Biblical-type Beards Create Modern-Day Challenge at Hadassah’s Hospitals

Friday, Aug 21 2020

In the August edition of the Journal of Critical Care, Hadassah Medical Organization physicians, headed by Prof. Vernon van Heerden, director of Hadassah’s General Intensive Care Unit, explain how they went about persuading religious leaders to approve shaving the beards of COVID-19 patients who had to be ventilated. 

While the commandment in the Book of Leviticus says “not to round off the side growth on your head or destroy the side growth of your beard,” the doctors explain that facial hair “interferes with routine care in the ICU, such as fixation of the endotracheal tube, proper mouth care, placing of central lines and tracheostomy.” 

The physicians promised the rabbis that they would trim as little hair as possible and use only an electric shaver. Despite the rabbis’ approval, Prof. Van Heerden writes, “We had to ask each family during the daily telephone call for their permission to shave the beards of our patients.” 

He adds, “It's only a small matter and maybe of no consequence in another country or another circumstance, but it is very important to our patients, and we are careful to attend to this culturally sensitive matter, even at a time of great stress.”

Prof. Van Heerden is also the latest doctor featured in the Hadassah On Call podcast series.  To hear his episode, click here

Related Stories

alt_text

Wednesday, Jan 13 2021

Hadassah Applauds Enhanced US Commitment To Combating Global Antisemitism

Hadassah-Backed Bill Elevating Rank of Special Envoy Signed Into Law.

READ MORE ›
alt_text

Wednesday, Jan 6 2021

Hadassah Statement On Violence At US Capitol

Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA) National President Rhoda Smolow and CEO/Executive Director Janice Weinman released the following joint statement following the violent attack on the US Capitol earlier today.

READ MORE ›
alt_text

Thursday, Dec 31 2020

Hadassah Applauds Congressional Approval To Elevate Special Envoy To Monitor And Combat Anti-Semitism

President Trump Urged To Sign Historic Legislation

READ MORE ›
alt_text

Wednesday, Dec 30 2020

Together, let's spread light — and hope — in the new year.

Hadassah@Home #27

READ MORE ›

Donation Questions

donorservices@hadassah.org

(800) 928-0685

Membership Questions

membership@hadassah.org

(800) 664-5646

Israel Travel

israeltravel@hadassah.org

(800) 237-1517

Contact Us

40 Wall Street

New York, NY 10005

More ›

Show More