Volume 68 Number 6 November 2001	back to contents

Moses Presages Kubler-Ross: Five Stages in Accepting Death, as Seen in the Midrash	378-383
Rabbi Miriam C. Berkowitz, M.A.1, and Lawrence Knight, M.D. F.R.C.P.C.2
1Assistant Rabbi, Park Avenue Synagogue, New York, NY, and 2Associate Professor of Medicine, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada. Address correspondence to Rabbi Miriam C. Berkowitz, 6095 Vista Linda Lane, Boca Raton, FL 33433.

ABSTRACT
This paper elucidates and explains an ancient midrash (rabbinic interpretation of a biblical text) through the lens of modern psychological theory. The midrash describes Moses' reactions to his approaching death. The paper points out that these reactions anticipate the five classic stages, described by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, of coming to accept terminal illness: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The article shows the ancient rabbis' sensitivity to human feeling and the universal nature of human reaction through the dialogue and reactions they attribute to Moses. Finally, it shows how using this midrash offers a constructive model for approaching death, for Jewish and non-Jewish patients alike, as well as their caregivers.

KEY WORDS
Thanatology, death, midrash, Kubler-Ross, pastoral care, acceptance.

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