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Receiving the Torah Anew: Shavuos, Recovery, and the Journey Back to Spiritual Connection
After Sinai, Bnei Yisroel was tasked with living the Torah - bringing its ideals into relationships, work, rest, and justice. Similarly, recovery is not just about moments of insight; it’s about daily practices of integrity, accountability, and compassion. This aligns with treatment goals of emotional regulation, repairing relationships, boundary work, and spiritual discipline.

Devora Shabtai
May 287 min read


Boundaries: The Path To Freedom
I have always marveled at the paradox that our nation’s liberation from bondage is marked by a period containing so many parameters and...

Devora Shabtai
Apr 25, 20243 min read


To Be Truly Known
On Yom Kippur, I would often read the following words in Viduy (Confession) with fear and trepidation: “You know the secrets of the...

Lianne Forman
Sep 20, 20233 min read


Between the Straits: Accepting Our Pain
We have just entered the period in the Jewish calendar known as ‘Bein Hametzarim’ (“Between the Straits”), a time of intense mourning...

Gavriel Forman, MSW
Jul 10, 20234 min read


Recreational Use of Cannabis: A Halakhic Perspective
Recent legislative developments in the State of New Jersey require clarification regarding halakhic attitudes regarding recreational use...
Rabbi Daniel Fridman
Apr 21, 20234 min read


Purim Lessons From Addiction Recovery
Working in substance use treatment has unmasked new insight into Purim’s key themes. Here are two lessons I have gleaned from those in...

Devora Shabtai
Mar 6, 20234 min read


An Ounce of Prevention...
We at Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction (CCSA) know what it means to impact kids’ lives in a very real way. After a...

Lianne Forman
Oct 21, 20225 min read


Addiction Recovery Needs a Modern Makeover
As a parent, was I complicit? Was I guilty of not being a good parent? People always tell me what a great parent I was. But was I? Why...

Eve Goldberg
Jun 27, 20224 min read


To have a mood disorder … in their own words ...
As of late, we’ve made great strides in the Jewish community and in the world at large as we campaign against the stigma that surrounds...

Dena Croog
May 5, 20228 min read


Girls Drink More Than Boys - A Disturbing Trend
Until somewhat recently, data indicated that males were more likely to drink alcohol than females. However, the trend has shifted, and...

Lianne Forman
Apr 6, 20222 min read


Purim, Addiction & Recovery ... A Personal Reflection
On Purim we recount a story of evil plots and ultimate redemption, and all the twists and turns along the way. Yet, in contrast to those...

Devora Shabtai
Mar 15, 20223 min read


Ponderings of a Sober Life
February 2022: Ponderings of a Sober Life. My sobriety date is January 4,1986. During what feels like a lifetime ago, years ago this past...

Arnie Goldfein
Feb 8, 20227 min read


Two Drinking Occasions a Year in Judaism? Not Even Close.
“I never drink, unless it’s connected to something Jewish.” Many Jews who would never dream of considering themselves problem drinkers...

Michael Levin
Jan 11, 20224 min read


Chanukah and the Miracle of Addiction Recovery
Addiction is a daily uphill battle where modern-day miracles are being performed throughout the recovery process. As the Jewish people...

Devora Shabtai
Dec 3, 20216 min read


A Communal Response to the Opioid Epidemic: How We Can All Help
Why is it that our community responds collectively to all sorts of diseases, and yet a stigmatized silence continues to surround addiction?

Lianne Forman
Nov 1, 20213 min read


One Life Lost is One Too Many
As we wrap up Recovery Month, a mother shares her son's story of growth, struggle, and legacy. One life lost to addiction is one too many.

Lisa Daniels-Goldman
Sep 30, 20216 min read


Tishrei and The Stages of Change
September is the Jewish month of renewal/beginnings, as well as National Recovery Month. Here, we examine the intersection between the two.

Devora Shabtai, LCSW & Ellie Forman, CPRS
Sep 26, 20217 min read


The Highs & Lows of Recovery: An Intimate Interview
In honor of recovery month, I sat down with an amazing (anonymous) woman with firsthand experience with addiction and recovery.

Chana Doe
Sep 17, 20214 min read


A Personal High Holiday Recovery Perspective 5782/2021
September is National Recovery Month, as well as the month of the Jewish High Holidays. Arnie Goldfein reflects on this intersection...

Arnie Goldfein
Sep 6, 20215 min read


How to Commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day
August 31 is is International Overdose Awareness Day. Here is why the day matters and some meaningful ways to commemorate.

Elana Forman
Aug 31, 20213 min read
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