Rabbi Heller's Blog

You may not know that our congregation hosts an AA meeting, for those recovering from addiction, every Tuesday night, and an Al-Anon meeting, (for those who have been affected by loved ones facing addiction), every Wednesday night.  I’m sometimes asked why we make space available for these programs at some of our busiest times, even on holidays when we normally do not allow outside groups to use our space. The answer, on a basic level, is that these programs are pikuach nefesh- they are literally life-saving for those who need them, and having them available at a synagogue is essential.

When I was growing up, there were many in the Jewish community who asserted that addiction was not an issue for Jews, or were embarrassed or ashamed when it is brought up. In fact, our Jewish tradition understands that addiction is a real challenge that must be overcome in our community. One of the places that that is reflected is our portion, Naso, which includes the commandments surrounding Nazirite, one who takes a vow to refrain from wine and strong drink. 

One way of understanding the rule of the Nazirite commandment is that the Torah  is trying to balance the blessing and curses of alcohol. To some, who are able to enjoy in moderation, it is a blessing,  “gladdening the heart” and helping to increase the holiness of sacred times as we use it on Shabbat and holidays, brisses and weddings. Unfortunately, for others, this blessing can become an addiction that endangers lives and harms families. The Torah provides a support system and a ritual framework for those who need to abstain.

Today we have an increasing understanding that addiction and abuse are just as common in our own community as they are in any other.  The dangers include alcohol, prescription and non-prescription drugs, as well as other temptations like gambling, pornography, and more. What some of these have in common with alcohol for the Nazirite, is that they have legitimate, (and in some cases) holy uses, but what all have in common is that they can be intensely destructive of lives and families.

Our Jewish tradition has many resources that go beyond Naso, and recovery programs can be part of the solution.  Some people assume that Alcoholics Anonymous is a Christian program. It is true that some groups do meet in churches, and may assume a Christian perspective, but at its core,  AA speaks to a “higher power” but is not associated with any one faith tradition. In fact, the 12 steps of the program correspond very closely to the steps of the teshuvah process of repentance laid out in Jewish thought. Having a meeting in a synagogue makes people more comfortable. 

And so, we host these groups each week, as well as partnering with important addiction resources in the larger Jewish community like HAMSA and the Berman Center.  We also have relationships with therapists and rehab programs that are adept at meeting the unique needs of Jewish participants.  I often provide confidential referrals for families who are grappling with these issues, but are afraid that they will be stigmatized if anyone knows that they are facing the same challenges as millions of others. We've come to understand that sometimes a Jewish event that normally involves a l'chaim, or wine as part of a blessing, needs to be grape juice only. We want everyone to understand that as a congregation, as a Jewish community, we recognize and support those who are battling addiction. Our brothers and sisters should not feel that they have to leave our Jewish community to seek the support that they need.