As a nurse, how should I take care of someone who is an orthodox Jew? I would want to know about nutrition requirements and special rituals for death. Any information that you can provide me would be appreciated.
We appreciate your sensitivity to our religious concerns and I am sure that God will reward you for your caring and compassion.
The best way for you to discover the answer to your question is to sit down with an Orthodox rabbi in your community.
Yet, here is an outline of different factors relevant to a nurse in the care of Orthodox Jews:
The food must be kosher. Many hospitals provide these meals, and the meals will always come sealed and wrapped. The patient must be able to see that the the integrity of seals are still intact. If your hospital does not provide kosher food, the patient’s family will usually make arrangements for the kosher food to be brought to the patient.
If, G-d forbid, the patient dies, the local Jewish burial society should be called right away (although, usually the family takes care of this). Additionally, the Jewish burial society should be the only one’s to move or handle the body — including the removal of IV needles, etc.
Most of the time, an autopsy is forbidden by Torah law. If you hear about the possibility of one being performed – call the family or a local Orthodox rabbi immediately.
This is a very complicated issue, and the most important thing is to be in constant contact with the family, who will be getting support and guidance from their Rabbi.