NYC Gazette

Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman, a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, recently addressed the importance of integrating religious practices into culturally competent care during a presentation titled “Are Pig Heart Transplants Kosher? Judaism and Modern Medicine in the 21st Century.” The event was part of an interprofessional practice seminar organized by the Katz School’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology.

Dr. Marissa Barrera, assistant dean of health sciences at the Katz School, remarked on the significance of Dr. Reichman's lecture: “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,” she said. She emphasized that such events align with the Katz School's mission to foster a world informed by both science and tradition.

During his presentation, Rabbi Reichman provided healthcare professionals with practical guidance for treating Jewish patients. He discussed several key considerations:

- Daily Prayers: Orthodox Jewish patients may require accommodations for morning, afternoon, and evening prayers, including adjustments for wearing tefillin.

- Sabbath Observance: Observant Jews refrain from certain activities on the Sabbath, impacting hospital visits and patient care.

- Dietary Laws: Providers should be prepared to discuss kosher-certified medication alternatives when necessary.

- Holidays and Rituals: Specific observances during holidays like Yom Kippur and Passover may affect patient care needs.

Rabbi Reichman also highlighted Bikur Cholim rooms in hospitals that offer kosher food and prayer spaces as examples of culturally sensitive care.

In addition to these practical aspects, Rabbi Reichman explored contemporary medical ethics issues such as abortion, organ donation, and fertility treatments within Jewish law. He explained that Jewish medical ethics are deeply rooted in Torah teachings and interpretive traditions like the Talmud.

“One of the foundational principles of Jewish medical ethics is the sanctity of life,” he stated. “Life is considered of infinite value, and saving a life takes precedence over almost all other commandments.”

Rabbi Reichman noted that interpretations among rabbinic authorities can vary, reflecting different perspectives on complex issues like end-of-life care.

Concluding his talk with a historical case study on smallpox vaccination debates among Jewish scholars in past centuries, Rabbi Reichman illustrated how medical innovation has been embraced within ethical boundaries: “Despite the risks, many rabbis supported inoculation as a means of preserving life,” he said.