Orthodox Jewish community is considered a “closed community”
Causing lack in genetic variation
Due to lack in genetic variation 5 specific diseases are more prominent
1.) Gaucher disease ( 1 in 10)
2.) Cystic fibrosis (1 in 24)
3.) Tay – Sachs disease ( 1 in 27)
4.) Familial dysautonomia ( 1 in 31)
5.) Spinal muscular atrophy ( 1 in 41)
Major Health issues related to diet
- Characterized by poor diet, high rates of obesity, anemia and diabetes
- Obesity rates are higher in orthodox woman  orthodox woman eat less fruit and
drink more sugary drinks a & sleep less than the woman in general population
1.) 15-18% of each orthodox population is diabetic
3 Main themes among diabetics in orthodox community
1.) The disease is a “secret” – not talked about or shared with family
members
2.) Issues distinguishing between sacred and secular occasions
3.) “Ask the rabbi” – the rabbi has the final say in medical decisions even
if it conflicts with phyisicians orders
**Religious beliefs effect medication adherence
** Religion is an essential component to orthodox health management
** adherence to clinical recommendations (related to diabetes) is inadequate and most
patients are still considered high risk
PERCIEVED CHALLENGES
1.) Spiritual aspect of eating
2.) Knowledge deficits & awareness
3.) Centrality of motherhood & meals
4.) Quality of food in educational institutes
5.) Significance & sensitivity of sabbath / festival meals and pragmatic
considerations
PATIENTS WILL NOT TAKE MEDS THEY BELIEVE ARE NOT KOSHER
KOSHER DIET: ( KOSHER MEANS “PROPER”)
- It is forbidden to eat birds of prey
- Seafood must have fins and scales ( NO SHELLFISH)
- Land animals must have cloven (split) hooves and “chew the cud” which means eat
the grass
- “Do not boil a kid in its mothers milk”(EXODUS 23:19) – CANNOT eat dairy & meat
together
- “PAREV” or neutral foods can be eaten with meat or dairy and include vegetables,
pasta and rice
Diabetes and Yom Kippur
- Yom Kippur is a 25 hour fast beginning at sundown
- Diabetics are not recommended to go more than 5-6 hours without food
- Diabetics can become hypo/hyper glycemic during fasting periods requiring medical
attention
- If diabetes is under control fasting may be safe under observance of Rabbi and
doctor
- Do not make decisions without speaking with your rabbi

DOMAIN 2: NUTRITION CLASS 4: METABOLISM
 RISK FOR UNSTABLE BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL
 RISK FOR METABOLIC IMBALANCE
WITH ALL INTERVENTIONS AMONGST THIS COMMUNITY CONSIDER MODESTY