the impact of ethics and practices on the lives of jewish adherents

The Impact of Ethics and Practices on the Lives of

Jewish Adherents

Death and MourningKey Aspects:Nihum Avelim – Comforting those that miss the

deceasedKavod Ha-met – Respecting the deceased

APS College of Counseling Psychologists

Nihum AvelimHow is this achieved?Community

Acknowledgement of one’s sufferingCelebrating G_d’s wisdom and judgment

IndividualReflection – Theodicy (Why does G_d let bad things

happen?)Prayer

What is its purpose?To console the mourner and lessen their suffering. Integrating the mourner as an active member of society.

Variants In PracticeOrthodox

More stringent in every aspect of the practice following tradition closely.E.g. Adherents tear garments upon hearing the death

Conservative More flexible and symbolic in the representation of beliefs

within the practiceE.g. Adherents may slightly rip clothes or pin ripped cloth to

their clothes upon hearing the death

Progressive Very similar interpretations to Conservative

variant

Continual ImpactPassing down of tradition to other generations

Yizkor – A memorial service of communal prayer for the deceased

Yahrzeit – The anniversary of thedeath

EthicsKey Principles:Human life has intrinsic valuePreservation of life is most importantAll human lives are equalOur lives are not ours- all life belongs to G_dThe Sacredness of human lifeMy actions towards others are a manifestation of

my imitation of G_d

Contradiction?Prolonging life vs Prolonging death

As G_d owns life and predetermines one’s death, should adherents use life support to preserve life or let natural death occur?