The Yehuda Memorial Center
When a patient is hospitalized their greatest comfort is the presence of a family member at their bedside.
About UsMission StatementWhen a patient is hospitalized their greatest comfort is the presence of a family member at their bedside. Whether hospitalized for a short stay or over the long term, Keren Zichron Yehuda- The Yehudah Memorial Center, understanding the desperate situation facing family members, has provided a solution. For the comfort of the family in this time of crisis, fully equipped Jewish Hospitality rooms provide them with special accommodations on the hospital premises.
The YEHUDA MEMORIAL CENTER is the brainchild of Mrs. Miriam Alexander of MonseyNew York. When she was diagnosed with a devastating illness four years ago, she did not allow it to defeat her. Nor did she think only of herself. Mrs. Alexander became aware of a pressing need faced by Jewish family members and friends in the New York area hospitals. Where could they go when they have to spend hours, even days, in the hospital? What about Shabbos and Yom Tov? She dreamed of setting up a place within the hospital that would service their needs. Her dream became a reality because of her vision, commitment and untiring efforts.
Thankfully, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan Medical Center and Beth Israel MedicalCenter in Manhattan have assigned rooms for this purpose in their facilities. The rooms are attractively decorated and comfortably furnished. They are open to those who come from all over the world seeking the hospitals’ expertise. They provide a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and rest. Offering kosher food and other amenities for patients and their families, the rooms are equipped with kitchen facilities, couches, table and chairs, and media resources. Tefillin, Siddurim and Tehillim are on hand. A Judaic library is being planned.
These thoughtful touches help make a stressful situation more bearable allowing the family to focus their full attention on the patient. Many patients and their families have used the rooms since the opening in April 2006 and have thanked us for the comfort it has provided them.
Similar facilities are being planned for other New York hospitals. Vaad L’Mishmeres Kashrus, the chesed division of the KOF-K, is actively involved in this initiative and THE YEHUDA CENTER is one of its beneficiaries. Rabbi Ari Senter, Rabbininc Coordinator of the KOF-K, works very closely with Mrs. Alexander in establishing these hospitality rooms.
Keren Zichron Yehudah is a charitable non-profit organization. It is fully run by volunteers and has no paid employees. All donations are used to maintain the hospitality rooms. Contributions to Zichron Yehuda Memorial are Tax-deductible.
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