Celebrating Diversity: Judaism
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- Written By: Garden City Hospital
Judaism: Medical Examination Practices
When treating a patient of the Jewish faith, it is important to consider
the separation of sexes. For instance, a Jewish patient should not be
put in a mixed sex ward. Other considerations may include, female to female
and male to male doctor-patient relationships.
Judaism: End of Life
When a loved one passes in the Judaism religion, there are many end of
life issues healthcare professionals must consider. Jewish tradition forbids
autopsies, under the belief of no violation of a body after death. Autopsies
are only permitted in two circumstances: if the body has the potential
to provide new medical knowledge on similar diseases or with an order
from the court. Other burial customs include, no separation of blood from
the body and burial is almost immediate.
Judaism: Dietary Needs
“Kashrut” is the body of Jewish law that explains which foods
can and cannot be eaten under Judaism. This is under the same root as
the more commonly known word, “kosher” which means foods that
meet these standards. A kosher diet restricts eating certain animals at
all including, rabbit and pig because they lack one of the two qualifications
in the Torah that states “you may eat any animal that has cloven
hooves and chews its cud.” Other restrictions include fish without
scales such as lobster, oysters, shrimp, clams and crab.
Judaism: How to make "Latkes"
Latkes (Lat-kas), or potato pancakes, are shallow-fried pancakes of grated
potatoes, matzo meal/flour and a binding ingredient like eggs or applesauce.
They are often flavored with onion, garlic, and/or seasoning. Jewish latkes
have been prepared by the Ashkenazi Jews as part of the Chanukah festival
since the mid-1800s.