humor. The hefty book even comes with a DVD. If anyone would like to contribute a portable DVD player we will able to loan them to hospitalized patients to use to view the cartoons, or watch any DVD. It would be a lot more cheerful than watching TV from a hospital bed.
THE LATEST ADDITION to our medical equipment loan program is an electric scooter that can be used even on the Sabbath. Stan happened to casually mention to an acquaintance that there was a person in need and to his great surprise this individual volunteered to buy it outright and donate it Bikur Cholim. The Amigo Scooter has a Sabbath mode of operation that is approved by the Tzomet Institute in Jerusalem for individuals with compromised moblilty. Follow this link for a news story about the Amigo. Scooter
BIKUR CHOLIM made a splash at this year’s Mitzvah Market on Labor (of Love) Day at Boca Raton Synagogue. Our booth had plenty of new things to shows since last year - even our website was live via wireless connection. We recruited more volunteers. Shown at right is a very happy Stan Smith right after the booth was set up. Unfortunately, Stan had to leave early when he was called to the hospital to recite the vidui (deathbed confession) with a patient.
OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH was held on Sunday, November 16. The event, attended by over 70 people, was fully sponsored by JB and Lisa Bensmihen of Boca Home Care. On display were all of the training materials that are available to volunteers. The guest speaker was Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, and a presentation was made by Mr. Bensmihen about the right to services that patients are entitled to under Medicare and Medicaid. Each guest received a package of goodies to take home. Additional photos are posted.
THE ANNUAL BIKUR CHOLIM CONFERENCE in New York was attended by Stan Smith on Sunday, November 9. This year’s theme was “I Awaken the Dawn: The Transformative Power of Bikur Cholim.” Stan returned thinking that his own organization is “one of the most innovative and sophisticated groups attending the annual event, which is sponsored by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Stan brought home more bikur cholim training materials, including training manuals and videos.
ELECTRIC CHANUKAH MENORAHS are now be available to any patient who will be hospitalized during the holiday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. Bikur Cholim has purchased a dozen of these to meet current needs. Menorahs.com, the largest seller of menorahs online, had these safe, beautiful, low-voltage, LED menorahs which can be used with batteries or with an AC adapter. David at menorahs.com gave us a special price on to partner in this mitzvah. May we all enjoy a happy and healthy Chanukah at home with our families and not forget those who cannot.
STAN SMITH’S PERSONAL STORY is featured in a new book, Stories that Tug at the Heart, by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky and published by Artscroll. One of our popular volunteers, Rhoda Azar, was responsible for the author contacting Stan, since she is related to Rabbi Avrohom Fishman, who is quoted in the book. The Jewish heart, says Rabbi Pruzansky, has infinite capacity for love, for giving, for empathy and for change. In these beautifully written true stories we see that capacity in many different ways, in many different people. We are entertained - and we are inspired. Rabbi Pruzansky gives readers delightful, moving, life-affirming, poignant stories. We read Stories that Tug at the Heart and our own hearts grow stronger, as we share people's capacity for caring and love.
2009 PASSOVER CAMPAIGN Bikur Cholim was able to provide packages of matzah, grape juice, macaroons, and Haggadahs booklets are available at every nursing station at Boca Raton Community Hospital. What was really exciting was that this year the hospital produced and distributed leaflets announcing food availability. Jerry J. Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Community Hospital personally distributed the holiday items together with President Stan Smith. This gift was made possible through the extraordinary support of The Sondra Rubin-Wanderer Fund.
NEW TELEPHONE VISITATION PROGRAM Reach out and touch someone. A friendly voice on the telephone can make all the difference to a homebound patient in need of a human connection from the outside world. Not every patient may want or need visitors in person. However, every patient needs to feel that someone cares. As a telephone visitor, you bring hope to someone in need—especially knowing that someone cares. With this in mind, BCPBC has created a new pilot program where a group of volunteers, make phone calls to connect with patients at home. This project is patterned after other such programs throughout the country.
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE SAR Academy, a blue-ribbon day school in Riverdale, New York, hold their annual Intergenerational Day, asking grandparents who have an interesting hobby or interest to make a presention to the 5th grade students. The event offers the opportunity to learn about family histories and to strengthen bonds across generations. Stan’s two grandsons convinced him to talk about volunteering for Bikur Cholim, which turned out to be a big hit! Students who e-mailed Stan with comments about the importance of doing chesed after viewing the Bikur Cholim website received Dunkin’ Donuts gift coupons. Stan and his wife were in Riverdale to see their new granddaughter, Dalya Rivka Smith. Shown with Stan are (R to L) wife Joy, and grandsons Gavi and Ariel Smith.
RELIEF FOR SHUT-INS Beginning in mid-October, a new cooperative effort between Bikur Cholim and Regents Park Nursing Facility will transport shut-ins to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This bi-monthly program was announced by Robin Gardner, Activities Director at Regents Park. Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries and extensive Japanese gardens. The program will provide a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the special serenty of the famed Morikami Gardens. Half the participants will be residents of Regents Park and half will be Palm Beach County residents. Each participant will receive a boxed snack. Volunteers for these trips should contact Stan Smith at 561-362-7345, or email: BikurCholimStan@gmail.com. Learn more about at www.morikami.org.
HONORED WITH A BLESSING Stan Smith was surprised when he received a phone call from one of the head nurses at Boca Raton Community Hospital congratulating the efforts of Bikur Cholim for the excellent work being done by our organization at the hospital. He was honored when he was asked to represent Bikur Cholim by giving a blessing at the hospital’s annual Nursing Excellence Ceremony known as “The Nightingale Moment.” Approximately 200 people were in attendance and the event was televised throughout the hospital.
THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been ably managed by dedicated volunteer Jeffrey Silkin. When Jeff feels that a client has any hardship picking up or returning a piece of equipment he will do it without hesitation. We are indebted to Jeff for doing an outstanding service for our community. Mazel Tov to Jeff and Rhonda Silkin and their family on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew. Matthew did a really outstanding job and we look forward to great things from him.
BIKUR CHOLIM was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Boca Raton Community Hospital’s Staying Healthy quarterly magazine. The informative and laudatory article was entitled 2,000 visits in 2008.
The program’s first training session, led by Mr. Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, attracted volunteers of all ages from the Boca Raton and Delray Beach communities. Each volunteer enthusiastically shared experiences from their past, as a patient, or by observing family members who have participated in the tremendous mitzvah of bikur cholim. Each one felt a need to give back this unselfish act of kindness. Mr. Greenblatt’s background in social work and experience with this patient population made him the perfect professional to educate and train the volunteers with information on how to create a beneficial and comfortable relationship over the phone. He will continue to coordinate and monitor the program.
The first training session was fully attended. All of the volunteers, with their varied backgrounds, contributed ideas from their own personal experiences. The interactive nature of the training created an energetic kickoff to the program. At the end of the session, as the volunteers were wishing each other a happy and healthy New Year, they could not wait to bring a sense of hope and comfort to those that need it most.
Are you ready to volunteer for this program and make a difference in someone’s life? If so, call Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, at 561-347-5025. Program co-chairs are Susan Rotsztajn and Ira Berger.
BIKUR CHOLIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 22nd Annual Conference sponsored by the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), was held at the UJA headquarters in New York on Sunday, November 9th. Over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, a noted rabbi, physician, and hospital president. Dr. David Pelcovitz spoke at the mid-dayession. Rabbi Glatt is the author of “Visiting The Sick: A Halachic and Medical Guide—With Down-to-Earth Advice”, published by Artscroll. He spoke about halachic and practical apects of performing the mitzvah and also, importantly, how not to do bikur cholim. We contacted Rabbi Glatt afterwards and he offered to assist us in any way. We are hoping he will come and speak. Click here to read the special edition newsletter.
BIKUR CHOLIM NOTE CARDS We have produced cheerful full-color note cards on heavy quality stock. These attractive cards are blank inside and can be used to write get-well messages, or any type of thank-you note or greeting. Including heavy envelopes, the cards are available for purchase at 10 for $10 or 20 for $18. All proceeds go to support Bikur Cholim.
MARKETING YOUR BIKUR CHOLIM Stan Smith had been invited to give a marketing seminar at the annual conference, but could not attend due to illness. The animated presentation entitled “Marketing Your Bikur Cholim” was perpared and given by Bikur Cholim Vice President Jonathan Charm. The seminar was well-attended and got very good reviews from attendees and sponsors alike. Conference organizer, Robin J. Schoenfield wrote, “Thanks for your terrific presentation and sending me a copy. It had many many invaluable pointers for people to learn from. It’s remarkable what you and Stan are accomplishing over there.” Click here to watch the marketing presentation.
ADVERTISING OUR SERVICES TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY
Now that we have trained volunteers for the Telephone Visitation Program we have begun an advertising campaign to offer valuable services throughout the community in the “Our Jewish Community” publication. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly telephone call, let us know! We get requests from all over the United States for medical equipment for elderly relatives in South Florida.
AN INSPIRING STORY
Stan Smith has written a heartwarming story about visiting an Alzheimers patient entitled, “May I Hold Your Hand?” You can read it by clicking May I Hold Your Hand.pdf, or download it to print out.
NEW JEWISH HOSPITALITY SUITE & SHABBOS ROOM TO OPEN
Bikur Cholim has been trying to open a Shabbos Room for seven years, and we are pleased and proud to announce that the facility will be opening in October/November 2010 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Having a family member or dear friend ill and hospitalized is a trying experience for everyone involved,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Providing a Shabbat Room for our visitors will greatly help in allowing them to see and support their loved ones. We are most pleased to partner with Mrs. Alexander and Bikur Cholim on this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Partnering in the new Shabbat Room is Mrs. Miriam Alexander of Monsey, New York, who founded The Yehudah Memorial Center/Keren Zichron Yehuda. After Mrs. Alexander was diagnosed with a devastating illness eight years ago, she became aware of a pressing need faced by many Jewish families who have a loved one who is hospitalized. “I learned from personal experience that a Shabbos Room where there is kosher food and a place to stay for Sabbath observers is needed in every hospital”, she says, “Instead of hardship, it makes a tremendous difference in the overall quality of care.” With a this goal, Mrs. Alexander began opening fully equipped Yehuda Memorial Center Jewish Hospitality rooms in New York area hospitals to provide special accommodations on the hospital premises where families could they go when they have to spend hours, or even days or weeks, in the hospital. Nine rooms in New York area hospitals are sponsored by Revival Home Care.
She dreamed of setting up rooms in every hospital in the country and responded warmly to the opportunity presented at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She met with Stan Smith of Bikur Cholim and began collaborating on the project. With her vision, commitment and untiring efforts the new Hospitality Suite and Shabbat Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be Mrs. Alexander’s twelfth effort. Each room will provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest and are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise.
The attractively decorated and comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, Jewish books and religious articles. Each room has kosher food that will be regularly restocked by Bikur Cholim volunteers and and religious articles for patients’ families. These amenities and thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable by allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Hospital to provide this new service to the Jewish community, says Stan Smith, founder and President of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County. “It will be greatly appreciated by patients and family members who will now be able to help care for their hospitalized loved ones on the Sabbath and holidays.”
Smith added, “We strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. The Hospital’s new Shabbat Room and Hospitality Suite is a great achievement for all, and especially for the patients and families that will benefit from it.”
Stay tuned for more details.
Help Support
Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County Inc.
is an IRS approved 501(C)3 exempt organization,
Tax ID #20-2143379
THE SONDRA RUBIN-WANDERER FUND has been established for Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County with the generous support of her family. Sandy—Shprintza bas Shmuel HaLevi a”h—was truly an incredible woman, and many of our friends and neighbors were blessed to have known her. On many occasions Sandy expressed the wish that she had the strength to be a Bikur Cholim volunteer—and what a volunteer she would have been with her infectious smile and dynamic personality! Sandy understood what a need there was for Bikur Cholim in the community, and her many friends have been waiting for this opportunity to make contributions in her memory to a cause she wholeheartedly supported. For more information about adding your gift to the Sandy Wanderer Endowment Fund, please contact Stan Smith. Click here for complete details.
A NOVEL WAY TO KEEP A PATIENT’S SPIRITS UP :-) BIkur Cholim has obtained several copies of The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker to help patients maintain a sense of humor. The hefty book even comes with a DVD. If anyone would like to contribute a portable DVD player we will able to loan them to hospitalized patients to use to view the cartoons, or watch any DVD. It would be a lot more cheerful than watching TV from a hospital bed.
THE LATEST ADDITION to our medical equipment loan program is an electric scooter that can be used even on the Sabbath. Stan happened to casually mention to an acquaintance that there was a person in need and to his great surprise this individual volunteered to buy it outright and donate it Bikur Cholim. The Amigo Scooter has a Sabbath mode of operation that is approved by the Tzomet Institute in Jerusalem for individuals with compromised moblilty. Follow this link for a news story about the Amigo. Scooter
BIKUR CHOLIM made a splash at this year’s Mitzvah Market on Labor (of Love) Day at Boca Raton Synagogue. Our booth had plenty of new things to shows since last year - even our website was live via wireless connection. We recruited more volunteers. Shown at right is a very happy Stan Smith right after the booth was set up. Unfortunately, Stan had to leave early when he was called to the hospital to recite the vidui (deathbed confession) with a patient.
OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH was held on Sunday, November 16. The event, attended by over 70 people, was fully sponsored by JB and Lisa Bensmihen of Boca Home Care. On display were all of the training materials that are available to volunteers. The guest speaker was Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, and a presentation was made by Mr. Bensmihen about the right to services that patients are entitled to under Medicare and Medicaid. Each guest received a package of goodies to take home. Additional photos are posted.
THE ANNUAL BIKUR CHOLIM CONFERENCE in New York was attended by Stan Smith on Sunday, November 9. This year’s theme was “I Awaken the Dawn: The Transformative Power of Bikur Cholim.” Stan returned thinking that his own organization is “one of the most innovative and sophisticated groups attending the annual event, which is sponsored by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Stan brought home more bikur cholim training materials, including training manuals and videos.
ELECTRIC CHANUKAH MENORAHS are now be available to any patient who will be hospitalized during the holiday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. Bikur Cholim has purchased a dozen of these to meet current needs. Menorahs.com, the largest seller of menorahs online, had these safe, beautiful, low-voltage, LED menorahs which can be used with batteries or with an AC adapter. David at menorahs.com gave us a special price on to partner in this mitzvah. May we all enjoy a happy and healthy Chanukah at home with our families and not forget those who cannot.
STAN SMITH’S PERSONAL STORY is featured in a new book, Stories that Tug at the Heart, by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky and published by Artscroll. One of our popular volunteers, Rhoda Azar, was responsible for the author contacting Stan, since she is related to Rabbi Avrohom Fishman, who is quoted in the book. The Jewish heart, says Rabbi Pruzansky, has infinite capacity for love, for giving, for empathy and for change. In these beautifully written true stories we see that capacity in many different ways, in many different people. We are entertained - and we are inspired. Rabbi Pruzansky gives readers delightful, moving, life-affirming, poignant stories. We read Stories that Tug at the Heart and our own hearts grow stronger, as we share people's capacity for caring and love.
2009 PASSOVER CAMPAIGN Bikur Cholim was able to provide packages of matzah, grape juice, macaroons, and Haggadahs booklets are available at every nursing station at Boca Raton Community Hospital. What was really exciting was that this year the hospital produced and distributed leaflets announcing food availability. Jerry J. Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Community Hospital personally distributed the holiday items together with President Stan Smith. This gift was made possible through the extraordinary support of The Sondra Rubin-Wanderer Fund.
NEW TELEPHONE VISITATION PROGRAM Reach out and touch someone. A friendly voice on the telephone can make all the difference to a homebound patient in need of a human connection from the outside world. Not every patient may want or need visitors in person. However, every patient needs to feel that someone cares. As a telephone visitor, you bring hope to someone in need—especially knowing that someone cares. With this in mind, BCPBC has created a new pilot program where a group of volunteers, make phone calls to connect with patients at home. This project is patterned after other such programs throughout the country.
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE SAR Academy, a blue-ribbon day school in Riverdale, New York, hold their annual Intergenerational Day, asking grandparents who have an interesting hobby or interest to make a presention to the 5th grade students. The event offers the opportunity to learn about family histories and to strengthen bonds across generations. Stan’s two grandsons convinced him to talk about volunteering for Bikur Cholim, which turned out to be a big hit! Students who e-mailed Stan with comments about the importance of doing chesed after viewing the Bikur Cholim website received Dunkin’ Donuts gift coupons. Stan and his wife were in Riverdale to see their new granddaughter, Dalya Rivka Smith. Shown with Stan are (R to L) wife Joy, and grandsons Gavi and Ariel Smith.
RELIEF FOR SHUT-INS Beginning in mid-October, a new cooperative effort between Bikur Cholim and Regents Park Nursing Facility will transport shut-ins to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This bi-monthly program was announced by Robin Gardner, Activities Director at Regents Park. Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries and extensive Japanese gardens. The program will provide a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the special serenty of the famed Morikami Gardens. Half the participants will be residents of Regents Park and half will be Palm Beach County residents. Each participant will receive a boxed snack. Volunteers for these trips should contact Stan Smith at 561-362-7345, or email:BikurCholimStan@gmail.com. Learn more about at www.morikami.org.
HONORED WITH A BLESSING Stan Smith was surprised when he received a phone call from one of the head nurses at Boca Raton Community Hospital congratulating the efforts of Bikur Cholim for the excellent work being done by our organization at the hospital. He was honored when he was asked to represent Bikur Cholim by giving a blessing at the hospital’s annual Nursing Excellence Ceremony known as “The Nightingale Moment.” Approximately 200 people were in attendance and the event was televised throughout the hospital.
THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been ably managed by dedicated volunteer Jeffrey Silkin. When Jeff feels that a client has any hardship picking up or returning a piece of equipment he will do it without hesitation. We are indebted to Jeff for doing an outstanding service for our community. Mazel Tov to Jeff and Rhonda Silkin and their family on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew. Matthew did a really outstanding job and we look forward to great things from him.
BIKUR CHOLIM was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Boca Raton Community Hospital’s Staying Healthy quarterly magazine. The informative and laudatory article was entitled 2,000 visits in 2008.
The program’s first training session, led by Mr. Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, attracted volunteers of all ages from the Boca Raton and Delray Beach communities. Each volunteer enthusiastically shared experiences from their past, as a patient, or by observing family members who have participated in the tremendous mitzvah of bikur cholim. Each one felt a need to give back this unselfish act of kindness. Mr. Greenblatt’s background in social work and experience with this patient population made him the perfect professional to educate and train the volunteers with information on how to create a beneficial and comfortable relationship over the phone. He will continue to coordinate and monitor the program.
The first training session was fully attended. All of the volunteers, with their varied backgrounds, contributed ideas from their own personal experiences. The interactive nature of the training created an energetic kickoff to the program. At the end of the session, as the volunteers were wishing each other a happy and healthy New Year, they could not wait to bring a sense of hope and comfort to those that need it most.
Are you ready to volunteer for this program and make a difference in someone’s life? If so, call Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, at 561-347-5025. Program co-chairs are Susan Rotsztajn and Ira Berger.
BIKUR CHOLIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 22nd Annual Conference sponsored by the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), was held at the UJA headquarters in New York on Sunday, November 9th. Over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, a noted rabbi, physician, and hospital president. Dr. David Pelcovitz spoke at the mid-dayession. Rabbi Glatt is the author of “Visiting The Sick: A Halachic and Medical Guide—With Down-to-Earth Advice”, published by Artscroll. He spoke about halachic and practical apects of performing the mitzvah and also, importantly, how not to do bikur cholim. We contacted Rabbi Glatt afterwards and he offered to assist us in any way. We are hoping he will come and speak. Click here to read the special edition newsletter.
BIKUR CHOLIM NOTE CARDS We have produced cheerful full-color note cards on heavy quality stock. These attractive cards are blank inside and can be used to write get-well messages, or any type of thank-you note or greeting. Including heavy envelopes, the cards are available for purchase at 10 for $10 or 20 for $18. All proceeds go to support Bikur Cholim.
MARKETING YOUR BIKUR CHOLIM Stan Smith had been invited to give a marketing seminar at the annual conference, but could not attend due to illness. The animated presentation entitled “Marketing Your Bikur Cholim” was perpared and given by Bikur Cholim Vice President Jonathan Charm. The seminar was well-attended and got very good reviews from attendees and sponsors alike. Conference organizer, Robin J. Schoenfield wrote, “Thanks for your terrific presentation and sending me a copy. It had many many invaluable pointers for people to learn from. It’s remarkable what you and Stan are accomplishing over there.” Click here to watch the marketing presentation.
ADVERTISING OUR SERVICES TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY
Now that we have trained volunteers for the Telephone Visitation Program we have begun an advertising campaign to offer valuable services throughout the community in the “Our Jewish Community” publication. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly telephone call, let us know! We get requests from all over the United States for medical equipment for elderly relatives in South Florida.
AN INSPIRING STORY
Stan Smith has written a heartwarming story about visiting an Alzheimers patient entitled, “May I Hold Your Hand?” You can read it by clicking May I Hold Your Hand.pdf, or download it to print out.
NEW JEWISH HOSPITALITY SUITE & SHABBOS ROOM TO OPEN
Bikur Cholim has been trying to open a Shabbos Room for seven years, and we are pleased and proud to announce that the facility will be opening in October/November 2010 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Having a family member or dear friend ill and hospitalized is a trying experience for everyone involved,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Providing a Shabbat Room for our visitors will greatly help in allowing them to see and support their loved ones. We are most pleased to partner with Mrs. Alexander and Bikur Cholim on this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Partnering in the new Shabbat Room is Mrs. Miriam Alexander of Monsey, New York, who founded The Yehudah Memorial Center/Keren Zichron Yehuda. After Mrs. Alexander was diagnosed with a devastating illness eight years ago, she became aware of a pressing need faced by many Jewish families who have a loved one who is hospitalized. “I learned from personal experience that a Shabbos Room where there is kosher food and a place to stay for Sabbath observers is needed in every hospital”, she says, “Instead of hardship, it makes a tremendous difference in the overall quality of care.” With a this goal, Mrs. Alexander began opening fully equipped Yehuda Memorial Center Jewish Hospitality rooms in New York area hospitals to provide special accommodations on the hospital premises where families could they go when they have to spend hours, or even days or weeks, in the hospital. Nine rooms in New York area hospitals are sponsored by Revival Home Care.
She dreamed of setting up rooms in every hospital in the country and responded warmly to the opportunity presented at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She met with Stan Smith of Bikur Cholim and began collaborating on the project. With her vision, commitment and untiring efforts the new Hospitality Suite and Shabbat Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be Mrs. Alexander’s twelfth effort. Each room will provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest and are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise.
The attractively decorated and comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, Jewish books and religious articles. Each room has kosher food that will be regularly restocked by Bikur Cholim volunteers and and religious articles for patients’ families. These amenities and thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable by allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Hospital to provide this new service to the Jewish community, says Stan Smith, founder and President of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County. “It will be greatly appreciated by patients and family members who will now be able to help care for their hospitalized loved ones on the Sabbath and holidays.”
Smith added, “We strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. The Hospital’s new Shabbat Room and Hospitality Suite is a great achievement for all, and especially for the patients and families that will benefit from it.”
Stay tuned for more details.
Help Support
Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County Inc.
is an IRS approved 501(C)3 exempt organization,
Tax ID #20-2143379
THE SONDRA RUBIN-WANDERER FUND has been established for Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County with the generous support of her family. Sandy—Shprintza bas Shmuel HaLevi a”h—was truly an incredible woman, and many of our friends and neighbors were blessed to have known her. On many occasions Sandy expressed the wish that she had the strength to be a Bikur Cholim volunteer—and what a volunteer she would have been with her infectious smile and dynamic personality! Sandy understood what a need there was for Bikur Cholim in the community, and her many friends have been waiting for this opportunity to make contributions in her memory to a cause she wholeheartedly supported. For more information about adding your gift to the Sandy Wanderer Endowment Fund, please contact Stan Smith. Click here for complete details.
A NOVEL WAY TO KEEP A PATIENT’S SPIRITS UP :-) BIkur Cholim has obtained several copies of The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker to help patients maintain a sense of humor. The hefty book even comes with a DVD. If anyone would like to contribute a portable DVD player we will able to loan them to hospitalized patients to use to view the cartoons, or watch any DVD. It would be a lot more cheerful than watching TV from a hospital bed.
THE LATEST ADDITION to our medical equipment loan program is an electric scooter that can be used even on the Sabbath. Stan happened to casually mention to an acquaintance that there was a person in need and to his great surprise this individual volunteered to buy it outright and donate it Bikur Cholim. The Amigo Scooter has a Sabbath mode of operation that is approved by the Tzomet Institute in Jerusalem for individuals with compromised moblilty. Follow this link for a news story about the Amigo. Scooter
BIKUR CHOLIM made a splash at this year’s Mitzvah Market on Labor (of Love) Day at Boca Raton Synagogue. Our booth had plenty of new things to shows since last year - even our website was live via wireless connection. We recruited more volunteers. Shown at right is a very happy Stan Smith right after the booth was set up. Unfortunately, Stan had to leave early when he was called to the hospital to recite the vidui (deathbed confession) with a patient.
OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH was held on Sunday, November 16. The event, attended by over 70 people, was fully sponsored by JB and Lisa Bensmihen of Boca Home Care. On display were all of the training materials that are available to volunteers. The guest speaker was Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, and a presentation was made by Mr. Bensmihen about the right to services that patients are entitled to under Medicare and Medicaid. Each guest received a package of goodies to take home. Additional photos are posted.
THE ANNUAL BIKUR CHOLIM CONFERENCE in New York was attended by Stan Smith on Sunday, November 9. This year’s theme was “I Awaken the Dawn: The Transformative Power of Bikur Cholim.” Stan returned thinking that his own organization is “one of the most innovative and sophisticated groups attending the annual event, which is sponsored by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Stan brought home more bikur cholim training materials, including training manuals and videos.
ELECTRIC CHANUKAH MENORAHS are now be available to any patient who will be hospitalized during the holiday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. Bikur Cholim has purchased a dozen of these to meet current needs. Menorahs.com, the largest seller of menorahs online, had these safe, beautiful, low-voltage, LED menorahs which can be used with batteries or with an AC adapter. David at menorahs.com gave us a special price on to partner in this mitzvah. May we all enjoy a happy and healthy Chanukah at home with our families and not forget those who cannot.
STAN SMITH’S PERSONAL STORY is featured in a new book, Stories that Tug at the Heart, by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky and published by Artscroll. One of our popular volunteers, Rhoda Azar, was responsible for the author contacting Stan, since she is related to Rabbi Avrohom Fishman, who is quoted in the book. The Jewish heart, says Rabbi Pruzansky, has infinite capacity for love, for giving, for empathy and for change. In these beautifully written true stories we see that capacity in many different ways, in many different people. We are entertained - and we are inspired. Rabbi Pruzansky gives readers delightful, moving, life-affirming, poignant stories. We read Stories that Tug at the Heart and our own hearts grow stronger, as we share people's capacity for caring and love.
2009 PASSOVER CAMPAIGN Bikur Cholim was able to provide packages of matzah, grape juice, macaroons, and Haggadahs booklets are available at every nursing station at Boca Raton Community Hospital. What was really exciting was that this year the hospital produced and distributed leaflets announcing food availability. Jerry J. Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Community Hospital personally distributed the holiday items together with President Stan Smith. This gift was made possible through the extraordinary support of The Sondra Rubin-Wanderer Fund.
NEW TELEPHONE VISITATION PROGRAM Reach out and touch someone. A friendly voice on the telephone can make all the difference to a homebound patient in need of a human connection from the outside world. Not every patient may want or need visitors in person. However, every patient needs to feel that someone cares. As a telephone visitor, you bring hope to someone in need—especially knowing that someone cares. With this in mind, BCPBC has created a new pilot program where a group of volunteers, make phone calls to connect with patients at home. This project is patterned after other such programs throughout the country.
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE SAR Academy, a blue-ribbon day school in Riverdale, New York, hold their annual Intergenerational Day, asking grandparents who have an interesting hobby or interest to make a presention to the 5th grade students. The event offers the opportunity to learn about family histories and to strengthen bonds across generations. Stan’s two grandsons convinced him to talk about volunteering for Bikur Cholim, which turned out to be a big hit! Students who e-mailed Stan with comments about the importance of doing chesed after viewing the Bikur Cholim website received Dunkin’ Donuts gift coupons. Stan and his wife were in Riverdale to see their new granddaughter, Dalya Rivka Smith. Shown with Stan are (R to L) wife Joy, and grandsons Gavi and Ariel Smith.
RELIEF FOR SHUT-INS Beginning in mid-October, a new cooperative effort between Bikur Cholim and Regents Park Nursing Facility will transport shut-ins to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This bi-monthly program was announced by Robin Gardner, Activities Director at Regents Park. Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries and extensive Japanese gardens. The program will provide a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the special serenty of the famed Morikami Gardens. Half the participants will be residents of Regents Park and half will be Palm Beach County residents. Each participant will receive a boxed snack. Volunteers for these trips should contact Stan Smith at 561-362-7345, or email:BikurCholimStan@gmail.com. Learn more about at www.morikami.org.
HONORED WITH A BLESSING Stan Smith was surprised when he received a phone call from one of the head nurses at Boca Raton Community Hospital congratulating the efforts of Bikur Cholim for the excellent work being done by our organization at the hospital. He was honored when he was asked to represent Bikur Cholim by giving a blessing at the hospital’s annual Nursing Excellence Ceremony known as “The Nightingale Moment.” Approximately 200 people were in attendance and the event was televised throughout the hospital.
THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been ably managed by dedicated volunteer Jeffrey Silkin. When Jeff feels that a client has any hardship picking up or returning a piece of equipment he will do it without hesitation. We are indebted to Jeff for doing an outstanding service for our community. Mazel Tov to Jeff and Rhonda Silkin and their family on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew. Matthew did a really outstanding job and we look forward to great things from him.
BIKUR CHOLIM was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Boca Raton Community Hospital’s Staying Healthy quarterly magazine. The informative and laudatory article was entitled 2,000 visits in 2008.
The program’s first training session, led by Mr. Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, attracted volunteers of all ages from the Boca Raton and Delray Beach communities. Each volunteer enthusiastically shared experiences from their past, as a patient, or by observing family members who have participated in the tremendous mitzvah of bikur cholim. Each one felt a need to give back this unselfish act of kindness. Mr. Greenblatt’s background in social work and experience with this patient population made him the perfect professional to educate and train the volunteers with information on how to create a beneficial and comfortable relationship over the phone. He will continue to coordinate and monitor the program.
The first training session was fully attended. All of the volunteers, with their varied backgrounds, contributed ideas from their own personal experiences. The interactive nature of the training created an energetic kickoff to the program. At the end of the session, as the volunteers were wishing each other a happy and healthy New Year, they could not wait to bring a sense of hope and comfort to those that need it most.
Are you ready to volunteer for this program and make a difference in someone’s life? If so, call Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, at 561-347-5025. Program co-chairs are Susan Rotsztajn and Ira Berger.
BIKUR CHOLIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 22nd Annual Conference sponsored by the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), was held at the UJA headquarters in New York on Sunday, November 9th. Over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, a noted rabbi, physician, and hospital president. Dr. David Pelcovitz spoke at the mid-dayession. Rabbi Glatt is the author of “Visiting The Sick: A Halachic and Medical Guide—With Down-to-Earth Advice”, published by Artscroll. He spoke about halachic and practical apects of performing the mitzvah and also, importantly, how not to do bikur cholim. We contacted Rabbi Glatt afterwards and he offered to assist us in any way. We are hoping he will come and speak. Click here to read the special edition newsletter.
BIKUR CHOLIM NOTE CARDS We have produced cheerful full-color note cards on heavy quality stock. These attractive cards are blank inside and can be used to write get-well messages, or any type of thank-you note or greeting. Including heavy envelopes, the cards are available for purchase at 10 for $10 or 20 for $18. All proceeds go to support Bikur Cholim.
MARKETING YOUR BIKUR CHOLIM Stan Smith had been invited to give a marketing seminar at the annual conference, but could not attend due to illness. The animated presentation entitled “Marketing Your Bikur Cholim” was perpared and given by Bikur Cholim Vice President Jonathan Charm. The seminar was well-attended and got very good reviews from attendees and sponsors alike. Conference organizer, Robin J. Schoenfield wrote, “Thanks for your terrific presentation and sending me a copy. It had many many invaluable pointers for people to learn from. It’s remarkable what you and Stan are accomplishing over there.” Click here to watch the marketing presentation.
ADVERTISING OUR SERVICES TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY
Now that we have trained volunteers for the Telephone Visitation Program we have begun an advertising campaign to offer valuable services throughout the community in the “Our Jewish Community” publication. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly telephone call, let us know! We get requests from all over the United States for medical equipment for elderly relatives in South Florida.
AN INSPIRING STORY
Stan Smith has written a heartwarming story about visiting an Alzheimers patient entitled, “May I Hold Your Hand?” You can read it by clicking May I Hold Your Hand.pdf, or download it to print out.
NEW JEWISH HOSPITALITY SUITE & SHABBOS ROOM TO OPEN
Bikur Cholim has been trying to open a Shabbos Room for seven years, and we are pleased and proud to announce that the facility will be opening in October/November 2010 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Having a family member or dear friend ill and hospitalized is a trying experience for everyone involved,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Providing a Shabbat Room for our visitors will greatly help in allowing them to see and support their loved ones. We are most pleased to partner with Mrs. Alexander and Bikur Cholim on this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Partnering in the new Shabbat Room is Mrs. Miriam Alexander of Monsey, New York, who founded The Yehudah Memorial Center/Keren Zichron Yehuda. After Mrs. Alexander was diagnosed with a devastating illness eight years ago, she became aware of a pressing need faced by many Jewish families who have a loved one who is hospitalized. “I learned from personal experience that a Shabbos Room where there is kosher food and a place to stay for Sabbath observers is needed in every hospital”, she says, “Instead of hardship, it makes a tremendous difference in the overall quality of care.” With a this goal, Mrs. Alexander began opening fully equipped Yehuda Memorial Center Jewish Hospitality rooms in New York area hospitals to provide special accommodations on the hospital premises where families could they go when they have to spend hours, or even days or weeks, in the hospital. Nine rooms in New York area hospitals are sponsored by Revival Home Care.
She dreamed of setting up rooms in every hospital in the country and responded warmly to the opportunity presented at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She met with Stan Smith of Bikur Cholim and began collaborating on the project. With her vision, commitment and untiring efforts the new Hospitality Suite and Shabbat Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be Mrs. Alexander’s twelfth effort. Each room will provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest and are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise.
The attractively decorated and comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, Jewish books and religious articles. Each room has kosher food that will be regularly restocked by Bikur Cholim volunteers and and religious articles for patients’ families. These amenities and thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable by allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Hospital to provide this new service to the Jewish community, says Stan Smith, founder and President of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County. “It will be greatly appreciated by patients and family members who will now be able to help care for their hospitalized loved ones on the Sabbath and holidays.”
Smith added, “We strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. The Hospital’s new Shabbat Room and Hospitality Suite is a great achievement for all, and especially for the patients and families that will benefit from it.”
Stay tuned for more details.
Help Support
Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County Inc.
is an IRS approved 501(C)3 exempt organization,
Tax ID #20-2143379
THE SONDRA RUBIN-WANDERER FUND has been established for Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County with the generous support of her family. Sandy—Shprintza bas Shmuel HaLevi a”h—was truly an incredible woman, and many of our friends and neighbors were blessed to have known her. On many occasions Sandy expressed the wish that she had the strength to be a Bikur Cholim volunteer—and what a volunteer she would have been with her infectious smile and dynamic personality! Sandy understood what a need there was for Bikur Cholim in the community, and her many friends have been waiting for this opportunity to make contributions in her memory to a cause she wholeheartedly supported. For more information about adding your gift to the Sandy Wanderer Endowment Fund, please contact Stan Smith. Click here for complete details.
A NOVEL WAY TO KEEP A PATIENT’S SPIRITS UP :-) BIkur Cholim has obtained several copies of The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker to help patients maintain a sense of humor. The hefty book even comes with a DVD. If anyone would like to contribute a portable DVD player we will able to loan them to hospitalized patients to use to view the cartoons, or watch any DVD. It would be a lot more cheerful than watching TV from a hospital bed.
THE LATEST ADDITION to our medical equipment loan program is an electric scooter that can be used even on the Sabbath. Stan happened to casually mention to an acquaintance that there was a person in need and to his great surprise this individual volunteered to buy it outright and donate it Bikur Cholim. The Amigo Scooter has a Sabbath mode of operation that is approved by the Tzomet Institute in Jerusalem for individuals with compromised moblilty. Follow this link for a news story about the Amigo. Scooter
BIKUR CHOLIM made a splash at this year’s Mitzvah Market on Labor (of Love) Day at Boca Raton Synagogue. Our booth had plenty of new things to shows since last year - even our website was live via wireless connection. We recruited more volunteers. Shown at right is a very happy Stan Smith right after the booth was set up. Unfortunately, Stan had to leave early when he was called to the hospital to recite the vidui (deathbed confession) with a patient.
OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH was held on Sunday, November 16. The event, attended by over 70 people, was fully sponsored by JB and Lisa Bensmihen of Boca Home Care. On display were all of the training materials that are available to volunteers. The guest speaker was Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, and a presentation was made by Mr. Bensmihen about the right to services that patients are entitled to under Medicare and Medicaid. Each guest received a package of goodies to take home. Additional photos are posted.
THE ANNUAL BIKUR CHOLIM CONFERENCE in New York was attended by Stan Smith on Sunday, November 9. This year’s theme was “I Awaken the Dawn: The Transformative Power of Bikur Cholim.” Stan returned thinking that his own organization is “one of the most innovative and sophisticated groups attending the annual event, which is sponsored by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Stan brought home more bikur cholim training materials, including training manuals and videos.
ELECTRIC CHANUKAH MENORAHS are now be available to any patient who will be hospitalized during the holiday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. Bikur Cholim has purchased a dozen of these to meet current needs. Menorahs.com, the largest seller of menorahs online, had these safe, beautiful, low-voltage, LED menorahs which can be used with batteries or with an AC adapter. David at menorahs.com gave us a special price on to partner in this mitzvah. May we all enjoy a happy and healthy Chanukah at home with our families and not forget those who cannot.
STAN SMITH’S PERSONAL STORY is featured in a new book, Stories that Tug at the Heart, by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky and published by Artscroll. One of our popular volunteers, Rhoda Azar, was responsible for the author contacting Stan, since she is related to Rabbi Avrohom Fishman, who is quoted in the book. The Jewish heart, says Rabbi Pruzansky, has infinite capacity for love, for giving, for empathy and for change. In these beautifully written true stories we see that capacity in many different ways, in many different people. We are entertained - and we are inspired. Rabbi Pruzansky gives readers delightful, moving, life-affirming, poignant stories. We read Stories that Tug at the Heart and our own hearts grow stronger, as we share people's capacity for caring and love.
2009 PASSOVER CAMPAIGN Bikur Cholim was able to provide packages of matzah, grape juice, macaroons, and Haggadahs booklets are available at every nursing station at Boca Raton Community Hospital. What was really exciting was that this year the hospital produced and distributed leaflets announcing food availability. Jerry J. Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Community Hospital personally distributed the holiday items together with President Stan Smith. This gift was made possible through the extraordinary support of The Sondra Rubin-Wanderer Fund.
NEW TELEPHONE VISITATION PROGRAM Reach out and touch someone. A friendly voice on the telephone can make all the difference to a homebound patient in need of a human connection from the outside world. Not every patient may want or need visitors in person. However, every patient needs to feel that someone cares. As a telephone visitor, you bring hope to someone in need—especially knowing that someone cares. With this in mind, BCPBC has created a new pilot program where a group of volunteers, make phone calls to connect with patients at home. This project is patterned after other such programs throughout the country.
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE SAR Academy, a blue-ribbon day school in Riverdale, New York, hold their annual Intergenerational Day, asking grandparents who have an interesting hobby or interest to make a presention to the 5th grade students. The event offers the opportunity to learn about family histories and to strengthen bonds across generations. Stan’s two grandsons convinced him to talk about volunteering for Bikur Cholim, which turned out to be a big hit! Students who e-mailed Stan with comments about the importance of doing chesed after viewing the Bikur Cholim website received Dunkin’ Donuts gift coupons. Stan and his wife were in Riverdale to see their new granddaughter, Dalya Rivka Smith. Shown with Stan are (R to L) wife Joy, and grandsons Gavi and Ariel Smith.
RELIEF FOR SHUT-INS Beginning in mid-October, a new cooperative effort between Bikur Cholim and Regents Park Nursing Facility will transport shut-ins to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This bi-monthly program was announced by Robin Gardner, Activities Director at Regents Park. Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries and extensive Japanese gardens. The program will provide a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the special serenty of the famed Morikami Gardens. Half the participants will be residents of Regents Park and half will be Palm Beach County residents. Each participant will receive a boxed snack. Volunteers for these trips should contact Stan Smith at 561-362-7345, or email:BikurCholimStan@gmail.com. Learn more about at www.morikami.org.
HONORED WITH A BLESSING Stan Smith was surprised when he received a phone call from one of the head nurses at Boca Raton Community Hospital congratulating the efforts of Bikur Cholim for the excellent work being done by our organization at the hospital. He was honored when he was asked to represent Bikur Cholim by giving a blessing at the hospital’s annual Nursing Excellence Ceremony known as “The Nightingale Moment.” Approximately 200 people were in attendance and the event was televised throughout the hospital.
THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been ably managed by dedicated volunteer Jeffrey Silkin. When Jeff feels that a client has any hardship picking up or returning a piece of equipment he will do it without hesitation. We are indebted to Jeff for doing an outstanding service for our community. Mazel Tov to Jeff and Rhonda Silkin and their family on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew. Matthew did a really outstanding job and we look forward to great things from him.
BIKUR CHOLIM was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Boca Raton Community Hospital’s Staying Healthy quarterly magazine. The informative and laudatory article was entitled 2,000 visits in 2008.
The program’s first training session, led by Mr. Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, attracted volunteers of all ages from the Boca Raton and Delray Beach communities. Each volunteer enthusiastically shared experiences from their past, as a patient, or by observing family members who have participated in the tremendous mitzvah of bikur cholim. Each one felt a need to give back this unselfish act of kindness. Mr. Greenblatt’s background in social work and experience with this patient population made him the perfect professional to educate and train the volunteers with information on how to create a beneficial and comfortable relationship over the phone. He will continue to coordinate and monitor the program.
The first training session was fully attended. All of the volunteers, with their varied backgrounds, contributed ideas from their own personal experiences. The interactive nature of the training created an energetic kickoff to the program. At the end of the session, as the volunteers were wishing each other a happy and healthy New Year, they could not wait to bring a sense of hope and comfort to those that need it most.
Are you ready to volunteer for this program and make a difference in someone’s life? If so, call Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, at 561-347-5025. Program co-chairs are Susan Rotsztajn and Ira Berger.
BIKUR CHOLIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 22nd Annual Conference sponsored by the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), was held at the UJA headquarters in New York on Sunday, November 9th. Over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, a noted rabbi, physician, and hospital president. Dr. David Pelcovitz spoke at the mid-dayession. Rabbi Glatt is the author of “Visiting The Sick: A Halachic and Medical Guide—With Down-to-Earth Advice”, published by Artscroll. He spoke about halachic and practical apects of performing the mitzvah and also, importantly, how not to do bikur cholim. We contacted Rabbi Glatt afterwards and he offered to assist us in any way. We are hoping he will come and speak. Click here to read the special edition newsletter.
BIKUR CHOLIM NOTE CARDS We have produced cheerful full-color note cards on heavy quality stock. These attractive cards are blank inside and can be used to write get-well messages, or any type of thank-you note or greeting. Including heavy envelopes, the cards are available for purchase at 10 for $10 or 20 for $18. All proceeds go to support Bikur Cholim.
MARKETING YOUR BIKUR CHOLIM Stan Smith had been invited to give a marketing seminar at the annual conference, but could not attend due to illness. The animated presentation entitled “Marketing Your Bikur Cholim” was perpared and given by Bikur Cholim Vice President Jonathan Charm. The seminar was well-attended and got very good reviews from attendees and sponsors alike. Conference organizer, Robin J. Schoenfield wrote, “Thanks for your terrific presentation and sending me a copy. It had many many invaluable pointers for people to learn from. It’s remarkable what you and Stan are accomplishing over there.” Click here to watch the marketing presentation.
ADVERTISING OUR SERVICES TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY
Now that we have trained volunteers for the Telephone Visitation Program we have begun an advertising campaign to offer valuable services throughout the community in the “Our Jewish Community” publication. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly telephone call, let us know! We get requests from all over the United States for medical equipment for elderly relatives in South Florida.
AN INSPIRING STORY
Stan Smith has written a heartwarming story about visiting an Alzheimers patient entitled, “May I Hold Your Hand?” You can read it by clicking May I Hold Your Hand.pdf, or download it to print out.
NEW JEWISH HOSPITALITY SUITE & SHABBOS ROOM TO OPEN
Bikur Cholim has been trying to open a Shabbos Room for seven years, and we are pleased and proud to announce that the facility will be opening in October/November 2010 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Having a family member or dear friend ill and hospitalized is a trying experience for everyone involved,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Providing a Shabbat Room for our visitors will greatly help in allowing them to see and support their loved ones. We are most pleased to partner with Mrs. Alexander and Bikur Cholim on this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Partnering in the new Shabbat Room is Mrs. Miriam Alexander of Monsey, New York, who founded The Yehudah Memorial Center/Keren Zichron Yehuda. After Mrs. Alexander was diagnosed with a devastating illness eight years ago, she became aware of a pressing need faced by many Jewish families who have a loved one who is hospitalized. “I learned from personal experience that a Shabbos Room where there is kosher food and a place to stay for Sabbath observers is needed in every hospital”, she says, “Instead of hardship, it makes a tremendous difference in the overall quality of care.” With a this goal, Mrs. Alexander began opening fully equipped Yehuda Memorial Center Jewish Hospitality rooms in New York area hospitals to provide special accommodations on the hospital premises where families could they go when they have to spend hours, or even days or weeks, in the hospital. Nine rooms in New York area hospitals are sponsored by Revival Home Care.
She dreamed of setting up rooms in every hospital in the country and responded warmly to the opportunity presented at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She met with Stan Smith of Bikur Cholim and began collaborating on the project. With her vision, commitment and untiring efforts the new Hospitality Suite and Shabbat Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be Mrs. Alexander’s twelfth effort. Each room will provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest and are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise.
The attractively decorated and comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, Jewish books and religious articles. Each room has kosher food that will be regularly restocked by Bikur Cholim volunteers and and religious articles for patients’ families. These amenities and thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable by allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Hospital to provide this new service to the Jewish community, says Stan Smith, founder and President of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County. “It will be greatly appreciated by patients and family members who will now be able to help care for their hospitalized loved ones on the Sabbath and holidays.”
Smith added, “We strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. The Hospital’s new Shabbat Room and Hospitality Suite is a great achievement for all, and especially for the patients and families that will benefit from it.”
Stay tuned for more details.
A NOVEL WAY TO KEEP A PATIENT’S SPIRITS UP :-) BIkur Cholim has obtained several copies of The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker to help patients maintain a sense of humor. The hefty book even comes with a DVD. If anyone would like to contribute a portable DVD player we will able to loan them to hospitalized patients to use to view the cartoons, or watch any DVD. It would be a lot more cheerful than watching TV from a hospital bed.
THE LATEST ADDITION to our medical equipment loan program is an electric scooter that can be used even on the Sabbath. Stan happened to casually mention to an acquaintance that there was a person in need and to his great surprise this individual volunteered to buy it outright and donate it Bikur Cholim. The Amigo Scooter has a Sabbath mode of operation that is approved by the Tzomet Institute in Jerusalem for individuals with compromised moblilty. Follow this link for a news story about the Amigo. Scooter
BIKUR CHOLIM made a splash at this year’s Mitzvah Market on Labor (of Love) Day at Boca Raton Synagogue. Our booth had plenty of new things to shows since last year - even our website was live via wireless connection. We recruited more volunteers. Shown at right is a very happy Stan Smith right after the booth was set up. Unfortunately, Stan had to leave early when he was called to the hospital to recite the vidui (deathbed confession) with a patient.
OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH was held on Sunday, November 16. The event, attended by over 70 people, was fully sponsored by JB and Lisa Bensmihen of Boca Home Care. On display were all of the training materials that are available to volunteers. The guest speaker was Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, and a presentation was made by Mr. Bensmihen about the right to services that patients are entitled to under Medicare and Medicaid. Each guest received a package of goodies to take home. Additional photos are posted.
THE ANNUAL BIKUR CHOLIM CONFERENCE in New York was attended by Stan Smith on Sunday, November 9. This year’s theme was “I Awaken the Dawn: The Transformative Power of Bikur Cholim.” Stan returned thinking that his own organization is “one of the most innovative and sophisticated groups attending the annual event, which is sponsored by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Stan brought home more bikur cholim training materials, including training manuals and videos.
ELECTRIC CHANUKAH MENORAHS are now be available to any patient who will be hospitalized during the holiday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. Bikur Cholim has purchased a dozen of these to meet current needs. Menorahs.com, the largest seller of menorahs online, had these safe, beautiful, low-voltage, LED menorahs which can be used with batteries or with an AC adapter. David at menorahs.com gave us a special price on to partner in this mitzvah. May we all enjoy a happy and healthy Chanukah at home with our families and not forget those who cannot.
STAN SMITH’S PERSONAL STORY is featured in a new book, Stories that Tug at the Heart, by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky and published by Artscroll. One of our popular volunteers, Rhoda Azar, was responsible for the author contacting Stan, since she is related to Rabbi Avrohom Fishman, who is quoted in the book. The Jewish heart, says Rabbi Pruzansky, has infinite capacity for love, for giving, for empathy and for change. In these beautifully written true stories we see that capacity in many different ways, in many different people. We are entertained - and we are inspired. Rabbi Pruzansky gives readers delightful, moving, life-affirming, poignant stories. We read Stories that Tug at the Heart and our own hearts grow stronger, as we share people's capacity for caring and love.
2009 PASSOVER CAMPAIGN Bikur Cholim was able to provide packages of matzah, grape juice, macaroons, and Haggadahs booklets are available at every nursing station at Boca Raton Community Hospital. What was really exciting was that this year the hospital produced and distributed leaflets announcing food availability. Jerry J. Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Community Hospital personally distributed the holiday items together with President Stan Smith. This gift was made possible through the extraordinary support of The Sondra Rubin-Wanderer Fund.
NEW TELEPHONE VISITATION PROGRAM Reach out and touch someone. A friendly voice on the telephone can make all the difference to a homebound patient in need of a human connection from the outside world. Not every patient may want or need visitors in person. However, every patient needs to feel that someone cares. As a telephone visitor, you bring hope to someone in need—especially knowing that someone cares. With this in mind, BCPBC has created a new pilot program where a group of volunteers, make phone calls to connect with patients at home. This project is patterned after other such programs throughout the country.
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE SAR Academy, a blue-ribbon day school in Riverdale, New York, hold their annual Intergenerational Day, asking grandparents who have an interesting hobby or interest to make a presention to the 5th grade students. The event offers the opportunity to learn about family histories and to strengthen bonds across generations. Stan’s two grandsons convinced him to talk about volunteering for Bikur Cholim, which turned out to be a big hit! Students who e-mailed Stan with comments about the importance of doing chesed after viewing the Bikur Cholim website received Dunkin’ Donuts gift coupons. Stan and his wife were in Riverdale to see their new granddaughter, Dalya Rivka Smith. Shown with Stan are (R to L) wife Joy, and grandsons Gavi and Ariel Smith.
RELIEF FOR SHUT-INS Beginning in mid-October, a new cooperative effort between Bikur Cholim and Regents Park Nursing Facility will transport shut-ins to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This bi-monthly program was announced by Robin Gardner, Activities Director at Regents Park. Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries and extensive Japanese gardens. The program will provide a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the special serenty of the famed Morikami Gardens. Half the participants will be residents of Regents Park and half will be Palm Beach County residents. Each participant will receive a boxed snack. Volunteers for these trips should contact Stan Smith at 561-362-7345, or email: BikurCholimStan@gmail.com. Learn more about at www.morikami.org.
HONORED WITH A BLESSING Stan Smith was surprised when he received a phone call from one of the head nurses at Boca Raton Community Hospital congratulating the efforts of Bikur Cholim for the excellent work being done by our organization at the hospital. He was honored when he was asked to represent Bikur Cholim by giving a blessing at the hospital’s annual Nursing Excellence Ceremony known as “The Nightingale Moment.” Approximately 200 people were in attendance and the event was televised throughout the hospital.
THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been ably managed by dedicated volunteer Jeffrey Silkin. When Jeff feels that a client has any hardship picking up or returning a piece of equipment he will do it without hesitation. We are indebted to Jeff for doing an outstanding service for our community. Mazel Tov to Jeff and Rhonda Silkin and their family on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew. Matthew did a really outstanding job and we look forward to great things from him.
BIKUR CHOLIM was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Boca Raton Community Hospital’s Staying Healthy quarterly magazine. The informative and laudatory article was entitled 2,000 visits in 2008.
The program’s first training session, led by Mr. Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, attracted volunteers of all ages from the Boca Raton and Delray Beach communities. Each volunteer enthusiastically shared experiences from their past, as a patient, or by observing family members who have participated in the tremendous mitzvah of bikur cholim. Each one felt a need to give back this unselfish act of kindness. Mr. Greenblatt’s background in social work and experience with this patient population made him the perfect professional to educate and train the volunteers with information on how to create a beneficial and comfortable relationship over the phone. He will continue to coordinate and monitor the program.
The first training session was fully attended. All of the volunteers, with their varied backgrounds, contributed ideas from their own personal experiences. The interactive nature of the training created an energetic kickoff to the program. At the end of the session, as the volunteers were wishing each other a happy and healthy New Year, they could not wait to bring a sense of hope and comfort to those that need it most.
Are you ready to volunteer for this program and make a difference in someone’s life? If so, call Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, at 561-347-5025. Program co-chairs are Susan Rotsztajn and Ira Berger.
BIKUR CHOLIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 22nd Annual Conference sponsored by the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), was held at the UJA headquarters in New York on Sunday, November 9th. Over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, a noted rabbi, physician, and hospital president. Dr. David Pelcovitz spoke at the mid-dayession. Rabbi Glatt is the author of “Visiting The Sick: A Halachic and Medical Guide—With Down-to-Earth Advice”, published by Artscroll. He spoke about halachic and practical apects of performing the mitzvah and also, importantly, how not to do bikur cholim. We contacted Rabbi Glatt afterwards and he offered to assist us in any way. We are hoping he will come and speak. Click here to read the special edition newsletter.
BIKUR CHOLIM NOTE CARDS We have produced cheerful full-color note cards on heavy quality stock. These attractive cards are blank inside and can be used to write get-well messages, or any type of thank-you note or greeting. Including heavy envelopes, the cards are available for purchase at 10 for $10 or 20 for $18. All proceeds go to support Bikur Cholim.
MARKETING YOUR BIKUR CHOLIM Stan Smith had been invited to give a marketing seminar at the annual conference, but could not attend due to illness. The animated presentation entitled “Marketing Your Bikur Cholim” was perpared and given by Bikur Cholim Vice President Jonathan Charm. The seminar was well-attended and got very good reviews from attendees and sponsors alike. Conference organizer, Robin J. Schoenfield wrote, “Thanks for your terrific presentation and sending me a copy. It had many many invaluable pointers for people to learn from. It’s remarkable what you and Stan are accomplishing over there.” Click here to watch the marketing presentation.
ADVERTISING OUR SERVICES TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY
Now that we have trained volunteers for the Telephone Visitation Program we have begun an advertising campaign to offer valuable services throughout the community in the “Our Jewish Community” publication. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly telephone call, let us know! We get requests from all over the United States for medical equipment for elderly relatives in South Florida.
AN INSPIRING STORY
Stan Smith has written a heartwarming story about visiting an Alzheimers patient entitled, “May I Hold Your Hand?” You can read it by clicking May I Hold Your Hand.pdf, or download it to print out.
NEW JEWISH HOSPITALITY SUITE & SHABBOS ROOM TO OPEN
Bikur Cholim has been trying to open a Shabbos Room for seven years, and we are pleased and proud to announce that the facility will be opening in October/November 2010 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Having a family member or dear friend ill and hospitalized is a trying experience for everyone involved,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Providing a Shabbat Room for our visitors will greatly help in allowing them to see and support their loved ones. We are most pleased to partner with Mrs. Alexander and Bikur Cholim on this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Partnering in the new Shabbat Room is Mrs. Miriam Alexander of Monsey, New York, who founded The Yehudah Memorial Center/Keren Zichron Yehuda. After Mrs. Alexander was diagnosed with a devastating illness eight years ago, she became aware of a pressing need faced by many Jewish families who have a loved one who is hospitalized. “I learned from personal experience that a Shabbos Room where there is kosher food and a place to stay for Sabbath observers is needed in every hospital”, she says, “Instead of hardship, it makes a tremendous difference in the overall quality of care.” With a this goal, Mrs. Alexander began opening fully equipped Yehuda Memorial Center Jewish Hospitality rooms in New York area hospitals to provide special accommodations on the hospital premises where families could they go when they have to spend hours, or even days or weeks, in the hospital. Nine rooms in New York area hospitals are sponsored by Revival Home Care.
She dreamed of setting up rooms in every hospital in the country and responded warmly to the opportunity presented at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She met with Stan Smith of Bikur Cholim and began collaborating on the project. With her vision, commitment and untiring efforts the new Hospitality Suite and Shabbat Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be Mrs. Alexander’s twelfth effort. Each room will provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest and are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise.
The attractively decorated and comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, Jewish books and religious articles. Each room has kosher food that will be regularly restocked by Bikur Cholim volunteers and and religious articles for patients’ families. These amenities and thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable by allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Hospital to provide this new service to the Jewish community, says Stan Smith, founder and President of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County. “It will be greatly appreciated by patients and family members who will now be able to help care for their hospitalized loved ones on the Sabbath and holidays.”
Smith added, “We strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. The Hospital’s new Shabbat Room and Hospitality Suite is a great achievement for all, and especially for the patients and families that will benefit from it.”
Stay tuned for more details.
Help Support
Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County Inc.
is an IRS approved 501(C)3 exempt organization,
Tax ID #20-2143379
THE SONDRA RUBIN-WANDERER FUND has been established for Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County with the generous support of her family. Sandy—Shprintza bas Shmuel HaLevi a”h—was truly an incredible woman, and many of our friends and neighbors were blessed to have known her. On many occasions Sandy expressed the wish that she had the strength to be a Bikur Cholim volunteer—and what a volunteer she would have been with her infectious smile and dynamic personality! Sandy understood what a need there was for Bikur Cholim in the community, and her many friends have been waiting for this opportunity to make contributions in her memory to a cause she wholeheartedly supported. For more information about adding your gift to the Sandy Wanderer Endowment Fund, please contact Stan Smith. Click here for complete details.
A NOVEL WAY TO KEEP A PATIENT’S SPIRITS UP :-) BIkur Cholim has obtained several copies of The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker to help patients maintain a sense of humor. The hefty book even comes with a DVD. If anyone would like to contribute a portable DVD player we will able to loan them to hospitalized patients to use to view the cartoons, or watch any DVD. It would be a lot more cheerful than watching TV from a hospital bed.
THE LATEST ADDITION to our medical equipment loan program is an electric scooter that can be used even on the Sabbath. Stan happened to casually mention to an acquaintance that there was a person in need and to his great surprise this individual volunteered to buy it outright and donate it Bikur Cholim. The Amigo Scooter has a Sabbath mode of operation that is approved by the Tzomet Institute in Jerusalem for individuals with compromised moblilty. Follow this link for a news story about the Amigo. Scooter
BIKUR CHOLIM made a splash at this year’s Mitzvah Market on Labor (of Love) Day at Boca Raton Synagogue. Our booth had plenty of new things to shows since last year - even our website was live via wireless connection. We recruited more volunteers. Shown at right is a very happy Stan Smith right after the booth was set up. Unfortunately, Stan had to leave early when he was called to the hospital to recite the vidui (deathbed confession) with a patient.
OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH was held on Sunday, November 16. The event, attended by over 70 people, was fully sponsored by JB and Lisa Bensmihen of Boca Home Care. On display were all of the training materials that are available to volunteers. The guest speaker was Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, and a presentation was made by Mr. Bensmihen about the right to services that patients are entitled to under Medicare and Medicaid. Each guest received a package of goodies to take home. Additional photos are posted.
THE ANNUAL BIKUR CHOLIM CONFERENCE in New York was attended by Stan Smith on Sunday, November 9. This year’s theme was “I Awaken the Dawn: The Transformative Power of Bikur Cholim.” Stan returned thinking that his own organization is “one of the most innovative and sophisticated groups attending the annual event, which is sponsored by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Stan brought home more bikur cholim training materials, including training manuals and videos.
ELECTRIC CHANUKAH MENORAHS are now be available to any patient who will be hospitalized during the holiday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. Bikur Cholim has purchased a dozen of these to meet current needs. Menorahs.com, the largest seller of menorahs online, had these safe, beautiful, low-voltage, LED menorahs which can be used with batteries or with an AC adapter. David at menorahs.com gave us a special price on to partner in this mitzvah. May we all enjoy a happy and healthy Chanukah at home with our families and not forget those who cannot.
STAN SMITH’S PERSONAL STORY is featured in a new book, Stories that Tug at the Heart, by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky and published by Artscroll. One of our popular volunteers, Rhoda Azar, was responsible for the author contacting Stan, since she is related to Rabbi Avrohom Fishman, who is quoted in the book. The Jewish heart, says Rabbi Pruzansky, has infinite capacity for love, for giving, for empathy and for change. In these beautifully written true stories we see that capacity in many different ways, in many different people. We are entertained - and we are inspired. Rabbi Pruzansky gives readers delightful, moving, life-affirming, poignant stories. We read Stories that Tug at the Heart and our own hearts grow stronger, as we share people's capacity for caring and love.
2009 PASSOVER CAMPAIGN Bikur Cholim was able to provide packages of matzah, grape juice, macaroons, and Haggadahs booklets are available at every nursing station at Boca Raton Community Hospital. What was really exciting was that this year the hospital produced and distributed leaflets announcing food availability. Jerry J. Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Community Hospital personally distributed the holiday items together with President Stan Smith. This gift was made possible through the extraordinary support of The Sondra Rubin-Wanderer Fund.
NEW TELEPHONE VISITATION PROGRAM Reach out and touch someone. A friendly voice on the telephone can make all the difference to a homebound patient in need of a human connection from the outside world. Not every patient may want or need visitors in person. However, every patient needs to feel that someone cares. As a telephone visitor, you bring hope to someone in need—especially knowing that someone cares. With this in mind, BCPBC has created a new pilot program where a group of volunteers, make phone calls to connect with patients at home. This project is patterned after other such programs throughout the country.
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE SAR Academy, a blue-ribbon day school in Riverdale, New York, hold their annual Intergenerational Day, asking grandparents who have an interesting hobby or interest to make a presention to the 5th grade students. The event offers the opportunity to learn about family histories and to strengthen bonds across generations. Stan’s two grandsons convinced him to talk about volunteering for Bikur Cholim, which turned out to be a big hit! Students who e-mailed Stan with comments about the importance of doing chesed after viewing the Bikur Cholim website received Dunkin’ Donuts gift coupons. Stan and his wife were in Riverdale to see their new granddaughter, Dalya Rivka Smith. Shown with Stan are (R to L) wife Joy, and grandsons Gavi and Ariel Smith.
RELIEF FOR SHUT-INS Beginning in mid-October, a new cooperative effort between Bikur Cholim and Regents Park Nursing Facility will transport shut-ins to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This bi-monthly program was announced by Robin Gardner, Activities Director at Regents Park. Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries and extensive Japanese gardens. The program will provide a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the special serenty of the famed Morikami Gardens. Half the participants will be residents of Regents Park and half will be Palm Beach County residents. Each participant will receive a boxed snack. Volunteers for these trips should contact Stan Smith at 561-362-7345, or email:BikurCholimStan@gmail.com. Learn more about at www.morikami.org.
HONORED WITH A BLESSING Stan Smith was surprised when he received a phone call from one of the head nurses at Boca Raton Community Hospital congratulating the efforts of Bikur Cholim for the excellent work being done by our organization at the hospital. He was honored when he was asked to represent Bikur Cholim by giving a blessing at the hospital’s annual Nursing Excellence Ceremony known as “The Nightingale Moment.” Approximately 200 people were in attendance and the event was televised throughout the hospital.
THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been ably managed by dedicated volunteer Jeffrey Silkin. When Jeff feels that a client has any hardship picking up or returning a piece of equipment he will do it without hesitation. We are indebted to Jeff for doing an outstanding service for our community. Mazel Tov to Jeff and Rhonda Silkin and their family on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew. Matthew did a really outstanding job and we look forward to great things from him.
BIKUR CHOLIM was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Boca Raton Community Hospital’s Staying Healthy quarterly magazine. The informative and laudatory article was entitled 2,000 visits in 2008.
The program’s first training session, led by Mr. Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, attracted volunteers of all ages from the Boca Raton and Delray Beach communities. Each volunteer enthusiastically shared experiences from their past, as a patient, or by observing family members who have participated in the tremendous mitzvah of bikur cholim. Each one felt a need to give back this unselfish act of kindness. Mr. Greenblatt’s background in social work and experience with this patient population made him the perfect professional to educate and train the volunteers with information on how to create a beneficial and comfortable relationship over the phone. He will continue to coordinate and monitor the program.
The first training session was fully attended. All of the volunteers, with their varied backgrounds, contributed ideas from their own personal experiences. The interactive nature of the training created an energetic kickoff to the program. At the end of the session, as the volunteers were wishing each other a happy and healthy New Year, they could not wait to bring a sense of hope and comfort to those that need it most.
Are you ready to volunteer for this program and make a difference in someone’s life? If so, call Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, at 561-347-5025. Program co-chairs are Susan Rotsztajn and Ira Berger.
BIKUR CHOLIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 22nd Annual Conference sponsored by the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), was held at the UJA headquarters in New York on Sunday, November 9th. Over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, a noted rabbi, physician, and hospital president. Dr. David Pelcovitz spoke at the mid-dayession. Rabbi Glatt is the author of “Visiting The Sick: A Halachic and Medical Guide—With Down-to-Earth Advice”, published by Artscroll. He spoke about halachic and practical apects of performing the mitzvah and also, importantly, how not to do bikur cholim. We contacted Rabbi Glatt afterwards and he offered to assist us in any way. We are hoping he will come and speak. Click here to read the special edition newsletter.
BIKUR CHOLIM NOTE CARDS We have produced cheerful full-color note cards on heavy quality stock. These attractive cards are blank inside and can be used to write get-well messages, or any type of thank-you note or greeting. Including heavy envelopes, the cards are available for purchase at 10 for $10 or 20 for $18. All proceeds go to support Bikur Cholim.
MARKETING YOUR BIKUR CHOLIM Stan Smith had been invited to give a marketing seminar at the annual conference, but could not attend due to illness. The animated presentation entitled “Marketing Your Bikur Cholim” was perpared and given by Bikur Cholim Vice President Jonathan Charm. The seminar was well-attended and got very good reviews from attendees and sponsors alike. Conference organizer, Robin J. Schoenfield wrote, “Thanks for your terrific presentation and sending me a copy. It had many many invaluable pointers for people to learn from. It’s remarkable what you and Stan are accomplishing over there.” Click here to watch the marketing presentation.
ADVERTISING OUR SERVICES TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY
Now that we have trained volunteers for the Telephone Visitation Program we have begun an advertising campaign to offer valuable services throughout the community in the “Our Jewish Community” publication. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly telephone call, let us know! We get requests from all over the United States for medical equipment for elderly relatives in South Florida.
AN INSPIRING STORY
Stan Smith has written a heartwarming story about visiting an Alzheimers patient entitled, “May I Hold Your Hand?” You can read it by clicking May I Hold Your Hand.pdf, or download it to print out.
NEW JEWISH HOSPITALITY SUITE & SHABBOS ROOM TO OPEN
Bikur Cholim has been trying to open a Shabbos Room for seven years, and we are pleased and proud to announce that the facility will be opening in October/November 2010 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Having a family member or dear friend ill and hospitalized is a trying experience for everyone involved,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Providing a Shabbat Room for our visitors will greatly help in allowing them to see and support their loved ones. We are most pleased to partner with Mrs. Alexander and Bikur Cholim on this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Partnering in the new Shabbat Room is Mrs. Miriam Alexander of Monsey, New York, who founded The Yehudah Memorial Center/Keren Zichron Yehuda. After Mrs. Alexander was diagnosed with a devastating illness eight years ago, she became aware of a pressing need faced by many Jewish families who have a loved one who is hospitalized. “I learned from personal experience that a Shabbos Room where there is kosher food and a place to stay for Sabbath observers is needed in every hospital”, she says, “Instead of hardship, it makes a tremendous difference in the overall quality of care.” With a this goal, Mrs. Alexander began opening fully equipped Yehuda Memorial Center Jewish Hospitality rooms in New York area hospitals to provide special accommodations on the hospital premises where families could they go when they have to spend hours, or even days or weeks, in the hospital. Nine rooms in New York area hospitals are sponsored by Revival Home Care.
She dreamed of setting up rooms in every hospital in the country and responded warmly to the opportunity presented at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She met with Stan Smith of Bikur Cholim and began collaborating on the project. With her vision, commitment and untiring efforts the new Hospitality Suite and Shabbat Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be Mrs. Alexander’s twelfth effort. Each room will provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest and are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise.
The attractively decorated and comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, Jewish books and religious articles. Each room has kosher food that will be regularly restocked by Bikur Cholim volunteers and and religious articles for patients’ families. These amenities and thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable by allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Hospital to provide this new service to the Jewish community, says Stan Smith, founder and President of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County. “It will be greatly appreciated by patients and family members who will now be able to help care for their hospitalized loved ones on the Sabbath and holidays.”
Smith added, “We strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. The Hospital’s new Shabbat Room and Hospitality Suite is a great achievement for all, and especially for the patients and families that will benefit from it.”
Stay tuned for more details.
Help Support
Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County Inc.
is an IRS approved 501(C)3 exempt organization,
Tax ID #20-2143379
THE SONDRA RUBIN-WANDERER FUND has been established for Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County with the generous support of her family. Sandy—Shprintza bas Shmuel HaLevi a”h—was truly an incredible woman, and many of our friends and neighbors were blessed to have known her. On many occasions Sandy expressed the wish that she had the strength to be a Bikur Cholim volunteer—and what a volunteer she would have been with her infectious smile and dynamic personality! Sandy understood what a need there was for Bikur Cholim in the community, and her many friends have been waiting for this opportunity to make contributions in her memory to a cause she wholeheartedly supported. For more information about adding your gift to the Sandy Wanderer Endowment Fund, please contact Stan Smith. Click here for complete details.
A NOVEL WAY TO KEEP A PATIENT’S SPIRITS UP :-) BIkur Cholim has obtained several copies of The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker to help patients maintain a sense of humor. The hefty book even comes with a DVD. If anyone would like to contribute a portable DVD player we will able to loan them to hospitalized patients to use to view the cartoons, or watch any DVD. It would be a lot more cheerful than watching TV from a hospital bed.
THE LATEST ADDITION to our medical equipment loan program is an electric scooter that can be used even on the Sabbath. Stan happened to casually mention to an acquaintance that there was a person in need and to his great surprise this individual volunteered to buy it outright and donate it Bikur Cholim. The Amigo Scooter has a Sabbath mode of operation that is approved by the Tzomet Institute in Jerusalem for individuals with compromised moblilty. Follow this link for a news story about the Amigo. Scooter
BIKUR CHOLIM made a splash at this year’s Mitzvah Market on Labor (of Love) Day at Boca Raton Synagogue. Our booth had plenty of new things to shows since last year - even our website was live via wireless connection. We recruited more volunteers. Shown at right is a very happy Stan Smith right after the booth was set up. Unfortunately, Stan had to leave early when he was called to the hospital to recite the vidui (deathbed confession) with a patient.
OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH was held on Sunday, November 16. The event, attended by over 70 people, was fully sponsored by JB and Lisa Bensmihen of Boca Home Care. On display were all of the training materials that are available to volunteers. The guest speaker was Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, and a presentation was made by Mr. Bensmihen about the right to services that patients are entitled to under Medicare and Medicaid. Each guest received a package of goodies to take home. Additional photos are posted.
THE ANNUAL BIKUR CHOLIM CONFERENCE in New York was attended by Stan Smith on Sunday, November 9. This year’s theme was “I Awaken the Dawn: The Transformative Power of Bikur Cholim.” Stan returned thinking that his own organization is “one of the most innovative and sophisticated groups attending the annual event, which is sponsored by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Stan brought home more bikur cholim training materials, including training manuals and videos.
ELECTRIC CHANUKAH MENORAHS are now be available to any patient who will be hospitalized during the holiday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. Bikur Cholim has purchased a dozen of these to meet current needs. Menorahs.com, the largest seller of menorahs online, had these safe, beautiful, low-voltage, LED menorahs which can be used with batteries or with an AC adapter. David at menorahs.com gave us a special price on to partner in this mitzvah. May we all enjoy a happy and healthy Chanukah at home with our families and not forget those who cannot.
STAN SMITH’S PERSONAL STORY is featured in a new book, Stories that Tug at the Heart, by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky and published by Artscroll. One of our popular volunteers, Rhoda Azar, was responsible for the author contacting Stan, since she is related to Rabbi Avrohom Fishman, who is quoted in the book. The Jewish heart, says Rabbi Pruzansky, has infinite capacity for love, for giving, for empathy and for change. In these beautifully written true stories we see that capacity in many different ways, in many different people. We are entertained - and we are inspired. Rabbi Pruzansky gives readers delightful, moving, life-affirming, poignant stories. We read Stories that Tug at the Heart and our own hearts grow stronger, as we share people's capacity for caring and love.
2009 PASSOVER CAMPAIGN Bikur Cholim was able to provide packages of matzah, grape juice, macaroons, and Haggadahs booklets are available at every nursing station at Boca Raton Community Hospital. What was really exciting was that this year the hospital produced and distributed leaflets announcing food availability. Jerry J. Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Community Hospital personally distributed the holiday items together with President Stan Smith. This gift was made possible through the extraordinary support of The Sondra Rubin-Wanderer Fund.
NEW TELEPHONE VISITATION PROGRAM Reach out and touch someone. A friendly voice on the telephone can make all the difference to a homebound patient in need of a human connection from the outside world. Not every patient may want or need visitors in person. However, every patient needs to feel that someone cares. As a telephone visitor, you bring hope to someone in need—especially knowing that someone cares. With this in mind, BCPBC has created a new pilot program where a group of volunteers, make phone calls to connect with patients at home. This project is patterned after other such programs throughout the country.
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE SAR Academy, a blue-ribbon day school in Riverdale, New York, hold their annual Intergenerational Day, asking grandparents who have an interesting hobby or interest to make a presention to the 5th grade students. The event offers the opportunity to learn about family histories and to strengthen bonds across generations. Stan’s two grandsons convinced him to talk about volunteering for Bikur Cholim, which turned out to be a big hit! Students who e-mailed Stan with comments about the importance of doing chesed after viewing the Bikur Cholim website received Dunkin’ Donuts gift coupons. Stan and his wife were in Riverdale to see their new granddaughter, Dalya Rivka Smith. Shown with Stan are (R to L) wife Joy, and grandsons Gavi and Ariel Smith.
RELIEF FOR SHUT-INS Beginning in mid-October, a new cooperative effort between Bikur Cholim and Regents Park Nursing Facility will transport shut-ins to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This bi-monthly program was announced by Robin Gardner, Activities Director at Regents Park. Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries and extensive Japanese gardens. The program will provide a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the special serenty of the famed Morikami Gardens. Half the participants will be residents of Regents Park and half will be Palm Beach County residents. Each participant will receive a boxed snack. Volunteers for these trips should contact Stan Smith at 561-362-7345, or email:BikurCholimStan@gmail.com. Learn more about at www.morikami.org.
HONORED WITH A BLESSING Stan Smith was surprised when he received a phone call from one of the head nurses at Boca Raton Community Hospital congratulating the efforts of Bikur Cholim for the excellent work being done by our organization at the hospital. He was honored when he was asked to represent Bikur Cholim by giving a blessing at the hospital’s annual Nursing Excellence Ceremony known as “The Nightingale Moment.” Approximately 200 people were in attendance and the event was televised throughout the hospital.
THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been ably managed by dedicated volunteer Jeffrey Silkin. When Jeff feels that a client has any hardship picking up or returning a piece of equipment he will do it without hesitation. We are indebted to Jeff for doing an outstanding service for our community. Mazel Tov to Jeff and Rhonda Silkin and their family on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew. Matthew did a really outstanding job and we look forward to great things from him.
BIKUR CHOLIM was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Boca Raton Community Hospital’s Staying Healthy quarterly magazine. The informative and laudatory article was entitled 2,000 visits in 2008.
The program’s first training session, led by Mr. Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, attracted volunteers of all ages from the Boca Raton and Delray Beach communities. Each volunteer enthusiastically shared experiences from their past, as a patient, or by observing family members who have participated in the tremendous mitzvah of bikur cholim. Each one felt a need to give back this unselfish act of kindness. Mr. Greenblatt’s background in social work and experience with this patient population made him the perfect professional to educate and train the volunteers with information on how to create a beneficial and comfortable relationship over the phone. He will continue to coordinate and monitor the program.
The first training session was fully attended. All of the volunteers, with their varied backgrounds, contributed ideas from their own personal experiences. The interactive nature of the training created an energetic kickoff to the program. At the end of the session, as the volunteers were wishing each other a happy and healthy New Year, they could not wait to bring a sense of hope and comfort to those that need it most.
Are you ready to volunteer for this program and make a difference in someone’s life? If so, call Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, at 561-347-5025. Program co-chairs are Susan Rotsztajn and Ira Berger.
BIKUR CHOLIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 22nd Annual Conference sponsored by the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), was held at the UJA headquarters in New York on Sunday, November 9th. Over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, a noted rabbi, physician, and hospital president. Dr. David Pelcovitz spoke at the mid-dayession. Rabbi Glatt is the author of “Visiting The Sick: A Halachic and Medical Guide—With Down-to-Earth Advice”, published by Artscroll. He spoke about halachic and practical apects of performing the mitzvah and also, importantly, how not to do bikur cholim. We contacted Rabbi Glatt afterwards and he offered to assist us in any way. We are hoping he will come and speak. Click here to read the special edition newsletter.
BIKUR CHOLIM NOTE CARDS We have produced cheerful full-color note cards on heavy quality stock. These attractive cards are blank inside and can be used to write get-well messages, or any type of thank-you note or greeting. Including heavy envelopes, the cards are available for purchase at 10 for $10 or 20 for $18. All proceeds go to support Bikur Cholim.
MARKETING YOUR BIKUR CHOLIM Stan Smith had been invited to give a marketing seminar at the annual conference, but could not attend due to illness. The animated presentation entitled “Marketing Your Bikur Cholim” was perpared and given by Bikur Cholim Vice President Jonathan Charm. The seminar was well-attended and got very good reviews from attendees and sponsors alike. Conference organizer, Robin J. Schoenfield wrote, “Thanks for your terrific presentation and sending me a copy. It had many many invaluable pointers for people to learn from. It’s remarkable what you and Stan are accomplishing over there.” Click here to watch the marketing presentation.
ADVERTISING OUR SERVICES TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY
Now that we have trained volunteers for the Telephone Visitation Program we have begun an advertising campaign to offer valuable services throughout the community in the “Our Jewish Community” publication. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly telephone call, let us know! We get requests from all over the United States for medical equipment for elderly relatives in South Florida.
AN INSPIRING STORY
Stan Smith has written a heartwarming story about visiting an Alzheimers patient entitled, “May I Hold Your Hand?” You can read it by clicking May I Hold Your Hand.pdf, or download it to print out.
NEW JEWISH HOSPITALITY SUITE & SHABBOS ROOM TO OPEN
Bikur Cholim has been trying to open a Shabbos Room for seven years, and we are pleased and proud to announce that the facility will be opening in October/November 2010 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Having a family member or dear friend ill and hospitalized is a trying experience for everyone involved,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Providing a Shabbat Room for our visitors will greatly help in allowing them to see and support their loved ones. We are most pleased to partner with Mrs. Alexander and Bikur Cholim on this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Partnering in the new Shabbat Room is Mrs. Miriam Alexander of Monsey, New York, who founded The Yehudah Memorial Center/Keren Zichron Yehuda. After Mrs. Alexander was diagnosed with a devastating illness eight years ago, she became aware of a pressing need faced by many Jewish families who have a loved one who is hospitalized. “I learned from personal experience that a Shabbos Room where there is kosher food and a place to stay for Sabbath observers is needed in every hospital”, she says, “Instead of hardship, it makes a tremendous difference in the overall quality of care.” With a this goal, Mrs. Alexander began opening fully equipped Yehuda Memorial Center Jewish Hospitality rooms in New York area hospitals to provide special accommodations on the hospital premises where families could they go when they have to spend hours, or even days or weeks, in the hospital. Nine rooms in New York area hospitals are sponsored by Revival Home Care.
She dreamed of setting up rooms in every hospital in the country and responded warmly to the opportunity presented at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She met with Stan Smith of Bikur Cholim and began collaborating on the project. With her vision, commitment and untiring efforts the new Hospitality Suite and Shabbat Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be Mrs. Alexander’s twelfth effort. Each room will provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest and are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise.
The attractively decorated and comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, Jewish books and religious articles. Each room has kosher food that will be regularly restocked by Bikur Cholim volunteers and and religious articles for patients’ families. These amenities and thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable by allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Hospital to provide this new service to the Jewish community, says Stan Smith, founder and President of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County. “It will be greatly appreciated by patients and family members who will now be able to help care for their hospitalized loved ones on the Sabbath and holidays.”
Smith added, “We strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. The Hospital’s new Shabbat Room and Hospitality Suite is a great achievement for all, and especially for the patients and families that will benefit from it.”
Stay tuned for more details.
Help Support
Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County Inc.
is an IRS approved 501(C)3 exempt organization,
Tax ID #20-2143379
THE SONDRA RUBIN-WANDERER FUND has been established for Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County with the generous support of her family. Sandy—Shprintza bas Shmuel HaLevi a”h—was truly an incredible woman, and many of our friends and neighbors were blessed to have known her. On many occasions Sandy expressed the wish that she had the strength to be a Bikur Cholim volunteer—and what a volunteer she would have been with her infectious smile and dynamic personality! Sandy understood what a need there was for Bikur Cholim in the community, and her many friends have been waiting for this opportunity to make contributions in her memory to a cause she wholeheartedly supported. For more information about adding your gift to the Sandy Wanderer Endowment Fund, please contact Stan Smith. Click here for complete details.
A NOVEL WAY TO KEEP A PATIENT’S SPIRITS UP :-) BIkur Cholim has obtained several copies of The Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker to help patients maintain a sense of humor. The hefty book even comes with a DVD. If anyone would like to contribute a portable DVD player we will able to loan them to hospitalized patients to use to view the cartoons, or watch any DVD. It would be a lot more cheerful than watching TV from a hospital bed.
THE LATEST ADDITION to our medical equipment loan program is an electric scooter that can be used even on the Sabbath. Stan happened to casually mention to an acquaintance that there was a person in need and to his great surprise this individual volunteered to buy it outright and donate it Bikur Cholim. The Amigo Scooter has a Sabbath mode of operation that is approved by the Tzomet Institute in Jerusalem for individuals with compromised moblilty. Follow this link for a news story about the Amigo. Scooter
BIKUR CHOLIM made a splash at this year’s Mitzvah Market on Labor (of Love) Day at Boca Raton Synagogue. Our booth had plenty of new things to shows since last year - even our website was live via wireless connection. We recruited more volunteers. Shown at right is a very happy Stan Smith right after the booth was set up. Unfortunately, Stan had to leave early when he was called to the hospital to recite the vidui (deathbed confession) with a patient.
OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH was held on Sunday, November 16. The event, attended by over 70 people, was fully sponsored by JB and Lisa Bensmihen of Boca Home Care. On display were all of the training materials that are available to volunteers. The guest speaker was Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, and a presentation was made by Mr. Bensmihen about the right to services that patients are entitled to under Medicare and Medicaid. Each guest received a package of goodies to take home. Additional photos are posted.
THE ANNUAL BIKUR CHOLIM CONFERENCE in New York was attended by Stan Smith on Sunday, November 9. This year’s theme was “I Awaken the Dawn: The Transformative Power of Bikur Cholim.” Stan returned thinking that his own organization is “one of the most innovative and sophisticated groups attending the annual event, which is sponsored by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Stan brought home more bikur cholim training materials, including training manuals and videos.
ELECTRIC CHANUKAH MENORAHS are now be available to any patient who will be hospitalized during the holiday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. Bikur Cholim has purchased a dozen of these to meet current needs. Menorahs.com, the largest seller of menorahs online, had these safe, beautiful, low-voltage, LED menorahs which can be used with batteries or with an AC adapter. David at menorahs.com gave us a special price on to partner in this mitzvah. May we all enjoy a happy and healthy Chanukah at home with our families and not forget those who cannot.
STAN SMITH’S PERSONAL STORY is featured in a new book, Stories that Tug at the Heart, by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky and published by Artscroll. One of our popular volunteers, Rhoda Azar, was responsible for the author contacting Stan, since she is related to Rabbi Avrohom Fishman, who is quoted in the book. The Jewish heart, says Rabbi Pruzansky, has infinite capacity for love, for giving, for empathy and for change. In these beautifully written true stories we see that capacity in many different ways, in many different people. We are entertained - and we are inspired. Rabbi Pruzansky gives readers delightful, moving, life-affirming, poignant stories. We read Stories that Tug at the Heart and our own hearts grow stronger, as we share people's capacity for caring and love.
2009 PASSOVER CAMPAIGN Bikur Cholim was able to provide packages of matzah, grape juice, macaroons, and Haggadahs booklets are available at every nursing station at Boca Raton Community Hospital. What was really exciting was that this year the hospital produced and distributed leaflets announcing food availability. Jerry J. Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Community Hospital personally distributed the holiday items together with President Stan Smith. This gift was made possible through the extraordinary support of The Sondra Rubin-Wanderer Fund.
NEW TELEPHONE VISITATION PROGRAM Reach out and touch someone. A friendly voice on the telephone can make all the difference to a homebound patient in need of a human connection from the outside world. Not every patient may want or need visitors in person. However, every patient needs to feel that someone cares. As a telephone visitor, you bring hope to someone in need—especially knowing that someone cares. With this in mind, BCPBC has created a new pilot program where a group of volunteers, make phone calls to connect with patients at home. This project is patterned after other such programs throughout the country.
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE SAR Academy, a blue-ribbon day school in Riverdale, New York, hold their annual Intergenerational Day, asking grandparents who have an interesting hobby or interest to make a presention to the 5th grade students. The event offers the opportunity to learn about family histories and to strengthen bonds across generations. Stan’s two grandsons convinced him to talk about volunteering for Bikur Cholim, which turned out to be a big hit! Students who e-mailed Stan with comments about the importance of doing chesed after viewing the Bikur Cholim website received Dunkin’ Donuts gift coupons. Stan and his wife were in Riverdale to see their new granddaughter, Dalya Rivka Smith. Shown with Stan are (R to L) wife Joy, and grandsons Gavi and Ariel Smith.
RELIEF FOR SHUT-INS Beginning in mid-October, a new cooperative effort between Bikur Cholim and Regents Park Nursing Facility will transport shut-ins to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This bi-monthly program was announced by Robin Gardner, Activities Director at Regents Park. Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries and extensive Japanese gardens. The program will provide a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the special serenty of the famed Morikami Gardens. Half the participants will be residents of Regents Park and half will be Palm Beach County residents. Each participant will receive a boxed snack. Volunteers for these trips should contact Stan Smith at 561-362-7345, or email:BikurCholimStan@gmail.com. Learn more about at www.morikami.org.
HONORED WITH A BLESSING Stan Smith was surprised when he received a phone call from one of the head nurses at Boca Raton Community Hospital congratulating the efforts of Bikur Cholim for the excellent work being done by our organization at the hospital. He was honored when he was asked to represent Bikur Cholim by giving a blessing at the hospital’s annual Nursing Excellence Ceremony known as “The Nightingale Moment.” Approximately 200 people were in attendance and the event was televised throughout the hospital.
THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been ably managed by dedicated volunteer Jeffrey Silkin. When Jeff feels that a client has any hardship picking up or returning a piece of equipment he will do it without hesitation. We are indebted to Jeff for doing an outstanding service for our community. Mazel Tov to Jeff and Rhonda Silkin and their family on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew. Matthew did a really outstanding job and we look forward to great things from him.
BIKUR CHOLIM was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Boca Raton Community Hospital’s Staying Healthy quarterly magazine. The informative and laudatory article was entitled 2,000 visits in 2008.
The program’s first training session, led by Mr. Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, attracted volunteers of all ages from the Boca Raton and Delray Beach communities. Each volunteer enthusiastically shared experiences from their past, as a patient, or by observing family members who have participated in the tremendous mitzvah of bikur cholim. Each one felt a need to give back this unselfish act of kindness. Mr. Greenblatt’s background in social work and experience with this patient population made him the perfect professional to educate and train the volunteers with information on how to create a beneficial and comfortable relationship over the phone. He will continue to coordinate and monitor the program.
The first training session was fully attended. All of the volunteers, with their varied backgrounds, contributed ideas from their own personal experiences. The interactive nature of the training created an energetic kickoff to the program. At the end of the session, as the volunteers were wishing each other a happy and healthy New Year, they could not wait to bring a sense of hope and comfort to those that need it most.
Are you ready to volunteer for this program and make a difference in someone’s life? If so, call Doni Greenblatt, LCSW, at 561-347-5025. Program co-chairs are Susan Rotsztajn and Ira Berger.
BIKUR CHOLIM NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 22nd Annual Conference sponsored by the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), was held at the UJA headquarters in New York on Sunday, November 9th. Over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, a noted rabbi, physician, and hospital president. Dr. David Pelcovitz spoke at the mid-dayession. Rabbi Glatt is the author of “Visiting The Sick: A Halachic and Medical Guide—With Down-to-Earth Advice”, published by Artscroll. He spoke about halachic and practical apects of performing the mitzvah and also, importantly, how not to do bikur cholim. We contacted Rabbi Glatt afterwards and he offered to assist us in any way. We are hoping he will come and speak. Click here to read the special edition newsletter.
BIKUR CHOLIM NOTE CARDS We have produced cheerful full-color note cards on heavy quality stock. These attractive cards are blank inside and can be used to write get-well messages, or any type of thank-you note or greeting. Including heavy envelopes, the cards are available for purchase at 10 for $10 or 20 for $18. All proceeds go to support Bikur Cholim.
MARKETING YOUR BIKUR CHOLIM Stan Smith had been invited to give a marketing seminar at the annual conference, but could not attend due to illness. The animated presentation entitled “Marketing Your Bikur Cholim” was perpared and given by Bikur Cholim Vice President Jonathan Charm. The seminar was well-attended and got very good reviews from attendees and sponsors alike. Conference organizer, Robin J. Schoenfield wrote, “Thanks for your terrific presentation and sending me a copy. It had many many invaluable pointers for people to learn from. It’s remarkable what you and Stan are accomplishing over there.” Click here to watch the marketing presentation.
ADVERTISING OUR SERVICES TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY
Now that we have trained volunteers for the Telephone Visitation Program we have begun an advertising campaign to offer valuable services throughout the community in the “Our Jewish Community” publication. If you know someone who could benefit from a friendly telephone call, let us know! We get requests from all over the United States for medical equipment for elderly relatives in South Florida.
AN INSPIRING STORY
Stan Smith has written a heartwarming story about visiting an Alzheimers patient entitled, “May I Hold Your Hand?” You can read it by clicking May I Hold Your Hand.pdf, or download it to print out.
NEW JEWISH HOSPITALITY SUITE & SHABBOS ROOM TO OPEN
Bikur Cholim has been trying to open a Shabbos Room for seven years, and we are pleased and proud to announce that the facility will be opening in October/November 2010 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Having a family member or dear friend ill and hospitalized is a trying experience for everyone involved,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Providing a Shabbat Room for our visitors will greatly help in allowing them to see and support their loved ones. We are most pleased to partner with Mrs. Alexander and Bikur Cholim on this most worthwhile endeavor.”
Partnering in the new Shabbat Room is Mrs. Miriam Alexander of Monsey, New York, who founded The Yehudah Memorial Center/Keren Zichron Yehuda. After Mrs. Alexander was diagnosed with a devastating illness eight years ago, she became aware of a pressing need faced by many Jewish families who have a loved one who is hospitalized. “I learned from personal experience that a Shabbos Room where there is kosher food and a place to stay for Sabbath observers is needed in every hospital”, she says, “Instead of hardship, it makes a tremendous difference in the overall quality of care.” With a this goal, Mrs. Alexander began opening fully equipped Yehuda Memorial Center Jewish Hospitality rooms in New York area hospitals to provide special accommodations on the hospital premises where families could they go when they have to spend hours, or even days or weeks, in the hospital. Nine rooms in New York area hospitals are sponsored by Revival Home Care.
She dreamed of setting up rooms in every hospital in the country and responded warmly to the opportunity presented at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She met with Stan Smith of Bikur Cholim and began collaborating on the project. With her vision, commitment and untiring efforts the new Hospitality Suite and Shabbat Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be Mrs. Alexander’s twelfth effort. Each room will provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest and are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise.
The attractively decorated and comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, Jewish books and religious articles. Each room has kosher food that will be regularly restocked by Bikur Cholim volunteers and and religious articles for patients’ families. These amenities and thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable by allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Hospital to provide this new service to the Jewish community, says Stan Smith, founder and President of Bikur Cholim of South Palm Beach County. “It will be greatly appreciated by patients and family members who will now be able to help care for their hospitalized loved ones on the Sabbath and holidays.”
Smith added, “We strive to think creatively and proactively to provide relief for those most in need in our community. The Hospital’s new Shabbat Room and Hospitality Suite is a great achievement for all, and especially for the patients and families that will benefit from it.”
Stay tuned for more details.