Our Jewish Recovery

For decades, the only available addiction support groups — including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous — were rooted in Christian tradition. Our Jewish Recovery (OJR) exists to help Jews who are struggling with all kinds of addictions find strength, hope, and clarity to move forward — without needing to check their Jewish identity at the door.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, overdose deaths surged during the pandemic, killing more than 100,000 Americans in the 12 months leading up to April 2021, higher than ever before. Alcohol consumption has skyrocketed. Overeating is rampant, made easier by so many working from home. Gambling and use of pornography have also risen significantly.

The Jewish community is not immune to these struggles. Founded in 2019, OJR has become a key lifeline and support group for Jews and their loved ones all over the world who are yearning for a better life. Through OJR, Jews struggling with addiction are able to ask themselves, ‘How can we find the strength we need to grow and find hope for a better tomorrow?’

Recovery meetings are the heartbeat of OJR’s programming. Currently, OJR offers 12 recovery meetings each week and when people come, they share experiences, strength, and hope with others who are walking similar paths toward healing. Meetings are confidential and safe opportunities for people to be heard, process whatever they’re carrying, and find inspiration and support from fellow recovery travelers.

As OJR grows to meet the evolving needs of its stakeholders, it is cementing its status as a vital resource in the global Jewish community.