tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127932462011-12-18T11:10:51.865-05:00The place for Jewish recovering addicts to meet, communicate and support each other in their recovery.Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.comBlogger3141100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-84276143990009037552010-02-25T11:03:00.001-05:002010-02-25T11:03:52.600-05:00

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-47868394537512179482008-08-21T12:41:00.002-04:002008-08-21T12:43:49.165-04:00

All the way from Joplin, MO!Thanks for reading the blog, and thanks for the T-Shirt!

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-2774952691731442012008-07-31T17:01:00.000-04:002008-07-31T17:03:12.602-04:00

When I was around David I was always wearing two hats; I was leading the community he helped me create and I was his personal friend. Over the past two days I had to juggle between my two positions, here and now I just want to be a friend. Today I am a survivor. Today I am a mourner. Today I want to cry. Today I want to be comforted. I hope I will be able to convey to you my feelings and

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-5290823926727183292008-07-10T12:39:00.003-04:002008-07-10T12:42:20.610-04:00

We are now building up a Jewish Recovery section on Chabad.org, please visit us there too, eventually we will combine the sites.www.JewishRecovery.org

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-13410797043678892552008-07-08T16:43:00.004-04:002008-07-08T17:32:13.262-04:00

"And the people began to go astray after the daughters of Moab.”Numbers 25:1The name of this week's reading, Balak, refers to the name of the Moabite king who battled the Israelites prior to their entry into the Land of Israel. Daunted by the divine protection enjoyed by the nation of Israel, Balak sought the advice of the wicked prophet, Bilaam. Bilaam explained that no strategy would be

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-12900676280102141322008-06-30T19:08:00.003-04:002008-06-30T19:21:05.342-04:00

"This is the decree of the Torah….”Numbers 19:2The name of the portion this week, “Chukat,” means a suprarational decree – a law without logical explanation. The particular decree of which the reading speaks is the procedure for ritual purification from contact with a dead body. The process involves the burning of a red-haired cow, a piece of cedar wood, a bundle of hyssop and a scarlet thread,

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-76165650670615854092008-06-26T22:08:00.002-04:002008-06-26T22:12:49.548-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday, June 26 2008Twelve & Twelve Study - Step Two Part I

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-13379566063991026122008-06-26T22:02:00.003-04:002008-06-26T22:13:14.535-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday, June 12 2008Twelve & Twelve Study - Step One

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-29060826129788235982008-06-24T13:09:00.004-04:002008-06-24T13:55:46.949-04:00

"The entire community is holy and G-d is amongst them; so why do you raise yourselves above the congregation of G-d?"Numbers 16:3This week we read of Korach, a cousin of Moses, who led a rebellion against Moses and his brother, Aaron, the High Priest, charging them with unduly taking high offices for themselves. Although both Moses and Aaron were divinely appointed to their posts, Korach

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-13990223085058055522008-06-18T17:04:00.002-04:002008-06-18T17:15:04.181-04:00

“It is a land that consumes those who settle it.”Numbers 13:32In this week's reading, Moses sends scouts to tour the Land of Israel and report back with the best strategy for conquering the Land. Instead of fulfilling their mission, the scouts return with a bleak report and insist that the nation remain in the desert. There are two questions. 1. Why did the scouts disparage the prospect of

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-48994843835529248262008-06-13T12:46:00.002-04:002008-06-13T13:16:58.984-04:00

“If any man of you or of your future generations shall be unclean... or be on a journey afar off, he shall observe the Passover offering to G-d on the fourteenth day of the second month...”Numbers 9:10-11There is a commandment to celebrate Passover, the anniversary of the exodus from Egypt, by bringing a special sacrifice -- the Pascal lamb.This week's reading relates the story of a group of men

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-10982992691076139832008-06-11T14:31:00.003-04:002008-06-11T14:35:49.396-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday June 5, 2008Commitment

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-79783065179085895712008-06-11T14:15:00.001-04:002008-06-11T14:30:10.539-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday May 29, 2008Freedom of Choice

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-22543600893061274822008-06-03T16:25:00.000-04:002008-06-03T16:26:43.578-04:00

“A man or a woman who sets himself apart by making a nazirite vow to abstain for the sake of the Lord.”Numbers 6:2In this week’s portion, we learn of the laws of the sotah (suspected adulteress) and the nazir (one who takes a vow which involves abstention from wine). While these two subjects outwardly share nothing in common, the fact that Scripture places them one after the other indicates an

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-44654738872492672512008-06-02T07:23:00.002-04:002008-06-02T07:26:33.542-04:00

This was taken from Hazeldan's Thought for the Day:(1) Prayer promises relief when we are anxious.(2) Prayer connects us with our Higher Power when we feel isolated and full of fear.(3) Prayer frees our minds from the obsession to plan other people's lives.(4) Prayer helps us take action when we feel compelled to change the circumstances of our lives. (5) Prayer becomes a wonderful resource to

Hillary W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13524279807588808931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-34229513902312579342008-05-31T21:43:00.002-04:002008-05-31T21:47:13.683-04:00

Life is a theater so invite your audiences carefully. Not everyone is holy enough and healthy enough to have a FRONT ROW seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships, friendships, fellowships

Hillary W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13524279807588808931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-88417315032777550322008-05-30T12:44:00.001-04:002008-05-30T13:40:01.992-04:00

Boca rabbi extends Jewish addicts an invitation to recovery Boca rabbi finds niche helping Jewish addicts BY LOIS K. SOLOMON South Florida Sun-Sentinel May 30, 2008 When Rabbi Meir Kessler set up an Orthodox synagogue in Delray Beach three years ago, a certain type of person consistently walked through the door: Jews seeking help with alcohol and drug abuse.Little did the 30-year-old rabbi

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-75844699863789159792008-05-28T22:28:00.001-04:002008-05-28T22:30:24.138-04:00

From the New Yorker:And, in keeping with the Jews-don’t-drink rule, Hebrew didn’t even have one word until recently. Then the experts at the Academy of the Hebrew Language, in Tel Aviv, decided that such a term was needed, so they made one up: hamarmoret, derived from the word for fermentation. (Hamarmoret echoes a usage of Jeremiah’s, in Lamentations 1:20, which the King James Bible translates

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-11379790639194008622008-05-26T17:48:00.001-04:002008-05-26T17:50:31.764-04:00

“Bring the Tribe of Levi near and present them before Aaron the Priest that they may serve him.”Numbers 3:6This week’s portion, the first in the Book of Numbers, describes the appointment of the Levite tribe as assistants to Aaron the High Priest and his descendents.There is a tradition that the verse (Psalms 92:13) “A righteous person will give fruit like a date-palm; he will grow tall like a

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-84480676392081695342008-05-22T23:00:00.001-04:002008-05-22T23:02:09.303-04:00

"They will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers....then I will remember My covenant...."Leviticus 26:40, 42This week's portion speaks about the rewards and punishments for keeping G-d's commandments as well as the forgiveness granted for those who repent. "They will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers....then I will remember My covenant...." (Leviticus 26:40, 42) The

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-24534508350181399812008-05-22T21:37:00.003-04:002008-05-22T23:01:27.037-04:00

Do you ever think to yourself: What in the world is wrong with people? Aren't they getting what I'm getting? Aren't they feeling what I'm feeling?You may have just lost a dear family member. The grief is unsurmountable. You are driving in the limo from the chapel to the cemetery, you look out the window and people are walking around, shopping, having lunch, going about their day. And you ask

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-28891686910490552652008-05-21T21:44:00.003-04:002008-05-21T21:50:23.333-04:00

Also known as Brian Cuban brother of Mark CubanMy Year in Alcoholics AnonymousFollow up postIs Alcoholics Anonymous a CultAbout Brian Cuban

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-77365391365213492462008-05-20T13:06:00.002-04:002008-05-20T13:08:30.214-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday May 15, 2008The Mistake Holiday

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-67221508929248549302008-05-20T12:53:00.003-04:002008-05-20T12:55:27.777-04:00

A Lifeline of HopeGreat article about the Recovery Rabbi in Boca Raton, FL - Rabbi Meir Kessler

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-81138097952420983512008-05-20T01:13:00.007-04:002008-05-22T22:58:38.263-04:00

"They will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers....then I will remember My covenant...."Leviticus 26:40, 42This week's portion speaks about the rewards and punishments for keeping G-d's commandments as well as the forgiveness granted for those who repent. "They will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers....then I will remember My covenant...." (Leviticus 26:40, 42) The

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-42739988625232163622008-05-13T22:10:00.002-04:002008-05-13T22:13:53.180-04:00

Published in 250,000 syndicated copies of the Jewish Holiday Magazine.

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-67923948211388206352008-05-12T09:59:00.002-04:002008-05-20T13:06:00.403-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday May 8, 2008Challenges

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-11912246440316566492008-05-11T04:01:00.009-04:002008-05-11T05:38:45.265-04:00

"G-d spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai...." Leviticus 25:1The traditional name used to refer to this week's portion, Behar, is taken from the opening verse: "G-d spoke to Moses Behar Sinai (at Mount Sinai.)"It is interesting to note that words "mount" and "Sinai" have opposite connotations. A mountain represents grandeur and stature while the word Sinai is rooted in the Hebrew word s'neh, a

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-22533006065024255872008-05-08T22:52:00.004-04:002008-06-08T15:37:46.532-04:00

There is an age old custom to stay up all night on the night of Shavuos, the festival that commemorates receiving the Torah at Sinai. The basis for this practice is to rectify the fact that on the morning that G-d gave the Torah, the entire Jewish nation overslept. This is alluded to by a verse in Isaiah (50:2): "Why was there no man when I came? When I called, why was there none to answer?"

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-9919344310734239212008-05-07T18:55:00.000-04:002008-05-07T18:56:03.531-04:00

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-76435086806299253042008-05-06T21:55:00.002-04:002008-05-06T22:57:35.684-04:00

"Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them..." Leviticus 21:1This week's portion begins with G-d's command to Moses to speak to the priests about the special laws and restrictions applicable to them.What is the meaning of the seeming redundancy "speak to the priests... and say to them." The traditional explanation recorded in the Talmud is that Moses must not only tell the priests

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-83622920861207782242008-05-04T13:38:00.001-04:002008-05-04T13:41:49.239-04:00

They really mean it in Iran....Iran: 'Hardened Drinker' Faces Death Penalty

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-72042443797000258832008-05-04T13:23:00.002-04:002008-05-12T10:02:39.303-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday May 1, 2008Authenticity

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-52157086092367263932008-05-04T10:54:00.001-04:002008-05-04T16:29:00.719-04:00

Old but good.If it doesn't work you can click on the link

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-64524754745201402362008-04-29T05:51:00.005-04:002008-04-29T06:56:54.422-04:00

"Do not falsify measurements... You must have an honest balance, honest weights, an honest dry measure, and an honest liquid measure."Leviticus 19:35-36Among the many commandments related in this week's portion is the prohibition against false weights and measures. This negative command not only bans the actual use of false measurements -- which is already covered by the law against theft -- but

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-85523044601265358832008-04-16T15:33:00.003-04:002008-04-16T16:32:32.484-04:00

Of the six hundred thirteen Biblical commandments there are two that we can only perform on the night of Pesach, the precise anniversary of our liberation from Egypt. These two special mitzvos are eating matzah and telling the story of the exodus. In order to have fulfilled the mitzvah of eating matzah, one must consume about 1 oz. in around 4 minutes time. Just nibbling at the matzah doesn't

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-87518747522707389102008-04-16T14:40:00.002-04:002008-04-16T15:32:35.051-04:00

"And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself and for his home."Leviticus 16:6This week's portion describes the special service performed by the High Priest in the Holy Temple on the Day of Atonement.One of the special confessional prayers that the High Priest pronounced on that day was in order "to make an atonement for himself

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-24536763079221924282008-04-11T16:22:00.001-04:002008-04-11T16:28:38.420-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday April 10, 2008Surrender, Freedom and Beyond

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-74783330400373881702008-04-07T14:16:00.000-04:002008-04-07T14:17:21.637-04:00

"When you come into the land of Canaan which I give you for a possession and I put a case of leprous-like affliction in a house...."Leviticus 14:34Last week's portion spoke of a leprous like malady that occurred in Biblical times. The affliction not only appeared on people but also on inanimate objects including the walls of one's house. This week, we learn that in the event that one's house

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-41504586659584238292008-04-01T17:51:00.002-04:002008-04-01T17:54:47.048-04:00

Recently, I chose to sit at the first step table at my home group AA meeting. A gentleman I know in the program brought a female newcomer over to meet me. This was her very first AA meeting. It seems like just yesterday that I remember being petrified walking into my first AA meeting. Immediately, I recognized the look of fear on this woman’s face. Right away, I extended a warm welcome to her

Hillary W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13524279807588808931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-57836409844215144712008-03-31T14:36:00.002-04:002008-03-31T14:39:15.665-04:00

We set up a podcast feed on iTunes store, you can now subscribe and receive every new episode. We are working on getting all the old ones on.

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-69863040643680734272008-03-30T16:03:00.004-04:002008-03-30T16:20:09.341-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday March 27, 2008First Things FirstRecorded on Friday March 28Thanks to Jeff F. for the motivation, to Paula S. for the notes, and to Doug H. & Jason P. for being the "pipes".

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-5808740234169326812008-03-30T00:12:00.001-04:002008-03-30T00:13:44.286-04:00

"And the priest shall look on the afflicted area...."(13:3) One of the subjects of this week's portion is the manner of diagnosing a certain leperous-like malady that used to afflict people in Bibilcal times. If one believed oneself to have contracted this condition, he or she would undergo examination by a priest who would pronounce the affliction either pure or impure. Whatever the priest's

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-85774699870662161762008-03-28T17:01:00.003-04:002008-03-28T17:09:30.417-04:00

AA as an institution does not have an opinion about non alcoholics drinking alcohol. AA is not in the business of preventing the normal usage of alcohol by the population at large.The Lubavitcher Rebbe WAS against excessive drinking of alcohol. Below is a synopsis of a talk the Rebbe gave publicly 35 years ago.The Gezeirah (Decree) concerning Mashkeh (Alcoholic Drinks) At the Shabbos Farbrengen (

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-31380679889953097532008-03-27T16:05:00.002-04:002008-03-27T16:08:17.338-04:00

I am pleased to share with you the video introduction to AA published by AA in the UK that you can link to below. In case you have not seen it, I assure you that you will find this enlightening and a welcome video to watch. Of course, feel free to Pass it On if you wish.http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/newcomer/videoh.shtml

Hillary W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13524279807588808931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-82149758151130147942008-03-24T01:07:00.005-04:002008-03-24T01:46:19.184-04:00

And Aaron's sons... brought before the L-rd foreign fire, which He had not commanded them. And fire went forth from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.Levitcus 10:1-2In this week's portion, the sons of the High Priest, Aaron, die in a most curious manner. While performing their priestly service, they are consumed by a heavenly fire. What caused them to meet such

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-34824419731624381492008-03-18T17:19:00.002-04:002008-03-18T17:20:41.909-04:00

I’ve been asked to speak to the Jewish recovery community about Purim. I am not going to write this in the style of my regular weekly thoughts on the Torah portion but rather as a personal appeal to all of you. I know that Purim is a tough time for some of us. If everybody is drinking, then what am I supposed to do? I don’t think that any of us are really in danger of relapse (unless that’s

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-29945245074650293942008-03-17T15:41:00.003-04:002008-03-30T16:22:59.864-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday March 13, 2008Trust in G-d

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-36357091683821278032008-03-17T12:43:00.004-04:002008-03-17T12:49:27.918-04:00

"A constant fire shall burn upon the Altar; it shall never go out."Leviticus 6:6There is a tradition which interprets this verse as a specific warning against the fire on the altar going out even under two conditions where one might reason that it should: during the Sabbath and in a state of ritual impurity. On the Sabbath one might reason that inasmuch as it is a day of rest, the flames of the

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-89637769977604532642008-03-16T15:37:00.003-04:002008-03-30T16:23:42.934-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday March 6, 2008Maintenance of our Spirituality

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-86049912177455881732008-03-11T16:53:00.000-04:002008-03-11T16:54:28.099-04:00

“A man who shall bring from you an offering to G-d….”Leviticus 1:2 This week we begin the third of the Five Books, the Book of Leviticus, which deals primarily with the sacrificial offerings brought on the altar in the times of the Temple. What is the significance of the many animal sacrifices commanded in this Book? Why does G-d want us to get close to Him by bringing an animal to be

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-66595541376800726622008-03-10T19:55:00.001-04:002008-03-10T19:57:13.553-04:00

Drinking Doesn't Make You Forget Your Troubles, Researchers SayMarch 3, 2008Not only can't you drink your troubles away, but ethanol actually reinforces memories, according to Japanese scientists.AFP reported Feb. 29 that University of Tokyo researcher Norio Matsuki and colleagues tried to condition rats to fear by giving them shocks followed by immediate injections of either ethanol or saline.

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-43348965231109154622008-03-05T16:09:00.001-05:002008-03-05T16:11:58.261-05:00

Well when you are trippin while you do your research, you betcha that your findings will be that everyone else was trippin too.The article in Ha'aretz

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-27024078365899056542008-02-29T10:29:00.002-05:002008-03-30T16:24:40.234-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday February 28, 2008Here & Now

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-48430845863814681832008-02-29T10:25:00.002-05:002008-03-30T16:25:09.787-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday February 14, 2008Redoubling Our Spiritual Activities

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-92202103928038922802008-02-29T10:14:00.002-05:002008-02-29T10:16:48.416-05:00

An interesting article in the NY TimesKeep your options CLOSED...By trying to control more, you control less

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-55372584251747570882008-02-17T14:34:00.001-05:002008-02-17T14:35:59.278-05:00

Hey guys,It has been a while since I posted, I am back and thought you may like this.A member of the program of recovery, who previously had beenattending meetings regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, her sponsor decided to visit her. It was a chilly evening and the sponsor found the sponsee at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for her sponsor's visit, the

Ben Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04381522509999815845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-9034627274690416422008-02-10T13:42:00.001-05:002008-03-30T16:25:57.465-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday February 7, 2008Avoiding Melancholy

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-91359611121992570072008-02-10T13:40:00.001-05:002008-05-04T13:28:38.036-04:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday January 31, 2008A Change Of Heart

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-50362798011033987892008-02-10T13:38:00.000-05:002008-02-10T13:40:12.122-05:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday January 24, 2008Spiritual Growth

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-17022151025363273092008-02-10T13:36:00.000-05:002008-02-10T13:38:10.064-05:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday January 17, 2008Carry The Message

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-40168030443754093572008-02-10T13:31:00.000-05:002008-02-10T13:36:22.746-05:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday January 10, 2008Selfless Spirituality

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-9703282876643160652008-02-10T13:17:00.000-05:002008-02-10T13:29:57.626-05:00

Over the past few weeks, we have started a new "tradition" at the Friendship House where we learn a new Chasidic melody every month. We rehearse on Thursday nights, and we hope to share it with the rest of the crowd that joins us for Shabbat Dinner on the first Friday of the month.This month we learned the song of Ke'ayal Taarog - As the Deer Longs, based on the second verse of Psalm 42. A song

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-48635490752853545262008-02-06T19:09:00.000-05:002008-02-06T19:15:52.224-05:00

The chief medical examiner of the City of New York just released a memo regarding Heath Ledger."Mr. Heath Ledger died as a result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine".In other words (for the rest of us...):Ledger ODed on a cocktail of Oxycontin, Vicodin, Valium, Xanax and NyQuil.I'm just sayin'.

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-63332092752841155342008-02-04T15:38:00.000-05:002008-02-04T15:43:59.987-05:00

Bush Says Faith Helped Him Beat DrinkingBALTIMORE (AP) — President Bush is talking more openly lately about his old drinking habit, and on Tuesday he offered perhaps his most pointed assessment yet by saying plainly that the term "addiction" had applied to him."Addiction is hard to overcome. As you might remember, I drank too much at one time in my life," Bush said during a visit to the Jericho

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-43398431168645316462008-02-01T16:00:00.000-05:002008-02-01T16:14:33.718-05:00

“If you see the donkey of your enemy collapsing under its load, and are inclined to desist from helping him, you shall surely help along with him.”Exodus 23:5 The Hebrew word for “donkey” (chamor) also means “physicality.” So besides for instructing us in upright and compassionate conduct (helping the donkey of one’s enemy with its load) the verse also speaks on a deeper level to the

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-84002177221450010222008-02-01T12:43:00.000-05:002008-02-01T12:59:48.387-05:00

Last night as I was listening at the meeting I had several AHA moments. It is so funny to me how I can hear things over and over and say a prayer over and over and yet one day I realize how to make it more applicable. This is peeling the onion; this is evidence of spiritual growth; this is opportunity to make a deeper connection with G-d. I am so grateful for these moments. The key is to use

Sarah R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05449204959224570841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-30371253130610470632008-01-24T01:06:00.000-05:002008-01-24T01:52:38.634-05:00

"...Now I know that G-d is greater than all gods...."Exodus 18:11As the Children of Israel were encamped at Mount Sinai anticipating the giving of the Ten Commandments, Moses' father-in-law, the Midianite Priest, Jethro arrives. Giving reason for his joining the Israelites, he proclaims, "Now I know that G-d is greater than all gods." The fact that Jethro testifies, "Now I know," indicates that

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-68442862525233371432008-01-18T12:16:00.000-05:002008-01-18T12:37:15.928-05:00

A friend just called and shared his thought with me about the Jewish people eating manna in the desert. G-d ordered everyone to take exactly an "omer" [an ancient measure] of manna every morning to fulfill their eating needs for the day. Lo and behold, read what happens next:And the children of Israel did so: they gathered, both the one who gathered much and the one who gathered little. And

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-30517131508385927102008-01-18T08:49:00.000-05:002008-01-18T08:50:47.301-05:00

The definition of courage is the ability to conquer fear or despair. In the past we may have been called courageous because we stayed in circumstances that were difficult or nearly unbearable. We may have felt that walking away from family, children, or friends was cowardly or displayed weakness. We may have felt that by holding back our tears we were stronger people.Yet all the things we may

Hillary W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13524279807588808931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-18696911173417124482008-01-17T16:58:00.000-05:002008-01-17T16:59:05.570-05:00

B’shalach (Exodus 6:2-9:35)“…And G-d caused the sea to go back with a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land and the waters split.”Exodus 14:21 This week’s portion describes what is perhaps the most famous miracle in the Bible – the splitting of the Sea, a wonder which has come to be regarded as almost the quintessential supernatural act. But the wonder of the splitting of the sea

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-45520256614480376112008-01-13T22:49:00.000-05:002008-01-13T23:08:20.862-05:00

You can see more wonders, and background to this video here.Here is what it reminds me of...Adapted from Tanya Chapter 26 by Rabbi Y. Weinberg in Lessons in TanyaSound advice has been offered by our Sages on cleansing one’s heart of all sadness and any trace of worry about mundane matters, even a sadness or worry caused by the lack of such essentials as children, health, or livelihood.The advice

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-14532453246657649072008-01-10T13:23:00.000-05:002008-01-10T13:25:02.528-05:00

It's an excuse I didn't hear yet, but just in case:[To someone who wrote he was avoiding social activism because it had been feeding his ego, the Rebbe replied:]"And without the activism there is no ego? Better a haughty activist than a self-centered do-nothing!"-A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Lubavitcher Rebbe -words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman - From Chabad.org

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-35677918537462233952008-01-10T13:19:00.000-05:002008-01-10T13:21:03.804-05:00

Meanest Mom on Planet Sells Son's CarDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the "meanest mom on the planet." After finding alcohol in her son's car, she decided to sell the car and share her 19-year-old's misdeed with everyone -- by placing an ad in the local newspaper. The ad reads: "OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-30906954179805446822008-01-09T06:34:00.000-05:002008-01-09T07:16:01.389-05:00

For me, 2008 has begun with many challenges. The challenges I’m facing are due to decisions I have made to make changes in my life. Many of the choices I’ve made in sobriety have directly affected significant other people in my life. What I’m learning during this stressful time is:When one door closes another door opens.Gifts in recovery come in all types of packages.I can face any challenge if

Hillary W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13524279807588808931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-71767514088460800382008-01-08T11:01:00.000-05:002008-02-10T13:34:10.632-05:00

From our series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday January 3, 2008Spiritus Contra SpiritumTo read Psalm 42 click hereTo read Carl Yung's letter click here

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-31581641493526464682008-01-08T10:53:00.000-05:002008-01-08T11:00:22.554-05:00

From the series Judaism & Recovery - Thursday December 27, 2007Willingness

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-60117670832631708262008-01-06T13:28:00.000-05:002008-01-06T13:32:00.970-05:00

I have been feeling like I have absolutely nothing to share lately. I am just soaking up the knowledge around me. It has come to my attention that through my journey in recovering from the accident I was in, I have forgotten to be joyful. I am on a mission to find the joy in the everyday, the "mundane", the ordinary living. Hashem is love.

Sarah R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05449204959224570841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-68055048403845186942007-12-31T14:11:00.000-05:002007-12-31T14:12:20.994-05:00

“Pharaoh said, ‘I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the L-rd your G-d in the wilderness; only do not go far off – pray for me!’”Exodus 8:24After the fourth of the ten plagues, Pharaoh acquiesces to Moses’ demand that the children of Israel be allowed to offer sacrifices to G-d in the wilderness. Later, Pharaoh rescinds this permission, but at the moment of his anguish he tells Moses, “

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-64031235140596558662007-12-25T17:03:00.000-05:002007-12-25T17:04:06.205-05:00

“…The bush was burning in the fire, but the bush was not consumed. And Moses said: Let me move away from here and see this great sight…”Exodus 3:2-3The first portion of the Book of Exodus describes Moses’ ascendance as leader and redeemer of his people. His first experience of being openly called upon by G-d takes place at the burning bush. When Moses beholds this miracle, he declares, “Let

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-57709415262848972602007-12-21T15:41:00.001-05:002007-12-21T15:41:58.120-05:00

“And Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I instead of G-d? You intended evil but G-d meant it for good…’”Genesis 50:20 In the final portion of the Book of Genesis, Jacob passes away leaving his sons to fear that with their father now gone their brother, Joseph, will take vengeance upon them for the wrong they did him many years ago when they kidnapped him and sold him into slavery. The

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-71697500308237799622007-12-19T18:33:00.000-05:002007-12-19T18:37:07.276-05:00

Overeaters Anonymous program gives support to those with eating compulsions, disordersBy STACY BYRNETribune Staff WriterTammy opens the Monday night meeting of Overeaters Anonymous by announcing she should have "liar" written across her forehead rather than "loser.""I've been abusing laxatives, and I quit smoking, so I've been yelling more than ever," said the attractive, fit-looking woman with

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-46780439093513003262007-12-18T22:37:00.000-05:002007-12-18T22:39:47.563-05:00

Those of us who are in a program of recovery refer to people who are not in recovery as “earth people.” Recovering addicts, who work the 12 steps, have a perspective on life that only other people in recovery can relate to. I have found that there is a very fine line between the two worlds.Lately, I have been facing many challenges in my personal life. Prior to sobriety, I would have been

Hillary W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13524279807588808931noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-10269797529978366462007-12-17T10:55:00.000-05:002007-12-17T10:57:26.162-05:00

Our President, George W. Bush shares about his addiction:ABC NEWS article and video

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-19378212060474685252007-12-17T10:35:00.000-05:002007-12-17T10:37:10.339-05:00

From my Inbox, enjoy:1.We admitted that we were powerless over nothing; we could manage our own lives perfectly and those of anyone else who would allow it.2.Came to believe that there was no power greater than ourselves, and the rest of the world was insane.3.Made a decision to have our loved ones and friends turn their wills and lives over to our care.4.Made a searching and fearless moral

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-77741760066110340882007-12-14T12:12:00.000-05:002007-12-14T11:22:40.827-05:00

As a follow up to our Openness class, here is a famous quote, attributed to the 18th century philosopher Herbert Spencer, printed in the Big Book at the end of Appendix II - Spiritual Awakening.“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance— that principle is contempt prior to

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-64605241163572460122007-12-14T11:46:00.000-05:002007-12-14T11:50:10.286-05:00

Here is the latest meeting list for Overeaters Anonymous in Metropolitan Detroit. If you are interested in restarting the OA meeting at Friendship House, please contact us.

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-70614768297850101362007-12-14T11:26:00.000-05:002007-12-14T11:30:33.997-05:00

Improve Our Conscious Contact is a website that publishes writings and discussions about Step Eleven from varied religious views. I am on their panel and this months question is: "The 11th Step mentions "knowledge of His will for us..."; how does this "knowledge" come to you? Or do you seek it out?"Here is my answer:Well, when I was first introduced to the program, and to the concept of making

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-38013237139219013652007-12-14T11:14:00.000-05:002007-12-14T11:17:20.372-05:00

An audio recording of our class series: Judaism & RecoveryThursday, December 13, 2007 - Openness

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-12906478099939917132007-12-14T10:58:00.000-05:002007-12-14T11:09:22.809-05:00

At our weekly Jewish Recovery Meeting we read from a book called Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit - A Guide to Good Health based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The reading yesterday was from Volume 3 page 146. I scanned the pages for those of you who want to review it. (click on images to enlarge)There were some interesting points that were raised

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-64217063431082294292007-12-13T12:17:00.000-05:002007-12-13T12:19:36.237-05:00

For those who participated in the Honesty class, or listened to it online, here is one of the quotes we mentioned.To fool the world is one thing,but to fool yourself is no big deal.You’re a fool for wanting to fool yourself --and anyone can fool a fool.(from the sayings of Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch)-A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Lubavitcher Rebbe -words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman - From

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-46849844637295944702007-12-11T16:46:00.000-05:002007-12-11T17:08:06.337-05:00

An audio recording of our class series: Judaism & RecoveryThursday, November 29, 2007 - Honesty

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-64089664951470238012007-12-11T16:19:00.000-05:002007-12-14T14:02:45.707-05:00

“And he [Joseph] fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and cried, and Benjamin cried on his neck.”Genesis 45:14This week's portion tells of Joseph's dramatic reunion with his brothers. He embraces them all, but with Benjamin he weeps. One could say that this is because Benjamin was Joseph’s only full brother from the same mother and, furthermore, that Benjamin was the only one who was not

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-89029814107419769792007-12-11T01:40:00.001-05:002007-12-14T14:03:02.618-05:00

I've heard it said that what this program gives us is all that we ever wanted from alcohol. As for me, I drank because I wanted to feel a sense of general well-being; that life was simple and that it was safe to be at ease. I didn't really get that, but I embarked on thousands of drunks with that same unstated goal every time.Tonight I felt the onset of what I can only describe as a panic

Rabbi Ben A.noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-58668763663925645402007-12-10T15:29:00.000-05:002007-12-10T15:32:04.729-05:00

I just wanted to extend a warm thank you to Ben A. for joining us and enlightening us with his wisdom. I hope you will come back to so we can all continue to learn from each other. Thank you for your hard work on the blog.

Sarah R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05449204959224570841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-81903319284156649682007-12-10T10:08:00.000-05:002007-12-10T10:12:48.558-05:00

Surprise!!!The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, came up with a surprising discovery in a recent scientific research on recovery strategies: Abstinence Strongest Strategy for Sustained RecoveryFinally we have found the solution to the problem of addiction - Stay way from the first drink!

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-27716230774271964462007-12-01T06:24:00.000-05:002007-12-01T07:56:51.492-05:00

Thursday night’s spiritual reading at the Friendship House had a huge impact on me. In part, the topic was about overcoming our problems or depression by using joy. This is a concept I could not relate to prior to recovery.Humor and laughter were my modus apparatus to fight the pain I felt deep down in my soul. Sarcasm seemed to be my most humorous way of dealing with the depression, anger and

Hillary W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13524279807588808931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-46100756852440202972007-11-28T11:41:00.000-05:002007-11-28T11:43:43.664-05:00

It is there inside.Everything is there inside.But the "I" stands firmly guard at the gate.-A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Lubavitcher Rebbe -words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman - From Chabad.orgThe only thing that stands between our soul having a natural relationship with its Source, is our ego. We don't need to create a relationship, we need to remove what blocks it. Easier said than done.

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-7938876710310219262007-11-26T16:21:00.000-05:002007-11-26T16:23:27.701-05:00

An audio recording of our class series: Judaism & RecoveryThursday, November 8, 2007 - Step Twelve Part IIThursday, November 15, 2007 - Step Twelve Part III

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12793246.post-83948774420240166172007-11-26T16:14:00.000-05:002007-11-26T16:20:16.218-05:00

Here are my remarks at the Annual Gratitude Meeting, Wednesday November 21, 2007, based on the Talmud's edict: "A man is obligated to be grateful for the negative events in his life, in the same manner that he is grateful for the positive events". Enjoy.

Recovery Rabbinoreply@blogger.com0