Ep 14. Sabbath

Episodes description:

In season 2 episode 14 of New Amsterdam, viewers are taken on a journey of faith as the hospital's medical team responds to an unusual request from a Hasidic Jewish community. The hospital's staff from doctors, nurses, and even administrative staff are tasked with the responsibility of making modifications to their procedures and work schedules to accommodate the religious practices of this community.

As Max tries to juggle the complex responsibilities and delicate politics that come with running a hospital, he faces the challenge of managing patient care with restrictions based on religion. Additionally, the episode focuses on how the religious practices of the Hasidic Jewish community can impact diagnosing and treating medical ailments. Viewers get a glimpse into the delicate balance between faith and medicine and the lengths some are willing to go to maintain their beliefs.

The episode touches on a wide range of social and cultural issues including the role of religion in modern medicine, medical ethics, and the impact of culture on medical practice. As we see how the community's beliefs can make medical care more difficult, we also see how faith can play a crucial role in the healing process.

Throughout the episode, viewers watch as Max works closely with one of the community's rabbis to understand their needs and work with his team to make the necessary accommodations. Along the way, we glimpse the inner workings of the Hasidic community, how they pray, and their unique customs regarding personal hygiene.

Amid the cultural challenges, the episode also explores the daily struggles of the hospital staff as they juggle the demands of their jobs with their personal lives. Max finds some solace as he reconnects with his estranged wife, Georgia, who is back in town and considering a job offer at the hospital. Meanwhile, Reynolds is reminded of his own cultural roots when his mother visits him and suggests he look for a wife like his sister has found in their Nigerian community.

As the episode unfolds, we see how the hospital staff handles the demands of the community, the delicate balance of respecting religious beliefs while maintaining medical ethics, and personal struggles of the staff. At the same time, the episode provides a window into the rich and complex world of the Hasidic Jewish community, offering insight into their customs, culture, and unique way of life.

Overall, this episode of New Amsterdam delivers a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of faith and medicine, cultural diversity, and the challenges of navigating these issues in a modern multicultural society. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of medicine, culture, and religion and offers valuable insights into the diversity that makes our society richer and more vibrant.