Satmar Bikur Cholim: Supporting Patients and Families in New York City
For many patients, the challenge of illness is compounded by the difficulty of maintaining dietary laws and staying connected to family while in a hospital setting. Satmar Bikur Cholim (SBC) serves as a vital support system, ensuring that Jewish patients in New York City receive the spiritual and physical nourishment they need during their recovery.
The History of Satmar Bikur Cholim
Founded in 1956 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the organization was established by Rebbetzin Faige Teitelbaum—wife of Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar—and Gitel Kahn. In its earliest days, the operation was humble and grassroots; food was prepared in Gitel Kahn's own kitchen and delivered directly to hospitalized Jewish individuals in the surrounding area.
Over the decades, the organization built a distinguished reputation for inclusivity, providing aid to all Jews regardless of their specific backgrounds or religious affiliations. However, the organization faced a significant turning point in 2018 when NYU Langone Medical Center ended its 30-year cooperation with SBC, a move that caused considerable shock within the Orthodox Jewish community.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Comprehensive Patient and Family Services
Satmar Bikur Cholim has evolved from a home-kitchen operation into a sophisticated support network. Their current services are designed to alleviate the stress of hospitalization for both the patient and their loved ones.
Bikur Cholim Rooms
The organization operates dedicated "Bikur Cholim rooms" within hospitals. These specialized spaces provide patients with access to kosher food, including chalav yisrael (milk produced under strict Jewish supervision), ensuring that dietary requirements are met even in a clinical environment.
Housing and Transportation
Recognizing that the emotional toll of illness extends to the family, SBC owns apartments located near hospitals. These residences provide a place for family members to stay while supporting their hospitalized relatives.
Additionally, the organization manages a private bus line. This shuttle service transports volunteers, visitors, and patients between the Williamsburg neighborhood and various hospitals throughout New York City, removing the logistical burden of urban travel during a crisis.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1956 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
- Founders: Rebbetzin Faige Teitelbaum and Gitel Kahn.
- Core Mission: Providing support to all Jews regardless of affiliation.
- Dietary Support: Provision of kosher food and chalav yisrael in hospital rooms.
- Logistics: Operates a private bus line and provides nearby housing for families.
| Service Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | Kosher food and chalav yisrael via hospital rooms |
| Accommodation | Apartments for families near medical centers |
| Transportation | Private bus line from Williamsburg to NYC hospitals |
| Eligibility | Open to all Jews regardless of background |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Satmar Bikur Cholim?
The organization was founded in 1956 by Rebbetzin Faige Teitelbaum and Gitel Kahn in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
What is chalav yisrael?
Chalav yisrael refers to milk that has been produced under the strict supervision of a Jewish observer to ensure it meets specific kosher standards.
Does the organization only help members of the Satmar community?
No, Satmar Bikur Cholim is known for helping all Jews, regardless of their specific affiliations or backgrounds.
What happened between SBC and NYU Langone Medical Center?
In 2018, NYU Langone Medical Center expelled the organization after 30 years of cooperation, which was a shocking event for the Orthodox Jewish community.
How does the organization help families of patients?
SBC provides apartments located near hospitals for family members to stay in and operates a private bus line to facilitate travel between Williamsburg and NYC hospitals.