Joel is an alcoholic – and yes, he's Jewish.
His addiction impacted his family, his relationships in the community and his spirituality. At the time, many rabbis did not understand how to help a congregant who turned to them when dealing with addiction. Knowing that he had to seek recovery, Joel attended 12-Step groups that met in local churches and has been clean and sober ever since.
Today, Joel is a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor, and uses tools from JCFS Chicago's addiction services to integrate Jewish practices, prayers and the Torah to guide others in the recovery process.