Resources & Hospital Guide

Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, beginning before sunset on Friday and ending after nightfall on Saturday. It is traditionally a time for prayer, family, meals and rest.

For an observant Jewish patient, Shabbat may affect activities such as using electronic devices, writing, signing documents, switching lights or equipment on and off, using lifts and travelling.

Importantly, the preservation of life and health takes priority – Shabbat restrictions do not prevent necessary medical treatment.

Click here to see the Jewish Calendar. It is recommended to check it often to be aware of holidays, fast days (e.g. Yom Kippur), and other important days.

Shabbat in Hospital

Where medically appropriate, patients may appreciate assistance in observing Shabbat during their stay.

This may include:

• access to battery-operated Shabbat candles (contact the chaplain for assistance)
• kosher food
• Kiddush and challah
• access to prayer books or religious items
• assistance navigating hospital procedures during Shabbat

Shabbat Traditions

Candle Lighting

Shabbat traditionally begins with candle lighting. Because open flames are generally not appropriate in hospitals, battery-operated candles can provide an alternative. Shabbat kits are available at some hospitals.

Kiddush

Kiddush is the blessing traditionally recited over wine or grape juice at the beginning of a Shabbat meal.

Challah

Challah is traditionally eaten as part of Shabbat and festival meals.

Zemirot

Traditional songs may be sung during Shabbat meals.

Havdalah

Havdalah marks the conclusion of Shabbat.

Did you know?
Jewish days begin at sunset rather than midnight.

Kosher refers to food prepared and handled according to Jewish dietary laws. Requirements vary according to an individual’s level of observance.

Kosher food is broadly classified as:

Meat — Kosher meat and poultry must meet specific requirements around the animal, slaughter and preparation.

Dairy — Milk and dairy products must meet kosher requirements and are kept separate from meat.

Parve — Foods that are neither meat nor dairy, including many fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs and kosher fish.

Pork and shellfish are not kosher. Fish generally require both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Kosher Meals in Hospital

Kosher meals are available through many hospitals in metropolitan NSW. Patients and families should ask nursing or catering staff about the hospital’s kosher meal options.
If you’re having difficulty arranging kosher food, contact the Hospital Chaplaincy and we can help.

Kosher Food Pantry (Abraham’s Tent)

Kosher food pantries are available to support Jewish patients and families at:

St Vincent’s Hospital | Prince of Wales Hospital | Royal North Shore Hospital | Hornsby Hospital | Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

St Vincent’s Hospital

Prince of Wales Hospital

Royal North Shore Hospital

Hornsby Hospital

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Resources include kosher food, prayer books, Shabbat items and other Jewish religious items.

If you need help locating a cupboard or accessing Jewish resources during a hospital stay, please contact Jewish House Chaplaincy or Abraham’s Tent.

Email: support@abrahamstent.org.au
Phone: 0434 96 1818

Heating Kosher Food

Kosher meals supplied through hospital catering may include specific heating instructions. Food brought from home may also require particular preparation or wrapping before being heated in a non-kosher kitchen.

If you are unsure how to store, prepare or heat a kosher meal, check the meal instructions or contact the Hospital Chaplaincy for guidance.

Looking for kosher products or establishments?

Use the NSW Kashrut Authority for current kosher product, certification and establishment information.
For an up-to-date list of kosher restaurants, cafés, bakeries, caterers and other certified establishments, visit the Kashrut Authority’s searchable directory. It can be searched by location and establishment type.

Find a kosher establishment ›

Supermarkets with Kosher sections are:

To check if a product is Kosher, search here www.ka.org.au

Submit your Kosher Related question to the NSW Kashrut Authority ????

Other food options available from Kosher Establishments around NSW, can be found here www.ka.org.au/establishments

Did you know?
Vegetarian or vegan food is not automatically kosher. Preparation, ingredients and equipment can also be relevant.

Prayer can be an important source of comfort, connection and strength during illness and recovery.

A patient may wish to pray privately, receive a visit from a Rabbi or have access to religious items such as a Siddur (prayer book), Tallit or Tefillin.

For your convenience, we’ve provided a few relevant prayers here.

Prayers & Resources

Shema — One of Judaism’s central prayers.

Psalms / Tehillim — Traditionally recited during times of illness, difficulty and prayer for healing.

Mi Sheberach — A prayer for healing and recovery.

Siddurim — Access Jewish prayer books and daily prayers.

Hagomel — A blessing traditionally recited following recovery from serious illness or danger.

Viduy — Prayer associated with the final stages of life.

VIEW END-OF-LIFE PRAYERS ›

Religious Items

Jewish religious objects may be encountered on a person, among personal belongings, in a home or within a synagogue or Jewish institution.

Kippah / Yarmulke

A kippah, also known as a yarmulke, is a skullcap traditionally worn by Jewish men. For many it is an everyday expression of religious observance and respect for G-d.

Tefillin

Tefillin are two small black leather boxes containing handwritten Torah passages, attached to long leather straps. They are traditionally worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayer.

They are sacred objects rather than ordinary accessories.

Tallit

A tallit is a Jewish prayer shawl, traditionally worn during prayer. It has special fringes, known as tzitzit, attached to its corners.

Tzitzit

Tzitzit are ritual fringes attached to a four-cornered garment. They may be visible hanging beneath a person’s shirt or jacket.

They are religious garments and should be treated respectfully.

There is no single way to be Jewish. Levels of religious observance, cultural practice and personal preference vary considerably.

The simplest principle for healthcare professionals is:

Don’t assume. Ask respectfully.

A patient may have particular needs around food, Shabbat, prayer, physical contact, modesty, religious items, treatment or end-of-life practices.

When unsure, contact the Hospital Chaplain.

Observant patients may ordinarily avoid certain activities on Shabbat and Jewish festivals, including writing, using electronics or operating equipment.

However, preserving life and protecting health are fundamental principles in Jewish law, and necessary medical treatment should not be delayed because it is Shabbat.

For non-urgent administrative matters, a patient may ask whether an activity can wait until after Shabbat.

For healthcare staff: don’t make a medical decision based on an assumption about religious practice. If an issue arises, discuss it with the patient and contact the Chaplain where appropriate.

If a patient requests kosher food:

• confirm their individual dietary requirements
• use approved kosher meals where available
• keep sealed meals and packaging intact where required
• follow the heating instructions supplied with the meal
• don’t assume vegetarian food meets kosher requirements

For questions about preparation or heating, contact the Chaplaincy.

Modesty and Physical Contact

Jewish religious practice can include boundaries around physical contact between unrelated men and women.

This may mean a person doesn’t shake hands or initiate other physical contact with someone of the opposite gender.

A declined handshake is not intended as disrespect.

Religious modesty can influence clothing, physical contact and attitudes towards privacy.

Women: Some married Jewish women cover their hair with a wig, scarf or hat. Observant Jewish women may also dress modestly by covering their elbows, collarbones and knees.

Men: Some Jewish men wear a kippah (skullcap), tzitzit (religious fringes) or other clothing associated with religious observance.

Some religious Jews will prefer a female nurse for a female, and a male nurse for a male. They might also prefer not to be left alone in a room with the opposite sex without another person present, or with the door open.

Medical care should never be compromised. Where circumstances allow, ask the patient about their preferences and explain when physical contact or exposure is medically necessary.

Other Jewish Customs & Appearance

Beards, sidelocks and other aspects of appearance can have religious significance. There are also periods of Jewish mourning during which people may refrain from shaving or cutting their hair.

Contact the Hospital Chaplaincy if:

• a patient requests Jewish religious support
• staff have questions about Jewish practice
• kosher food is difficult to arrange
• a patient or family needs support around Shabbat or a festival
• a difficult medical decision has religious implications
• a patient is approaching end of life
• a Jewish patient has died
• a family requests a Rabbi
• you’re simply unsure what is appropriate

CONTACT THE HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN ›

The preservation of human life is a central principle in Judaism and can override many other religious obligations.

This is particularly relevant to medical treatment on Shabbat and Jewish festivals.

The current resource states that Jewish law does not prohibit blood transfusion or blood donation.

For questions relating to an individual’s circumstances, speak with the Hospital Chaplain or your Rabbi.

Organ donation can involve complex questions within Jewish law, particularly around the circumstances of donation and determination of death.

Because individual circumstances can affect the religious considerations involved, patients and families considering organ donation should seek appropriate Rabbinic guidance.

Pregnancy, Birth & Newborn Care

Jewish families may have particular religious and cultural practices surrounding pregnancy, childbirth and the days following birth. Practices vary between families and levels of observance, so healthcare staff should ask patients about their individual needs.
The Hospital Chaplaincy can assist patients, families and healthcare professionals with questions relating to:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Prayer and religious support
• Naming traditions
• Brit Milah (circumcision)
• Shabbat or Jewish festivals during a hospital stay
• Kosher food and other religious considerations

Jewish law recognises the importance of family and permits many forms of fertility treatment, but particular procedures can raise religious-law questions.

Patients seeking guidance about IVF or fertility treatment can be connected with a Rabbi experienced in this area.

Jewish fast days, particularly Yom Kippur, may raise questions for patients who are unwell, pregnant, recovering from surgery or taking medication.

Health and preservation of life are paramount. A patient should discuss their medical needs with their healthcare team and seek Rabbinic guidance about how those needs affect fasting.

Do not stop medication or medically necessary food or fluids without medical advice.

End-of-life treatment and other complex medical decisions can involve significant medical, ethical and religious considerations.

The healthcare team should provide medical guidance, while the Chaplaincy can help patients and families access appropriate Jewish religious guidance.

The Sydney Beth Din is a Jewish Rabbinical Court that deals with matters of Jewish law.

Its role is to offer guidance and advice on matters governed by Jewish religious law. The Court Rabbis, offer their services on a voluntary basis, embodying a dedication to their responsibilities and the Jewish community they serve.

To contact the Sydney Beth Din

Office number 0481 853 613

General Inquiries: secretary@bethdin.org.au

Looking for religious guidance or a connection to Jewish community life? Find a local Rabbi or synagogue, or contact the Chaplain for assistance.

A patient or family may wish to:

• speak with a Rabbi
• say particular prayers
• have family present
• discuss religious considerations relating to treatment
• understand what will happen following death

CONTACT THE HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN ›

Viduy is a traditional prayer associated with the final stages of life.

Jewish tradition places great importance on treating the deceased with dignity and respect. Burial generally takes place as soon as reasonably possible, which means delays can carry additional significance for a family.

Where appropriate, notify the Hospital Chaplain early so they can assist the family and hospital team.

A practical guide from the Sydney Chevra Kadisha outlining Jewish procedures for terminally ill and deceased patients, including care immediately after death, timely release for burial, medical certificates, autopsy and coronial considerations, and the handling of blood, tissue and body parts. It also provides guidance on when and how to involve the Chevra Kadisha.

Following a death, a Jewish family may contact the Chevra Kadisha, the Jewish burial society, to arrange preparation of the deceased and funeral arrangements.

Following a death

1. Complete the required hospital and medical procedures.
2. Contact the Hospital Chaplain where appropriate.
3. Notify the Jewish burial society/Chevra Kadisha.
4. Where coronial involvement is required, follow the relevant legal process.
5. Be mindful that timely release and burial may be particularly important to the family.

VIEW JEWISH BURIAL INFORMATION ›

Find practical resources on Jewish death, burial and mourning, including prayers, funeral and Shiva guidance, bereavement support, and information for hospitals and nursing homes. The Sydney Chevra Kadisha also provides useful forms and guidance relating to post-mortem examinations and funeral arrangements.

Contact the Sydney Chevra Kadisha for more information.

Phone: 02 9363 2248

Email: info@sck.org.au

Jewish practice places importance on maintaining the dignity and physical integrity of the deceased.

Where medically and legally possible, unnecessary disturbance of the body may be avoided. Religious considerations can also arise around post-mortem procedures, body parts and tissue.

If these issues arise, involve the Hospital Chaplain and family early while continuing to follow all applicable medical and legal requirements.

Jewish mourning practices provide structure and community support following a death.

Shiva is the traditional seven-day mourning period following burial. Families may receive visitors and participate in prayer services during this period.

The Chaplaincy can help connect families with a Rabbi, synagogue, burial organisation or other community support.

Rabbi Mendel Kastel and the Jewish House Chaplaincy team can assist with:

• religious and cultural guidance
• prayer and spiritual support
• Shabbat and Jewish festivals
• kosher food
• end-of-life and bereavement support
• connection to Rabbis and synagogues
• community and practical support

02 9386 0770  | chaplaincy@jewishhouse.org.au

CONTACT THE CHAPLAIN ›

CONNECT WITH YOUR RABBI OR SYNAGOGUE ›

• Jewish House — Provides crisis support, safe and transitional accommodation, mental health and wellbeing services, financial assistance and practical support for people experiencing difficult circumstances.

• Hatzalah Sydney — A community-based emergency medical response service providing rapid first-aid and medical assistance within the community.

• CSG NSW — Provides security and safety support for the NSW Jewish community, with a presence at synagogues, schools, community institutions and events. CSG also monitors threats and provides a 24/7 community response network CSG NSW.

• JewishCare NSW — Provides social and community support to individuals and families, including assistance for people experiencing personal, family or financial difficulties.

• Montefiore — Provides residential aged care, home and community services and support for older members of the Jewish community and their families.

• Wolper Jewish Hospital — Provides specialist healthcare, rehabilitation and related health services in a Jewish community setting.

• COA Sydney — Supports seniors through social connection, activities, meals and community programs designed to help older people remain connected and engaged.

Illness or a hospital stay can create unexpected financial pressures for individuals and families. Support may be available with essential expenses, food, bills and other practical needs.

JewishCare NSW provides hardship assistance and casework for people experiencing financial difficulty, while Jewish House can assist people experiencing crisis, housing instability and other immediate practical needs.

Jewish House can provide crisis support, safe and transitional accommodation, mental health and wellbeing services, financial assistance and practical support for people experiencing difficult circumstances.

If someone is experiencing financial hardship, housing instability or other difficulties, the Chaplaincy can help identify appropriate community support.

Something to read, watch or listen to

Hospital stays can involve long periods of waiting, uncertainty and reflection. Explore Jewish prayers, teachings, music, videos and other resources for connection and inspiration.

Articles & Audio | Music | Videos | Torah Learning

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