Bikur Cholim of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Hospital celebrated the opening of its newly-constructed Bikur Cholim Room in Johns Hopkins Hospital with a dedication ceremony this past week. Located in Room 175 of the Blalock Building, the kosher pantry is a dedicated room where patients and families can find fresh Shabbos meals, hot coffee and kosher snacks, a lounge area for respite and dining space to enjoy a meal. The room is stocked and maintained by Bikur Cholim volunteers with an array of items, including havdalah supplies, electric candles, seforim, Jewish newspapers and magazines.

An elegant spread of light refreshments was presented for those attending the dedication ceremony. Ron Peterson, President of The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Executive V.P. of Johns Hopkins Medicine remarked on the importance of offering “this accessible, yet private space within the hospital for reflection, relaxation and religious practice.” Dr. Paul B. Rothman, M.D., Dean of Medical Faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine recognized the “wonderful work of Bikur Cholim in supporting the needs of the Jewish community at Johns Hopkins and other hospitals” and their close cooperation with the Johns Hopkins Hospital staff.

Rabbi Zvi Teichman, Rav of Congregation Ohel Moshe and Bikur Cholim of Baltimore Board Member addressed the gathered crowd with heartfelt appreciation for all that Johns Hopkins Hospital offers to the community and the special relationship we are fortunate to share. Dr. Lewis Romer, attending physician in the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center PICU shared his feeling that he is able to provide better care to his patients because the needs of the family are taken care of by Bikur Cholim.

Aron Katz, President of Bikur Cholim of Baltimore, read a thank you letter from a patron describing the new room as, “a place to keep a restless and nervous child busy and find something to eat for the patient and his tired and hungry parents, away from the overwhelming hospital. We really felt like we’d come home to a cocoon prepared by our loving, Yiddishe family.” The program concluded with Rabbi Tzvi Schur, Jewish chaplain for Johns Hopkins Hospital, affixing a mezuzah to the doorpost of the new Bikur Cholim Room.

The opening of the new Bikur Cholim Kosher Hospitality Suite in Johns Hopkins Hospital is a very significant milestone in Bikur Cholim of Baltimore’s mission to lighten the burden on patients and families dealing with illness. Special thanks to Ty Crowe, Director of Pastoral Care, The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Dedication and sponsorship opportunities are available for this new room. Please contact Bikur Cholim of Baltimore at 410-999-3700 or [email protected]  for additional  information. Bikur Cholim of Baltimore is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.