Sacred Days on the Calendar: Understanding the Jewish High Holy Days - Part 2 Clinical Considerations

Clinical Considerations

For healthcare professionals, awareness of Jewish holy days can have practical implications for patient care. Observance varies widely, so the most important clinical practice is to ask rather than assume. A patient’s level of observance, denomination, family customs, and personal health needs may all influence how a holiday is practiced.

During Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah, some observant Jewish patients may limit activities considered “work.” Depending on the individual, this may include using electronics, writing, signing documents, driving, handling money, or making telephone calls. In the hospital, these practices may affect communication, scheduling, discharge planning, and participation in routine activities.

Yom Kippur presents a particularly important clinical consideration because many Jewish adults fast from food and drink for approximately 25 hours. However, Jewish religious law places a high value on preserving life and health. Patients who are ill, pregnant, frail, taking medications, or managing conditions such as diabetes may be exempt from fasting or may modify the fast. Clinicians should avoid simply telling a patient that they “cannot fast.” Instead, the healthcare team can discuss medical risks, explore safe options, and, when the patient wants, involve a rabbi or Jewish chaplain in the decision.

Medication schedules may also require thoughtful conversation. Some patients may be concerned about taking oral medications during a fast or using certain treatments during a holy day. When medically appropriate, clinicians can explore whether medication timing can be adjusted. Never delay necessary care in an emergency.

Dietary needs are another important consideration. Some Jewish patients observe kosher dietary laws, which may affect the types of food they eat, how food is prepared, and the separation of meat and dairy products. Hospitals should offer kosher meal options when possible and avoid assuming a vegetarian meal automatically meets kosher requirements.

Prayer and family presence may become especially important during these holidays. Patients may appreciate access to a quiet space for prayer, religious texts, a Jewish chaplain, or visits from their rabbi or family members. During Sukkot, some patients or families may also wish to visit a sukkah if the healthcare facility or local Jewish community provides one.

Scheduling can also communicate respect. When clinically possible, schedule elective procedures, routine appointments, or nonurgent meetings outside major holy days. Of course, urgent and necessary medical care should never be postponed because of a religious observance.

For chaplains and clinicians, some of the most helpful questions are simple:

“What practices are important to you during this holiday?”

“Is there anything about your religious observance that we should consider as we plan your care?”

“Would you like us to contact a rabbi or Jewish chaplain?”

The goal is not to become an expert in every aspect of Jewish law or practice. It is to create enough space for patients to tell us what matters to them. Good spiritual care begins with curiosity, respect, and the willingness to incorporate a person’s beliefs into their plan of care whenever it can be done safely.