Download Week 7 Judaism

As diverse as our nursing population is at VUMC, it is important to understand each of our cultural differences and that of
our patients. In honor of Nurses’ Week 2010 and VUMC’s Nursing Diversity, we will begin a bi-weekly series highlighting
different religious groups that are visitors to VUMC.
Week 7: Judaism
Judaism is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish
people.
Judaism claims a historical continuity spanning more than 3000
years. It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions, and the oldest to
survive into the present day. Its texts, traditions and values have
inspired later Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam and the
Baha'i Faith.
Jews are an ethnoreligious group that includes those born Jewish and
converts to Judaism. At present, the world Jewish population is
estimated at 14 million (with an estimated 40% residing in Israel and
40% in the United States) making it the world’s sixth largest religion.
The largest Jewish religious movements/branches/sects are
Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism.
A major source of difference between these groups is their approach to Jewish law.
- Orthodox Judaism maintains that the Torah and Jewish law are divine in origin, they are eternal and unalterable,
and should be adhered to.
- Conservative and Reform Judaism are more liberal, with Conservative Judaism promoting a more "traditional"
interpretation of its requirements than Reform Judaism. Their typical position is that Jewish law should be viewed
as a set of general guidelines rather than a set of restrictions and obligations whose observance is required of all Jews.
Historically, special courts enforced Jewish law; today, these courts still exist but the practice of Judaism is mostly
voluntary. Authority on theological and legal matters is not vested in any one person or organization, but in the sacred
texts and the many rabbis and scholars who interpret these texts.**
What you as a patient provider should know*
Because of the complex moral and legal [Jewish Law] implications involved in treatment, it is vital that the patient's
Rabbi be involved in the decision-making process.
Abortion
Permitted only if the continuation of the pregnancy places the mother at
physical or psychiatric risk. On demand abortion is prohibited.
Autopsies
Allowed only when required by law, or for compelling reasons. All parts
and organs are to be returned for burial after study.
Birth
No special rituals are associated with the birth itself. According to Jewish
Law, male children are to be circumcised on the 8th day although health
problems with the child may delay this procedure.
If the child is still hospitalized and a circumcision is to be performed, a
private room should be provided. The room will need to be large enough for
at least 10 adults and the Mohel (ritual circumciser).
The rite also includes prayer, blessings, and the naming of the child.
Orthodox Judaism, the husband may choose not to actively participate in
the delivery.
Death and Burial Practices
Body is to be buried as soon as possible after death. A fetus may be
buried. Cremation is not in keeping with Jewish law. Not all funeral homes
are "approved" to prepare a body for burial. Consultation with the Rabbi is
advisable.
Diet
Restrictions will vary according to level of observance and branch of
Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform. Where the complete
observance of dietary laws is not possible, much of it can still be honored.
- Disposable plates and utensils.
- No pork, ham, bacon, or any pork by-products. No food prepared
using pork or in contact with pork. No shell fish. No milk or dairy
product served along with meat.
- Kosher foods must be prepared in a Kosher kitchen.
Therefore, the family may choose to bring food in
to the patient. Vanderbilt does not have a Kosher kitchen.
Kosher "TV dinners" may be commercially available.
- During Passover, special foods may be requested.
- Consultation with the patient’s Rabbi is advisable.
Drugs,
Blood Products, Vaccines
Generally acceptable if medically necessary.
End of Life/Terminal Care
A physician is not permitted to actively shorten a life "even by one second."
Medical treatment that is ineffective need not be continued. Mechanical
support may be continued. New treatments should not be started.
Holy Days/Holidays and Cultural
Practices
Observances will vary according to the level of observance and brand of
Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform.
Holy Days:
If not life-threatening, medical and surgical procedures should not be
performed on the Sabbath or major Jewish Holidays and the Sabbath.
Jewish holidays and the Sabbath begin at sundown.
Sabbath:
Jewish Law does not permit travel or other work on the Sabbath, except in
an emergency. This may affect discharge plans, visitation, and meals.
Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashana:
Surgery and tests should be avoided.
Reproductive Issues
Transplantation/Organ Donation
In vitro is sanctioned by some Jewish authorities. Jewish law does not
condone the use of sperm from a donor who is not the patient's husband.
Sterility tests are permissible if the goal is to allow the couple to have
children.
Varies with branch of Judaism. For example, Orthodox Judaism does not
accept the clinical definition of brain death. Death occurs only after
breathing and circulation has ceased for a period of time that would make
resuscitation impossible. A vital organ may not be transplanted unless the
donor met the Orthodox Jewish definition of death.
*VUMC Religious Cultural Manual, accessible on www.vanderbiltnursing.com’ Quick Links page (under employee resources).
**Additional resources excerpted from: Wikipedia
www.vanderbiltnursing.com