Jewish patients customarily have particular ways of approaching health and healthcare. This book outlines the Jewish practices and customs of direct relevance to health professionals, illustrated throughout with case histories. Information is provided to facilitate day to day communication, discussing etiquette and interpersonal relationships between the health professionals and their patients, describing in detail the dietary laws, customs and festivals. This book will offer practical advice about Jews, Judaism and the Jewish community helping to educate and enable all healthcare professionals in hospitals and in the community to provide care in a culturally appropriate manner.

The Jewish life cycle -- Jews and Judaism -- Judaism, Jews and Jewishness -- Jewish history in a nutshell -- World and British Jewry -- The Jewish way of life -- God the Healer -- Jewish medical ethics in a nutshell -- Healthcare values -- The Jewish patient -- An introduction to Judaism and medical treatment -- Caring for Jewish patients on the Shabbos, festivals and fast days -- Kashrus (the dietary laws) and the Jewish patient -- Women's health -- Caring for Jewish patients at the end of life -- Jewish genetic diseases -- Miscellaneous health related topics -- Jews as patients.