Adding the Jewish Component to Hospice Care
Testimonials & Hospice Experiences
Hospice Experiences
Dr. Michael Paletta
A dozen years ago, when I was still learning my way as a hospice physician, I noticed that whenever we had Jewish patients on our service, someone from JHCN was present at our team meeting, even if there was only one person, and even if the discussion took only two minutes in a three hour meeting. One day I asked Rabbi Freedman about the inefficiency of this, and he scolded me (gently) that the care and comfort of that person, and that family, at that moment, was more important than efficiency or the travel burden on the network staff.
In the years since, I have come to a profound respect for the JHCN pledge that no Jew will die alone. It is a pledge so simple on the surface, but so deep in commitment and so firmly grounded in heritage and history. The frail, the elderly, the friendless, the homeless, the fallen-away or secular, all are given the same comfort, respect, and dignity as the wealthy, the observant, and the socially prominent. Their absolute commitment to the inherent value and worth of every individual is a quality that transcends race or religion and ethnicity, and is in the finest traditions of service to others. I am proud that Hospice of Michigan enjoys a strong professional partnership with JHCN, and honored to add my personal appeal for their support.
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I care about Jewish patients and their families.
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