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JAAN | Jewish Addiction Awareness Network logo

Understanding Addiction from a Jewish Perspective

Understanding Addiction from a Jewish Perspective

ACROSS THE U.S. AND CANADA, millions of individuals grapple every day with addiction. This disease is having a devastating impact on lives, families, and entire communities — including Jewish communities.

While battling addiction, Jewish individuals and families must also confront the stigma and shame associated with a disease so misunderstood. The myth that Jews do not suffer from addiction as much as other groups often leaves families and individuals feeling isolated and disconnected from their friends, congregations, and communities. We’re changing that.

Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN) connects families and individuals to information, support, tools, and Jewish perspectives to help them face addiction and work toward recovery. Through partnerships, community-building, outreach, and education, we are helping Jewish communities better understand substance use disorder, as well as the power of Jewish traditions and wisdom in providing comfort and guidance.

If you or someone you love is living with addiction or in recovery, know this: You are not alone. And we will no longer be silent.

Upcoming Events & Resources

It Happens Here: Let's Talk About Addiction & Mental Health

It Happens Here: Let's Talk About Addiction & Mental Health

A JAAN workshop for Jewish clergy and commual professionals. Jewish communities must find ways to provide support and inclusion for those affected by subtance use disorcer and addictions of all kinds. That supports starts with a better understanding. Online and in person options are available. Learn more about bringing this in-demand workshop to your community.


Online Meditations

Online Meditations

Join us for free quarterly recovery-focused online meditations sponsored by JAAN and hosted by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Our next session is on Thursday, September 28, 2023 (9:30 am PDT/12:30 pm EDT) - Everyone is welcome! For the full 2023 schedule and to learn how to access these meditations, click here.


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Our Story

JAAN grew out of one Jewish family’s experience with addiction and the stigma that left them feeling isolated and disconnected from their community.

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Read our story

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Programs

Explore programs JAAN develops with Jewish organizations, agencies, clergy, and professionals to increase understanding of substance use disorder and other addictions, reduce stigma, help families and individuals, and support those in recovery.

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Learn more

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Blog

Browse through insightful posts from guest bloggers, sharing their experiences with substance use disorder, recovery, and Judaism.

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Read more

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Resources

JAAN continually researches and locates resources and events across the U.S. and Canada for Jewish families and individuals grappling with addiction, as well as the communities and congregations that serve them.

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Addiction is a Jewish issue. We’re working to address it.