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Einstein Debuts Jewish
Health Resource Center
Beachy keen
L OCA L
Sale LEAH SNYDERMAN | CONTRIBUTING
WRITER EINSTEIN HEALTHCARE
Network launched a new
program called the Jewish
Health Resource Center that
combines Jewish-focused initia-
tives across fields dedicated to
serving its patients.

The main purpose for the
JHRC is to ensure that patients
know that Einstein is “inclu-
sive and understanding for all,”
said Dr. David Jaspan, chair
of obstetrics and gynecology,
as well as the lead adminis-
trator for the JHRC. He added
that Einstein recognized a need
in the Jewish community for
making informed health care
decisions and, through the
JHRC, staff will be trained to
help with these decisions.

“This was a natural next
step,” he said.

Einstein originally was
founded in Philadelphia in
1866 as The Jewish Hospital.

Since then, it has grown to
include three acute-care hospi-
tals, an independent academic
medical center, a rehabilita-
tion center and a short-term
rehabilitation nursing home, to
name a few.

The JHRC is composed
of other Jewish-centered
programs that existed prior
to its creation; the JHRC just
allows for them to grow and
reach more patients, Jaspan
said. Services include a preven-
tion of Jewish genetic disease
program; Dor L’Dor, which is
focused on women’s health care;
a nutritional support program;
and health care symposiums
like Pikuach Nefesh (to save a
life) and Kovod (respect).

It was because of the success
of these programs that the
JHRC was created, Jaspan said.

Within these programs,
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Dr. Chani Yondorf
Dr. David Jaspan
Courtesy of Einstein Healthcare Network
collaboration — between
companies, providers, staff and
patients — plays a major role,
he said.

JHRC will partner with a
local organization, Bikkur
Cholim, to provide patients
with kosher meals. Einstein
is also linked with Sema4, a
genomic lab, and the Politz
Hebrew Academy.

By educating staff on Jewish
practices, including infor-
mation about Jewish values,
holiday traditions and even
favorite Jewish meals, Einstein
can continue to make its
patients feel safe and under-
stood, Jaspan said.

“Educating staff allows
Einstein to put appropriate
accommodations in place, so
observant Jews can keep the
Sabbath and holidays, as well
as provide an understanding
of practices, so patients and
providers are comfortable,” he
said. The JHRC shares the same
foundational goals of the
Einstein network of being
an inclusive community. It’s
important to them that all of
the patients “feel that their
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providers will not judge them
for their practices and will
partner in their care,” Jaspan
said. Furthering its push for
inclusion, Einstein plans to add
a men’s educational health care
symposium to “empower men
to take control of their health
care,” Jaspan said.

Dr. Chani Yondorf, who
is the JHRC’s women’s health
lead and is responsible for the
initial pilot program, said she’s
looking forward to educating
the staff about Jewish customs.

“I hope patients are empow-
ered knowing that their
providers are educated about
their religious practices and
feel comfortable partnering
with their doctors, nurses and
support staff in obtaining their
health care,” she said. l
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You can also contact our transplant center at
https://penntransplant.donorscreen.org/register/now JULY 8, 2021
9