JACS Library - Literature

JACS: Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others

JACS LIBRARY - LITERATURE

Yes Virginia, There Are Jewish Alcoholics

From the United Synagogue Review Spring 2002
www.uscj.org

by Maxine Uttal and Jill Kaplan

The one who saves a life saves an entire universe." These words from the Talmud are the motivating ideology of JACS: Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others. This international mutual help network is not only for Jews suffering from addiction to drugs and alcohol, but for their family and friends as well. Since its inception 22 years ago, JACS has enabled thousands of Jews to help each other overcome the ravages of chemical dependency "one day at a time."

Historically, the Jewish community has been in denial that such problems affect Jews. The age-old adage "a shikker is a goy" implied that only non-Jews become alcoholics, and it remains the prevailing belief about alcoholism and drug addiction. This leaves the estimated 10% of the Jewish population affected by substance abuse in isolation, and many have found the Jewish community unresponsive.

In addition to creating a warm, nurturing community for recovering Jews, JACS is committed to eradicating false perceptions about chemical dependency that have prevented those Jews from getting help, support and compassionate acceptance from their communities. It also encourages synagogues and Jewish community centers to host meetings for 12 Step recovery fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These meetings, usually held in churches, provide the best hope for recovery for most substance abusers. Nevertheless, the fact that they are most often held in churches only helps bolster denial in the Jewish community.

This Fall, the 46th JACS semi-annual, weekend retreat was held in the Catskills. Up to 300 individuals participate in these retreats, coming from across the continent and around the world. To date, more than 6,000 people have attended. Spiritual Retreats offer a variety of Jewish-oriented recovery workshops and religious services along with 12 Step recovery meetings. The weekends are remarkable for the participation of Jews from every denomination, each respecting the other's practice of Judaism and supporting each other's recovery. The 47th JACS Spiritual Retreat will take place May 3-5, 2002.

In an effort to help rabbis deal with chemical dependency in their communities, JACS sponsors intensive Rabbinical Training Courses in conjunction with the four major seminaries in the New York City area. In addition, rabbis are invited to attend the Spiritual Retreats to experience first hand what recovering Jews need and to become sensitive to the needs of addicts in their communities. Over the years, the organization has educated more than 1,000 rabbis, representing every denomination.

Throughout the year, JACS facilitates opportunities for members to connect with one another, coordinating events such as Spiritual Days, day-long workshops that include 12 Step recovery meetings, Jewish meditation, and rabbis who draw upon traditional Jewish sources to illuminate concepts emphasized in 12 Step programs. The group also organizes Jewish holiday-themed programs such as "Sober Seders."

In 1999, JACS began a Teen Network, which provides support and encouragement for teens in recovery or in need of recovery, as well as for teens who have grown up in a home with an addicted or alcoholic family member. The Teen Network meets monthly and holds its own retreat at the same time as the adult retreat. The JACS Speakers Bureau presents special programs for synagogues, schools, and youth groups from all movements. JACS members, in recovery themselves and specially trained, discuss their own experiences and strategies to avoid addiction.

A library of resources on Judaism, recovery and other relevant topics is featured on the JACS website. Visitors can download literature on Jews and addiction; articles on Judaism, recovery and the 12 Steps; and even a Passover recovery Haggadah. It also includes links to other recovery websites and Jewish websites, and has listings of Jewish recovery meetings across the country.

Maxine Uttal, former Director of the organization, currently serves as consultant to JACS.

Jill Kaplan is the JACS Coordinator.