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GUIDE TO
JEWISH RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
AT
LIONS GATE
Rabbi Lewis John Eron, Ph.D.
Director of Religious Services
856-679-2207
June 14, 2007
PRESERVING DIGNITY
Many elders have a sense of worthlessness and low self-esteem—lost
dignity—when they can’t function as well as before and must depend
on caregivers. Every bit of advice in this book is written with your
long-living person’s dignity in mind. (See Chapters 6, 13, and 23 for
information on how to maintain dignity in the face of particular
situations, such as being spoon-fed, being incontinent, or dying.)
You can help maintain your elder’s dignity with the following
strategies:
*Squat down or pull up a chair so that you’re on the same eye level,
especially if he’s in a wheelchair (to avoid being in a “one-up”
position).
*Always try to sit at a good conversational distance.
*Invite your elder to help with chores (for example, folding laundry,
watering plants, bringing in the mail).
*Show appreciation for her possessions, opinions, and preferences.
*Encourage him to make choices and offer input into his own care.
*Never insist on helping; only offer to help.
*Sit or stand within three (3) feet and face the person. Never yell
from another room.
*Make sure that your face is in the light. By doing so, you’ll facilitate
lip reading.
*Understand that some words are more difficult to hear than other
words. For example, it’s hard to distinguish between, c, d, e, t, and v.
*Enunciate as clearly as possible. Expressions like “didjaeat” or
“halzitgoin” are difficult to understand.
*Appreciate that some letters and numbers are move problematic
than others. For example, if letters and numbers seem to cause a
problem in situations like taking down phone numbers, say “M as in
Mary, B as in boy”. Say each number separately. Instead of “56, say
five six”.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
Page 2
INTRODUCTION
Shalom - - Welcome to Lions Gate. It is always exciting and,
sometimes, overwhelming to start a new job. There is so much to
learn and, it seems, so little time to learn it. You will be meeting
many new people - - co-workers, supervisors, residents, residents’
family members, and learning how to become part of the Lions Gate
community.
Lions Gate is part of the greater family of agencies that make up the
Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. Although we welcome
residents from all backgrounds, our roots are in the Jewish
community of Southern New Jersey. Jewish traditions are important
to us. Jewish holidays, customs, and practices are part of the Lions
Gate atmosphere.
You may not be familiar with Jewish tradition and practices. This
pamphlet is to provide a very basic introduction to Judaism in
general as well as general guidelines on Jewish practice at Lions Gate.
It is based on the materials we used at the Jewish Geriatric Home.*
They have been combined and modified to meet the expected needs
here at our new continuing care retirement community, Lions Gate.
It is my hope that this pamphlet will be helpful to you. Please contact
me for additional information on Judaism and Jewish practice. If you
have any specific questions pertaining to Jewish practice and your
position and function at Lions Gate, please speak with your
supervisor.
Rabbi Lewis John Eron, Ph.D.
Director of Religious Services
Lions Gate
856-679-2207
*Rabbi Mel Glatt, “Religious Policies and Procedures for the Jewish Geriatric
Home” and The Philadelphia Board of Rabbis, “Jewish Practices and
Procedures for Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities” (1998)
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
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ABOUT THE JEWISH RELIGION
The religion of the Jewish people is called “Judaism”. It is an ancient
faith tracing its beginnings to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah,
Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. These great spiritual personalities and
their descendants were called Hebrews. At one point in their early
history the Hebrews were enslaved in Egypt. They were liberated by
Moses who led them for forty (40) years through the wilderness of
Sinai. The Hebrews eventually came to the Promised Land of
Canaan. There they settled and lived for hundreds of years. The
Hebrews were the ancestors of the Jews.
Judaism believes in the existence of one (1) God who created the
universe and who is the source of all life. The Jewish Bible consists
of twenty-four (24) books. Although it is sometimes known as
the “Old Testament”, Jews most often refer to it either as
“The Bible” (in English) or as the “Tanach” (in Hebrew). In addition
to its Bible, the Jewish religion has a vast literature of commentary
and interpretation that has developed through its long history.
Ethical and moral behavior lie at the heart of Judaism. The spiritual
and religious traditions of the Jewish people stress that followers of
Judaism and all people must behave ethically and be responsible for
their actions. Judaism teaches that everyone is accountable both to
other people and to God.
A major principle of the Jewish religion is the sacredness of the
human being. Every person is a child of God. Every person is
endowed with worth and dignity by God. God loves every individual.
No person is to be looked upon by us with disdain. No one is to be
mistreated, abused, or dealt with in a dishonest manner.
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Judaism further teaches that the human body, like the soul, is the
handiwork of God. God made our bodies and gave us the
responsibility of caring for our bodies during the time that we are
alive. It is forbidden, therefore, to do anything which we know will
harm, injure, or lead to the destruction of our bodies. Good health
habits and proper hygiene are mandated by the Jewish religion.
The Jewish religion regulates the daily life of its followers. There are
things which the Jewish person is either to do or not to do. This
pattern of Jewish living includes everything from prayers to food to
relationships with other people.
Judaism is a religion of norms, standards, and ideals. In our own lives
we are to be trustworthy, forthright, and people of the utmost
integrity. We are obligated to make an honest living, support our
families, assist those less fortunate than ourselves, and endeavor to
make good contributions to society.
In regard to the future of humanity, Judaism urges that we never lose
our faith that someday this world can be a better and happier place
for all in which to live. If others and we will it, war can be abolished
forever, prejudice eradicated, and evils like poverty totally ended.
A special point must be made here insofar as the Jewish religion and
health care. While Judaism has many rituals which are mandatory for
its adherents, none of these are to be observed at the expense of a
person’s health or well-being. This is to be borne in mind at all times
when working at a facility such as Lions Gate. This point will be
emphasized several times again in this pamphlet.
(adapted from Rabbi Mel Glatt, Religious Policies and Procedures
for the Jewish Geriatric Home)
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SPECIAL
CONCERNS AND SENSITIVITIES OF THE
JEWISH COMMUNITY?
A) The State of Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people, and,
as such, American Jews are concerned with her security and
well-being.
B) Jews of all backgrounds, because of a history of persecution, are
very sensitive to manifestations of anti-Semitism or racism.
C) The Jewish community concerns itself with the welfare of Jews
throughout the world.
D) The Jewish community cares for the well-being of its members
and, for their benefit, maintains a variety of social, educational
and cultural agencies.
JEWISH HOLIDAYS
The Jewish Year
The Jewish people have their own special calendar. The Jewish
calendar is lunar, and has approximately 354 days a year. An extra
month, thirty (30) days long, is added every two (2) to three (3) years.
The following are the names of the months in the Jewish calendar.
Note the approximate month to which they correspond in the
regular calendar.
JEWISH MONTH
SECULAR MONTH
(1)
Tishri
September - October
(2)
Cheshvan
October - November
(3)
Kislev
November - December
(4)
Tevet
December - January
(5)
Shevat
January - February
(6)
Adar
February - March
(7)
Nisan
March - April
(8)
Iyar
April - May
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JEWISH MONTH
SECULAR MONTH
(9)
Sivan
May - June
(10)
Tammuz
June - July
(11)
Av
July - August
(12)
Elul
August - September
In a Jewish leap year a second Adar is added to the calendar. Within
the Jewish calendar there is a series of Holy Days, Festivals, and
Minor observances. The following is a brief description of these
occasions.
What Are The Jewish Holidays And When Do They Occur?
THE SABBATH, called SHABBOS, or SHABBAT, is a day
markedly different from the other six (6) days of the week. The
Sabbath is observed from sundown on Friday afternoon to nightfall
on Saturday. In traditional Jewish homes candles are lit every Friday
evening, just before the Sabbath begins, as symbol of peace,
freedom and the light. Observant Jews refrain from work and
businesses and will not travel in a vehicle on the Sabbath. It is
important to note that Orthodox Jews (in communities where special
rabbinic arrangements have not been made) do not carry anything on
their person during the Sabbath, and, therefore may not have any
identification in their pockets. Furthermore, since the observant Jew
is prohibited from using a mechanical or electrical device on the
Sabbath (except in extreme life or death situations) a veritable
communications blackout occurs, as far as travel or electronic
contact is concerned.
*ROSH HASHANAH is the Jewish New Year, which occurs in the
fall. The Hebrew words Rosh HaShanah literally mean “the
beginning of the year”. Rosh HaShanah is also known as the Day of
Remembrance and the Day of Judgement. This two-day festival is
celebrated on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of
Tishrei, which usually falls in September. This holiday also
commemorates the birthday of the world. Most Jews celebrate this
holiday by attending synagogues. Most Jewish owned shops and
businesses are closed.
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*YOM KIPPUR, the Day of Atonement, occurs on the tenth (10th)
day of Tishrei (September-October), and is the most solemn day in
the Jewish calendar. Most Jews spend the entire day in the synagogue
fasting and praying, and, as on Rosh HaShanah, their shops and
businesses close for the day. Jews seek God’s forgiveness for
transgressions committed during the past year.
SUKKOT, meaning tabernacles or booths, and considered the
festival of Thanksgiving, is celebrated from the 15th to the 23rd day
of Tishrei (October). Sukkot is named for the sukkot, the temporary
dwelling places erected by the Jewish people during their forty years
of wandering in the desert following the exodus from Egypt. It also
refers to the temporary huts farmers build in their fields during the
busy harvest time. This is a nine-day holiday, during which Jews eat
their meals in sukkot (plural of sukkah) constructed on porches,
terraces, roofs, or in their backyards. The concluding day of this
holiday is known as Simchat Torah.
SIMCHAT TORAH, means “rejoicing in the Torah”. On this day,
usually in October, Jews celebrate the completion of the annual cycle
of the weekly Torah reading and the beginning of a new cycle.
Synagogue services include great festivity, much singing and dancing,
and in may communities, the gathering of large crowds to observe
and participate in the celebration.
CHANUKAH (Hanukah) observed for eight (8) days, beginning on
the 25th day of Kislev (December). Chanukah commemorates the
victory of Jews, 2,000 years ago, over the Syrian-Greek regime that
had imposed strict restrictions against Jewish religious practices and
values. Fought by a small band for three (3) long years against a
mighty army, Chanukah was a triumph for religious freedom.
A menorah or candelabra is lit every evening in the home to remind us
of the great menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem, and the miracles that
God made for us at that time.
TU BESHEVAT Occurs on the 15th day of the month of Shevat.
It is the “New Year of the Trees” and in Israel is associated with
reforestation and land reclamation.
PURIM, the Feast of Lots, a one-day celebration observed on the
14th of Adar (March), commemorating the rescue of the Jewish
communities of Persia in 450 B.C.E. from a planned massacre.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
Page 8
The Purim story is read aloud in synagogues on that day from the
biblical Book of Esther. It is a joyous holiday where people dress up
in costumes, twirl noisemakers, drink liquor and eat special
three-cornered cookies called hamentaschen.
*PESACH or PASSOVER is known as the Festival of Freedom,
commemorating the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt, and
also as the Holiday of Spring, because of the season. Passover/
Pesach begins on the 15th of Nisan (April), and lasts for eight (8)
days (seven (7) for Reform Jews). It is also known as the Festival of
Matzah because of the special form of unleavened bread that is eaten
during this period. Observant Jews do not eat bread or any products
containing leaven or yeast during the eight (8)-day holidays.
YOM HASHOAH This is a Jewish calendar occasion, which came
into being after World War II. It reminds us of the millions of Jews
and other people who were brutally killed by Hitler and the Nazis. It
is observed in the month of Nisan. The English name for “Yom
HaShoah” is “Holocaust Remembrance Day”.
YOM HA-ATZMAUT, Israeli Independence Day, the 5th of Iyar
(late April or early May). Jews all over the world gather to celebrate
the State of Israel, a county to call their own after 2,000 years.
*SHAVUOT, the Festival of Weeks, occurs seven (7) weeks after
the first day of Pesach on the sixth and seventh of Sivan (May-June).
This is a two-day holiday (one day for Reform Jews). Shavuot
is called the holiday of the giving of the Torah in commemoration
of the day that Moses received the tablets of the Torah,
The Ten Commandments, from God on Mount Sinai.
TISHA B’AV, the ninth day of Av (August), commemorates the
destruction of the first Temple by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and
the burning of the second Temple by the Romans in 70 C.E. Many
Jews fast on this solemn day.
The Torah itself mandates most of the major holidays. Those
marked by an asterisk * have work prohibition similar to the
Sabbath. Jewish businesses will be closed and observant Jews will not
work. Contact the Board of Rabbis for a calendar of major holidays.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
Page 9
JEWISH DIETARY REGULATIONS
Lions Gate maintains a completely Kosher Food Service Program.
Kosher means suitable for eating from a Jewish religious standpoint.
Kashrut is the name of the Jewish dietary laws. Staff are expected to
cooperate completely to help maintain this important part of the
Jewish tradition.
Briefly, Kosher Dietary Laws include the following requirements:
1) Only beef, veal, lamb and poultry that has been ritually kosher
slaughtered and properly koshered may be eaten.
2) Milk, butter, cheese, or any other products made with milk may
not be combined with, served with, eaten together with, or
cooked (with) in the same utensils as beef, veal, lamb, or poultry.
3) Raw fish, fruit, vegetables, tea, coffee and cereals (grains) are
considered neutral (parve) until they are incorporated either into
meat or dairy meals. Some cereals (grains) have milk as an added
ingredient and may only be served at dairy meals. All products
used must have a kosher symbol which further identifies its
acceptability.
4) Only fish which have scales and fins are considered Kosher and
may be eaten, e.g. flounder, cod, bluefish, tuna, salmon.
5) Meals served at Lions Gate will either be meat or dairy meals.
Separate cooking utensils, dishes, silverware, etc. must be
maintained for each. Dairy utensils, dishes and silverware are to
be used only for dairy; and meat utensils, dishes and silverware
only for meat. These may not be mixed.
Our kitchen has two (2) completely separate cooking, preparation,
and dish washing areas - - one for dairy and one for meat.
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Pattern Coded - - Dairy and Meat
There are pattern coded place settings for the serving of meat and
dairy meals. You will be advised of the correct pattern settings by the
Food Service Director, the Executive Chef, or your Department
Director, who can also answer any questions regarding these items.
No food, dishes, or meal trays are to be left anywhere on the units
from one meal serving to another. They must be returned to Dining
Service after each meal. No outside foods or beverages can be
brought into the various dining rooms, placed on the meal trays, or
sent back to Dining Services for disposal. Employee meals are served
on disposables in the staff cafeteria.
Please be careful to protect the kosher food practices at Lions Gate.
If not certain, please ask someone more experienced to advise you.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
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DIETARY REGULATION
FOR LIONS GATE STAFF
Everyone who works at Lions Gate is to observe the following rules
so that the kosher aspect of the kitchen is maintained.
1) Meals and/or snacks must be eaten only in the staff cafeteria and
in no other part of the building
2) If you secure your meal from the Lions Gate Dining Services
take it immediately to the staff cafeteria and eat it there.
3) You may bring in your own mean and/or snack from home or
from any store but it must be eaten only in the staff cafeteria.
4) The microwave in the staff cafeteria is for your use.
5) Use only the tray, paper and Styrofoam goods, and plastic
utensils given to you or available in the staff cafeteria. Do not
use any plates or silverware from the Lions Gate kitchen or from
the resident’s dining rooms.
6) Utensils used for preparing and serving non-kosher food may
not be used for kosher food or vegetables unless cleansed in a
specific prescribed manner.
Our kitchen has two (2) completely separate cooking, preparation,
and dishwashing areas - - one for dairy and one for meat.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
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Color Coded - - Dairy and Meat
There are color and/or pattern coded place settings for the serving
of meat and dairy meals. You will be advised of the correct color
and/or pattern settings by your Supervisor, who can also answer any
questions regarding this item.
•
No food, dishes, or meal trays are to be left anywhere on the
units from one meal serving to another. They must be returned
to Dining Services after each meal. No outside foods or
beverages can be brought into the various dining rooms, placed
on the meal trays, or sent back to Dining Services for disposal.
Meals are served on disposables in the staff cafeteria.
•
Meals served to staff, visitor or guests that leave the Dining
Room, must be placed on disposables.
Please be careful to protect the kosher food practices of Lions Gate.
If not certain, please ask someone more experienced to advise you.
EMPLOYEE CAFETERIA
Lions Gate has provided an area in which staff will take their rest
periods and meal breaks. This area is provided so that employees
may take time away from their work to eat, socialize and rest. Lions
Gate will not tolerate the disregard of any employee to maintain this
area CLEAN and RESPECTABLE. Employees are expected to
clean up after themselves prior to leaving the area. This includes:
after using the microwave oven, removing unwanted food/beverages
from the refrigerator, properly disposing of trash in the receptacles
that re provided, cleaning up spills, keeping the sink area clean, keeping the tables clear from crumbs and spills, etc.
Employees may purchase meals from Dining Services or bring in
their own food. There will be no food eaten anywhere in the building
except in the employee cafeteria. Non-Kosher foods are strictly
prohibited outside of the cafeteria area. Lions Gate will not permit
employees ordering from local food establishments for delivery
to the facility.
* * Reference to “employee(s)” would include all contracted staff.
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Page 13
SPECIAL CONCERNS FOR PESACH/PASSOVER
During the eight (8) days of Passover, leavened products are not
eaten. All foods containing flour or grain, which have been allowed
to ferment, are considered leaven. These include breads, beer, cake,
cookies, cereals, macaroni, spaghetti, noodles, foods containing
starch, and beverages containing grain alcohol, etc. Separate sets of
utensils are used for food preparation during Passover; disposable
paper and plastic ware is acceptable for use during this week. Special
kosher for Passover frozen dinners are also available, and, except for
breads, many of the above-mentioned products have kosher for
Passover counterparts.
SHABBAT (Sabbath) and HOLIDAY GUIDELINES
FOR LIONS GATE
At Lions Gate we wish to maintain the sanctity and the religious
spirit of Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, as well as all of the Jewish
festivals and commemorations. In order to do this, every department
must be fully acquainted with responsibilities and regulations
connected with this weekly observance. Note below the special tasks
of your department related to the Sabbath as well as those things
which are not to be done on the Sabbath under normal
circumstances.
Keep in mind that in any instance where human life, health or
well-being is at stake, any and all Jewish Sabbath rituals and
religious prohibitions may be superseded.
These guidelines provide a general understanding of how we
try to draw on the customs and practices of the Jewish faith to
root the Lions Gate community in the Jewish tradition. Specific
policies and practices will be determined by the management
of Lions Gate.
•
•
•
OFFICE
The office is to be closed and no business transacted during the
Sabbath. No monetary matters are to be handled on behalf of
residents.
The person in charge of the front desk is not to use any office
equipment, i.e., typewriters, duplicating machines, etc.
Incoming telephone calls may be answered by the person at the
front desk and referred to the appropriate area.
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NURSING
•
Residents who are able to attend Friday and Saturday Sabbath
services are to be made ready by nursing for these spiritual times.
Nursing is to provide assistants to be present when Sabbath
services are held.
•
Baths are not to be given routinely on the Sabbath. However, if
a resident is incontinent or if there is a specific medical reason
for giving a bath, it should be done.
•
Male residents are not to be shaved.
•
All medications are to be given as usual.
•
No television, radios, or tape music are to be played on the
lounges during that special time when Shabbat services are being
held.
MEDICAL
•
Clinics are closed.
•
No physical therapy is given on the Sabbath, unless deemed
necessary for medical reasons and approved by management.
•
Physicians may and should be contacted when it is believed that
a condition exists needing immediate attention.
BEAUTY SHOP
•
The beauty shop is to be closed on the Sabbath.
ACTIVITIES
•
Activities personnel are to assist residents getting to and from
Sabbath/Shabbat services.
•
In conjunction with the Dietary Department, the Activities
Department is to assist at Friday afternoon teas and at Saturday
morning kiddushes when served.
VOLUNTEERS
•
Volunteers are to provide auxiliary assistance at Sabbath/
Shabbat services.
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MAINTENANCE
•
Only Tasks that are basic or of an emergency nature may be
performed on the Sabbath.
•
No special service companies are to be scheduled for this time
except to resolve an emergency situation.
•
There are to be no deliveries unless deemed necessary by the
management.
•
No painting or carpentry may take place inside or outside the
building unless deemed necessary by the management.
•
There is to be no lawn cutting or trimming of trees or shrubs
unless deemed necessary by the management.
•
During the winter season snow and ice are to be removed from
walks and driveways because this constitutes a potential
emergency situation.
•
There is to be no heavy cleaning of residents’ rooms or of other
areas in the building, i.e., floor stripping or floor finishing.
•
The maintenance department is to arrange for the set up of the
chapel area for Sabbath services on Fridays and Saturdays.
SOCIAL SERVICE
•
Social Service is not to schedule any meetings with families of
current or potential residents on the Sabbath, unless it is deemed
that an emergency situation exists and must be resolved.
DIETARY
•
Dietary is to provide tea and cake/cookies on Friday afternoons
when requested by the Activities Department.
•
A traditional Sabbath meal is to be provided for the residents at
dinner on Friday nights and at lunch on Saturdays.
•
Foods are not to be cooked past sundown on Friday nights.
•
During the Sabbath foods may be reheated.
•
Reheating is not considered to be actual cooking.
•
No deliveries are to be received during the entire Sabbath period
unless when deemed necessary by the management.
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RULES FOR THE OTHER HOLY DAYS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
YOM KIPPUR
Traditionally Yom Kippur is a day of fasting and Jews abstain
from food and drink. If a resident chooses to fast anytime during
the Yom Kippur period, it must be with the permission of
his/her physician and strictly monitored by nursing.
Business Office is closed.
No scheduled activities for residents.
Beauty shop is closed.
No deliveries (unless deemed necessary by management).
Foods are not cooked only warmed and reheated.
Residents are not bathed (unless deemed necessary by nursing
and medical staff).
Male residents are not shaved.
Clinics are closed.
Medications are given.
Maintenance follows same regulations as for the Sabbath.
ROSH HASHANAH, PESACH, SHAVUOT, SUKKOT
(including Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah)
Business office is closed
Quiet activities for residents.
Beauty shop is closed.
No deliveries (unless deemed necessary by the management).
Foods may be cooked on these days except when they coincide
with the Sabbath.
The bathing of residents on these religious occasions is to be
reviewed by nursing on an individual basis. The same procedure
is to be followed in connection with the shaving of male
residents.
Clinics are closed.
Medications are given.
Maintenance follows same regulations as for the Sabbath.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
Page 17
•
•
•
•
•
CHANUKKAH AND PURIM
All regular and normal functions and activities of the home may
take place on these days except when any such days coincide
with the Sabbath.
TISHA BEAV
Only dairy meals are to be served to the residents on this
occasion.
Quiet activities appropriate for a solemn fast day.
Appropriate religious programming.
Beauty shop is closed.
THE REMAINING CALENDAR OCCASIONS
•
The occasions of “Tu BeShevat”, “Israel Independence Day”,
and “Yom Ha-Shoah” or “Holocaust Day”, do not carry with
them any restrictions. All regular functions and activities of the
home may be carried on as usual.
Note on Laundry
The laundry department operates continuously throughout the year.
This is based on the rationale that clean linens, towels, and garments
are absolutely essential to health and wellbeing.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
Page 18
JEWISH GLOSSARY
BAR/BAT MITZVAH (Hebrew meaning son/daughter of the
commandment) - Special religious ceremony for a boy reaching the
age of 13, or a girl at age 12 or 13. The ceremony celebrates reaching
the age of religious obligation.
CHALLAH - A loaf of braided egg-bread traditionally eaten on
Friday night at the start of the Sabbath meal. A motzi or blessing is
recited over the challah before it is cut or broken.
DAY SCHOOL - Jewish parochial school, grades K-8. Also called
yeshiva.
HASIDIM (CHASIDM-Hebrew, meaning pious, holy person) - The
followers of the Hassidic movement, a religious folk movement.,
began in the 18th century. The men generally wear beards, long
sideline (payes) and black hats and clothing. The women dress
modestly in dresses with long sleeves and always have their hair
covered. These customs vary from extreme to moderate depending
upon the town of origin of their sect. Some dress in current fashion a
indistinguishable from the general population. Hasidim follow
Orthodox Jewish Practices.
HEBREW - The ancient and modern language of the Jewish
people. Hebrew is the language of the Jewish Bible (Tanak or “Old
Testament”), the Jewish prayerbook (the Siddur), and has served as
the literary and scholarly language of the Jewish people over the
centuries. Hebrew is also the language of the modern State of Israel.
KADDISH (Hebrew, meaning sanctification) - A prayer said by a
person in mourning and recited daily at morning and evening
services for eleven (11) months following the death of a parent.
KIDDUSH - Sanctification of the Sabbath. Every Friday night,
prayers are chanted in the home recalling the Creation and the
Exodus from Egypt. Blessings of thanks are said over wine and
challah.
KIPAH - The skull cap worn by most men and some women during
religious services, and by most Orthodox Jewish men when not
wearing hats. Also called a yarmulke.
KOSHER - Food prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. See
section on Jewish dietary regulations.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
Page 19
MAGEN DAVID (Hebrew, meaning Shield of David) - A six (6)
pointed star, historically identified as the Jewish emblem
MATZAH - Unleavened bread, square or round in shape, much like
a cracker. Matzah is eaten instead of leavened bread, for the eight (8)
days of Passover, to commemorate the Exodus of the Jewish people
from Egypt.
MEZUZAH (Hebrew, meaning doorpost) - A metal of wooden
container affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes. In it is a small
parchment scroll in which is handwritten a section from the Torah
(Deuteronomy 6:4-10).
MIKVAH (Hebrew, meaning collection of water) - A ritual bath
required for religious purification. Used monthly by Orthodox
women and for purposes of conversion.
MITZVAH (Hebrew, meaning commandment) - A Jewish
obligation such as comforting the sick and giving to the poor. Often
translated as a good deed.
RABBI (Hebrew, meaning teacher) - The religious head of the
community. A rabbi is often the officiant at religious and ritual
events. Today, Conservative Reform and Reconstructionist
seminaries ordain women rabbis along with men.
SHIVA (from Hebrew, meaning seven (7)) - Following the funeral
of a family member, mourners return home for a weeklong period of
mourning, called Shiva. It is proper to visit the mourners but not to
exchange gifts or greetings with them. It is customary to bring food
so the mourners will not need to make preparations themselves.
SHUL - Yiddish for synagogue.
TALLIT TORAH - Hebrew, meaning the study of Torah. Also,
a Hebrew school.
TEFILLIN (Hebrew, meaning phylacteries) - Tefillin are two (2)
small black boxes containing small scrolls of parchment upon which
are written four (4) biblical passages. Men and some non-orthodox
women wear them during weekday morning non-holiday prayers.
Tefillin come with leather straps of which one binds to the forehead
and the other to the arm.
TORAH (Hebrew, meaning teaching) - The Hebrew Bible,
encompassing the Five Books of Moses.
TZITZIT - Hebrew, for fringes on the four (4) corners of the payer
shawl.
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TZEDEKAH - Money given to charity.
YAHRZEIT (Yiddish) - The anniversary of the death of a close
family member. It is marked by lighting special memorial candle at
home, which burns for twenty-four (24) hours.
YESHIVA (Hebrew) - A Jewish day school, parochial high school
or rabbinical seminary.
YIDDISH - A language spoken by European Jews from the Middle
Ages to present. It is based mostly on Middle High German with a
sprinkling of Hebrew and other languages, and is written in Hebrew
characters.
ZIONISM - Zionism is the expression and fulfillment of the
perennial yearning of the Jewish people to return to their biblical
homeland, Israel. That desire was met in 1948, when Israel became
an independent state. Most Jews, Zionist or not, identify with Israel
as their historic homeland while remaining loyal citizens of the
country of birth or choice.
MEDICAL PROCEDURES;
BEGINNING AND END OF LIFE
As a general principle, life-saving measures take precedence over
other serious requirements, even for the most Orthodox.
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS - Medical, surgical and nursing procedures which can readily be postponed should not be performed on
Saturdays and Jewish Holy Days. The Jewish Shabbat extends from
sunset on Friday to after sunset on Saturdays.
CIRCUMCISION (Also called bris or brit milah) - Circumcision is
a ritual symbolizing the affirmation of the covenant between God
and Abraham. It is transmitted from generation to generation. All
male Jewish children are required to be circumcised on the eighth
day following their birth; even on the Sabbath or holidays.
Circumcision is a religious rite and should be performed by a model,
who is medically and religiously trained to perform this ritual. The
Board of Rabbis maintains lists of approved mohalim. A quorum, or
minyan of ten (10) Jews should, when possible, be present during
circumcision. Circumcision by an attending physician, Jewish or not,
does not meet religious requirements. Note: circumcision may be
postponed in cases where the baby is ill.
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POSTMORTEM or AUTOPSY EXAMINATION - Whenever
the problem of postmortem arises, it is advisable to contact the
Jewish chaplain or the local rabbi and discuss the matter with him or
her. Jewish tradition is opposed to most autopsies.
DEATH - Judaism does not have any formal sacramental last rites.
There are, however, appropriate prayers that may be recited by the
chaplain, the patient or the family. When a Jewish patient dies, the
Jewish chaplain, a local rabbi, or the local Jewish congregation
should be noticed so arrangements can be made for ritual
preparation of the body for burial in a Jewish cemetery.
FUNERAL AND MOURNING - Central to Jewish tradition is
showing respect for the deceased person and comforting mourners.
Most Jewish funerals are held soon after death, often within
forty-eight (48) hours. They stress simplicity and require the use of a
plain, doted, woods coffin. The deceased is not embalmed but
washed by members of the Herva Kaddisha (holy burial society), and
dressed in a white linen shroud. Condolence calls are made to the
family only after the funeral, during the week of SHIVAH (see
glossary). Flowers are discouraged; a gift to a favorite charity in the
name of the deceased is the preferred way to honor someone’s
memory. Most Jewish funerals are held in funeral homes and
proceed to a cemetery. Some families choose to have a graveside
service only. Occasionally, as a special honor, a funeral service is held
in a synagogue.
ABORTION - Judaism allows for an abortion in cases where the
mother’s life or health is endangered because of pregnancy. The
mother’s life has priority over that of the fetus. Common practice is
to bury the abortus or a stillborn.
AMPUTATION - The emphasis of Judaism on reverence for the
body requires that amputated limbs be buried, not destroyed. The
Jewish chaplain or a local rabbi should be advised of amputations in
sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements for such burials.
ORGAN DONATIONS - Many Jewish groups encourage organ
donation, especially when it is known that there will be an organ
recipient. A rabbi should be consulted if there are concerns.
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SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
This list includes books from a variety of Jewish perspectives.
WEB SITES
JewishVirtualLibrary.org (general information)
URJ.org (for Reform Judaism)
JRF.org (for Reconstructionist Judaism)
USCJ.org (for Conservative Judaism)
OU.org (for Orthodox Judaism)
GENERAL INTRODUCTIONS TO JUDAISM
Bank, Richard D., The Everything Judaism Book, Adams Media, Avon, MA
Bank, Richard D. and Gutlin, Julia, The Everything Jewish History and Heritage
Book, Adams Media, Avon, MA
Bard, Mitchell G., Myths and Facts: A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict,
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE), Chevy Chase, MD. 2001,
www.JewishVirtualLibrary.org
Dowin, Hayim, To Be a Jew: A Guide to Jews Observance in Contemporary Life
(Basic Books, New York. 1972). Popular guide from an Orthodox, Jewish
perspective.
Elber, Mark, The Everything Kabbalah Book, Adams Media, Avon, MA. 2006
Frankel, Ellen, and Betsy Platkin Teutsch, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Symbols
(Jason Aronson, Northvale, NJ. 1992). Brief articles, frequently illustrated,
on ancient and modern symbols, objects and holidays.
Kertzer, Morris, What is a Jew (revised ed. Jewish Lights Publishing,
Woodstock, VT. 1993). Basic information in question and answer format.
(Phone 802-457-4000)
Steinberg, Milton. Basic Judaism (NY Harcourt, Brace. 1927), Outline of
basic values of Judaism.
Telushin, Joseph, Jewish Literacy (Wm. Morrow & Co., Inc. NY. 1991). Short
articles on Jewish history, holidays, observances, values and personalities.
A very helpful reference.
Trepp, Leo, The Complete Book of Jewish Observance (Behrman House, Inc./
Summit Books, NY. 1980), Overview of Jewish life with descriptions of
holidays, life cycle events, and home observances with notes on variations
among movements.
LIFECYLE
Lamm, Maurice, The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning (Jonathan David
Publishers, NY. 1969) Classic guide by Orthodox rabbi.
Guide to Jewish Religious Practices at Lions Gate
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Orenstein, Debra (ed.) Lifecycles I: Jewish Women on Life Passages and Personal
Milestones (Jewish Lights. 1994). Award-winning anthology by women of
many backgrounds, covers birth to death.
Reimer, Jack (ed.) Wrestling with the Angel: Jewish Insights on Death and Mourning, (Schoken Books, New York. 1995). Excellent anthology (all movements) covering illness, death, mourning, stillbirth, euthanasia, afterlife, and
many other issues. Paperback title differs slightly.
Wolfson, Ron, A Time to Comfort, A Time to Mourn: A Guide to Jewish
Bereavement and Comfort (Jewish Lights. 1993). An excellent guide with
interviews with real families along with factual material. The conservative
author covers a wide range of opinion.
PASTORAL AND MEDICAL ETHICS SOURCES
Feldman, David. Health in the Jewish Tradition: L’Hayyim - - To Life
(Crossroad, NY. 1986). Brief introduction to religious values that affect
medical ethics.
Meir, Levy (ed.) Jewish Values in Bioethics (Human Sciences Press, NY. 1986).
Selected essays.
Ozarawski, Joseph, To Walk in God’s Ways: Jewish Perspectives on Illness and
Bereavement (Jason Aronson. 1995). A helpful introduction by an Orthodox
rabbi who studies pastoral care at a Christian seminary.
Rosner, Fred and J. David Bleich, Jewish Bioethics, (New York, Sanhedrin
Press. 1979)
Schur, Tzvi, Illness and Crisis: Coping the Jewish Way (National Conference of
Synagogue Youth, New York. 1987). A short overview by an Orthodox
chaplain with much for people from any movement.
Soncino, Rifat and Daniel B. Syme, What Happens After I Die? Jewish Views of
Life After Death (Jason Aronson. 1990, 1994). Reform rabbis summarize
many of the different ideas in this subject in a readable format.
Swirsky, Michael, At the Threshold: Jewish Meditations on Death (Jason Aronson.
1996). A book of readings and meditations for people facing their own
death.
Weintraub, Simcha (ed.) Healing of Soul, Healing of Body: Spiritual Leaders
Unfold the Strength and Solace in Psalms (Jewish Lights and National Center for
Jewish Healing. 1994). A dozen rabbis from all movements share
medications on favorite psalms.