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שנה טובה ומתוקה
Shana Tova U'Metuka
A Good and Sweet
New Year!
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“The New Year is a great door
that stands across the evening
and Yom Kippur is the second door.
Between them are song and silence,
stone and clay pot to be filled within myself.”
— Marge Piercy
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At this time in the Jewish year when we are called on to engage in Teshuvah, Tefillah, and Tzedekah, take a moment now to
make your online donation to JAAN.
Thank you!
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The introduction to JFCS Chicago's High Holiday Addiction Recovery Guide states, "The tools and wisdom in addiction recovery traditions have much to teach, and synagogue communities have a powerful role to play in supporting members in recovery, members who are at risk for addiction disorders, and the broader membership that struggle with stressors both large and small." We couldn't agree more!
The Guide features a variety of resources, including these downloadable and printable readings and prayers for:
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Last year, Rabbi Nadav Caine (Rav Nadav) at Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Arbor, MI chose Rosh Hashanah to deliver his sermon titled "Those in 12 Step Recovery are Our Teachers," making sure the maximum number of his congregants would hear it.
We're thrilled to amplify his High Holiday message here, so more people can be impacted by his insightful and powerful words.
See Rav Nadav's sermon here.
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One of the most well-known prayers of Yom Kippur is the Vidui, which means confession. We do this communal confession no less than ten times during the holiday. For each transgression we recite, we gently beat our chests on our heart side.
Below are some different perspectives on Vidui, excerpts from
longer writings. Click on the blue links below to read the full texts.
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"Can I acknowledge that I am not the sum total of my sins?
Can I acknowledge that I am also
Good
Generous
Feeling
Helping others?
Yes, I make mistakes
Yes, I miss the mark
And yes, I am human."
Kohenet Rachel Hollander
From Personal Vidui: Forgiving Myself
"Perhaps it is a form of spiritual CPR. When I sin, my heart, as it were, stops beating. This Vidui, this pounding, brings me back to life. There is good in me. I need to revive it."
Rabbi Laura Geller
From Cracking Open Our Hearts
Kol Nidre 2013
"We have belittled the pain of our fellow humans...
We have desensitized ourselves to the suffering of others...
We have heard the cries and chosen to stay silent...
We have perpetuated racist systems in our society...
We have taught a false narrative...
We have been xenophobic."
Samantha Tal
From A Vidui for Racism
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In honor of National Recovery Month, we're highlighting this inspiring video produced by Rocky Mountain PBS:
Colorado Voices: In Recovery
The video features the amazing recovery stories of several Coloradans, honoring their individual journeys, and showcases many unique programs and businesses that support recovery, enrich lives, provide connection,
and create community.
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Virtual Recovery Meditations
Join JAAN and IJS
for the last two sessions of 2023:
Thursday, September 28
Thursday, December 7
( 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET)
These free guided online meditations are a great way to explore the intersection between mindfulness, Jewish wisdom, and recovery in a welcoming, safe environment.
Mark your calendar to join us live (but if you find you can't make it, all meditations are recorded). See details here on how to get the Zoom link and access recordings.
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Follow JAAN on social media by
clicking the icons below!
Here is a post we featured back in July with a link to a powerful video that illustrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that harm reduction practices are life-saving.
With the opioid crisis raging, and skyrocketing overdose rates made even worse with all the fentanyl and xylazine on the streets, we need to work harder than ever to keep people alive so they can have the opportunity to join the over 22 million Americans who are in recovery.
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We’ve posted frequently about overdose prevention centers and the evidence-based practices they employ to help people who use drugs stay safe, alive, as healthy as possible, and connected to resources — increasing the likelihood that they may one day find a pathway to recovery.
Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) are often misunderstood, maligned, and incorrectly blamed for an increase in drug use, crime, and costs. In reality, OPCs have proven highly effective in not only saving lives and helping people get the care they need, but also in saving money.
This video by Drug Policy Alliance shows us the life-saving work that happens inside a typical overdose prevention center so that the public can better understand their strategies and effectiveness.
Give it a watch here.
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JAAN is on
Facebook, Instagram,
and LinkedIn!
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Like us! Follow us!
It's easy, just click on the icons below!
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Join us in helping erase the stigma and shame associated with addiction so more Jewish individuals and families can find comfort and support in their communities. | |
Make your tax-deductible donation online here. | | | | |
