Purpose: To provide loving-kindness and to help individuals and families of our synagogue, cope better with challenges of illness, personal tragedy, and aging. This will help ease the isolation of these challenges of our fellow congregants. This program would be rewarding, not only to recipients but also to volunteers and members of the committee.

Who’s eligible: Any YJC, Sisterhood or Men’s Club member who is ill or has a spouse/child that is suffering a devastating illness or disability. Also any individual who is a “Shut-in” (A Shut-in is anyone who is handicapped by illness & disability and is who is unable to leave their home or leave without any assistance).

Services Provided: 

• Transportation to the synagogue for services
• Transportation and or companionship or both to chemotherapy/dialysis or any other medical procedure appointment.
• Visits in Hospital or healthcare facility as needed and volunteer availability.

bikkur holim (Hebrew, bikkur "cholim)
 In the Jewish tradition, visiting those who are ill is an important duty. According to the rabbis, this obligation derives its importance from God's visit to Abraham during his illness which was caused by Circumcision (Gen. 18:1).  

Home companion visits to decrease isolation especially to “shut-ins”.

Comforting Mourners (Nichum Avelim):
   Jewish tradition mandates that one should provide mourners with their immediate needs (such as meals) and with unobtrusive companionship, interacting with them in a way that enables them to express their grief, whether in words or in silence.

Prescription pickup and Food shopping (**only available by special request and needs must be reviewed). Volunteer must be paid in advance or there is no money involved. (A&P or other store gift card can be purchased by individual or family member from Sisterhood for food shopping service).

Transportation for children that attend YJC Hebrew school that are not able to participate in a carpool.

For more information and to volunteer call the YJC Chesed Program Coordinator Debbie Levy@ (914) 962- 3449. To make a request to become a recipient of the YJC Chesed program please call Rabbi Sternstein at the Yorktown Jewish Center @ (914) 245-2324