Mural Unites Crown Heights Kids

Thursday, in honor of the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s 110th birthday, the Bikur Cholim Community Mosaic was proudly mounted in a permanent display on the corner Crown Street and Kingston Avenue in Crown Heights.

The mosaic is a compilation of over 250 children’s depiction of the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim on individual 4×4” inch tiles. Sponsored by Dovid and Eda Schottenstein in the memory of the precious soul Alta Shula Swerlow OBM, the wall is a bright and youthful depiction of Achdus and Ahavas Yisroel.

The tiles were painted last year during the first ever Bikur Cholim Month by eighth graders from seven neighborhood schools: Oholei Torah, Lubavitch Yeshivah, Darchai Menachem, Ohr Menachem, Bais Rivkah, Bnos Menachem and Bais Chaya Mushkah, in an unprecedented display of unity.

On Thursday, the participants gathered once again to celebrate the completion of the project to see their artwork, take class photos, and enjoy some donuts sponsored by Apple Drugs and the Gutleizer family, who also generously gave the use of their wall for the project.

“It was amazing to see the students’ excitement over seeing their artwork so publicly displayed,” says Rabbi Shmulie Slavin, principal at Darchai Menachem, “And I know that each time they pass the mural they will take pride and be reminded of the importance of helping their fellow Jew.”

Mrs. Sarit Kramer, who designed and coordinated the project, was effusive in her praise for the schools, community and organizations that were involved in the project. “It is amazing what we can achieve when we all come together,” she explained. “These schools should be commended for continuing on this path!”

For the past forty years, the volunteer organization of Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights, has been stepping up to help by offering practical assistance to the physically ill and their families. Bikur Cholim, has delivered thousands of hot meals, driven hundred of miles to get patients to their appointments, and sent countless visitors to hospitals around the NY Metropolitan area to be with patients. They are committed to play a meaningful role in a patient’s recovery with kindness, compassion, and utmost regard for privacy, as guided by Halacha.

“Many families are unfortunately experiencing medical hardships and challenges today,” says Esther Blau, Bikur Cholim community liaison and board member, “What better way to teach awareness, sensitivity and to give a helping hand, than by starting with our children.”

For more information about Bikur Cholim and how you can get involved, email info@bikurcholimCH.org or call (718) 467-1661.