Ultra-orthodox Jews in Jerusalem are isolated from the secular community that surrounds them not only physically but by their dress, behaviors, and beliefs. Their relationship with secular society is characterized by social, religious, and political tensions. The differences between the ultra-orthodox and secular often pose special difficulties for psychiatrists who attempt to deal with their needs. In this book, two Western-trained psychiatrists discuss their mental health work with this community over the past two decades. With humor and affection they elaborate on some of the factors that make it difficult to treat or even to diagnose the ultra-orthodox, such as their distrust of the secular, their belief that all suffering is God-sent, and the problem of distinguishing what appear to be mental disturbances from manifestations of religious fervor.
Drs. David Greenberg and Eliezer Witztum explain how they cope with their ultra- orthodox patients' negative feelings toward Western medicine and gradually establish a relationship of trust, by listening carefully to patients' narratives, learning about the ultra- orthodox way of life, working closely with the patient's religious advisers, and coming to terms with their own feelings. They present fascinating case studies, ranging from some young men who became psychotic while studying Kabbalah to another man who intended blowing up a mosque to atone for a friend's death. And they relate their observations of this religious community to the management of mental health services for other fundamentalist, anti-secular groups
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This is a very honest account of the authors' experiences in treating members of the fervently Orthodox ("Chareidi") community of Jerusalem. They are not Chareidi, but I am and I can say that they are extremely accurate in their portrayal of our culture and beliefs. They are respectful, and make a concerted effort to identify any biases they might have. The book also appears to be well researched, and I recommend that readers do not skip the end notes. Personally, I have encountered a case in which a... more info
