In their own words: Orthodox Jewish social workers integration of religion and values into practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT Understanding how different religions are integrated into social work practice is important to enhancing diversity and inclusion within the profession. This article focuses on Orthodox Judaism, and discusses some of the values and tensions that emerge for practitioners. This is accomplished by analyzing four focus groups (N = 18) of practitioners who discussed their reasons for entering the field, how values between their religion and social work are congruent, and how they also conflict. Also discussed is how these tensions are resolved. Implications for practice and social work education are discussed in depth.