Drug abuse is not something often spoken about in the Jewish community, yet it does exist. And it?s a problem that could grow unchecked.
A friend of mine, a synagogue chazan (cantor), is trying to help his 15-year-old son win a fight against abuse. It was Friday night at the synagogue when he told me:
"I had to call the police again today." I studied the Chazan's face as we spoke; usually he had a mischievous smile, a look that made you feel that he was about to play a practical joke of some kind. Today he looked different, his face was pasty white, and that twinkle in his eye was gone, replaced by dark gray bags. His hands were shaking as he continued. "There was a knife in his hand. He threatened his mother with it. Said he was going to stab her and then cut his wrists."
There was a knife in his hand. He threatened his mother with it.
He said that things had calmed down after the police had left, but he was worried what was happening at home now, while he was leading the Shabbat services.
I was flabbergasted. My friend's son is a good boy, with a good heart and a deep concern for those who have no one to fight for them. He used to baby sit for my kids on Saturday nights. Threatening violence was so out of character. Sure I heard grumbling from my friend about his son not completing schoolwork nor doing tasks around the house when asked. But I had always attributed them to basic father-son stuff.
As I went back to my seat, I realized that over the last couple of months, things did seem to be deteriorating. The boy seemed to have fallen in with a bad crowd, a crowd that would hang out on the Chazan's front lawn at all hours of the night. One Friday evening, the boy invited 75 of his closest friends over. The police had to be called to disperse the kids.
This past summer his parents sent him to USY on Wheels with the hope that he would find some nicer friends, but he got thrown out because he was insubordinate and wouldn't follow the camp rules. Upon arriving back home, the downward slide accelerated. He would just go AWOL, and more than once my friend had to file a missing person's report.
Of course, all this activity started the congregation rumor mill. Because of my friendship with the Chazan, people would come up to me and say, "I just want to let you know what I heard...? In some cases people showed genuine concern for the chazan and his family, but other times the report ended with, "It doesn't look good for the synagogue." Almost as if graduating from a seminary made one immune from family issues.
COURT ACTION
As the school year went on, truancy became an issue. The kid's failure to go to school, follow basic family rules, or show any respect for his parents were causing an increasing amount of incidents at home. It seemed like both sides were digging in. The parents would say: "You are 15 you can't just go out when ever you want." The son would say that he was tired of living in the fishbowl of being a chazan's child, and that his parents needed to show him some respect.
Worse yet, a once close family seemed to be splitting apart at the seams. One daughter was getting stomach pains every time there was an argument. My friend's wife had to be rushed to the hospital with heart pains after a major blowout. It seemed like the rest of the kids were taking sides.
The school district was getting involved. My friend got a call from the dean of students: Their son was truant and failing out of school. Habitual truancy results in the Family Court finding a way to force the child into school, usually via some sort of group home. The dean offered the option of putting the boy in the district's PINS program (PINS = People In Need of Supervision). Designed to avoid the courts, PINS provides a probation officer for the kid. The probation officer draws up a document that describes the child's issues, and an action plan for how to address them. The officer, parents and child all sign the document, and they all get to work straightening things out.
The kid refused to sign and tore up the document in front of the judge.
There was only one problem. The kid refused to sign. Worse than that, he tore up the document in front of the judge.
Judges aren't big on insubordination, even from a troubled teenager. The 15-year-old was led away in handcuffs, crying out to his parents: ?Why did you let them do this to me?" He was placed in a county detention center run by a local church to spend the weekend. While such facilities serve an important purpose, they are no place for a Jewish kid. He was ridiculed for not bowing his head during grace or going to church. And even though one of the fights with his folks was resisting Jewish practices, he was being served non-kosher meals and was not happy about it.
After a few days in the detention center, he signed the document. The judge told him to go to school and follow family rules. Any deviation from this, and he would be sent away.
Now it was four days before the next court appearance. The police had made another visit (the knife-threat incident), and the chazan was afraid this might mean his son gets sent away for a long time.
RED EYES
After services, my wife and I dropped our kids home and went to our friends to try to lend support. As we sat around the dining room table, they told us that there was another element to the problem. More than a matter of disobedience, they were convinced their son was using drugs. "Come on," I said. "He?s a good kid. Drugs? That's not a Jewish problem!"
Fighting back the tears, they went on to say that when the boy was in his room, even on the coldest of days, they would sometimes hear the fan blowing and see the windows open. At times his eyes were beet red, something they had usually attributed to allergies. And then they?d found some pipes. What they had suspected for a while, they were now sure.
What they had suspected for a while, they were now sure.
As we were leaving, the chazan pointed out a van parked in front of his house. He said they were his son's friends waiting for him to sneak out. The hatch was open and there were kids sitting in the back of the van smoking pot.
The next day the Chazan went on a quest. "Isn't there a Jewish treatment facility? Anywhere?" No one knew. Drug abuse is not something that gets talked a lot about in the Jewish community -- our kids don't become addicts. Anyone that he talked to had no idea of where to send a Jewish child for help.
Finally, the Chazan called to tell me that through an amazing string of coincidences he discovered that there is only one Jewish residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in the entire United States, the Yatzkan Center. It is privately funded and located on the grounds of Brunswick Hospital in Amityville, New York. The center is run under the guidance of Abraham Twerski -- the psychiatrist and professor who is recognized as one of the country?s leading authorities on substance abuse. He has written over 20 books, and has lectured all over the world on the problem of chemical dependency. And to top it all off, he is an ordained rabbi, directly descended from the saintly Baal Shem Tov.
At family court, my friend was able to have his troubled teen assigned to Yatzkan. He left for the center on Monday morning, and of course arrived with a bang. When the staff searched his luggage (standard procedure for new patients), they found a stash of marijuana, pain killers, hallucinatory mushrooms, you name it.
It would be a long road ahead.
HUMAN PROBLEMS
At Yatzkan, the staff takes time to answer questions and provide much-needed support to the entire family. Unlike the county facility, he was now amongst other Jewish teens, learning how to cure this addictive disease. The teens come from all corners of the U.S., from all denominations and all levels of observance. To accommodate everyone, only kosher food is served and Shabbat observed in public spaces, although religion is not forced upon anyone.
The program at Yatzkan is the traditional AA 12-Step Program with a Jewish twist. On average, the program lasts 10 months and Rabbi Twerski?s program has a success rate of an amazing 80%, far above most other long-term residential facilities, and almost double that of the standard 28-day detox centers. Every Sunday there is a family counseling session where the entire family tries to work through the problems associated with drug abuse.
Most of all he urges the Jewish community not to sweep the problem under the carpet.
I recently read a piece that Rabbi Twerski wrote, published by JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others - www.jacsweb.org). In the article, Rabbi Twerski discredits the fairy tale that Jews don't drink alcohol or take drugs. He warns of the "growing malignancy" that is alcohol and other chemical abuse. Unchecked it can kill the abuser, break up families and eventually destroy a community. He urges clergy education programs, to teach Clergy and other Jewish professionals to counsel people with problems. Most of all he urges the Jewish community not to sweep the problem under the carpet, and to recognize that the disease exists, even in our own homes.
Now my friend is compelled to tell his son's story. As a clergyman, he feels that he should be using the pulpit to drive the point home, to tell people "don't ignore the warning signs.? He might have found help for his son, but there are others who haven't.
Jews have always had issues, and it is our tradition to talk about and learn from them. Didn't the patriarchs have problems? Abraham had to discipline Ishmael. Rebecca had to contend with Esav. Even King David's sons were trying to overthrow dear old dad.
The fact that our biblical heroes were humans with human problems make their closeness to God that much more within our reach. The Torah talks frankly about their problems, and maybe we are to learn a lesson from that, too.
God willing, the Chazan and his family will continue to heal. His son has another eight months to go, and every day is a struggle with that awful disease. We pray that his is another success story.
As a privately funded center, Yatzkan is extremely expensive to run ($6,000 per month for each resident). But unlike others who demand full payment before admitting anyone, Yatzkan openly states that: "No Jewish youth will be turned away for financial reasons." It is through tzedakah, the generosity of private individuals, that Yatzkan is able to adhere to this policy and offset expenses.
To help, donations can be sent to:
The Yatzkan Center
C/O The Wartburg Adult Care Community
Wartburg Place, Building #4
Mount Vernon, New York 10552.
(34) Angelika Dumanski, November 2, 2019 8:37 PM
Do you have a book I can read and help others...
I help others in Drug addiction,and see the failure in how out country observes to help...
(33) Shalom-jewish-recovery-institute, May 30, 2016 1:47 AM
Thanks AISH FOR POSTING ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE.
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(32) Matthew, March 28, 2016 1:19 AM
SHALOM JEWISH RECOVERY INSTITUTE
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(31) Anonymous, September 13, 2013 4:12 PM
I am looking for a facility in NY that offers in. Patient and out patient care for my son.
I have a top insurance plan but unfortunatley it's with Oxford. I am looking for a 30 day in patient facility in NY preferably on Long Island for my son. I am also looking for a residential rehab facility where my 20 year old son can stay for counseling. He is being released. From South Oaks after only 8 days and he is not ready. If there is a Jewish based facility that would be great bit any facility that has a good reputation would be fine. Any ideas?
(30) Anonymous, February 7, 2012 1:34 AM
jewish rehabs
I just want to say that I know a couple of acquaintances who have gone to Torah and the Twelve Steps, Rabbi Burns' rehab posted above, who are still sober to this day. They have never succeeded before in any other rehab and I totally attribute their success to this wonderful program. Thank you!
(29) Anonymous, January 11, 2012 7:50 PM
there are other centers
that there is only one Jewish residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in the entire United States, the Yatzkan Center." Aish's hatred of Chabad is so strong that they would hide valuable information jjust because it's a credit to Chabad. CHABAD REHAB CENTER IN LA HAS BEEN SERVING PATIENTS SINCE 1972
(28) Kevin, April 10, 2011 1:02 PM
Many Jews have prescription drug problems.
I am a pharmacist here in NY, and have been for the past 12 years. I have noticed that many of my customers who have prescription drug addictions are of the Jewish faith. What surprised me is that I was under the impression this was not a Jewish problem. I have been enlightened. The type of drug addictions I see are to the narcotic family (Vicodin, Oxycontin, morphine), and to the benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin). The Jew seems to be as vulnerable as the non-Jew.
(27) Barbara de Normandie, September 14, 2010 7:10 PM
New Option To Brind Judaism to Our Youth in Non-Jewish RTCs
Many of our at-risk adolescents are in non-Jewish therapeutic residential programs. We are a not-for-profit* organization bringing Jewish cultural programs to adolescents and young adults in long-term therapeutic centers, public and private educational institutions, juvenile correctional facilities, and youth organizations. As facilitator and catalyst, we also offer staff training and resources to parents, students, and professionals.
(26) Rabbi Israel Burns, September 11, 2008 10:11 PM
Jewish Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Florida
I would like to offer a new solution we just launched in South Florida - Torah and the Twelve Steps. We offer treatment for Jewish individuals with substance abuse issues. Feel free to contact me.
(25) Anonymous, January 9, 2006 12:00 AM
jewish teens with behavior problems
where does a jewish parent turn when they need help with an uncontrolable teen? HELP.
Roman, January 10, 2012 3:45 PM
Drug abuse.
Hi, we are desperately trying to help our younger brother who has a problem with drug addictions. I was told that there are certain jewish organizations that can help people in similar situations and therefore I, his brother started looking for such places. We are truly hoping that he can be influenced and turn his life around and yet he does want to go out for help. If there is any information ou can provide or a refferal to such facility would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Roman 718-974-1996
(24) LYNNE PRETZFELD, December 17, 2004 12:00 AM
WOULD LIKE INFO
I would like info on any facilities (residential) for Jewish teens with behavior problems.
(23) Elisheba, March 24, 2004 12:00 AM
Addiction Takes Many Forms
Drugs are a very important problem,of course, but addicts also use such releases as sex in order to fill their empty souls. They generally prey on compassionate people who have already been wounded in some way, thus causing additional pain and suffering to innocents. This is something that must be understood. Addiction takes many forms.
(22) Anonymous Jew, May 19, 2003 12:00 AM
Jewish Addicts
I was searching for something else entirely but was happy to come accross this article. Looks like it's about six months old however. I was not aware that addiction was so taboo in our comunities until I realized that I am one. I'm glad that there is more and more awareness about the subject. Unfortunately, I cannot speak publicly about it because it will affect "shidduchim". JACS and yatzkan are both unbelievable and I owe them both a debt of gratitude for saving my life and the life of many of my friends.
(21) Jerry Sutton, November 4, 2002 12:00 AM
Jewish recovery house
I read with interest your article on the Yatzkan Center. I am the Executive Director of House of Hope, a recovery house for Jewish men in Baltimore Maryland.House of Hope admits jewish men 18 and over who are in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Many times we are a continuation of recovery after people leave treatment centers such as the Yatzkan Center. Visit our website at www.houseofhope.net
(20) shulamis green, June 15, 2002 12:00 AM
there is a rehab in givat shemesh israel called retorno for religious youth. email me for more info.
retorno, a rehab, catering to the religious public is located in givat shemesh, israel.
it is an 8-10 month residential facility with intensive treatment; private, group, and family therapy. visiting parents stay on campus and are encouraged to come 2-3 times during treatment. check out our website at www.retorno.org
(19) josh g, June 12, 2002 12:00 AM
Looking for mentor support
I dont think that there's much doubt that early recognition is the best way to battle this issue - and halt it perhaps before a clinic is needed. I am 22 years old and spend a great deal of time mentoring "teens at risk" and feel that doing so is one of the greatest potential openings to prevent or minimize such situations. Kids are more open with someone closer to their age, who is not a family memeber, and whom thay can trust. However - I often feel I am in over my head and wish, in addition to my rebbe. that I had a basic guide to the drug related issues...this article is a great start, and I would appreciate more like it.
(18) Anonymous, March 18, 2002 12:00 AM
Drug Abuse and Jewish Children
As a jewish parent with two children,it amazed me that when my oldest child at 16 was acting up...doing drugs and being
intorable to be with, I had such a hard time finding help in our community. I live in California...and yet the Yatzkan was there in my old hometown of Amityville. Funny how things come round full circle. I wish I knew. It took five years and endless counselors, therapists and pych. doctors before we found out the real reason for his behavior. He was almost 19 when he threatened to committ suicide. He finally asked for the help I tried to get him and he had refused all those years. He went to an inpatient mental ward of the hospital and was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Now we had a name for this. I had blamed myself knowing good and well that my other son was the extreme opposite of this first child. I had gone to our temple for help, but ended up having an embarrasing few sessions with my son acting out of control. We didn't go back. This was a great article. Thank you. Sherri
(17) Devorah Levine, March 10, 2002 12:00 AM
other jewish drug rehab facilities
You may be interested to know that there are other residential Jewish treatment centers in the United States, specifically in California. They are:
(1) Chabad Residential Treatment Center 323-965-1365
(2) Beit Teshuva which is run by the Jewish Federation of LA.
I hope that this is helpful!
(16) Dennis Brown, March 9, 2002 12:00 AM
The article was very informative but there are others who work with Jewish addicts. I run an outpatient center in Los Angeles.
(15) Anonymous, March 9, 2002 12:00 AM
Knowledge is the cure
This topic is often times subject to lack of discussion. Knowledge of what has, and can really happen is the edge. I have had a couple friends who have recently passed away as a result of overdosing, but seldom do I find someone in our community who knows what really caused thier death. Drugs are a silent killer of many people we know, but knowing about the risks and educating others beforehand can save a great deal of pain to families.
Kudos to Aish.com for placing such an article on their website!
(14) Anonymous, March 7, 2002 12:00 AM
Jewish drug treatment facility
There is another Jewish drug treatment facility. I know because the non-profit agency I work for (Jewish Vocational Service) provides career counseling to residents there. The center is called Beit T'Shuvah, and it's in West Los Angeles.
(13) Anonymous, March 7, 2002 12:00 AM
Drugs are bad...
Reading this intriguing essay brought up some dire memories of the experiences with drugs peers of mine have, some of which who’re close friends to myself. In the beginning of new millennium, a guy from United States, and then living and studying in Har Nov died from drug overdose, he was only about 18 years old back then. He is not the only example.
There is a widespread practice (even a costume) among religious Jews to send their teenage kids to Israel for year(s) to “learn”. Learning, however, is not the prime reason for this journey. It could be as easily accomplished in states. One of the main reasons for this itinerary is to make a child independent (which can never be achieved in parent’s home), and help a kid to leave perpetuated state of immaturity and flippancy.
But what parents don’t know is the fact that many of these teenagers indulge themselves in a sheer amount of drugs ranging from Marlboro pack to cocaine.
One may ask, “Why does it happen? He is a good kid…what is he doing in Jerusalem Drugs and Narcotics Prevention Institute? When he suppose to go over Rashi with a havrusa of his”
The crux of the problem is the word “independence”, which I mention few lines above. Coming to Israel, seventeen years adolescents start to perceive themselves as independent, grown up entity. Some of them even say to themselves, “well, now, I’m a big boy…. mother’s good heart admonitions don’t apply to me anymore…. let’s do something cool.” These guys start to succumb to different things, never mind the breaking of the very discipline of Torah that was inculcated in them from the age of one. As time progresses, drugs, prostitutes, sex come about. Many think that sex in a myth among religious American youth in Israel. It’s not. There is more copulation among these religious youth in Israel than in well-known Morrow H.S. All one have to do is to read annual statistics to see the absence of sh’hina among these teens.
Parents should think twice before sending his kid on this boisterous journey.
(12) Betty Cherniak, March 6, 2002 12:00 AM
MASK support groups help parents of teens at risk
Thank you for having the courage to open this topic up for discussion. Without this openness, the teens in trouble and their families have very little hope of getting the help they need. One organization dedicated to helping them is MASK (Mothers and Fathers Aligned Saving Kids), which now has chapters in many cities in the U.S. and abroad. MASK has a support group format, where parents can share their concerns under the supervision of a social worker or psychologist), discuss their problems and get the advice of others, and move toward getting help.
Thanks again for the wonderful article.
(11) Rikki Davidson, March 5, 2002 12:00 AM
i would just like to say thank you for displaying this article. i have a cousin who is presently at the Yatzkan center, and i owe so much to them; and to you to for making this subject aware in our communities. thank you.
(10) Ronnie, March 4, 2002 12:00 AM
Al-Anon, JACS
Having been involved in 12-Step Recovery for the families of alcoholics and drug-addicted persons whether they be children, parents, spouses or any relatives, I wanted to share my experience and tell you of the strength and hope to be found at Al-Anon meetings. By practicing the 12-steps ourselves, we discover that there is no problem too great to be solved. We gain knowledge and understanding. We share and are comforted by others with the same problems, some far worse than our own. Unfortunately, most meetings are offered in Church basements and not at synagogues sometimes making it uncomfortable for Jewish family members to seek help. There is another organization working hard for Jewish families, called JACS (Jewish Alocholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others. Although it is not specifically a 12-step program, they run workshops, spiritual retreats and do encourage participation in 12-step meetings, both AA and AL-Anon. One of their booklets states "It can happen to Jews. We know. It happened to us." Drug abuse and alcoholism besides being a devasting physical, psychological and spiritual disease for the addicted, is also a very painful disease for the family. It is a disease of relationships.
(9) Anonymous, March 4, 2002 12:00 AM
verbal, emotional, physical abuse within the jewish community
a strong request, as a single, in the orthodox jewish community, is some articles that bring more exposure about various abuse within the orthodox jewish community. the dating stories and marriage stories heard and shared in confidence is alarming. the more education about this subject -- especially that abuse doesn't only have to be physical in nature, the more inappropriape engagements, marriages, and divorces can be prevented...not to mention the emotional and physical damage,trickled down to the children of an abusive marriage, that can be prevented. i'm finding many religious woman, who share their experiences quietly, are dating, engaged, married, or luckily divorced to men with very bad tempers...who break things, curse and call their women horrible names, blame the women for their violent behavior, and who are on the 'brink' of physical abuse. perhaps the male rabbis need to expose this topic some more within their speeches and classes.
(8) Anniteh Shatz (Zahne), March 3, 2002 12:00 AM
Understanding Their Pain
Having worked with aboriginal youth who have similair struggles, part of the problem is the individuals pain with self esteem and identity. The early teens are most difficult since it is a shocking transition from childhood to adult 'essence'. The reality of leaving the state of dependence to independence is frightening for teens. It is painful and that's when substance abuse comes into the picture for some. Pampering parents of a teen are most needed during this transition. Love in access is the best preventive. Lonliness needs to be replaced with inclusion in enriched family life.
(7) , March 3, 2002 12:00 AM
Biochemical needs.
An off overlooked aspect of drug addiction and propensity is nutrition. I've read that lack of Omega 3 oils and vitamin B complex can easily drive individuals subconsciously mad searching for seratonin and neurotransmitter "Fixes". While applying every socio-religios technique for refuah of these smitten mind-souls we must not forget the very substance that Hashem provided, and for which we give thanks---Food. It is our premier link to Hashem and health. Feed the children well.
(6) mark berkman, March 3, 2002 12:00 AM
Good article on a growing problem
Being orthodox does not mean that everyone is immune from problems. Another "problem" which is currently swept under the rug is mental illness. Too many times I have seen kids clearly in need of mental health help have their problems concealed so as to avoid "Shidduch" issues. Yet, these people, who have tremendous potential have display serious problems in adult life and always seem known, but not talked about. Every neshoma is valuable and we should seek to help all children with any problem they should have. I hope Mr. Dunetz will continue his articles in this regard. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away, it will only create more spiritual casualties.
(5) Deborah Betz, March 3, 2002 12:00 AM
I am very glad that there is a Jewish faciality to treat drug problem. But this not a new problem, it has been going on for the past 20 years and like mental illness, it is an issue which the Jewish community refuses to address.
I would recommend the movie "Requiem for a Dream" for a perspective on the drug problem in the Jewish community.. A point lost on many people who see this movie is that all the main characters, except one, are Jewish. It is a difficult movie... and a warning
(4) Joanne Millstone, March 3, 2002 12:00 AM
A Most Important Piece
Thank you for bringing the subject of alcoholism and addiction among Jews up. I had been involved in JACS and know that there is still a most unfortunate amont of denial and shaming in our community. Fortunately, things are changing and more of us are being encouraged to get the help we need, not only physical and emotional, but the spiritual help as well.
I'd like to thank the teachers I had who helped me get sober and stay sober one day at a time. They also helped me regain my Jewish identity and let go of my (prior) adversarial relationship with G-d.
Addicts and alcoholics are not bad people needing to be good, they are sick people needing to get well.
(3) Lynn Donovan, March 3, 2002 12:00 AM
Jewish families and addiction
My name is Lynn. I am Jewish and a recovering addict/alcoholic. I have been an active member of AA and NA since August 25, 1986. My brother is a former student and now staff member of Aish in Jerusalem. Last December I traveled to Israel to visit him and his family. While there I attended a few NA meetings. I had thougt prior to my trip that I might have a deep spititual experience like no other I had experienced so far in life just because I was in Jerusalem. But, that was not the case. I was at an NA meeting with other Jewish addicts. Many of which had studied Torah much longer than myself. But each of them had the same stories and the same struggles with staying clean and having a spiritual experience as my friends back home in NA and myself. Being Jewish and being in Israel had no more or less power in getting and staying clean than not being Jewish. I was a member of JAACS when I lived in Pennsylvania years ago. But, I always found myslef getting back in the traditional 12 Steps of the program as they are written for all addicts and alchoholics regardless or religion or lack of religion. The one benifit of JAACS and NA meetings in Jerusalem is that they destroyed and myths that I had that Jews could not be alchoholic or addicts. Today, with more than 15 years sobriety I look to Torah for deeper spiritual lessons and understanding of G-ds will for me and the people G-d puts in my life. But Judaism by itself could not get me clean and sober. Thank you for your article. I am forwarding it to my parents who so many years ago did not know where to look for help or understand the help available because we met in churches. My parents for the first 10 years of my sobriety feared I would convert to Christanity only for that reason. In the past five years more and more articles have been written about Jews seeking help through NA and AA. I will keep the cantor's son in my prayers.
(2) Arty Rosen, March 3, 2002 12:00 AM
I've been there ... how can I help?
Your story is touching and I have heard our stories before. I've tried to organize meetings here in this Jewish area but it seems that I always hear the same story which is; " My child would never go around with those types of people." That is kinda funny, do you really know your childrens friends ... I don't think so!
(1) Yael Gormezano, February 21, 2002 12:00 AM
thank you
Dear Mr. Dunetz,
I want to sincerely thank you for your well written essay on substance abuse. I am a twenty - year old Orthodox Jewish female and I have seen many cases of substance abuse in the Jewish and religious community. It is frustrating that so many Jews are in denial of this prevalent disease and that it is stigamatized as a character defect and a human weakness. I have seen addiction happen to my family members as well as young people that I have met from schools that I have attended. I have met other youth that have addiction in their families. All too often we equate a person's actions and problems with a person's essence. Addiction can happen to anyone at any point of his/ her life, regardless of religiosity, community, sex and socioeconomic conditions. It is through courage that we can individually and collectively break the silence that pervades the Jewish community on this issue. By doing so we can begin to heal as a community and we can begin to expand our resources so that we may save one more Jewish soul.