By Dave DeFusco
Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman, professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, underscored the importance of understanding various religious practices to provide culturally competent care in his presentation, “Are Pig Heart Transplants Kosher? Judaism and Modern Medicine in the 21st Century,” as part of an interprofessional practice seminar sponsored by the Katz School’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology.
“Dr. Reichman’s lecture not only educated healthcare professionals on the practical aspects of caring for Jewish patients but also inspired a deeper appreciation for the ethical dimensions of their work,” said Dr. Marissa Barrera, assistant dean of health sciences at the Katz School. “Events like this are a testament to the Katz School’s mission to create a smarter, safer and healthier world—one informed by the wisdom of both science and tradition.”
Rabbi Reichman offered practical advice for healthcare professionals treating Jewish patients. Key considerations included:
- Daily Prayers: Orthodox Jewish patients may need time and space for morning, afternoon and evening prayers. Morning prayers often involve wearing tefillin, which may require adjustments for patients with IVs or mobility issues.
- Sabbath Observance: Observant Jews refrain from activities like driving or using electronic devices on the Sabbath, which can affect hospital visits, discharges and patient care. Providers should be aware of these restrictions and collaborate with hospital chaplains to accommodate patient needs.
- Dietary Laws: Many Jewish patients adhere to kosher dietary laws, which extend to medications in some cases. Providers should be prepared to discuss alternatives if a patient requests kosher-certified medications.
- Holidays and Rituals: Jewish holidays, such as Yom Kippur and Passover, involve specific observances that may impact patient care. For example, fasting on Yom Kippur or dietary restrictions during Passover may require medical guidance.
Rabbi Reichman highlighted the role of Bikur Cholim rooms in hospitals, which provide kosher food and prayer spaces for Jewish patients and their families. These facilities reflect the broader commitment to culturally sensitive care.
He also delved into contemporary medical ethics issues, including abortion, organ donation and fertility treatments. He explained that Jewish medical ethics is deeply rooted in the Torah and its interpretive traditions, such as the Talmud, codifications like the Shulchan Aruch and centuries of responsa literature.
“One of the foundational principles of Jewish medical ethics is the sanctity of life,” he said. “Life is considered of infinite value, and saving a life takes precedence over almost all other commandments. For example, Sabbath laws can be set aside to save a life, illustrating the primacy of pikuach nefesh, or saving a life.”
However, Jewish law also acknowledges the complexity of medical decision-making. Rabbi Reichman noted that different rabbinic authorities may interpret the same texts differently, leading to varied guidance on issues like end-of-life care. This plurality of opinions reflects the dynamic nature of Jewish law and its adaptability to contemporary challenges.
He concluded his presentation with a historical case study on smallpox vaccination, illustrating the interplay between Jewish ethics and medical advancements. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Jewish scholars debated the permissibility of inoculation, which involved injecting healthy individuals with material from smallpox pustules.
“Despite the risks, many rabbis supported inoculation as a means of preserving life, demonstrating the Jewish tradition’s embrace of medical innovation within ethical boundaries,” he said.
