Religion and Healthcare – Judaism

The following answers were compiled from an interview with Rabbi Ron Weiss, Director of Chaplaincy Services, in Toronto, Ontario.

Q: Does Judaism have any dietary restrictions?

A: The kosher diet laid out in the Torah is fairly complex, and some Jews follow it more strictly than do others. In general, shellfish, pork, and animals that do not chew cud and do not have cleft feet should not be eaten. Jews must not eat meat and dairy together, and they must use separate cooking utensils to prepare meat and dairy dishes. In order to be kosher, meat must be slaughtered according to a prescribed Jewish ritual.

Q: Does Judaism have a history of traditional or herbal medicine?

A: Mohels are healthcare practitioners who perform ritual circumcisions with modern sterile techniques. They learn their trade from experienced Mohels.

Q: Are there treatments or medications, which are refused by Jews?

A: Since the religion believes that every moment of life is precious, any medication or medical procedure is permitted, if it helps extend life. Therefore, if only pork-based insulin is available, most Jews would prefer to take it than to die from not taking it. However, it is always preferable to use medications with non-offending ingredients.

Q: What is your religion's position on the following?

A: Blood transfusions: Donating blood and receiving blood transfusions is fine.

Organ transplant/organ donation: Some people are reluctant to donate their organs because they believe the human form is made in the image of God and should be buried in its entirety after death. Other people see no problem with the donation of organs. And receiving an organ transplant is acceptable, since it helps to extend the life of the patient.

Sexual enhancing drugs (i.e., Viagra): These drugs are not allowed for the purpose of pleasure. However, taking them might be acceptable for fertility purposes.

Birth Control: Though birth control is not officially allowed, many people it anyway. Regardless, sex should only take place between a married couple.

Abortion: The fetus is considered part of the mother, like an arm, therefore, unless a mother's life is in jeopardy, abortion is not permitted.

Autopsies: As with organ transplants, many people see autopsies as a desecration of the body. If the law requires for an autopsy, it is requested that the invasiveness be minimal and that all organs be returned to the body afterward.

Q: What should a healthcare professional know about the Jewish view of death?

A: Everything that can be done to prolong the patient's life should be done. Hence, a person must not be taken off a respirator: according to the faith, a treatment cannot be terminated once it has been started, even in cases of a coma. It is important to note that in all cases, decisions about extending the life of the patient must be followed.

In the event of death, a rabbi should be contacted so they can provide appropriate religious rituals. Before death, there is usually a final confession and affirmation of faith. There are prayers before and after the death, and other rituals may be appropriate.

Background on Judaism Judaism is a complex religion with a long and rich history that is intertwined with the Jewish culture itself. Founded by Abraham, the religion's history is told in the Torah (or the first five books of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible). Though some aspects of Judaism and Christianity overlap – including following the 10 Commandments – Jewish people do not believe that Jesus Christ was the moshiach (or Messiah); rather, they believe the Messiah has yet to come. The religion is passed down from mother to child; however, it is possible to convert to Judaism. Today, there are approximately 13 to 14 million Jews worldwide, and there are three basic movements or branches of Judaism: Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. For more information see Judaism 101.

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