Navigating Cultural Sensitivities in a Post-Shabbat Care Setting

I was a home care aide and one day I was asked to do a shift at a senior home run by a Jewish non-profit. There, I met a visiting nurse who gave me what was then a unique care plan. My usual routine involved assisting several clients with everyday tasks such as putting food in the microwave, doing dishes, and engaging in light conversation. However, the care plan was different for one of the final clients.

Dealing with Cultural Differences

The assignment included detailed orders about the handling of dishware and lights, and one man even had me light his pipe for him. This was quite different from what I was used to. Of the five clients I was assigned to, the first four were men. Initially, it was awkward but as I got used to the routine, I realized that this was a reflection of the cultural norms of the Orthodox Jewish community. They took their sabbath seriously, and some individuals were so orthodox that men do not talk to women, especially not in casual settings like a family home care environment.

Engaging with clients who were silent for hours was a form of mental torture for someone accustomed to motormouth conversation. However, I took it in stride; I was a big girl who understood that cultural differences had to be respected and understood. As an atheist Jew myself, my experience was no less enlightening.

A Personal Anecdote from Military Service

During my time in the Israeli army, I encountered a similar cultural sensitivity in a post-Shabbat setting. One unit's commander was very religious. On one Shabbat, they had successfully installed a satellite TV, but the commander's room remained on a closed channel. He attempted to hint to K, a fellow solider who was Orthodox but not officially recognized as such, to switch the channel to a more interesting one. K, listening in, didn't take the hint and reassured the commander that he would handle the matter carefully.

Feeling playful, I decided to poke fun at the situation. I offered to do the job, saying, "No, no, don't do that. It has to be accidentally." The commander, both serious and joking, pleaded with K. K looked at me, and I teased him, "Do what you want but if you ask me let him suffer a little." K was satisfied with my response. The rest of the story is an amusing tale of a half-hearted attempt by the commander to have someone click the remote and change the channel. It's a cultural norm to laugh about both the religious and non-religious individuals involved, and no one was forced to participate.

Conclusion

These experiences, both in a senior home and during military service, highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in various settings. Understanding and respecting the traditions and beliefs of others can create a more harmonious and supportive environment. Whether it's providing home care to Orthodox Jews or serving in the military, cultural differences often shape our daily interactions, and humor can often serve as a bridge to overcome cultural barriers.