Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild on peoplehood and cosseting the dying

Sylvia cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach to the Jewish patient and advocates for an understanding of Judaism as a Peoplehood based on an ancient unity that offers a sense of indigenous identity, but also of belonging and responsibility to others in that community. We stumble over the name 'chaplaincy' (again) and wonder at its meaning for non-Christians and how this impacts on take-up of any offer to support. Often a Jewish person would look to their own community for support; Judaism does not have a tradition of priesthood in the same way as other beliefs, and therefore the Rabbi is not necessarily the person who might visit. Jewish people are each responsible for their own religious journey, and rituals often happen in the home as part of family life. As in any faith group, there are different streams that people may follow (e.g.orthodox, liberal, reform) but Sylvia emphasises that there is a fluidity between these streams and people change over time. It is important to establish with a patient how they currently describe where they belong, as it may be, for example, that they revert to more traditional practice in difficult circumstances. At the centre of Judaism are a set of Jewish laws (that evolve over time) which guide the community in its care of others and, in particular, Sylvia explains about the care of the dying which seeks to protect the person (Goses) from harm or disturbance and preserve their dignity until the end, a cosseting that offers a example as to how responsibility for a good death can be owned by a community.