^{By Dr. Beth Fishman, Addiction Services Program Manager} 

A few years ago, I received a call from a young adult in addiction recovery in another state. He explained that in the aftermath of the devastating events of October 7, 2023, the mutual support meetings he had been attending had become increasingly uncomfortable, at times taking on an antisemitic tone.  

He wanted to create a recovery meeting specifically for Jews but wasn’t sure how to begin. I offered suggestions for finding a meeting space, sent him several formats used in Jewish recovery meetings, and, with their permission, connected him with three people in his state—former Chicagoans who had been active with JCFS Chicago Addiction Services and had experience starting and sustaining meetings—to help provide local support. 

Supporting Jewish attendance at addiction recovery meetings has been a longstanding priority for Addiction Services, as evidenced by the publication of this article explaining why Jewish organizations should rent space to mutual support recovery meetings. When I was hired to lead Addiction Services 15 years ago, thousands of mutual support recovery meetings took place throughout the Greater Chicago area, primarily in Alano clubs, treatment centers, and churches. Among these thousands were only seven meetings taking place in just two Jewish spaces in Chicagoland, so we began helping Jewish organizations start mutual support meetings in their spaces. We also started publishing and distributing a list of recovery meetings in Jewish spaces. I am proud to say there were 28 meetings in 13 local Jewish spaces each week just before the COVID lockdown began. 

Most of these meetings then moved online. Because the Jewish world is small—and the Jewish recovery world is even smaller—online meetings made it possible for Jews to connect with others in recovery across the country and around the world. This became a meaningful benefit for Jewish addiction recovery. As a result, the recovery meetings in Jewish spaces list we maintain expanded to include online meetings by and for the Jewish community, and we update and distribute it at least twice a year.

Mutual support meetings held in Jewish spaces and the diversity of online addiction recovery support meetings by and for the Jewish community are important because they can reduce barriers to participation and make recovery spaces feel safer and more spiritually specific for many Jewish participants. The meetings that are by and for the Jewish community provide a space where people can experience recovery without feeling they must separate their Jewish identity from their healing. Such meetings can provide: 

• Shared cultural and communal understanding: Participants do not have to explain Jewish holidays, communal norms, or religious practices.  
• Reduced stigma and isolation: Addiction is often hidden in close-knit communities; these meetings help community members build a Jewish recovery network and find a Jewish sponsor if that is of interest. 
• Spiritual connection: Meetings often draw on Jewish teachings and practices, utilizing writings by Jewish leaders who provide addiction treatment or who are themselves in recovery. 
• Support for observance: Jewish meetings may better accommodate Shabbat, holidays, kosher needs, and religious language or other sensitivities. 

There is always a need for more traditional addiction recovery meetings in Jewish spaces or meetings created by and for the Jewish community. As we approach the High Holidays, consider opening your space to a mutual support meeting or starting a Jewish addiction recovery meeting. For additional ideas and resources, explore our High Holiday Recovery Guide, which offers many meaningful ways to incorporate addiction recovery into your High Holiday observance.  

We can help! Contact Beth Fishman for assistance.