Bikur Cholim (4) Print Email
/ The Shelah Hakodosh writes that the mitzvah of bikur cholim involves three components; beguf - with one's body, benefesh - with one's soul and bemamon - with one's money.

Beguf -- Not only should one pay a personal visit, but one should also do actual things which will uplift the spirit and the comfort of the sick. This can be accomplished in a number of ways; bringing him material to read, bringing him food (especially if the patient is in a hospital where the patients might avoid eating many of the foods due to kashrus concerns, helping raise or lower the bed for him, brighten up the room, etc. When a patient is in a hospital there are more opportunities for doing this aspect, since nurses do not always have enough time to deal with patients. [As mentioned earlier one must use common sense and not overstay a visit or visit at inopportune times.

Benefesh - by praying and saying Tehillim for the sick. One must not forget to wish and bless the sick with a refuah shleimah before leaving. The Rama writes that if ones visits the sick and does not daven for him has not fulfilled the mitzvah of bikur cholim. The gemorra in Brochos states that if one is able to daven for the sick and does not is called a sinner. [Thus, if Tehillim is being said in shul for a sick person, it is important to participate.]

BeMamon - If the sick person is having financial difficulties covering his medical expenses, then one should help him. This also will help bring the sick person a bit of peace of mind. [It would seem to me that included in this component would be giving Tzedokah on behalf of the sick person.]
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