Bais Rivkah schools work hard to give students time and experience for mivtzoyim and shlichus. Bais Rivkah high school also encourages students to dedicate one hour weekly for chesed programs in Crown Heights, including Bikur Cholim.
But Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim took it one step further, by bringing a chesed initiative to girls in grades 6,7, and 8, approaching Bas Mitzvah and beyond.
A special project was launched beginning Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the day we celebrated the Rebbe’s homecoming. The project continued through Yud Daled Kislev, the day of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s anniversary. This day is significant to Bikur Cholim, for it was one of the first Mosdos that received a Bracha from the Rebbe that carries the Rebbetzin’s name.
Much is known about the Rebbetzin’s great sensitivity to the wellbeing of others, This sensitivity continues to fuel the many services of Bikur Cholim and its few hundred volunteers.
This two-week project was called Healing Helpers.
Bikur Cholim appreciates the active involvement of Mrs. Gitty Rosenfeld, Mrs. Devorah Leah Shwei and Mrs. Leah Jacobson for ensuring the success of the project, as well as some of the Bais Rivkah High School staff for graciously allowing a few of their students to take part of this project.
Mrs. Esther Blau, a board member of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim expressed why she felt this was such an important chesed initiative to bring to young students.
“Every year we help hundreds of patients and families who are going through difficult medical challenges, some short term or possible chronic conditions. Our goal through this project is to create awareness and sensitivity in the students and to encourage their commitment to a fellow Jew. Encouraging children to do small acts of kindness for their friends and neighbors will definitely help them become more comfortable with this incredible Mitzvah.”
Girls were given the option of doing several missions, which included visiting a patient, helping out a mother who just had a baby, baking a cake, or sending a card. They were also given the option to write an essay or poem or share an experience they had. Each mission entered on a designated Healing Helpers website would be awarded with a special raffle and prizes. We were amazed at the eager participation of over 100 girls who completed their missions.
With the wrap up of the challenge, the girls who completed two or more missions received a beautiful personalized jewelry box. At the same time, for each mission completed the girls got one ticket into a raffle for a Rebbe dollar, and the class who completed the most missions in their grade were the winners of a pizza party!
Mazal tov to Dobba Ezagui, the raffle winner of the Rebbe dollar. May your commitment to being a Healing Helper continue to make Hashem and the Rebbe proud.
The gifts were graciously sponsored by the family of Hadassah Lebovic in her memory. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of so many and continues to inspire everyone.
The girls shared their positive experiences and enthusiasm being part of Healing Helpers. One student who was absent for 2 days, got 12 phone calls from her classmates. Some visited elderly or did something special for a home bound person or grandparent.
Healing Helpers was a wonderful way to encourage students to notice people’s needs and help them out, bringing more light into the world.
Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights is a volunteer-based organization that provides support for the needs of the medically distressed in the Crown Heights community. We are committed to assuming a meaningful role in a patient’s recovery with kindness, compassion, and utmost regard for privacy, as guided by halacha.
this will instill goodMiddos and being a giver.
Love to see chesed being encouraged!