Visiting
Bikur Cholim volunteers visit Jewish patients in the local hospitals and nursing homes as well as those who are home-bound.
Facilities in which we visit include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, St. Peter’s University Hospital, Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Care One. Visits are designed to lend emotional support for patients and let them know that they are not alone and to provide a friendly face and connection to the local Jewish community.
Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley will assist all volunteers through the process of becoming a certified volunteer to meet the requirements of the hospitals.
Individuals who visit patients independently of Bikur Cholim may want to review the Guidelines for Successful Visits.
Hospitality Centers
Bikur Cholim maintains lockers in the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, St. Peter’s University Hospital and JFK Medical Center that contain books, tapes, electric candles, siddurim and food for patients (with the doctor’s permission) and family members when these items may otherwise not be accessible.
Our volunteers shop for and deliver the food as well as clean, organize and stock the lockers for efficient use of the hospitality centers by patients and their families.
Meals
Bikur Cholim provides meals for the home-bound, for postpartum families and for family members of hospitalized patients that cannot fend for themselves. Volunteers cook the food that is provided, be it a full meal or a single dish. Volunteers also deliver the meals to homes or the hospital.
Transportation
Bikur Cholim volunteers can drive family members to and from the hospital. Volunteers also provide transportation for those in need of rehabilitation or other out-patient services.
Volunteers can also assist in this service by coordinating and arranging the rides when they are needed.
Shabbat Accommodations
The Bikur Cholim can arrange Shabbat hospitality in the local Highland Park / Edison community for those needing accommodations when their family members are in the local hospitals.
If you would like to volunteer to provide home hospitality please contact us.
Shabbat and Holidays
Bikur Cholim is dedicated to trying to meet patients’ special needs in the hospital during Shabbat and other Jewish Holidays.
Volunteers can assist by:
- Blowing Shofar on Rosh Hashana
- Laining Megillah on Purim
- Delivering Mishloach Manot on Purim
- Cleaning the Hospitality Centers in Preparation for Passover
Please contact us if you want to volunteer for any of these programs.
Blood Donation
Bikur Cholim has ongoing testing and screening of its members for blood type and bone marrow donation. Please contact us if you want to be on a list for blood donation as needed.
Tehillim
Tehillim recitation can be arranged through the Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley. If you would like to volunteer to recite Tehillim for the sick, please contact us.
Emergency On Call
Bikur Cholim provides emergency maternity coverage for women who need childcare in the event of a delivery in the middle of the night. If you would like to volunteer to assist with this service, please contact us.