Jewish Community Recovery

Recovery and Teshuvah are both reparative processes. Teshuvah is "more than making amends and attaining forgiveness." (Nesivos Shalom) It goes beyond just erasing the negative; it should bring spiritual growth. Grow together with us during this time of making amends and being thoughtful about our actions.

The Zaakah Hotline will be open for all the upcoming holidays. Call or text to seek support.

A shared feature between recovery and Teshuvah is that of the effectiveness of the group over the individual. Research has shown that one-to-one therapy in addiction is not as effective as group meetings, much like communal prayer for forgiveness is superior to individual prayer. The most potent factor of a 12-Step meeting is that the group exerts a force that an individual cannot achieve. Jewish law states that tefillah b'tzibur, communal prayer, is far more effective than individual prayer. There are certain prayers that require a minyan, and this is where a person can be functional just by his existence. As with a minyan, just one's presence at a 12 Step meeting is functional, and one contributes to others' recovery just by attending a meeting, This contribution is crucial in emerging from the selfism of addiction. (Excerpted from Teshuvah Through Recovery by Rabbi Abraham Tweski)

We all have triggers – those moments that stir intense emotions. Instead of shying away from them, let's embrace the opportunity to understand ourselves better:

Self-Discovery: Identify what triggered you and dive into the underlying emotions. It's a pathway to self-awareness.

Emotional Healing: Confronting triggers enables you to heal past wounds and create a space for emotional growth.

Mindful Response: Recognize triggers as an invitation to respond mindfully rather than react impulsively.

In this month of Elul, as we reflect and look to improve ourselves, Let's encourage each other to embrace triggers as catalysts for personal evolution!

As we begin the countdown to the High Holidays and make our way through the Jewish month of Elul, it’s time to take stock in how our actions might have affected others. Apologies are bridges to healing and understanding. Here's a roadmap to help you navigate the art of a heartfelt apology:

1️⃣ Acknowledge the Impact: Recognize how your actions affected the other person. Show empathy and understanding.

2️⃣ Take Responsibility: Own up to your mistakes without making excuses. Accountability paves the way for genuine growth.

3️⃣ Express Regret: Sincerely express your regret for the hurt caused. Let your words come from a place of genuine remorse.

4️⃣ Make Amends: Offer ways to make things right, if possible. Actions speak louder than words.

5️⃣ Learn and Grow: Commit to learning from your mistake and taking steps to avoid repeating it.

Growth and transformation await beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone. Here's to stepping into the unknown, facing challenges, and discovering new strengths you never knew you had.

Take a moment -- what do you need right now?
💬comment what you need below!

How do you check in with yourself?
Start with taking a deep breath - tune in with the sensations that are happening in your body - what are you experiencing?

Confidence is not just a trait; it's a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Here are some important insights to understand in order to cultivate confidence:

Embrace Imperfections: It's okay to be imperfect. Embrace your flaws and unique qualities; they make you who you are.

Self-Compassion Matters: Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same love and understanding you'd offer a dear friend.

Embrace Challenges: See challenges as opportunities for growth, not as obstacles. You are resilient and capable of overcoming anything.

Believe in Your Abilities: Trust your skills and talents. You are capable of achieving great things.

Positive Self-Talk: Replace self-doubt with empowering self-talk. Tell yourself you can, and you will.

You've got this!

Let's talk about something important – our mindset! You know, sometimes we doubt ourselves, and it holds us back from reaching our full potential. But here's the thing: we have so much greatness within us. It's time to change that self-doubt to unshakable confidence. You are capable, worthy, and deserving of all the amazing things life has to offer. Believe in yourself, trust your strengths, and watch how your life transforms.

Amidst life's hustle and bustle, harnessing moments of relaxation and calmness becomes the key to unlocking your inner peace and true potential. Discover simple yet powerful ways to unwind and nurture your soul. Embrace the art of tranquility and let curiosity guide you to new dimensions of serenity!

It's important to recognize the distinction between controlling our emotions and suppressing them. While controlling allows us to manage our reactions, suppressing pushes emotions away without truly processing them. Let's explore the healthy balance of embracing and understanding our emotions.

It is possible to be this AND that

Remember, to be the best version of yourself for others, you must first take care of your own well-being. Prioritize self-care and nourish your mind, body, and soul, so you can pour love and support into the lives of those around you.

When you are gentle with yourself, you provide your system with the strength to handle whatever life throws your way. Embrace self-compassion as a powerful tool to navigate the external challenges with resilience.

Mid-week check in! How are you feeling today?

Gaslighting yourself often involves dismissing or downplaying your emotions, and convincing yourself that what you feel isn't valid or important. Acknowledge your feelings and remember that they are valid and worthy of attention. Trust your instincts and seek support if needed.

Choose your Monday mantra

How are you doing today?

Did you know that self-care breaks throughout the day can do wonders for your mental and emotional health?

Self-care breaks don't have to be extravagant; they can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, enjoying a cup of tea, or engaging in a mindfulness practice. It's about finding moments to recharge, reconnect, and show yourself the care you deserve.

What will you do on your self-care break today?

Let's take a moment to dive into the captivating world of success, where the surface only reveals a fraction of the story.

Imagine success as an iceberg, floating majestically in the vast ocean of possibilities. From afar, you witness its dazzling peak, gleaming under the sun, but there's so much more hidden beneath the surface.

Success isn't just about the accolades, the victories, or the visible accomplishments. It's a tapestry of resilience, determination, and unseen efforts that go into making dreams a reality. It's the setbacks, the lessons learned, and the unwavering belief in yourself.

What lies beneath your personal iceberg of success?

Life is made up of countless small victories, each deserving of celebration. Whether it's getting out of bed with determination, conquering a daunting task, or simply allowing yourself to do nothing and recharge, each step is a testament to your resilience. Embrace and cherish these achievements.

In the journey towards mental freedom, the first step begins within your mind. Take a moment to pause and become aware of the thoughts that constantly flow through your consciousness. Are they lifting you up, filling you with hope and positivity? Or are they inadvertently holding you back, creating self-doubt, and limiting your true potential? Recognize that it's human nature to encounter negative thoughts from time to time. However, the key to unlocking mental freedom lies in how we respond to them. Remember, you have the power to shape your thoughts and, in turn, transform your life.

Recovery looks different for everyone. Keep blooming at your own pace!

Our Jewish Community Recovery program has three 12-week ongoing recovery support groups professionally facilitated over Zoom that are open to New Yorkers of all backgrounds:

* Pathways in Recovery – For individuals looking to join a community of healing.
* Supporting the Pathways: Loved Ones in Recovery – For those with a loved one struggling with addiction.
* Food for Thought: Nourishing Recovery – For those experiencing restrictive, compulsive, or inflexible eating patterns, focusing on wellness and health.

We also have a Loss to Addiction support group for those who have lost a loved one to addiction or overdose.

Groups are holistic, engaging, and embedded with Jewish values. For more information on these groups, please contact us at [email protected] or 212-632-4790.

It doesn’t have to look the same as anyone else…how are you handling your challenges today?

Life is full of infinite possibilities, waiting for us to seize them with open arms. So, let's break free from self-imposed limitations and embrace the incredible potential that lies within us.

Are you someone who tends to give your all to others, often neglecting your own needs? It's time to reflect on the importance of finding balance and preserving your own well-being.

Remember, giving too much of yourself without replenishing your own energy can leave you feeling broken and scattered like puzzle pieces. It's essential to prioritize self-care and establish healthy boundaries to maintain your inner peace!

Kindness is the key! How will you celebrate yourself and and show yourself kindness today?