Rabbi Joshua Corber leads JACS’s Purim gathering at Omnitsky Kosher on March 1. (photo from JACS)
JACS’s holiday programming initiative kicked off with Purim at JACS, held at Omnitsky Kosher March 1. While Jewish Addiction Community Services’ focus is on families and individuals, the initiative, which is sponsored by the Betty Averbach Foundation, shifts the emphasis toward community reach. By using major Jewish holidays as entry points, it aims to reduce stigma, build awareness and create meaningful pathways for individuals who would not otherwise engage with addiction-support services. Jewish ritual, learning, recovery-aligned reflection and opportunities for social connection are offered in an inclusive setting.
“Our goal is to change Jewish holidays from potentially isolating or triggering experiences into powerful sources of dignity, belonging and spiritual empowerment,” said Rabbi Joshua Corber, director of JACS.
An alcohol-free event – which is especially important on Purim, notorious for excessive drinking – Purim at JACS combined a traditional meal with a deep dive into the Megillat Esther. The purpose was to discover the recovery wisdom encoded in the story of Purim. Corber led the event and focused on a commentary on Esther known as the Mechir Yayin.
Penned by the Rema, Rabbi Mosher Isserles (Krakow, 1530-1572), the Mechir Yayin offers a unique interpretation of the story as an allegory for “the days of one’s life from youth until old age.” It focuses on the human struggle with one’s emotions and their material cravings, which evolve into the pursuit of morality and wisdom. This narrative tracks well with the trajectory of recovery, not only from substance abuse, but from many behavioural and emotional disorders as well.
“The Rema is known mainly for his important halakhic commentary on Shulchan Arukh. In the Torah world, he’s a pretty big deal. So, the fact he quietly wrote such a profound commentary on Esther is wild,” Corber said. “You will never see the Megillah the same way after learning it…. Addiction is a spiritual disease, and these events cement my theory that the spiritual lessons of Judaism and the spiritual messages of recovery are one and the same.”
Many who attended Purim at JACS reported being profoundly impacted by the Rema’s message; others felt relief at having found a supportive space for themselves within the Jewish community. To connect with JACS, go to jacsvancouver.com or call 604-416-4164.
– Courtesy JACS