Always caring about Jewish values
JEWISH Care has reassured the community that a survey assessing how “Jewishness” should be reflected in its aged, family and disability services would not signal the end of kosher meals, Jewish staff or the observance of Shabbat and Jewish festivals.
JEWISH Care has reassured the community that a survey assessing how “Jewishness” should be reflected in its aged, family and disability services would not signal the end of kosher meals, Jewish staff or the observance of Shabbat and Jewish festivals.
The survey, released last month and completed by more than 1000 people so far, raised concern among some respondents who feared the organisation’s Jewish culture could be eroded.
“I was shocked, stunned and horrified to have completed a survey by a Jewish organisation, Jewish Care, which left me feeling that once again I was being asked to defend Jewish values and beliefs,” said Ruth Samuel.
Another respondent said those who didn’t wish to eat kosher meals should arrange food outside of Jewish Care’s facilities. “Let us not contemplate taking away basic Jewish values to satisfy some lower common denominator. Jewish Care must not adopt economic rationalism at the expense of Jewish core values.”
But Jewish Care’s general manager of cultural and spiritual services, Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant, said that there was no intention to change the status quo at Jewish Care.
“It’s unfortunate that the survey has been received by some people in this way … the directness of the questions [is] necessary,” he said. “There’s no agenda other than to create an evidence base for the wonderful work we already do … it’s simply a research project.”
Jewish Care CEO Bill Appleby told The AJN fears that the organisation would axe Jewish services were unwarranted. “Jewish Care is committed to developing an evidence base for everything we do,” he said, describing the organisation’s attitude as responsive, respectful and inclusive. “The purpose [of the survey] is to understand what the community expects.”
Facilitated by Professor Andrew Markus, the questionnaire was designed by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and Jewish Care, in conjunction with four focus groups. Data will be collated and assessed next month. “There is no predetermined outcome,” said Appleby.
LIVIA ALBECK-RIPKA
comments