JACS Traditions

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

JACS TRADITIONS

ANONYMITY IS THE SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION OF ALL OUR PROGRAMS (ever reminding us to place principles before personalities). Any information you give to JACS remains completely confidential, and our mailing lists are seen only by the office staff. If we are to be able to speak freely as we always have at meetings, we must be guided by the principles of Anonymity and the Jewish tradition respecting Loshon Hara, literally "evil speech". Gossip or Loshon Hara works against the principles of 12-step recovery discouraging the feelings of trust and safety we all need. We ask that as individuals, we do our best to respect anonymity and respect each other in order to continue to create a safe haven for us all. "What you see hear, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here."

LIVE AND LET LIVE: Perhaps the most remarkable feature of JACS retreats is the mutual respect we all have for one another. At JACS there is no correct way to worship and no correct way to be Jewish: We share and celebrate our similarities and differences, doing the JACS work of "tikun olam" (repairing the world) and the recovery work of repairing ourselves. We do observe the strictest Kashrut laws to ensure the comfort of those with the most stringent requirements. We are understanding of those members who do not touch people of the opposite sex, so please do not be offended if someone does not hold your hand or hug you, it is their tradition. Please help us to preserve this very precious tradition of tolerance. Unless you have been assigned to help at a religious event, please do not instruct anyone unless they specifically request your help. If you would like additional guidance regarding any religious practices please feel free to ask.

TAKE WHAT YOU LIKE AND LEAVE THE REST: JACS provides an opportunity for us, as Jews in recovery, to take a taste of Jewish practice of all kinds. Some of us may feel alienated from the Jewish community and may find the whole experience extremely emotional. The setting of Jewish worship may bring up family memories that, good or bad, may be difficult for us to handle. Attendance at 12 step meetings has given us the gifts of identifying with a group, of being willing to listen, of becoming open to experience and, through that experience, to change. We hope you will take from JACS what appeals to you and disregard what does not.