A few years ago, I received a call from a young adult in addiction recovery in another state. 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. 

The Jewish community has come a long way in acknowledging addiction, supporting those who have struggled and uplifting those in recovery. JCFS Chicago and the Chicago Board of Rabbis invite you to continue this forward momentum during a special Shabbat.

Here are some strategies that allow us to experience a Simchah of enjoyment without the risks of consumption or overconsumption of alcohol.

Addiction is a challenge that affects millions in the United States, with 46.3 million people struggling with substance use disorders. In the Jewish community, however, addiction is often treated as a silent issue—something that feels isolated or exceptional.

In honor of National Recovery Month, we are sharing words that are both familiar and precious to those involved in a 12-Step recovery program.

We all have ancestors, even if we don’t know much about them. Our family lineage has a direct impact on our present day lives in ways of which we are not fully cognizant, according to Rabbi Dr. Tirzah Firestone, who recently led Moving Toward a Healing-Centered Care, a JCFS sponsored training for Chicago area clinicians and other professionals.

Dry January is a global movement in which individuals and communities abstain from alcohol for one month. Dry January supports the many individuals who question the role alcohol plays in their lives or who seek to reduce the harm of their alcohol use.

Addiction Recovery is all around us, freely shared and supported! We are now celebrating one another’s recovery just as we have always celebrated positive change in other kinds of physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. So…how do we support loved ones who are living addiction-free? 

JCFS Chicago addiction services, in partnership with Live4Lali, is encouraging Jewish communal organizations to hold Overdose Prevention and Reversal (Narcan) Training for staff and community members.  We all have the responsibility to know how to save a life and with Narcan, it couldn’t be easier. 

The Jewish community has come a long way in acknowledging addiction as a significant issue and in supporting community members struggling with addiction and those in recovery. JCFS Chicago and the Chicago Board of Rabbis invite you to continue this forward momentum.