Question
My father suffers from Alzheimers. When I visit him, he sometimes doesn’t know who I am — even though I’m his only daughter! When he doesn’t recognize me, can I still kiss or hug him or should I only do so when he knows it’s me?
Answer
I’m so sorry to hear about your father – I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you. Yes, you may hug and kiss him even when he doesn’t recognize you.
Take care,
Rabbi Aaron Tendler