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Traditional beliefs and practices around death and dying in the realm of the Jewish faith

Traditional beliefs and practices around death and dying in the realm of the Jewish faith. Presenter: Rabbi Kluwgant Rabbi, Jewish Care Victoria. Cultural & Spiritual Services at Jewish Care. We are here for you… Pastoral Care Kosher Supervision Rabbinical Services

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Traditional beliefs and practices around death and dying in the realm of the Jewish faith

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  1. Traditional beliefs and practices around death and dying in the realm of the Jewish faith Presenter: Rabbi Kluwgant Rabbi, Jewish Care Victoria

  2. Cultural & Spiritual Services at Jewish Care • We are here for you… • Pastoral Care • Kosher Supervision • Rabbinical Services • Cultural & Spiritual Services

  3. Who is a Jew? • Jewish Mother • Conversion What is a Jew? • Monotheism • Torah – Bible • 613 Commandments • Laws, Customs & Traditions

  4. Observances • Diverse (Traditional, Orthodox, Conservative, Progressive) • Sabbath • Kosher Food

  5. Perspectives • It is important to note that: Common attitudes include: • Not wanting to talk about or engage with matters related to death • Social or family pressures and influences • Holocaust Survivors - significant The primary focus is on what is best for the patient. This includes: • Understanding their needs and wishes • Considering their cognitive capacity • Respecting and dignity of the person in dying and in death

  6. Religious Considerations Providing culturally & spiritually appropriate care requires an understanding of the Jewish perspective on matters such as: • End of Life Decision Making • Medication • Hydration • Nutrition • Heroics

  7. Religious Considerations • Autopsy • Cremation • Non-Jewish or non-religious burials • The Melbourne Chevra Kadisha – (The Jewish Burial Society) Tel: 03 9534 0208

  8. The various roles • Understanding the people involved in this process • The Doctor – Cure and Healing • The Nurse – Following instructions and supporting patient and family • The Family – Support and Decision-Making • The Rabbi – Providing Pastoral, Religious & Spiritual Support and Instruction

  9. The 2 Stages 1 – Before a person dies 2 – When a person dies

  10. 1. Before a person dies • During the End of Life stages, • important considerations include: • Understanding the attitude that “it isn’t over, until it’s over” • Ensuring the family and Rabbi are kept well informed • Awareness of the Jewish concept that, as long as the person is alive and breathing, their life is considered not only viable, but of immeasurable value • One must not “interfere” with the dying person • Minimal to no physical interference or contact with the body during the very end stages (other then for therapeutic/medical purpose)

  11. 2. When a person dies • It is important to understand that: • The burial should be done as soon as possible after death • Many different ways of coping with ‘the news’ • The family must be involved with this process. This includes: • Affording them the opportunity to say “goodbye” & have closure

  12. Procedures Immediate contact of family and Burial Society Eyes and mouth of deceased closed by family, friends or staff (in that order) Where possible, the window (or curtain) will be opened Body positioned towards doorway (where possible) Will not be touched/moved except for their honour: e.g. Straightening the body Adjusting bed so body remains flat Arms placed beside body Body will not be washed or cleaned - this is the express religious duty of the burial society

  13. Procedures All pillows removed aside from one under the head All tubes and cathodes etc cut from source False teeth removed (to be sent with body to burial society) Jewelry may be removed by family or may be left on body to be removed by the Burial society – as per advice from family or pre stated wishes of deceased. Entire body covered by (only) a sheet Where possible a candle will be lit but must be supervised at all times by someone in the room Covering of Mirrors and Emptying of water jugs and receptacles

  14. Additional thoughts… • Life is only precious because death exists, it is a sad but very special time. • When a baby is born, it is likened to the soul giving birth to a body. When a person dies, it is likened to the body giving birth to the soul.

  15. Additional thoughts… • It is a privilege and honour to be present when a person passes on. Providing support during this time is an act of kindness known as “kindness of truth”. • It is the nurses and care staff who ultimately spend the most time with the patient. We all depend on you to make sure that respect, dignity and honour prevail.

  16. When in doubt… • Ask US! • Visit: 619 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne • Phone: • 03 8517 5609 • Email: rabbi@jewishcare.org.au

  17. Questions & Comments Thank you!

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