The Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick

The Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick

The mitzvah of visiting the sick incorporates various acts of kindness such as visiting someone who is ill, sharing in their distress, providing emotional support, and taking care of their physical needs.

The Meaning of the Mitzvah

When we fulfill this mitzvah, we thereby also fulfill the mitzvah of emulating Hashem: "And you shall walk in His ways" and "After Hashem your God you shall follow," as we find that the Holy One Himself visits the sick: "And Hashem appeared to him in the plains of Mamre" (Bereishit 18:1), when He visited Avraham after his brit milah.

Our Sages spoke extensively in praise of this mitzvah, defining it as an obligation, and even said that those who visit the sick actually remove part of their illness. "Rabbi Acha bar Chanina said: Whoever visits the sick takes away one-sixtieth of their suffering" (Nedarim 39b).

"Rebin said in the name of Rav: How do we know that the Divine Presence rests above the bed of a sick person? It is written (in Psalms 41:4): 'Hashem will support him on his bed of illness'" (Nedarim 40a).

This mitzvah has no prescribed limits. It includes praying for the sick person to recover and asking for heavenly mercy: "And whoever visits but does not pray for mercy has not fulfilled the mitzvah" (Rema in Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah, 335:4).

In the morning prayers we read that this mitzvah is included among those for which "a person eats their fruits in this world, while the principal remains for the world to come" -- that is to say, a person gains from performing this mitzvah in this world while the ultimate reward is reserved for after his death:

"These are the things of which a person eats their fruits in this world and the principal remains for the world to come. They are: honoring one's father and mother, acts of kindness, arriving early at the house of study morning and evening, welcoming guests, visiting the sick, providing for a bride, accompanying the dead, concentration in prayer, bringing about peace between a person and his fellow and between husband and wife. And the study of Torah is equal to them all combined."

This mitzvah can be fulfilled even several times a day, even for the same sick person.

Practical Examples for Fulfilling the Mitzvah of Visiting the Sick

The mitzvah of visiting the sick can be implemented in many diverse ways, and it's important to try to include it as part of our daily routine:

* Prayers for the sick person's recovery: Asking the community to pray for the sick person in the synagogue or any other framework. Writing the sick person's name as a prayer request in social media groups.

* Visiting a relative, friend, or neighbor who is hospitalized or at home due to illness.

During the visit, you can bring small gifts such as flowers, fruit, or books, and talk with the sick person about topics that interest them and help them to forget their pain.

* Helping in the sick person's home: Offering practical assistance such as preparing meals, tidying the house, shopping, or looking after the sick person's children.

* Assisting the sick person with transportation to doctors' appointments or hospital visits.

* If you can't visit physically, you can send an encouraging letter, text message, or email.

* Organizing a group of friends or family members to visit the sick person, which can bring much joy and a sense of support.

* Arranging for youth groups to visit the sick in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or nursing homes as part of volunteer activities.

* Organizing social activities or clubs for the sick in the community, such as art activities, music, or reading groups, which can add interest and joy to their lives.

Whatever we do, we should remember to be sensitive to the sick person's condition and adapt the visit and help offered to their needs and desires. The goal is to bring comfort, encouragement, and support, and to be there for the sick person in a way that will genuinely help them.