Asian Art

Bikur cholim

Bikur cholim (pronounced [/biˈkuʁ χoˈlim/]; Hebrew: בִּיקּוּר חוֹלִים, lit. 'visiting [the] sick'), also transliterated as bikkur holim or bikkur cholim, refers to the mitzvah (a biblical commandment in Judaism) to visit and extend aid to the sick. It is considered an aspect of gemilut chasadim (pronounced [/ɡmiluˈt χasaˈdim/]; גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים, 'bestowal [of] lovingkindnesses'). It is traditional to recite prayers for healing (e.g., Mi Shebeirach) in the synagogue and Psalms (especially Psalm 119) on behalf of the sick. Bikur cholim societies exist in Jewish communities around the world. The earliest bikur cholim society on record dates back to the early Middle Ages.

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See also

• ▸David Rockefeller
• ▸Dormition Cathedral, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
• ▸Buddhism in Greece

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