Jewish Board Bikur Cholim Resources
Rita J. Kaplan Jewish Community Services: the home of the Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council, Jewish Community Services promotes integration of services with spirituality and combine the richness of Jewish traditions with social work practices—such as spiritual and group counseling, workshops, consultation, training, and more. We offer individuals and families connections to the support of peers and community. And we work with Jewish organizations, such as synagogues, JCCs, Y’s, and schools, to enhance their services and programming.
Shira Ruskay Center: The Shira Ruskay Center offers social work services, spiritual care and volunteer support based on each client’s needs and preferences. It was founded in 1997 to assist seriously ill patients, their families and loved ones. We assist with navigating the complex and often chaotic health and social service system, thereby enabling access to better and more comprehensive care.
Jewish Community Services: Our Jewish Community Services offer individuals and families connections to the support of peers and community.
Hospital Information
Kosher Delight: Jewish Hospitals Around the World: Lists contact information including hospitals, hotels, and restaurants in Jewish communities around the globe.
Services and Programs in Times of Illness
Chesed 24/7: provides services to the sick, the elderly, the developmentally disabled, and any individual or family facing a life challenge. Also the “Hospital Rooms” link provides bikur cholim information for a number of Manhattan, NJ and upstate hospitals.
Halachically Speaking: Each bi-weekly issue of “Halachically Speaking” both reviews a different area of contemporary Jewish Law with its practical applications, and reviews a timely health related topic. Available for free this can be shared by visitor and visitee. To subscribe, email: mdl@thehalacha.com
Sharsheret: a national not-for-profit organization for young Jewish women and their families confronting breast cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women, of all Jewish backgrounds, diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources. (866) 474-2774.
VitalOne: VitalOne’s mission is to provide urgent relief and crisis intervention in difficult situations, and to save lives. We respond immediately, by mobilizing all resources necessary to assist people in need. We arrange emergency medical transfers, search and rescue missions, and we help bring the deceased to a timely burial. With contacts at hospitals and air ambulance services worldwide, VitalOne can secure emergency air transportation for the critically ill, anywhere.
A Space for Him to Fill: Healing articles related to illness, wellness and life by Jay Litvin (ob’h).
goDaven: A worldwide database to locate an Orthodox Minyan/prayer service.
Understanding Cancer: The Mesothelioma Group, published an informative guide to understanding cancer, and provides scholarships to victims and their families. Site provides a variety of useful information on cancer.
Chesed Kosher Guide: Provides resources to call for information on medical referrals, help and support in the hospital, transportation to hospitals, and much more.
Bikur Cholim Around the World: Lists various bikur cholim services in many countries including US cities, and provides an extensive links section.
BINA Stroke and Brain Injury Assistance: provides guidance and assistance on rehabilitation options to survivors of stroke and brain injury of all ages and their families. Services includes referrals to rehabilitation facilities, case management, crisis intervention, vocational counseling, support groups and educational forums. Contact: 718-645-6400.
For Older Adults
Aging Life Care Association: The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers’ site for finding a geriatric care manager.
DOROT: offers a compilation of frequently called agencies in NYC relating to seniors, with contact information. Also provides information and referral and other services for seniors.
Jewish Association for Services for the Aged: provides social, recreational, health, cultural and educational programs for older persons. Also provides information and referral.
The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty: provides a listing of NY Jewish Community Councils. Local JCC’s can provide information and concrete assistance with a variety of issues relating to poverty and aging.
NYC Department for the Aging: provides information and resources for NYC seniors.
For Kids
American Childhood Cancer Society: dedicated to cancer research and awareness.
Beineinu: Connects Jewish parents of Children with special needs and includes many links such as a list of bikur cholims, a list of organizations organized by type of medical condition, make-a-wish foundations, inspirational messages/chizuk, and much more .
Chai Lifeline: The website of Chai Lifeline details the many types of support to children, families, and communities available, during serious illness.
Soaringwords: offers an online support network for sick children and their families.
Organizing, Education, and Volunteer Development
Areyvut: Resource for empowerment through Jewish values. Also, links to organizations with volunteer opportunities.
HealthCare Chaplaincy Network: An accredited education program providing training in pastoral education.
Kavod v’Nichum: Resource information for organizations with a Chevra Kadisha committee and those interested in forming one.
Lotsa Helping Hands: Lotsa Helping Hands is a simple, immediate way for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to assist loved ones in need. It’s an easy-to-use, private group calendar, specifically designed for organizing helpers, where everyone can pitch in with meals delivery, rides, and other tasks necessary for life to run smoothly during times of medical crisis, end-of-life caring, or family caregiver exhaustion.
If you have any suggestions for additional sites to add to this page, please email hello@jbfcs.org.
