10 Bikur Cholim Finalists

COLlive presents the finalists of the Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights art and writing competition.

Crown Heights students in grades 8 through 12 were invited to submit entries by answering the question: “What does the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim mean to you?” through writing or art.

The winners, which will be announced at the Bikur Cholim Summer Fete event on Wednesday evening, will have their entries published in the N’Shei Chabad Newsletter, and one grand prize winner will receive an iPad.

The Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights Summer Fete will take place on Wednesday, June 16th and will feature a talk by Marcia Bodenstein on healthy living and a cooking demonstration by renowned chef and cookbook author Levana Kirschenbaum.

Crown Heights resident and long-time Bikur Cholim volunteer Mrs. Ita Lustig will receive an award for her years of service to the community.

The event is the first annual fundraiser for the community based chesed organization. For more information call 718 467-1661.

The top 10 Finalists: (listed alphabetically):

Leiba Bard-Wigdor – Beth Rivkah High School, Grade 12
Mushka Freidman – Online Shluchim School, Grade 8 (Santa Cruz)
Levi Gansburg – United Lubavitch Yeshiva, Grade 8
Mushky Goldshmid– Beis Chaya Mushka- Grade 8
Fruma Herskovic – Bnos Menachem, Grade 10
Esther Huebner – Bnos Chomesh Academy, Grade 12
Chaya Konikov– Shluchim Online School, Grade 8
Risa Levertov– Shluchim Online School, Grade 8
Leah Rahmani – Bais Rivkah, Grade 12
Chanah Silver– Bnos Menachem, Grade 12

Clips from the finalists’ writing entries:
“I don’t remember what happened next, blades of grass tickled my nose as I slowly came to, people, strangers, hovering around me, looks of great concern and great relief, and then I woke up to the flickering green fluorescent bulb across the room, nurses, looks of great concern and great relief, my mother, great concern and great relief, I drifted back to sleep…”

“I Daven, give Tzedaka, keep my button closed on my blouse
I keep Shabbos, Kosher, and help Mom around the house
When visiting these people, nervousness fill my bones
its so far out of my comfort zone
I’m just not like you outgoing and warm
I don’t thinks its my fault, its how I was born
But thats where your wrong, I’m telling you
G-d didn’t make the Mitzvos for a specific kind of Jew
every person is capable and the Rebbe agreed
That the world shines much brighter from one single deed
and this doesn’t happen from things that are easy and safe
Push yourself! I know you can! Your brave!”
“In school I always learned about Bikur Cholim, but I never really understood what it was. Now that I actually experienced the effect it has on a person, I realized how great of a mitzvah this is and how it can actually change someone’s life. ”

“All I ever do now is rest
And wake up every morning
My silent prayers request
Don’t take me without warning
For twice a week without fail
Two children at my bed side
Four eyes focus, blue eyes pale
Looking into me, smiles wide
Mrs. Stein how are you feeling?
They ask me with much concern
I look up at the white ceiling
And thank G-d for their return”