Multicultural Counseling and the Orthodox Jew

Abstract

The cultural diversity literature largely ignores the effects of religion, and especially Judaism, on counseling and psychotherapy. The author reviews the meager and mostly anecdotal accounts relating to Orthodox Jews in the literature of several related disciplines, including counseling, social work, psychology, and psychiatry. The objective is to identify the barriers, institutional and personal, that must be overcome before the Orthodox Jew can receive adequate mental health care and to suggest recommendations for clinical practice.

Do Medical Models of Mental Illness Relate to Increased or Decreased Stigmatization of Mental Illness Among Orthodox Jews?

“…Consequently, the stigma of mental illness often extends to siblings and children of the individual, since they are perceived as being highly affected (Margolese, 1998;Schnall, 2006). These aspects of stigma can also negatively affect marriage prospects, as dating within the Orthodox community is often prearranged after an investigation of family and personal background by both sides (Rosen et al, 2007;Schnall, 2006;Witzum and Buchbinder, 2001). The resulting loss of social status may lead to avoidance of individuals with mental illness and their families (Witzum and Buchbinder, 2001;Rosen et al, 2007).…”

“…Of specific importance is the stigma among Orthodox Jews that often focuses on the perceived consequences of mental illness to family functioning, stability, and children. Consequently, the stigma of mental illness often extends to siblings and children of the individual, since they are perceived as being highly affected (Margolese, 1998;Schnall, 2006). These aspects of stigma can also negatively affect marriage prospects, as dating within the Orthodox community is often prearranged after an investigation of family and personal background by both sides (Rosen et al, 2007;Schnall, 2006;Witzum and Buchbinder, 2001).…”

“…Previous reports attributed this to the strong family-centric value system operating within the Orthodox community (Loewenthal and Rogers, 2004;Margolese, 1998;Schnall, 2006). Of specific importance is the stigma among Orthodox Jews that often focuses on the perceived consequences of mental illness to family functioning, stability, and children.…”

“…Orthodox Judaism is premised on the divine origination of the Torah (Hebrew Bible) and its many commandments, and adherents apply these biblical precepts, interpreted extensively in the Talmud, to every facet of their lives (Schnall, 2006). These detailed religious laws including Sabbath observance, dietary restrictions (e.g., not mixing milk and meat), daily communal prayers, and prescriptions for family life, which help to infuse daily life with religious responsibilities and significance.…”

Considerations for the Neuropsychological Evaluation of Older Ethnic Minority Populations

“…For example, it may be inappropriate for some women to attend their appointment without a male family member being present. Some Orthodox Jewish individuals do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex [ 84 ] . Some individuals from American Indian, Native Alaskan, or Asian/Asian American backgrounds, particularly older individuals, may view direct eye contact as a sign of disrespect [ 85 ] .…”