Developing Awareness of Chemical Use in the Jewish Community

Publication Date: December 1980

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Bruce Friedman

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Substance Abuse; Jewish Organizations; Rabbinic Counseling

Type: Report

Coverage: Minnesota

Abstract:

Historically Jews have not been strangers to the use of alcohol and drugs, as is attested by references in the Bible and their use has never been of much concern to the Jewish people. The concept of drunkenness is foreign to Jewish belief, as exemplified in Yiddish songs such as "Shikker is a Goy [A drunkard is a non-Jew]." Not until recently has the Jewish community begun to recognize that there is a problem relating to the Jew and alcohol and drug use. Parts of the community are denying that a problem exists. It is time to begin to raise the consciousness of the Jewish community as to the effects of these chemicals upon the individual and the family.

In Journal of Jewish Communal Service, v.57 no.2, Winter 1980.