About
Bikur Cholim

About Bikur Cholim
Rafi, battling lymphoma

When illness strikes, getting the best care possible is everything - who you call makes all the difference.

At Bikur Cholim, we know that when someone battling illness can’t afford their treatment, surgery, or even a simple prescription, the outcome can be devastating. For over 35 years we have been helping thousands of individuals of all ages get the care they desperately need regardless of their ability to pay.

Under the leadership of Rabbi Hershy Z. Ten, our devoted staff and volunteers provide comprehensive support through a myriad of programs and services.

In our role as the leading Jewish healthcare organization on the West Coast, we open doors to world-renowned physicians and medical centers, accessing the best medical care available today. Whether it’s with the cost of treatment, or “just helping you through it,” every person who turns to Bikur Cholim is served with an unwavering dedication and commitment to making their lives better.

Built on Jewish values, we never lose sight that every life is worth fighting for.

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help

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The
mitzvah

The mitzvah (commandment) of “bikur cholim” reflects G-d’s attention and caring for the ill and disabled. These two Hebrew words alone create an instant feeling of hope and trust, and serve as a testimony to a living continuation of the Jewish tenets of caring, compassion, and devotion passed on from one generation to the next.

It is an act of kindness and charity that is incumbent upon every Jew to perform. This mitzvah is so essential to Jewish life that the act of bikur cholim has been institutionalized in every Jewish community throughout the world.

Jewish patients and their families, rich or poor, young or old, look for BIKUR CHOLIM during times of illness knowing that with our help they will get the best care possible.

Leadership &
Executive Staff

Rabbi Hershy Z. Ten

Rabbi Hershy Z. Ten

President & Founder
In 1991, Rabbi Hershy Z. Ten founded Bikur Cholim in Los Angeles. Since that time, Rabbi Ten has served at the helm is known worldwide for his steadfast commitment to supporting individuals and families facing medical crises. Raised in Monsey in a home deeply grounded in Torah, Avodah, and Gemilus Chasadim (Torah, service, and kindness), his family instilled in him early on the values of empathy and responsibility for those in need. As an adult, he studied at Yeshiva Emek Halacha under the esteemed HaRav HaGaon Tuvia Goldstein zt”l, receiving smicha (Rabbinic ordination) with a specialization in Halacha and psak (legal decision-making) — becoming one of the youngest in the yeshiva’s history to do so. Alongside this scholarship, Rabbi Ten earned his doctorate in the Literature of the Sages, as well as a master’s degree in International Business from Baruch College, City University of New York. In 2000, Rabbi Ten joined the Los Angeles Fire Department as the first Jewish Chaplain while concurrently recognized as an honorary Fire Chief.

After marrying and moving to Los Angeles in 1983, Rabbi Ten and his wife, Blimy, became entrenched in the Hancock Park Community. Over the years they welcomed three children, one son and two daughters. When their son Avraham Moshe was born, he brought immeasurable joy to their lives, but also unimaginable challenges ahead. Critically ill from the age of 15 months, he was admitted to the ICU more than 100 times over his lifetime, and required 24-hours in-home nursing care. Tragically, he lost his fight at age 12 and half years old, just months before his Bar Mitzvah. It was at the beginning of this difficult journey, leading to countless days and weeks in hospitals, that Rabbi Ten witnessed firsthand the overwhelming burdens on so many others facing serious illness. Those close to Rabbi Ten know that he didn’t start Bikur Cholim to honor the memory of his son — he founded this charity because he saw up close the emotional and financial devastation that was crushing families. He saw their desperate need for help and wanted to make a difference to improve their lives. Further heartbreak struck when years later, Rabbi Ten and his wife endured the unfathomable loss of their youngest child, Yehudis z”l, as a toddler.

Today, Bikur Cholim annually serves thousands of patients and families throughout Los Angeles and beyond. Together with a fiercely dedicated team, Rabbi Ten has built Bikur Cholim into a thriving, dynamic force that ensures patients and their families can receive tangible help and relief during their most vulnerable moments. From the very beginning, Rabbi Ten has led Bikur Cholim as a volunteer while supporting his family through his personal business enterprises. His passion and perseverance remain at the heart of the organization with an unwavering belief that no one should go without care.

Lucky Quaytman

Director, Operations
For decades, Lucky Quaytman has been a steadfast presence, ensuring that critical needs are met with both compassion and professionalism. Often the first voice heard by those reaching out in moments of crisis, Lucky brings a rare blend of dedication, warmth, and excellence to every interaction. Her unwavering commitment to those we serve reflects the core values of Bikur Cholim’s mission and continues to offer vital support and reassurance to individuals and families during their most challenging times.

Bracha Lerer

Director, Communications & Media
Bracha Lerer brings a dynamic background in marketing and communications across diverse industries. Her dedication to elevating the voices of those we serve continues to strengthen our presence, amplify our impact, and foster meaningful connection throughout the community. Shaped by a family deeply committed to community service, empathy, and compassion, she leads with creativity and intention—guiding our media strategy and public engagement efforts to expand our reach and help those in need.

Lisa Kwaschnefski

Accountant, Silverline CPA
Lisa Kwaschnefski plays a vital role in ensuring Bikur Cholim operates with the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability. As our lead accountant through Silverline CPA, she oversees all aspects of accounting, tax preparation, and government reporting with exceptional precision and integrity. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to compliance help safeguard the organization’s financial health and reinforce the trust placed in us by our donors, partners, and community.