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17: Jews

DOI:

10.1891/9780826108616.0017

Authors

  • Dorff, Rabbi Elliot N., PhD
  • Schonfeld, Eileen, BS ED, RN

Abstract

The Jewish tradition places strong emphases on family, community, education, and repairing the world, with a very strong sense of moral mission and yet a deep tolerance for pluralism. The Jews have a sacred duty to maintain God’s property through good eating, sleep, hygiene, exercise, and following physicians’ orders when they get sick. More directly influencing health promotion among Jews is the belief that one’s body belongs to God; therefore, one has a sacred responsibility to take care of it and to avoid unnecessary dangers. When death is near, there are prayers that Jews do for themselves or others do for them: These include the tzidduk ha-din and the viddui. In some settings, nurses may assist patients in knowing about Jewish worship opportunities in the facility and in getting them there.