1.11.4 Religious Equality

Contents

1. General  
2. Collective Worship (To Follow)
3. Faiths and Religions - Guidance

1. General

It is important that a child’s religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background are all respected and taken into account in order to make the stay of children at our homes a pleasurable one.  The following will need to be taken into account with regard to new admissions into the home:

• Information on the religious and cultural needs of each young person should be gathered (from Parents, those who looked after the child previously, persons in contact with the child, the Local Authority responsible for arranging accommodation, and the child themselves) as part of the pre-admission planning, and will be incorporated into their written Care Plan.
• Encouragement will be given to young people to attend religious services, or receive religious instruction on the premises, in response to their needs and wishes, given their age and understanding.
• At all times consideration will be given to religious and cultural issues, including any specific dietary, or dress requirements, health care products, and wherever possible, literature, films, music, or art will be made available which reflect the child’s cultural background and identity.
• Consideration of precautionary issues in relation to medical consent, race, and culture, e.g., Jehovah’s Witnesses views on transplantation, Catholic views on abortion.

All Staff have a responsibility to make themselves aware of the main religious denominations present in the locality, and where places of worship are located for all main religions.  They should further ensure that attendance is facilitated.

The Manager will address anti-discriminatory practice issues in individual supervision with Staff and also in Staff meetings, which should also be used to actively promote awareness within the team.

See also Section 5, Equality and Diversity of Continuum Group Policies, Values and Principles.

The Staff team will adopt a pro-active approach, by:

• Agreeing an approach to the provision of care which will provide equality of opportunity, and arrange training as appropriate.
• Agreeing a statement for the home setting out the application of equal opportunities in the care of children and young people, which will be reviewed.
• Agreeing a co-ordinated response to discriminatory remarks, which will be regularly monitored.
• Avoiding expectations that could lead to stereotyping, i.e. boys will want a career, and girls a family; or girls will want to help in the kitchen, and boys in the garden.

In working with children, the Staff team will:

• Make efforts to combat sexism, racist attitudes, ageism and prejudiced attitudes towards disability.
• Agree actions to be taken when children make discriminatory remarks.
• Enable children to gain experience, acquire skills and knowledge, so that they may challenge these things themselves, through discussion and education.
• Staff will not tolerate bullying or discrimination of young persons in any circumstances.

It is important that Staff are aware of the following areas:
1	Language	14	Pregnancy
2	Diet	15	Childbirth
3	Religious beliefs	16	Naming systems
4	Places of worship	17	Personal Care
5	Holy book/s	18	Medical examination/treatment
6	Religious symbols	19	Alcohol/Smoking
7	Prayers	20	Dress
8	Caste/sect	21	Ceremonies/traditions
9	Major festivals	22	Rites of passage
10	Fasting	23	Last rites
11	Nightwear	24	Organ transplantation
12	Contraception	25	Women at work
13	Marriage	26	Care of the elderly

Within the home, positive steps will be made to provide facilities to allow the child to practice his/her religion in a manner appropriate to his/her age and care Staff will aid them to the extent allowed by their own religious persuasion. If deemed necessary, contact with a local church or other place of worship may be made to further aid the child’s pursuit. The child’s family may be asked to assist with the situation, and if they are close to the child, it is possible that he/she could join the rest of his/her family for religious services.

It may be necessary to allow a child special privacy in order to pray during the course of the day, or to build a small shrine somewhere within the home. Careful consideration will have to be given however, as such requirements may impact on other children within the home. Ultimately, it may not be possible to reach an ideal for the individual child, but the child needs to feel that every possible consideration is being given to respect his/her religion.

2. Collective Worship

To follow.

3. Faiths and Religions - Guidance

 The following information is both for Staff and the young people at Continuum Care. It is to provide information regarding different religions and cultural beliefs.

Each individual, regardless of specific group religious influences, has their own belief system. A person accepts and rejects beliefs around him of her and in doing so creates his/her individuality.

All individuals have a right to choose which, if any, religion they wish to practice and follow. Staff will be required to support the young person, to enable him/her to continue with his/her religious practice and beliefs.

In order to meet the young person’s needs, Staff will be required to encourage the young person to continue in his/her understanding of his/her ethnic origin, religion and cultural background, as far as practically possible. Staff should be aware this is an important are of the young person’s care.

The following information (details of specific religions in alphabetical order) should prove useful and informative to understand this area.

Buddhism

General Beliefs:

The doctrine, attributed to Gautama Buddha, that suffering is inseparable from existence, but that inward extinction of the self and the senses culminates in a state of illumination beyond both suffering and existence. There are many different kinds of Buddhism, each with its own style and practice. Originating in Asia, some people practice Buddhism in conjunction with other religions. Resolution and balance lie in focusing on four noble truths: suffering is an important part of life; selfish craving causes suffering; this suffering can be brought to an end; the end will bring true happiness. There is an eight-fold path to follow, achieving right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right meditation. One changes oneself to develop generosity, integrity and self-knowledge. The Buddhist sacred place of meditation is called a temple. It is not considered a place of worship since for most Buddhists, Buddha is not a god.

Buddhists:

Belief about illness and disease – prayer is the tool for cleansing. Chanting is used to create peace of mind and an atmosphere of positive energy and tranquility.

Belief about disability – disability is part of the suffering that is inherent to life.

Belief about healing practices – since prayer is part of the healing and cleansing process, prayer and meditation are important to enable medications and other medical treatment to assist with healing.

Belief relating to food and health – many Buddhists are strict vegetarians. Some holy days include fasting from dawn to dusk but considerations are allowed for the frail and elderly for whom fasting could be a problem.

Beliefs related to death and dying – life is the opportunity to cultivate understanding, compassion and joy for self and others. Terminal illness may be seen as a unique opportunity to reflect on life’s ultimate meaning and the meaning of one’s relation with the world. Therefore, it is important that medication does not interfere with consciousness. Death is associated with rebirth. Serene surroundings are important to the dignity of dying.

Holy Days

January 1st and 16th

February 15th

March 21st

April 8th

May 21st

June 15th

August 1st and 23rd

December 8th and 31st

Christianity – Christian Science

General beliefs

Christian Science is founded on the belief that through study of the bible and right living, one can rediscover the healing power that Jesus used. Known as the First Church of Christ, Scientist, it was founded in Boston in 1876 by Mary Baker Eddy. It is based on the belief that one maintains a healthy mind and body through study of God (the all loving Father-Mother) as the only reality of existence. Evil and illness can be overcome through the maintenance of a healthy mind and body. Churches are in over 74 countries.

Christian Science believers are usually treated by Christian Science Practitioners, people who receive training in disease and church beliefs and who provide prayer-directed treatment. Christian Science members vary from complete refusal of western medical practices, to more moderate beliefs that one must be in the right place with God for western medicine to be of benefit. Christian Science Practitioners will not customarily come into hospitals. Refusal of many standard hospital and medical procedures is common.

Prayer is individual, private and strengthened in groups.

The place of worship is called a church. They do not have ordained clergy, but a great deal of study goes into achieving lay leadership status within the church.

Belief about illness and disease – Attitudes about illness and disease are an integral part of the Christian Science beliefs. Prayer is used to focus the healing qualities of Jesus and one’s own body to promote natural healing. Christian Science believers are frequent participants in Harvard studies, continuing medical education about spirituality and healing, and have participated in studies related to the effects of prayer on healing.

Illness is considered evil and is not part of God’s cosmic plan, for God is good and never wills evil. God maintains an intimate relation with the world that he created. The purpose of life is to maintain a perfect harmony with God and the world. Evil thoughts for example, selfishness, greed, even subconsciously, will disrupt the harmonious connections between God, man and the universe. Illness may be derived from such disruption. The occasion of illness is a time for self-reflection and the re-establishment of this harmonious relationship. The patient may seek the help of a spiritual healer who is a member of the church. He or she will talk to the patient and help him repent his sins, and reconstruct the harmony between the patient and God. If this fails, than the patient will be asked to seek the assistance of a medical doctor.

Belief about disability – disability is not viewed negatively and is separate from physical and mental illness. Prayer continues to lessen disability, but it is not seen as a failure of achieving proper mental and physical balance.

Belief about healing practices – prayer and mental/physical balance are seen as the necessary elements for healing to occur. Believers will usually opt for lowest possible dosages of medications and avoid anything that interferes with being able to maintain cognitive faculties for prayer and personal healing.

Beliefs related to food and health – no specific restrictions, alcohol, tobacco and drugs are avoided.

Beliefs related to death and dying – the Christian Science church maintains its own skilled nursing facilities. Death is considered a natural part of life and invasive life-sustaining options are refused.

Holy days

Christian days are observed with prayer, not with commercialism or gifts.

Christianity – Easter Orthodox Catholicism (Russian and Greek)

General information:

The Easter Orthodox Catholic Church is based in Istanbul under the leadership of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. The largest Orthodox churches in the United States are Russian or Greek, and the smaller, Albanian, Armenian, Antiochian, Ethiopian, Romanian, Serbian, Syrian, and Ukrainian. The beliefs are based on the Bible as a guiding text and includes holy sacraments, icons, (two dimensional images of saints, Biblical personalities and events). Cultural influences and languages are associated with the geographic origin of sections of the church, rather than the strict Latin base common to Roman Catholics. Clergy are deacons, priests or presbyters. All are male and may marry.

Place of worship is a church.

Belief about illness and disease – tend to be reflected in the culture rather than a central belief by the Orthodox Church.

Belief about disability – tend to be reflected in the culture rather than a central belief of the Orthodox Church.

Belief about healing practices – Prayers and miracles are part of the healing beliefs.

Belief relating to food and health – Greek Orthodox do not eat meat or dairy products on Wednesdays, Fridays and most holy days. Fasting and/or abstinence are observed during the 40 days prior to Christmas and the 49 days prior to Easter, with exceptions made for a frail or ill persons.

Belief relating to death and dying – there is no obligation to prolong life when death is imminent. However, basic care would not be withdrawn. Holy Communion or other blessings are offered to dying patients, but is not a necessity. There are no ‘last rites’ but special prayers are provided for the dead and to support the family or others.

Holy days:

January 6

Easter in March or April, the date of Orthodox Easter may differ from Roman Catholic or Protestant

Pentecostal – 7 Sundays after Easter

December 24

Christmas day 

Christianity – Jehovah Witness

General information:

Founded in the late 1800’s believers use ‘Jehovah’ as their sole term for God. Beliefs are based on literal translation of the Bible. Scriptures are a guide for all aspects of life including medical care. Religious responsibilities include actively seeking the conversion of others to their belief through a variety of evangelistic activities, such as door to door distribution of materials, one of which is their magazine Watch Tower.

The place of worship is called Kingdom Hall.

There are no clergy, however each Hall is supervised by elders who act as primary teachers, preachers and who visit members who are hospitalized. Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, which is why they do not celebrate any of the holy days connected with the events in the life of Jesus. Jehovah Witnesses are conscientious objectors and preach non-violence.

Belief about illness and disease – medical care is combined with prayer and scripture reading. Extraordinary means of continuing life are not needed when death is imminent but no active means that could hasten death may be used.

Belief about healing practices – there is a high regard for the medical professionals, and strong religious concerns related to use of blood products, transfusion and surgery or injury that may require blood transfusions. Pre-operative banking of one’s own blood products is also prohibited.

Beliefs related to food and health – the scriptures are not interpreted to contain any dietary restrictions.

Beliefs related to death and dying – there are no last rites although they may want the support of Kingdom Hall elders for prayer and scriptures. Death is believed to be a deep sleep while believers wait for Jehovah to transform the world. At that time the dead will be given new life.

Holy days

Holy days are not celebrated. Worship is observed on Sundays. Gifts are not exchanged for holy days, and most believers do not celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or recognise Lent or national holidays. 

Christianity – Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormon)

General information:

The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith. The term Mormon comes from the Book of Mormon, which, along with the Bible form the basis of beliefs. Believers prefer the term LDS (Latter-day Saints) to Mormon, though it is not considered a prophet. He (the President is always a man) governs the church with the assistance of the Council of the Twelve. Worship is conducted in churches and temples. Churches are for Sunday worship, and temples are for greater religious ceremonies for example weddings. There are no professional clergy. A Bishop is the presiding officer of churches, with men achieving the status of Bishop through works and study.

One of the steps is going on a mission, which until recently was exclusively for men. In recent years, young men and women may go on a mission, during which they study and teach to convert followers to their religion, while their families support them for two years. A mission may be within the United States or in a foreign country. There is a worldwide network to support the young people, usually between the ages of 18 and 25 whilst ‘on mission.’

Belief about illness and disease – many LDS members wear an undergarment called a Temple Garment, which is believed to provide extra protection, since it is a privilege to be ceremoniously given this garment. Since faithfulness and divine protection are associated with the garment, it is important to honour their wish to maintain the spiritual comfort this clothing provides.

Belief about healing practices – prayer provides comfort and is believed to aid in healing.

Belief relating to food and health – LDS members abstain from tobacco, alcohol and beverages such as coffee, tea and some sodas which contain caffeine. They may drink beverages similar to coffee and tea, such as some brown grain beverages.

Belief relating to death and dying – this includes a strong belief in life before birth and after death. Couples marry ‘for time and eternity.’ Death therefore, is a passing to another part of life. Life and death decisions are an individual or family decision. A dying person may be asked to pass on messages to those who have died before them.

Holy Days

Monday evenings are set aside for home teaching and the church provides materials for families to work together.

Christianity – Protestantism

General information:

Often all forms of this religious belief are listed under the same heading, Protestants. However, there is a wide variation in Protestant beliefs, from strict dogmas to liberal.

The term Protestant refers to the historical religious origins with the Catholic churches. Early disagreements about doctrine caused protests which split the church into Catholic and Protestant (those who protested)

Groups

Groups have split further, the split perhaps based on interpretation of Biblical scriptures or doctrines, accepted roles of men and women, or issues relating to women as clergy. Some groups have specific names, for example Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical.

The place of worship is usually called the church.

The religious leaders are called, clergy, pastor or father, depending upon the organisation. Clergy can marry.

Some organisations are independent, others are part of a network of their own organisation, which could influence the governance of the church.

Sunday is usually celebrated as the primary religious day of the week, or Sabbath, services are held on this day. However, Seventh Day Adventists celebrate Sabbath on a Saturday, furthermore, some traditionally Sunday churches also hold Saturday evening services.

Belief focuses around the Old and New testaments of the Bible as sacred writings and around the teaching of Jesus Christ. Most Protestant Churches believe in the Holy Trinity: God, the Father (who can also be referred to as the Maker); Christ (who is considered to be both man and God) as in Biblical reference to ‘the word became flesh and dwelt among us; and the Holy Spirit (also referred to as the Holy Ghost).

Prayers may be directed to one or all of the Holy Trinity.

Belief about illness and disease – these vary with different groups, varying from illness and disease being a test of faith, to being a curse brought on by living outside the laws of God and therefore, retribution for personal evil. Some of the church organisations which run skilled nursing centres, believe that illness and disease are a test of faith, without evil attachment, and since this can happen to anyone regardless of their piety, it is religiously responsible to care for those who have problems. Illness, disease and disability are not unnatural, but part of the living body.

Belief about disability – see belief about illness and disease. Disability is related to and sometimes an outcome of illness and disease.

Belief about healing practices – miracles can happen. Prayer is a strong healer, including prayer by others, even when the ill person has lost faith.

Western medicine is usually held in high regard.

Belief related to food and health – no special or universal food beliefs are common to Protestant religions, although there may be regional or cultural beliefs accepted. Feasting or social gatherings involving food are common to all Protestant and Catholic churches, with some secular pride in who has the best ‘pot lucks.’ This is a gather in which each family or church member brings a dish to share with all, sometimes a little planning has to be involved as to what will be contributed.

Beliefs related to death and dying – these vary widely with Protestant religions. Memorial services rather than funerals, cremation rather than burial for example, vary in Protestant sects.

Holy days

Protestant and Catholics share many common holy days, although few Protestant churches celebrate Saints’ Days, which are common in the Catholic Churches.

Ash Wednesday

Palm Sunday

Holy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter Sunday

December 24th

Christmas Day

Additional Festival days are observed by different communities throughout the year 

Christianity – Roman Catholic

General Information:

The Roman Catholic Church is based in Rome under the leadership of the Pope and the Vatican. The beliefs are based on the Bible as the guiding text, and include many holy sacraments. Belief in God includes the Holy Trinity: God, the father; Jesus, the son; and the Holy Spirit. Clergy are priests (addressed as ‘Father’) and nuns (addressed as ‘Sister’). Priests and nuns are considered devoted to the church, and may not marry. Place of worship is church, and the service is called ‘Mass.’ The priest is seen as the intermediary between the believer and God. In addition to praying to God, prayer is also directed to Mary and to Saints. Saints are   certain people who have died, and for specific reasons, have been designated holy and elevated to special respect within the church. Prayer ritual can be based around a Rosary, a special string of beads used for prayer meditation.

Belief about illness and disease – tend to be reflected in the culture rather than a central belief by the Roman Catholic Church.

Belief about disability – tend to be reflected in the culture rather than a central belief by the Roman Catholic Church.

Belief about healing practices – prayer, particularly those that provide a blessing, are important before and during medical procedures. The Sacrament of the Sick (also associated with ‘Last Rites’) includes anointing with oil and prayers. The Sacrament of Reconciliation includes confession of one’s sins to put things right for the individual experience or be open to the love and forgiveness of God. These are two important sacraments for healing. Miracles of healing and holy water are valued.

Beliefs related to food and health – Some Catholics may refrain from eating meat on Fridays, though this has not been a church practice for many years, with the exception of Good Friday. During Lent (the 40 days before Easter), Catholics may abstain from certain foods they personally select as penitence.

Holy Days

Ash Wednesday

Palm Sunday

Holy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter Sunday

December 24th

Christmas Day

Additional Festival Days are observed by different communities throughout the year.

Confucianism

General Beliefs

Confusianism is a philosophy of living rather than a religion and may guide one’s life while one practices other religions without contradiction. Confucius was a Chinese scholar and statesman who lived during feudal times (over 2000 years ago). He established an ethical and moral system that governs all relationships.

Confusianism views the family as the basic unit of society. Certain reciprocal relationships and responsibilities must be observed to preserve harmony. The relationships exist between ruler and subjects, husband and wife, father and son, elder brother and younger brother, and friends. A specific hierarchy is observed that places highest importance on rank and age in all interactions. Saving face (not being publicly embarrassed) and not causing shame to another are important. Since family is the core unit, all actions of an individual reflect on the family and on all members of the family. Life is most valued when the virtues of kindness, righteousness, propriety, intelligence and faithfulness are observed.

Confucianism is usually practised in conjunction with other religious beliefs. Since it originated in Asia, the most common followers are Buddhist.

The topical areas below are not discussed in relation to Confucianism since other religious practices would be followed in conjunction with Confucianism:

Belief about illness and disease

Belief about disability

Belief about healing practices

Belief relating to food and health

Belief relating to death and dying

Holy Days

The Chinese believe that there are three basic dimensions related to the living of life:

• The search for spirituality in the inner self and its relation to the world that is the province of Buddhism
• The right relations with one’s neighbour which is the province of Confucianism
• The right relations with the cosmos which is the province of the Taoism

Hence the Chinese practice three religions simultaneously and Confucianist temple serves primarily Confucianism, but the other religions, since they are considered compatible.

It is like a good swimmer, who knows that there are three elements related to winning a competition: mental preparation, physical readiness and a sense of affinity with the water that surrounding.

These three religions are not mutually exclusive so that Taoism deals with one’s relations with one’s neighbour and Buddhism deals with one’s relations with the world, but the approaches are different.

Hinduism

General Information

Hinduism originated 1000 BC in Southern Asia in the area which is now India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. There is no singular doctrine or founder and the holy writings include Bhagavad-Gita, Veda and Upanishads. There is one god who is worshipped (different from reverence, since God is not revered) in many forms, and the goal of life is to attain Nirvana, or oneness with God. Karma shapes one’s current life and actions now affect this life and the next. The place of worship within one’s home is the household alter. Outside of the home it is a temple or holy site, to which believers may travel on pilgrimages. Clergy are priests usually called Swamiji. Meditation rather than prayer is the preferred communication with God.

Belief about illness and disease – many aspects of illness and disease are a result of past and current life’s actions, the result of one’s Karma.

Belief about disability – many aspects of disability are the result of past and current life’s actions, the result of one’s Karma.

Belief about healing practices – believers hold that faith and prayer can heal. Belief in right hand as more holy, left hand as unclean may guide some hand use. Eating must be done with the right hand, and placement of an IV may be also be preferred in the right hand to promote clean healing. The left hand is used to wash the body and to dispose of bodily waste and secretions.

Belief about food and health – many but not all are vegetarians, particularly related to beef, other meats and eggs. Many holy days include fasting.

Beliefs related to death and dying – death marks a passage since the soul has no beginning or end. At death the soul may be reborn as another person, and one’s Karma is carried forward. It is important for Karma to leave this life with as little negativity as possible to ensure a better life next birth.

Holy water and basil leaves may be placed on the body, sacred threads may be tied around wrists of neck. The deceased arms should be straightened.

Holy Days

Holy days may vary relating to geographic regions, from which the believer has immigrated. Holy days vary as to the exact dates therefore they are described seasonally:

Season	Period	Holy Day
Winter:	Jan/Feb/Mar:	Diwali – Festival of Light
Spring:	Apr/May/June:	Shiva Ratri – all night worship
Summer:	July/Aug/Sept:	Rama Nivami – Festival of colours
Autumn:	Oct/Nov/Dec:	Krishna’s birthday

Islam (Muslim)

General Information

Islam affirms the oneness of a god who is called Allah. Islams believe in prophets and Mohammed is considered the greatest of all prophets. Prayer is vital and occurs five times a day, dawn, sunrise, noon, afternoon, sunset and evening. Prayers are said facing the east, towards the sacred place in Mecca, and often involves the use of a prayer rug, ritual washing of hands, face and feet, prior to prayer. As with some other religions who use the term ‘God Willing’ Islam may use the term ‘In the name of Allah the compassionate, the merciful’ prior to meaningful activities or medical procedures to god’s benevolence.

Islamic beliefs include the father as spokesperson and decision maker. Men may marry outside of their faith as long as the woman is brought into the faith. Women must secure permission form the Imam to have a relationship outside the faith, which is usually denied unless the man is in the process of converting to Islam.

Women are expected to ‘be modest’ in the presence of men and this may be interpreted in the strictest belief being covered head to foot with the exception of parts of the face and hands. The Koran of ‘Quran’ is the holy book. Islamic clergy are called Imam. Worship occurs in a mosque.

The issues of modesty for women are important for women clinicians to be aware of. Women who have viewed naked men other than their husbands are considered unclean, a potential dishonour to their family and of low repute. This includes female nurses and doctors, and is considered one reason that many Islamic countries use large numbers of foreign nurses within their healthcare systems. A ‘modest woman’ under this definition, would not consider a profession that included viewing naked men for any reason.

Belief about illness and disease – Allah is seen as in control of the beginning and end of life, and therefore complaints and expression of powerlessness are rare since it is all seen in Allah’s hands. To question or ask questions of health care providers is considered a sign of mistrust, so questions are less likely to be asked by patients and family.

Belief about disability – seen as under the control of Allah

Belief about healing practices – all outcomes, whether death or healing are seen as predetermined by Allah.

Belief related to food and drink – consumption of pork or alcohol is prohibited. Other meats must meet ritual requirements and many use Kosher (Jewish ritually prepared) foods, since this meets the requirements of Islam, during the holy days of Ramadan neither food nor drink is taken between sunrise and sunset, although frail, ill and young children are exempt

Belief relating to death and dying – it is important for the dying to face east and to die facing east. Prayer is offered but need not be done by an Imam

Holy Days

Ramadan – 29 days in December and/or January

Judaism

General Information

Judaism includes religious beliefs and philosophy for a code of ethics. There are four major groupings of Jewish beliefs: Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox, with branches in those groupings for example the Orthodox Hasidic beliefs. The beliefs are based on the Torah, which is also the first five books of the Bible used by Christian believers, and the Talmud, a book which interprets the Torah. Work, as interpreted by the Talmud, is not performed on holy days, and depending upon the group, work may be interpreted as use of electricity, handling money, riding in a car, cooking or use of the phone. Prayer shawls are common and are often passed between generations of family.

The clergy are known as Rabbi, worship is in a synagogue or temple.

Belief about illness and disease – restrictions relating to work on holy days are removed to save a life, however, tests, signatures and assessments for medical needs which could be scheduled to avoid holy days, is appreciated.

Beliefs relating to food and health – Orthodox or Kosher involves no mixing of meat with dairy. Separate cooking and eating utensils are used for preparation and consumption. Kosher laws include special slaughter and food handling. ‘Keeping Kosher’ is predominantly an Orthodox practice. When food has passed Kosher laws of preparation, a symbol (K) appears on the label. Many holy days include a fasting period.

Beliefs relating to death and dying – psalms and the last prayer of confession (vidui) are held at bedside. At death, arms are not crossed and any clothing or bandages with patient’s blood should be prepared for burial with the person. It is important that the whole person be buried together.

Holy Days

Holy days begin at sunset and end at sunset at the following day. Saturday is the weekly holy day, call Shabbat. Holy days are seasonal and do not fall on the same calendar days every year.

Season	Period	Holy Day
Winter:	Jan/Feb/Mar:	Chanukah – festival of lights
Spring:	Apr/May/June:	Shavuot – festival of weeks
Summer:	July/Aug/Sept:	Rosh Ha Shanah – New Year celebration
Autumn:	Oct/Nov/Dec:	Yom Kippur – the day of atonement
Sukkot	feast of booths a harvest celebration

End