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Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant



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No. 20
from dixiedo
Old Jan 09, 2009, 12:09 PM

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
The Hasidic patient article reminded me of my own sheltered upbringing in a small town of 1200 people. I became an RN and worked in Phoenix and also Los Angeles. My Lutheran upbringing hadn't prepared me for what I was to experience. After several employees at the hospital touched my heart with their sincerity, I discovered that each one was a Jew. I began reading about the Jewish faith and 15 years later went through conversion. Their values, concern for each other, and the world changed my life. Studying Torah has given me the guidance and peace that fills the void. I am a better nurse today and more tolerant of all faiths because of what I learned from my Jewish co-workers and patients. Thank you for an inspiring article, and for your great care given to another human being.
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No. 21
Old Jan 09, 2009, 08:55 PM

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
Originally Posted by achot chavi View Post
ACHOT is hebrew for (would you believe) nurse. Chavi is a shortened version of a biblical name I like.
Thank you. No, I didn't know Hebrew for nurse and I'm sorry my spelling was terrible. So Achot is nurse. Love it. Chavi is a nickname? Or abbreviation?
Biblical name you like- I am partial to Ephriam. Fred. In this country Eprhiam doesn't go over so well.
blessings to you!
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No. 22
Old Jan 10, 2009, 12:14 PM

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
To explain the work thing on Shabbat- it is FORBIDDEN to ASK or HIRE or PAY a non-jew to do "work" on the Shabbat (Saturday) What is permitted is to state the need and if a non jew volunteers to help- then its ok. For example, our electricity failed one week on Shabbat, we mentioned it to a non jew who then opened our electricity box, flipped the switch and presto she was nice enough to give us our electricity back.
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No. 23
Old Jan 10, 2009, 03:31 PM
Updated Jan 10, 2009 at 03:41 PM by lamazeteacher

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
Reality and Hospitality Differ:

Cultural differences have been a way of life in large cities with many different ethnic groups. It's very important to seek help from the leader (in Yossi's Chassid sect that would be the Rebbe in charge), and ask questions about what is and isn't possible for his group. Then mutually establish a plan that incorporates adjustments to those impossibilities. Then the Rebbe would communicate the regime/plan and it would be enforced by him.

The good intentions of the nursing staff for Yossi's religious needs didn't include boundaries, as our needs to accommodate differences can lead to an "anything goes" attitude. A chain of command was needed, to ensure compliance that benefited Yossi, even if some were disappointed.

As another poster indicated, the educational level in earlier times was quite low, as it was for most groups. However, education became the pathway to success and so most Chassids respect that and attend school as long as is feasable economically.

A great sense of humor, particularly for themselves exists, and is illustrated in the "Stories from Chelm" about European Jews whose sense of the ridiculous entertains everyone. I think the bacteria searcher under the bed was an example of that.

It's easy to think that the observances of one of the members of another culture, reflects that of all. In ancient as well as modern times, disagreement is a way of life, which explains the need for constant discussions among Chassids the goal of which is to come to some agreement about the subject of the disagreement. That involves a lot of talking, hence noise.

No patient should be subjected to extreme noise when in a compromised state, and Yossi's needs as well as those of patients near his room needed to be respected, so it would have been prudent when the Chassids' voices escalated, to arrange for a conference room, classroom, whatever for the participants who could then have a spokesperson deliver the results, having ascertained from the group that what would be said is actually what had been decided. Disagreement could erupt if diversion occurred from some who hadn't really accepted the decision.

Chassids are a jolly group who like to have their antics appreciated, so it sounds like the exaggeration of Yossi's gustatory needs is an example of that. It certainly isn't required that a banquet is given nightly. In fact the usual hospital discouragement of visitors eating with patients would have been appropriate. Mothers in the culture tend to overfeed their children and make them feel guilty if every morsel isn't consumed. Hence pressure to do that may have made Yossi uncomfortable. The remaining food could have been taken to the cafeteria to be consumed on paper plates with their own plastic utensils by the visitors. Nothing in Jewish Law prescribes that it be kept by the patient. Usually the Saturday meal is cooked Friday before sundown and left in a warm oven, so a small crock pot would have sufficed for Yossi's Saturday meal.

Religious services can be done only when a "Minyan" of 10 or more people is present. If someone is ill, they need not attend. In Judaism one does not say prayers for another, as Christians do. "Say one for me" isn't done. If Yossi felt up to it, Shabbat services Friday night and Saturday might have been done with 10 men, in an abbreviated form in his room. If his dressings were changed before that, grungy linens and his white shirt need not have been seen.

It surprised me that on Shabbat, heavy dishes of food and apparati were carried by the Chassids into the hospital. Possibly that happened before sundown on Friday. Then those necessary for Yossi would have to stay there until sundown Saturday. However a non Jewish person could have carried the other accoutrement down to a waiting taxi (whose driver was not Jewish) to be delivered wherever the group agreed they should go. However, money cannot be exchanged on Shabbat.......another dilemma which might be resolved by someone who wasn't Jewish lending the money for the cabbie. Ingenious ways are invented for such things, with the enjoyment of all afterward.

In Jerusalem for Shabbat the very Orthodox place a rope around as many houses as is wished for a large group, making the area within the rope like the same house. Then heavy casserole dishes, etc. could be carried to all. Otherwise, that isn't done house to house. So accommodations in observance result from all the discussions, and can happen on the spot, if needed and the head Rebbe is present.

I remember a Gypsy sect whose leader was dying in the hospital where I was Inservice Coordinator. Hundreds of members camped in the parking lot of the hospital and frustrated police by their refusal to be removed. The police wanted to be respectful and let them stay. That also avoided angry demonstrations. By the time the leader died, the whole lot of them were regarded as guests who had overstayed their limits. My job was to keep the peace between hospital employees and the gypsies so resentment didn't swell and accommodation needs were respected.

Jews/Chassids will not resort to anger if their requests are denied, but will find a way to circumvent the inconvenience (like walking down 8 flights). In Jewish hotels in America and Israel, there is one working elevator on Shabbat, which can be used by the infirm or non religious. A meeting of minds solves everything.
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No. 24
Old Jan 11, 2009, 02:24 AM
Updated Jan 11, 2009 at 04:26 AM by achot chavi

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
[quote=lamazeteacher;3365926]Reality and Hospitality Differ:

Cultural differences have been a way of life in large cities with many different ethnic groups. It's very important to seek help from the leader (in Yossi's Chassid sect that would be the Rebbe in charge), and ask questions about what is and isn't possible for his group. Then mutually establish a plan that incorporates adjustments to those impossibilities. Then the Rebbe would communicate the regime/plan and it would be enforced by him.

I don't know the poster but this isn't generally true. As a jew, I would prefer the staff ask me rather than go "above my head" to a Rabbi (even my own) to ask these question. If I don't know than I would rather ask than have the staff do it- it can also lead to misinformation. As with all special requests- from any group- get it from the pt or her POA than an outside source.

As another poster indicated, the educational level in earlier times was quite low, as it was for most groups. However, education became the pathway to success and so most Chassids respect that and attend school as long as is feasable economically.

Again, this differs based on the location of the group, their economic situation, the restrictions forced upon them by local governments etc. I think education is, and was, always valued- but not always available or feasible.

A great sense of humor, particularly for themselves exists, and is illustrated in the "Stories from Chelm" about European Jews whose sense of the ridiculous entertains everyone. I think the bacteria searcher under the bed was an example of that.

Just to be clear- the stories from Chelm were fictitious not real. I think most groups searched for entertainment and humor as an outlet.


No patient should be subjected to extreme noise when in a compromised state, and Yossi's needs as well as those of patients near his room needed to be respected, so it would have been prudent when the Chassids' voices escalated, to arrange for a conference room, classroom, whatever for the participants who could then have a spokesperson deliver the results, having ascertained from the group that what would be said is actually what had been decided. Disagreement could erupt if diversion occurred from some who hadn't really accepted the decision.

TOTALLY AGREE- the staff's job is to maintain some semblance of order and quiet and it is their right to limit visitors if that is in the pts good. I once had the unfortunate experience of sharing a hosp room (after giving birth) with a staff member who had a constant flow of at least 20 people night and day- her husband and sisters all worked in the hosp and they all kept coming to visit. After 24 hours I gladly waved goodbye and went home to sleep.


Religious services can be done only when a "Minyan" of 10 or more people is present. If someone is ill, they need not attend. In Judaism one does not say prayers for another, as Christians do.

I think prayer can be done in any form- while it is preferable with 10 men, it can be done in private, in any language and Jewish people do pray for other people but not instead of or in place of other people.

It surprised me that on Shabbat, heavy dishes of food and apparati were carried by the Chassids into the hospital.
Actually that isn't a problem if prior to the Shabbat an "eruv" or boundary was prepared so that the area from the hospital to the home it came from was include.

In Jerusalem
NOT JUST JERUSALEM BUT IN MANY MANY AREAS ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
for Shabbat the very Orthodox place a rope
NOT JUST A ROPE, this is a complicated issue and can not be simplified as you are describing it. I am sure that the group took care of what they had to
around as many houses as is wished for a large group, making the area within the rope like the same house. Then heavy casserole dishes, etc. could be carried to all. Otherwise, that isn't done house to house. So accommodations in observance result from all the discussions, and can happen on the spot, if needed and the head Rebbe is present.

This isn't a forum for religious explanations but one need not be a Rabbi to create an "eruv" as you described. Again I am sure that the group did what they had to and it was fine.
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No. 25
Old Jan 11, 2009, 05:54 AM
Updated Jan 11, 2009 at 06:02 AM by Vito Andolini

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
Originally Posted by lamazeteacher View Post
Reality and Hospitality Differ:

Cultural differences have been a way of life in large cities with many different ethnic groups. It's very important to seek help from the leader (in Yossi's Chassid sect that would be the Rebbe in charge), and ask questions about what is and isn't possible for his group. Then mutually establish a plan that incorporates adjustments to those impossibilities. Then the Rebbe would communicate the regime/plan and it would be enforced by him.

The good intentions of the nursing staff for Yossi's religious needs didn't include boundaries, as our needs to accommodate differences can lead to an "anything goes" attitude. A chain of command was needed, to ensure compliance that benefited Yossi, even if some were disappointed.

As another poster indicated, the educational level in earlier times was quite low, as it was for most groups. However, education became the pathway to success and so most Chassids respect that and attend school as long as is feasable economically.

A great sense of humor, particularly for themselves exists, and is illustrated in the "Stories from Chelm" about European Jews whose sense of the ridiculous entertains everyone. I think the bacteria searcher under the bed was an example of that.

It's easy to think that the observances of one of the members of another culture, reflects that of all. In ancient as well as modern times, disagreement is a way of life, which explains the need for constant discussions among Chassids the goal of which is to come to some agreement about the subject of the disagreement. That involves a lot of talking, hence noise.

No patient should be subjected to extreme noise when in a compromised state, and Yossi's needs as well as those of patients near his room needed to be respected, so it would have been prudent when the Chassids' voices escalated, to arrange for a conference room, classroom, whatever for the participants who could then have a spokesperson deliver the results, having ascertained from the group that what would be said is actually what had been decided. Disagreement could erupt if diversion occurred from some who hadn't really accepted the decision.

Chassids are a jolly group who like to have their antics appreciated, so it sounds like the exaggeration of Yossi's gustatory needs is an example of that. It certainly isn't required that a banquet is given nightly. In fact the usual hospital discouragement of visitors eating with patients would have been appropriate. Mothers in the culture tend to overfeed their children and make them feel guilty if every morsel isn't consumed. Hence pressure to do that may have made Yossi uncomfortable. The remaining food could have been taken to the cafeteria to be consumed on paper plates with their own plastic utensils by the visitors. Nothing in Jewish Law prescribes that it be kept by the patient. Usually the Saturday meal is cooked Friday before sundown and left in a warm oven, so a small crock pot would have sufficed for Yossi's Saturday meal.

Religious services can be done only when a "Minyan" of 10 or more people is present. If someone is ill, they need not attend. In Judaism one does not say prayers for another, as Christians do. "Say one for me" isn't done. If Yossi felt up to it, Shabbat services Friday night and Saturday might have been done with 10 men, in an abbreviated form in his room. If his dressings were changed before that, grungy linens and his white shirt need not have been seen.

It surprised me that on Shabbat, heavy dishes of food and apparati were carried by the Chassids into the hospital. Possibly that happened before sundown on Friday. Then those necessary for Yossi would have to stay there until sundown Saturday. However a non Jewish person could have carried the other accoutrement down to a waiting taxi (whose driver was not Jewish) to be delivered wherever the group agreed they should go. However, money cannot be exchanged on Shabbat.......another dilemma which might be resolved by someone who wasn't Jewish lending the money for the cabbie. Ingenious ways are invented for such things, with the enjoyment of all afterward.

In Jerusalem for Shabbat the very Orthodox place a rope around as many houses as is wished for a large group, making the area within the rope like the same house. Then heavy casserole dishes, etc. could be carried to all. Otherwise, that isn't done house to house. So accommodations in observance result from all the discussions, and can happen on the spot, if needed and the head Rebbe is present.

I remember a Gypsy sect whose leader was dying in the hospital where I was Inservice Coordinator. Hundreds of members camped in the parking lot of the hospital and frustrated police by their refusal to be removed. The police wanted to be respectful and let them stay. That also avoided angry demonstrations. By the time the leader died, the whole lot of them were regarded as guests who had overstayed their limits. My job was to keep the peace between hospital employees and the gypsies so resentment didn't swell and accommodation needs were respected.

Jews/Chassids will not resort to anger if their requests are denied, but will find a way to circumvent the inconvenience (like walking down 8 flights). In Jewish hotels in America and Israel, there is one working elevator on Shabbat, which can be used by the infirm or non religious. A meeting of minds solves everything.
Most interesting. As for using the working elevator - I thought that riding was prohibited on Sabbath. Wouldn't riding an elevator be included in that category? It was once explained to me that one can't ride in a car because starting it is work, thus prohibited. Creating the spark = work.

Near me is an Orthodox neighborhood, including some Hassidim, some of whom I know and talk with about all of this, as I like kosher meat and sometimes shop at the local kosher butcher shop, where we sometimes sit and have coffee and a kibbitz (friendly chat, passing the time). They find it most interesting that a black guy is buying kosher meat. Yes, many black Muslims eat essentially kosher but they have their own butcher shops. Anyway, that's where I get my information on this topic. I just have never heard an explanation that satisfies - about the Shabbos goy who comes in and turns lights off and on for the people observing Sabbath, who will fix the electric box, the heater, whatever. I know that sick people are allowed to do whatever is necessary to preserve life, no matter what day it is - Sabbath, holiday, normal day. And those who care for the sick are considered to be doing mitzvot - good deeds, thus are not violating any religious laws. Animals, babies, children, the aged, the sick, the infirm, pregnant women - all are cared for, no matter what. This makes perfect sense to me, as I think God does not want us to be cruel to the suffering.

I just don't comprehend why it's ok to do things like force observers of Sabbath to wait for someone to come turn their electricity on when it's freezing or roasting in their home, where I thought resting from work included being as physically comfortable as reasonably possible. To me, it is more work to be miserable than to be comfortable. I know the day is to spent in reflecting on God and his mercies, studying His Word, and enjoying family and friends, resting up in general. I mean no insult but I think that some religious practices are not necessarily Scriptural but are man-made. That goes for my own religion as well, so please don't think I'm picking on anyone's religion. Just my .

As for carrying heavy dishes - is there not a weight limitation on what can be carried on Sabbath? So even if the distance limit is obeyed by setting up a rope, isn't the weight limit be still in force? Interesting that you state that a way is often found to circumvent the inconveniences by the leader making a ruling on the spot. No insult intended but haven't these things been settled long ago? To me, this is what Jesus meant when he castigated the religious leaders of His day, telling them they should enjoy a day of rest and not strain or force others to strain to obey various man-made rules. He said the Sabbath is for Man, not Man for the Sabbath. Again, just my musings. I know religion is an awfully volatile topic and it is easy to be offended. Please know that I am not criticizing, only straining to make sense of it all. Shalom. Peace. BTW, I have nothing but the highest regard for the people whom God chose above all others, the people of whom He himself was born.

Oh, another thing - those who cannot walk to the synagogue don't get to go. They get isolated by having to stay away from the congregation. This doesn't seem in keeping with what Sabbath is about. Does anyone have any insights on this? Although, a few weeks ago, I was amazed to see an elderly man being pushed in a wheelchair to synagogue on Sabbath by another Orthodox man! I was really surprised. Yes, I see people pushing babies in strollers but that comes under caring for the babies, something necessary and blessed. But never have I seen anyone pushed in a wheelchair before and I have lived in this area for a long time. I'm going to have to ask about it at my next butcher shop kibbitz. Shalom.
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No. 26
Old Jan 11, 2009, 06:34 AM

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
Originally Posted by Vito Andolini View Post
Most interesting. As for using the working elevator - I thought that riding was prohibited on Sabbath. Wouldn't riding an elevator be included in that category? It was once explained to me that one can't ride in a car because starting it is work, thus prohibited. Creating the spark = work.

Near me is an Orthodox neighborhood, including some Hassidim, some of whom I know and talk with about all of this, as I like kosher meat and sometimes shop at the local kosher butcher shop, where we sometimes sit and have coffee and a kibbitz (friendly chat, passing the time). They find it most interesting that a black guy is buying kosher meat. Yes, many black Muslims eat essentially kosher but they have their own butcher shops. Anyway, that's where I get my information on this topic. I just have never heard an explanation that satisfies - about the Shabbos goy who comes in and turns lights off and on for the people observing Sabbath, who will fix the electric box, the heater, whatever. I know that sick people are allowed to do whatever is necessary to preserve life, no matter what day it is - Sabbath, holiday, normal day. And those who care for the sick are considered to be doing mitzvot - good deeds, thus are not violating any religious laws. Animals, babies, children, the aged, the sick, the infirm, pregnant women - all are cared for, no matter what. This makes perfect sense to me, as I think God does not want us to be cruel to the suffering.

I just don't comprehend why it's ok to do things like force observers of Sabbath to wait for someone to come turn their electricity on when it's freezing or roasting in their home, where I thought resting from work included being as physically comfortable as reasonably possible. To me, it is more work to be miserable than to be comfortable. I know the day is to spent in reflecting on God and his mercies, studying His Word, and enjoying family and friends, resting up in general. I mean no insult but I think that some religious practices are not necessarily Scriptural but are man-made. That goes for my own religion as well, so please don't think I'm picking on anyone's religion. Just my .

EXCELLENT QUESTION, your definition of work is different in the Torah and its laws. You will have to study it to really understand.

As for carrying heavy dishes - is there not a weight limitation on what can be carried on Sabbath?
NO
So even if the distance limit is obeyed by setting up a rope, isn't the weight limit be still in force? Interesting that you state that a way is often found to circumvent the inconveniences by the leader making a ruling on the spot. No insult intended but haven't these things been settled long ago? To me, this is what Jesus meant when he castigated the religious leaders of His day, telling them they should enjoy a day of rest and not strain or force others to strain to obey various man-made rules. He said the Sabbath is for Man, not Man for the Sabbath. Again, just my musings.
I'm not going to debate a conversation that was held over two thousand years ago. Each person has to do what is right in their own eyes.
I know religion is an awfully volatile topic and it is easy to be offended. Please know that I am not criticizing, only straining to make sense of it all. Shalom. Peace. BTW, I have nothing but the highest regard for the people whom God chose above all others, the people of whom He himself was born.
NO OFFESNSE TAKEN!!!We are all born in G-d's image. We must all take care of each other.


Oh, another thing - those who cannot walk to the synagogue don't get to go. They get isolated by having to stay away from the congregation. This doesn't seem in keeping with what Sabbath is about.

Beleive it or not it is more important to keep the tenets of the Shabbat than to pray at a synagogue with a MINYAN ( ten men).

Does anyone have any insights on this? Although, a few weeks ago, I was amazed to see an elderly man being pushed in a wheelchair to synagogue on Sabbath by another Orthodox man! I was really surprised. Yes, I see people pushing babies in strollers but that comes under caring for the babies, something necessary and blessed. But never have I seen anyone pushed in a wheelchair before and I have lived in this area for a long time. I'm going to have to ask about it at my next butcher shop kibbitz. Shalom.
If there is an "eruv" turning the whole area into a private courtyard than it isn't a prblem according to most Rabbi's/ Pushing babies in strollers does not fall under taking care of them as it is possible to care for a baby in your home and not take him our for the duration of the one day, Pushing a carriage would be the same as pushing a wheelchair.
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No. 27
Old Jan 12, 2009, 02:46 PM

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
Originally Posted by achot chavi View Post
If there is an "eruv" turning the whole area into a private courtyard than it isn't a prblem according to most Rabbi's/ Pushing babies in strollers does not fall under taking care of them as it is possible to care for a baby in your home and not take him our for the duration of the one day, Pushing a carriage would be the same as pushing a wheelchair.
I appreciate your response, Achot Chavi. I don't understand it all but do appreciate it. Thanks!
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No. 28
Old Jan 12, 2009, 09:57 PM

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
Originally Posted by Vito Andolini View Post
I appreciate your response, Achot Chavi. I don't understand it all but do appreciate it. Thanks!
These are difficult laws, ones that take Rabbis a long time to decipher, as a nurse and in a limited space i couldn't expect you to understand. Carrying anything - even a tissue in a public area is not allowed on the Shabbat, there are ways to turn public areas into private courtyards thereby allowing Yoshi;s friends to bring him food on the Shabbat.
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No. 29
Old Jan 12, 2009, 10:26 PM

Default Re: Hasidic Jew Admitted for Bone Marrow Transplant
Thanks for a fascinating story.
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