Literature Review

Literature Review

Judaism is one of the oldest religions, steeped in over 4,000 years of tradition. Though Judaism has maintained its basic religious beliefs throughout the years, recent progressive movements have influenced and changed some of the specific practices of Jews around the world (Biale, 2002) . As a result of Western, progressive movements, geographic location has come to play a major role in what responsibilities and practices local Jewish communities follow. However, regardless of geography, there are some basic practices that Jewish men usually follow

Purnell's Model of Cultural Competence

Death rituals

According to Berkovits (2006) the death of a Jewish family member begins a series of rituals and observances. Orthodox Jews maintain strict observance of customs, while Conservative Jews adapt certain practices and laws to the existing culture. The Reform Jewish movement holds services in English and adheres more to values than beliefs and practice. Typically, a rabbi is called, arrangements are made and members of the synagogue prepare meals for the bereaved. After the funeral, the home's mirrors are covered or turned to face the wall, and mourning known as "sitting Shiva" - begins ( Berkovits, 2006).

Holding the body as sacred, Jewish law generally forbids autopsy, embalming and cremation. The body is washed, dressed in white linen without pockets -- because you take nothing with you and laid to rest in a pine coffin within 24 hours of passing. Reform Jews may dress the deceased in favored clothing and if cremated, bury the ashes. Just before the funeral, Orthodox and Conservative mourners render, or tear, a garment -- usually a pocket or lapel -- signifying the process of grieving. Reform mourners often don a black ribbon. When the rabbi completes the eulogy, the pallbearers carry the closed coffin to the graveside, making seven stops along the way, while reciting Psalm ...