Question

EWISH CASE STUDY #1

Selecting a “typical” Jewish client is difficult. An ultra-Orthodox Jew has a particular set of special needs. Yet, it is more common to see a Jew who is a middle-of-the-road Conservative. Sarah is an 80-year-old woman who is a first-generation American. She was raised in a traditional Conservative home. Her husband died after 50 years of a strong marriage. She has three children. Although her home is not kosher, she practices a variation of kosher-style eating, avoiding pork and not making dishes that combine meat and milk.

Two months ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Surgery was attempted, but the cancer was already in an advanced stage. Chemotherapy was started, but the cancer has progressed and is not responding to the medications. She is having difficulty eating because of the pressure of the tumor on the gastrointestinal tract. Discussions are being held to determine whether or not treatments should be stopped and whether hospice care should be initiated. Her hospital room is always filled with visitors.

Study Questions

EWISH CASE STUDY #1

Selecting a “typical” Jewish client is difficult. An ultra-Orthodox Jew has a particular set of special needs. Yet, it is more common to see a Jew who is a middle-of-the-road Conservative. Sarah is an 80-year-old woman who is a first-generation American. She was raised in a traditional Conservative home. Her husband died after 50 years of a strong marriage. She has three children. Although her home is not kosher, she practices a variation of kosher-style eating, avoiding pork and not making dishes that combine meat and milk.

Two months ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Surgery was attempted, but the cancer was already in an advanced stage. Chemotherapy was started, but the cancer has progressed and is not responding to the medications. She is having difficulty eating because of the pressure of the tumor on the gastrointestinal tract. Discussions are being held to determine whether or not treatments should be stopped and whether hospice care should be initiated. Her hospital room is always filled with visitors.

Study Questions

7. Discuss the laws of Kashrut in regard to food practices for observant Jewish clients.

8. How might a non-Jewish and a Jewish coworker share holidays in order to be sensitive to workforce issues?

9. What is the official language the Jewish people use for prayer? What are some Yiddish words that you are familiar with?

10. Describe the Jewish ritual of circumcision .

11. What is a bar or bat mitzvah?

12. God's first commandment to humanity is "Be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28), according to Jewish teaching. Describe fertility practices and views toward pregnancy in a Jewish family.

Answer 1

7).

The general laws of Kashrut in regard to food practices for observant Jewish clients include the following:

1. The flesh, organs, eggs, and milk of certain forbidden animals must not be eaten.
2. The birds and mammals that may be eaten must be killed according to the Jewish law
3. From the animals being eaten, all the blood must be drained and certain parts of these animas must not be eaten
4. Fruits and animals must be cleated of bugs before eating
5. Meat and dairy foods must not be eaten combine
6. Utensils that are used to cook meat must not be used for cooking the dairy products and vice versa
7. Grape products prepared by non-Jews should not be eaten