Why Do We Recite Tehilim?
Prayers during a time of illness are a natural religious instinct. In times of distress, when one’s fate or that of a loved one feels particularly uncertain, we turn to…
Organ Donation Registration
It’s important to discuss your preferences regarding posthumous organ donation with your healthcare proxy and loved ones. As with all end-of-life care decision making, it is extremely difficult for your…
Elder Abuse
Every older adult is entitled to respect and dignity. Unfortunately, some are deprived of their basic safety and security. Judaism stresses the importance of showing respect for our elders. “You…
Wills and Documents
“If I am Not for Myself, Who Will Be For Me?” (Ethics of our Fathers) This famous ancient teaching of Hillel the Elder is not just a pithy aphorism but…
Caregiver Stress
Caring for an older adult can be rewarding and meaningful. It’s a great mitzvah and a privilege. It can also be demanding, difficult, and tense. Extended caregiving can take a…
Prayers for the Terminally Ill
Watching a terminally ill patient suffer is not easy. Emotionally, we just want them to get better, but we understand that medical options have been exhausted and nature is now…
Prayers at the Time of Death
Prayers of a Sick Person Facing Critical Illness or a Major Procedure Classic Jewish thought views terminal illness as an important time for introspection, prayer, and repentance. One of the…
Funeral Rituals
The Funeral Service The traditional Jewish funeral service is a relatively simple but emotionally powerful tribute to the deceased. The service is directed toward honoring the departed through heartfelt eulogies,…
Mourning Rituals
Jewish mourning practices provide a profound roadmap to help guide the bereavement process. They are comprised of a series of laws and customs that delineate many marks in the mourning…
Pain Relief in Jewish Law
Judaism is concerned about the quality of life. Illness can be associated with unbearable suffering, and the Torah mandates us to try to alleviate such agony. The patient’s assessment and…
