ABSTRACT
Judaism is a life-oriented religion and the mission of bikkur cholim is not to counsel the patient into acceptance of the illness. The visitor is expected to reach out to the sick person, to express concern and offer encouragement that urges the striving towards recovery. In general, Judaism views the speculation about God’s motives for bringing suffering upon an individual negatively. Such speculation is inappropriate and not directed toward healing. Judaism has a good number of philosophical views concerning illness, but a visit to a choleh is not an appropriate time to discuss them. Prayer is an essential component of the obligation of bikkur cholim. One should pray in the presence of the patient or elsewhere. Prayers may be in the vernacular or the more traditional Hebrew. The Shulchan Aruch stresses that prayers for the sick should request healing for all who are ill.
