Maps and Meaning: Levitical Models for Contemporary Care

by Nancy H. Wiener, Jo Hirschmann

Maps and Meaning is rooted in the authors experience as clergy and chaplains and is relevant to those looking for a fresh perspective on biblical narratives related to the role of the priest, patients, soldiers, and others who spend time outside the camp. Drawing on diverse fields, from neuroscience to anthropology, the authors consider the geographical, interpersonal, temporal, and spiritual transitions individuals experience when they move in and out of the camp and the impact their time outside the camp has on family and community. They offer a unique perspective on self-care for caregivers of different disciplines who negotiate these transitions in their work.And they explore the lives and transitions of patients and returning veterans. Drawing on contemporary explorations of stigma, the authors raise communal questions related to healthcare, returning veterans, and incarcerated people.They propose a societal approach that embraces the inevitability of lifes ebbs and flow and that draws maps to facilitate these journeys. This book is a finalist in two categories for the 2014 National Jewish Book Award, 'Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice' and 'Modern Jewish Thought and Experience'!

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2014

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on pastoral care, as well as Christians caring for other Christians, try this book. As it turns out, the ancient book of Leviticus, with its focus on the relationship between priests and those ‘’outside the camp’’ due to disease, offers a paradigm for our interactions today with those suffering outside our ‘’camps’’ due to illness, PTSD, and a host of other issues.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Maps and Meaning: Levitical Models for Contemporary Care by Rabbis Nancy H. Wiener and Jo Hirschmann. This book was recommended to me by one of the cantors at my synagogue. I must admit it was a difficult read, but I am glad that I read it.

I also must admit that I did not expect the subject to be what it was. I thought it was going to involve geographical maps.The subject was the boundaries between, in Biblical times, the “camp“ and areas “outside the camp“ where people who had certain illnesses were banished until they recovered. The illness is often mistranslated as “leprosy," now known as Hansen's Disease, but the author is pretty clear that it was not leprosy. The parallel story in the book is the modern journey between the world of the well, the world of the hospital and facilities in between. The story of both is largely spiritual, because we do not know the details of the biblical transitions in ancient times.

Maps and Meanings resonated with me for several reasons. The first and most obvious is that I had a very serious health scare as 2024 drew to close and 2025 began. For the first New Year’s Eve since I was married in 1991, I was not at home with my wife. I was in the hospital, where my gastroenterologist was implanting a bile duct stench. He suspected that I was ill with pancreatic cancer, and fortunately, the biopsies proved otherwise. There were definitely spiritual aspects to the journey. I was visited at the hospital by the Jewish chaplain. Two days later, after my discharge, I had a 1/2 hour long session with the Rabbi, before Shabbat services, where we discussed treatment or non-treatment alternatives in the event of an unfavorable outcome.

I will leave it to people to read and try to absorb the book. It was very worthwhile. even if I did not totally understand everything.

[max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Jewish model for understanding spiritual care work. Engaging and thoughtful read.