Abstract
The tradition of visiting the sick is a practice that brings comfort to patients who are suffering, offers prayers for healing, and keeps the connection with family and community alive. It is a practice recognized from ancient times through today, one which underscores the mission of the field of Pastoral Care. This paper describes the creative use of multi-sensory spiritual tools, such as music, singing, personal prayer, psalms, and traditional texts, to enhance the sick visit to the hospitalized patient. This brief structured model is replicable and teachable to lay and professional caregivers. Both patient, family members, and caregivers can benefit from sharing in these moments of inner spiritual attunement and connection with others.
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Israela Meyerstein, LCSW-C, LMFT, is a social worker and family therapist in private practice in Baltimore, Maryland. An Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Ms. Meyerstein has trained therapists of all disciplines and has published over two dozen articles relating to Family therapy, medical issues, and spirituality. She is co-founder of the Baltimore Jewish Healing Network. Correspondence to Israela Meyerstein, Imeyerstein@hotmail.com.
Gila Ruskin has served as a congregational rabbi, psychiatric hospital chaplain, adult and day school educator, and pastoral counselor. Rabbi Ruskin currently teaches Bible, Holocaust Studies, and Creative Writing at the St. Francis Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. She is co-founder of the Baltimore Jewish Healing Network.
Appendix
Appendix
Here are some of the passages incorporated in the spiritual visits. Often we laminated the slips of paper so they are easier to keep and handle.
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EL NA REFA NA LA Please, God, Heal her please. (Moses’ prayer for Miriam).
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ESAH EYNAI EL HE-HARIM MAY- AYIN YAVO EZRI. I lift my eyes up to the mountains from where my help will come. My help comes from the Lord, who created the Heavens and the Earth. (Psalm 121).
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HAZORIM B’DIM’A B’RENA YIKTZORU Those who sow with tears shall reap with songs of joy. (Psalm 126).
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GAM KEE AYLECH B’GAY TZALMAVET, LO IRA RA Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. (Psalm 23).
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Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90).
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MIN HAMAYTZAR KARATI YA, ANANI BAMERCHAVYA. Out of the depths I call to you O God; Please answer me with your expansiveness. (Psalm 118).
Mi Shebayrach
Traditional Prayer of Healing
May the One who blessed our ancestors bless_____________. Grant insight to those who bring healing, courage, and faith to those who are sick; love and strength to us and all who love them. God, let your spirit rest upon all who are ill and comfort them. May they and we soon know a time of complete healing, a healing of the body and a healing of the spirit, and let us say, amen.
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Meyerstein, I., Ruskin, G. Spiritual Tools for Enhancing the Pastoral Visit to Hospitalized Patients. J Relig Health 46, 109–122 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-006-9085-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-006-9085-y