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Addiction is a disease. It does not discriminate based on age, race, education, religion, or socio-economic divisions. It isolates the addict from family, friends, and—many times—their religious community. In addition, the family of the addict often feels shame and isolation and is embarrassed to be “outed” in their religious home. This has been true for many Jews and their families who have suffered from this disease and have felt the shame and stigma of addiction. Instead of turning to their synagogue for spiritual and social support, they felt unwelcome. Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest has been working hard to eliminate the stigma of addiction.
Through a broad umbrella program known as Recovery Through a Jewish Lens, we offer a monthly support group for people in recovery along with their family members and allies; educational programs; and Jewish holiday celebrations designed for those in recovery. Our monthly support group meets at Temple Beth Am. Meeting in a synagogue for support with addiction is a new experience for many Jews. It is a place where Jews can speak to each other about their recovery and fosters feelings of belonging and acceptance. At our support group, we discuss and share Jewish teachings and values that give insight to our recovery and coincide and strengthen many of the ideas found in the Twelve Steps program. And even though we begin our sessions with the Sh’ma, a familiar prayer to many Jews, you do not need any prior knowledge of Judaism to participate.
In Jewish celebrations, wine is part of the ritual to sanctify life cycles and holy days. As part of our mission to end the stigma of addiction, we provide an alternative to wine at every holiday celebration for those who choose to abstain from alcohol, making it possible for everyone to participate. This is one of the ways in which we normalize the disease of addiction and create a more inclusive community.
In recent years, the effort the Jewish community has made to offer support and education in order to end the stigma of addiction and mental illness has transformed lives. We are taught: “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.” (Pirkei Avot 2)
For more information on Recovery Through a Jewish Lens and other programs on recovery and addiction at Temple Beth Am, contact Rabbi Jaime Aklepi at jaklepi@tbam.org.
