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

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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 Perspectives

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

Religious Considerations Autopsy Cremation Non-Jewish or non-religious burials The Melbourne Chevra Kadisha – ( The Jewish Burial Society) Tel:

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 The various roles

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

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

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

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. 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. Additional thoughts…

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