The holiday of Channukah involves getting together of the entire family, “a candle for a man and his household”. However, for a person sick with complex disease or a person with dementia, this is a deviation from their normal daily schedule, which can be disorienting and disturbing. With the proper conduct, this day can be a deep source of connection with the family and past memories for these people. This essay offers practical guidelines for dealing with this situation and assists in building a supportive, inclusive environment for a person with dementia.

Ahead of the high holidays, Tzohar Ad 120 convened a webinar to discuss the unique challenges facing families with loves one suffering from dementia.

This online session was held in collaboration with EMDA (Israel’s Alzheimer’s Assocation) featuring Dr. Dana Peer, a respected gerontologist and occupational therapist alongside Rabbi Yuval Cherlow. The session provided insight into the ethical and halachic challenges in caring for loved ones with dementia.

Chapter 21 from the booklet The Halakhot of Treating a Terminally Ill Patient and a Patient Suffering From Dementia

Chapter 20 from the booklet The Halakhot of Treating a Terminally Ill Patient and a Patient Suffering From Dementia

Chapter 19 from the booklet The Halakhot of Treating a Terminally Ill Patient and a Patient Suffering From Dementia

Chapter 18 from the booklet The Halakhot of Treating a Terminally Ill Patient and a Patient Suffering From Dementia

Chapter 17 from the booklet The Halakhot of Treating a Terminally Ill Patient and a Patient Suffering From Dementia

Chapter 16 from the booklet The Halakhot of Treating a Terminally Ill Patient and a Patient Suffering From Dementia