In Judaism, religion and culture are entwined. It is based on the worship of one God; carrying out the 10 commandments; and the practice of charity and tolerance towards one's fellow human beings.

There are different styles of being Jewish:

• Orthodox Jews - are usually more traditional and observant of the religious laws
• Progressive Jews (also called Reform or Liberal Jews) - make their religious observance fit into life in modern society.
• Conservative there are some Jews who do not belong to any of the 2 categories above. They are not as restrict as Orthodox Jews and  they are certainly not as liberal as Reform Jews. This category is called Conservative in the US and most Middle Eastern Jews fall in this category.

Many Jews do not necessarily attend a synagogue but at a time of illness can find that religious tradition can provide comfort.

Special occasions

The Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday and lasts until sunset on Saturday. On the Sabbath 'work' is prohibited and this includes things such as writing, travelling and switching on lights or electrical appliances.

Passover is during March or April, when special foods may be required by some Jewish patients.

The Day of Atonement during September or October is a special day of fasting. A Jewish patient will normally wish to keep that day and to pray and be quiet. It is the holiest day of the Jewish Calendar and is considered to set the path for the year to follow. Orthodox patients must be offered alternatives to oral medication, such as injections or suppositories.

However if fasting would be a danger to the person’s health, even Orthodox patients will accept medical advice.

Diet

Many Jews will ask for KOSHER food, i.e. meat that has been prepared in a special way according to Jewish law.

Pork and its derivatives and shellfish are strictly prohibited. Milk and meat products are not eaten at the same meal.

The patient should be consulted over his/her level of dietary observance and the necessary arrangements made.

Orthodox Jews may not be happy to take non-Kosher medication.

Modesty and Family Planning

Orthodox Jewish women will prefer to have their bodies and limbs covered and may be reluctant to expose themselves to others. They may also prefer to keep their hair covered with a head scarf. Orthodox men keep their head covered with a hat or skull cap. Some Orthodox Jews forbid contraception or family planning unless the woman’s health is at risk.

Birth

Nearly all Jewish boys are circumcised, usually eight days after birth. This is performed by a trained and medically certificated religious functionary called a "Mohel". If there is doubt about the child's health the circumcision is delayed.

Care of the Dying

The patient may wish to recite or hear special psalms or prayers, especially Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd), and may appreciate being able to hold the page on which it is written.

Prayers may be said by the relatives and they may wish a Rabbi to be called to help the dying person with their formal confession and to bring comfort.

Death

In some cases the son or nearest relative, if present, may wish to close the eyes and mouth.

The body should be handled as little as possible by non-Jews.

Depending on the sex of the patient a fellow male or female washes and prepares the body for burial. Usually three members of the community are present. Traditional Jews will arrange for this to be done by the Jewish Burial Society. (The nearest is in Bristol).

If however members of the family are not present, most Progressive Jews would accept the usual washing and last offices performed by hospital staff.

The body should be covered with a clean white sheet.

The family may wish for the body to be placed with the feet pointing towards the doorway and may wish to light a candle.

Some Orthodox Jewish groups may wish to appoint someone to stay with the body from the time of death to the burial, which usually takes place within 24 hours. This person is called a "watcher" and he or she may need to stay with the body throughout the night. Arrangements should be made for this and a chair and access to a toilet will need to be made available.

In the above instance or if the family wish to view the body, staff should ask the mortician/porter to remove the Christian cross from the viewing room.

If the death has to be reported to the coroner, he should be informed that the patient was Jewish and be asked if therefore the procedures can take place as soon as possible.

Post Mortem, Organ Transplantation

Orthodox Jews are always buried but more Progressive Jews allow cremation. The funeral has to take place as soon as possible. There is no objection to organ transplants, provided that no organ is removed until death is definitely established.  Post mortems are not permitted unless legally required.