Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is working to support patients of all faiths during the December holiday season. The hospital aims to help patients observe traditions important to them, regardless of their beliefs.
Rabbi Jason Weiner, PhD, senior rabbi and director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai, said, “Hospitalized patients often feel especially lonely this time of year. They may feel they’re missing out on time with loved ones and special traditions, or that they’re an extra burden on family. The holidays can be a heightened reminder of how upsetting it is to be in the hospital, so we try to help patients celebrate in ways that are meaningful to them.”
Cedars-Sinai’s patient population comes from diverse backgrounds. The hospital provides general interfaith support throughout the year and adds specific touches for different holidays in December.
On Hanukkah’s first night, patients are served a traditional meal including minestrone soup, beef brisket and potato latkes, jelly donuts, and a challah roll. Patients may also request an electric menorah.
For Christmas, those celebrating receive milk and cookies as an afternoon snack and a Christmas Day meal with beef brisket, roasted red potatoes and a Linzer cookie. Many decorate their rooms with small trees, stockings or garlands.
At Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s pediatric ward, Santa Claus visits on Christmas Eve. This visit is arranged by David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai.
The hospital also accommodates dietary restrictions with healthy alternatives for holiday meals. Kwanzaa and other cultural observances are supported when requested by patients.
Weiner noted that technology has become more important since the COVID-19 pandemic: “The COVID-19 pandemic led to more of a familiarity with using technology to virtually connect,” Weiner said. “More people are using Facetime or Zoom to visit with their loved ones over the holidays, and I often see patients attending virtual religious services from their rooms.”
This year’s programming includes special events organized by Cedars-Sinai that can be attended in person or watched on in-room televisions. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Weiner will lead a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony open to staff, visitors and patients. The Spiritual Care Department will host a Christmas Extravaganza on Thursday, Dec. 18; chaplains will lead services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
“We like to get in the holiday spirit to make what is a tough time for patients and families better,” Weiner said. “We want people to feel as good as they can at this time of year, and to feel a part of something special.”
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located in Los Angeles and was founded in 1902. Its president is Thomas M. Priselac. The facility operates a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital; its 2022 annual report indicated over 50,000 patient admissions for treatment during that year.
Further details about these initiatives can be found on the Cedars-Sinai Blog.
