Jewish Traditions and Rituals: Death and Dying

Jewish Traditions and Rituals: Death and Dying

Description: Participants will explore Jewish beliefs, the rich rituals and practices surrounding death within Jewish communities, ethical principles guiding end-of-life care, and insights for supporting Jewish individuals and families during times of bereavement. From the immediate post-death rituals to the enduring practices of mourning, FCNs will gain a nuanced understanding of Jewish perspectives on mortality and learn to navigate the terrain of death and grief within Jewish tradition.

Bio: Sharon Goldfarb, with over 35 years of dedicated service to vulnerable populations, is respected in the field of healthcare with addressing cultural and religious considerations in end-of-life care. Beginning as the clinical director of Harlem's first HIV clinic in 1993, she later extended her outreach to underserved groups, including those from diverse religious backgrounds. Her commitment to education and cultural sensitivity led her to Columbia University in addressing health disparities and promoting equity, particularly in end-of-life care practices. At UCSF School of Nursing, she continued her work by training future healthcare professionals to provide culturally sensitive care for individuals and families from diverse religious backgrounds during times of bereavement. Goldfarb is thought leader in addressing social determinants of health and health inequity, contributing to national initiatives, publications, presentations, and developing innovative tools tailored to promote cultural humility in healthcare delivery.

Learning outcomes:

1. Identify 3 key rituals, customs, and ethical considerations surrounding death and dying within Jewish tradition.
2. Describe 2 skills necessary to support end-of-life care decisions in accordance with Jewish ethical principles while fostering respectful and compassionate care.