For some Orthodox Jewish women, life is an immersion in the spiritual experience.
The concepts and practices of Orthodox Jewish tradition are often at odds or even in contrast to expectations found in many secular health care practices. For the health care provider, it is important to understand these cultural emphases in order to enhance communication between the patient and provider, in an effort to improve health care quality. Misunderstandings regarding cultural tradition often adversely impact quality of care and may even put patients at risk, in particular during childbirth. For the Orthodox Jewish woman, child birth is a revered life experience. Health care providers agree that the most important aspect is to listen to the woman's concerns.
The Different Branches of Judaism
Judaism has three main branches -- Reform, Conservatism and Orthodox. All three branches differ in their views toward interpretation of the laws of the scripture, called the halacha, found in the Torah and Talmud. Conservatism views the halacha as divinely inspired, leaving room for flexibility and adaptability according to culture and time. Reform views the halacha as more of a moral code compiled by humans, believing the laws are no longer intended for modern society. Orthodox Jews, however, see the halacha as written by God, just as relevant today as when first recorded, requiring strict adherence. For Orthodox Jews, this means the halacha takes center-stage in all things, and for the most part, life itself is a ritual.
Approaching Care for the Orthodox Jewish Woman
When approaching the subject of health care, this does not mean, however, that all Orthodox Jewish women view everything with the same interpretation. Even among Orthodox Jewish communities, interpretations may vary. Therefore, it is important as a health care provider to discuss with the patient what laws she follows in order to plan health care treatment accordingly. It is important to ask the patient what laws she feels may impact her health care treatment and to discuss alternatives available to the patient. It is very crucial that health care providers do not make biased judgments and assumptions based on how the woman dresses or any other outward appearance, as this may prove misleading.
Integrating Health Care with Orthodox Tradition
It is important to understand that Orthodox Jews follow a tradition steeped in ritual and structure. Such ritual and structures include prayers at certain times of the day; rituals at all meals to include eating kosher meals along with ritual washing of hands and blessings. The Sabbath and Jewish holidays are crucial times dedicated to study, prayers and festive meals in a community setting.
Furthermore, the halacha prescribes a diverse range of laws that impact procreation, genetic testing, menstruation, modesty, contraception, abortion, inducing labor, extensive laws surrounding the Sabbath, laws concerning what is in a Kosher meal and how it is presented to the patient, circumcision of a child and even the naming of a baby. It is crucial for the health care provider to understand how these things impact each and every Orthodox Jewish patient and to integrate a healthcare plan accordingly.
The Importance of the Spiritual Experience
From the perspective of many Orthodox Jews, life is an immersion in the spiritual experience. For the health care provider, this is crucially important and most so surrounding childbirth for the Orthodox Jewish woman. The experience itself and the events surrounding it have an important impact on the religious experience. One of the commands found in the halacha instructs Jews to procreate and laws are spelled out specifically on go about conception and giving birth. Thus the entire experience is infused with spiritual implications. Health care providers who ask the father and mother about their religious concerns and expectations from the health care system are in a much better position to contribute to that important experience for the Orthodox Jewish woman.
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