HAMSA Helps

Why should you attend our upcoming workshop exploring strategies to make your Passover Seder more meaningful? Program Manager Leslie Lubell tells us what makes the free, one-hour program so special. Register for the workshop on 3/18 at 7p so we can send you a Zoom link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1011058342755506 You'll leave inspired with a booklet filled with meditations, intention setting exercises, questions to spark discussion, readings, and more to help you connect with the story of Passover in a new, more meaningful way.

Thank you so much to Jewish Collaborative of Orange County, Our Jewish Recovery, and Beit T'Shuvah for co-hosting the first ever Jewish Recovery Retreat and inviting our program manager, Leslie Lubell, to be a part of the panel on Innovators in Jewish Recovery.

Are you looking for ways to make your Seder more meaningful? Would you like to use your favorite Hagaddah, but incorporate some new elements? We are so excited to partner with Rabbi Malka from 18Doors Atlanta for a webinar exploring the connection between the Jews' journey to liberation from slavery and the path to recovery. You'll leave with inspiration and a booklet with resources and ideas to help you put a new spin on your Seder. You don't identify as being in recovery or struggling with addiction? We can all relate to finding patterns in our lives or negative behaviors we want freedom from - this program is for any and all!

Mazel Tov to EBI (The Elaine Breslow Institute) at Beit T'Shuvah and the Program Manager, Kathryn Vischjager, for being recognized by The Slingshot Fund as one of their 10 to Watch for 2021! This list recognizes young organizations and projects that are responding to current needs in the Jewish community and beyond. Our program manager, Leslie Lubell, had the privilege of particiating in Beit T'Shuvah's week-long immersion program through EBI (The Elaine Breslow Institute) several years ago, so we've experienced first-hand the incredible work they are doing. Visit www.btsinstitute.org to learn more about the many opportunities for education and spiritual growth offered through EBI.

HAMSA's Information and Referral Specialist, Michelle Fox Day brings so much light into the lives of so many! Hanukkah is winding down, but Michelle's empathy and humor always shines bright!

Atlanta is lucky to have a resource like Jeff's Place as part of Chabad Intown. Rabbi Schusterman has created a safe space for people from all backgrounds to explore Jewish spirituality through the lens of recovery, shining a bright light into what are sometimes dark corners of our spirits.

While we have certainly made progress, stigma is still impacting the ways that the Jewish community perceives and addresses mental illness and addiction. We must talk about it openly in order to affect real change. Join HAMSA program manager and Atlanta native Leslie Lubell for the Women of Weber Series on Tuesday, 10/20 at 7:30 pm, when she will share some of her experience with mental illness and addiction and the ways stigma in the Jewish community impacted her. Perhaps more importantly, she'll discuss how today's Jewish community has the power to change the narrative and create a safe space for those struggling with these preventable, treatable diseases. Free event - click here to register and receive the Zoom link: www.weberschool.org/c/calendar-event-page/~occur-id/1615124

Join Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman as he journeys though the 12 Steps in a Spiritual Study Group. The groups starts TOMORROW evening so make sure to RSVP now. #jewishrecovery #12stepstorecovery

The world has held a lot of darkness in these last few months, but The light of the Hanukkah menorah reminds us of resilience and belief in something bigger than ourselves. Rebecca Stapel-Wax of Sojourn: Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity tells us how she inspires others by helping them find the light in their own journeys.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine - ASAM , substance abuse occurs in conjunction with intimate partner violence anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of the time. JF&CS Clinical Services has an amazing program called Shalom Bayit - Peace in the Home - which helps victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know are seeking support for a substance use disorder and/or being a victim of domestic violence, please reach out. We are here to help. 1-833-HAMSA-HELPS #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #wedorecover #SubstanceAbuseAwareness

Recovery is a serious matter - and also - everyone needs a good laugh to keep their spirits up. This is a great article about finding the laughter in otherwise dark situations.

The shamash candle on the Hanukkah menorah is the "helper," spreading light each night when another candle is added, and Atlanta is lucky to have many "helpers" in our community. On the second night of Hanukkah, we asked JumpSpark ATL Director Kelly Cohen how she and the Jumpspark team are helping and sharing light with teens and their families.

In finding recovery, people rediscover their light - but they can't do it alone. That's why HAMSA Helps is here to help, along with a network of local Jewish organizations who support recovery. Through collaboration, we're able to help people light the flame of recovery. In the spirit of Hanukkah, we're highlighting how we share our light with others, and we've asked some of our partners to join us. Tonight we'll start with our Program Manager Leslie - and we'll share another each night of Hanukkah. We're grateful for the unique network we have in Atlanta, and the power we have when we come together to support recovery!

William C. Moyers, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation shares powerful words about advocacy and coming together to continue the fight for Mental Health and Addiction Parity. #RecoveryMonth #wedorecover #CelebratingConnections

In honor of Recovery Month, HAMSA's Program Manager, Leslie Lubell talks with JIFLA Board Member, Laura Kahn. Treatment for addiction and mental illness often comes with financial barriers, and JIFLA's interest-free loan program can make quality treatment and follow up care more accessible. Laura tells us all about JIFLA, and Leslie shares her own experience utilizing this amazing local resource!

On September 26th, join Shatterproof and Grammy Award winner Melissa Etheridge, coast-to-coast, as we honor the strength and courage of those impacted by addiction.

A fascinating insight into observing the most holy day in the Jewish year, Yom Kippur, from a harm reduction viewpoint.

As you start navigating the process of recovery, other disorders may start to intensify. Finding the right treatment program to support co-occurring disorders can make the difference between achieving lasting recovery and probable relapse. If you or a loved one need support finding the best treatment for what you are struggling with, please reach out. HAMSA Helps Information and Referral team is here to help you navigate the treatment landscape and finding the best possible fit for your needs.

Feeling confused about the High Holidays? What is the difference between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? This article from Promises Austin gives a clear explanation on the holidays, rituals and traditions and how they relate to recovery.

HAMSA has had the pleasure of working with Alexandria Sherwin since the beginning of her journey in March, 2019, and it's been an honor to watch her life in recovery unfold. In honor of Recovery Month, we asked Alexandria, "what does recovery mean to you?" Her answer truly encapsulates what recovery is all about. We are so proud of you, Alexandria! We know the future holds great things for you, and we're grateful to you for sharing part of your story with us. #RecoveryMonth #recoveryhappens