Monthly Archives: January 2011
Stop Making Excuses and Start Taking Responsibility for Your Actions
By Jaron Zanerhaft My roommate returned yesterday evening from his home where he had spent the previous night, and the first thing he told me upon his return was that he had had a “freelapse” earlier that afternoon. He walked … Continue reading
Filed under addiction, Beit T'Shuvah, Sobriety
Let Our Hearts and Minds Not Be Fooled By Subtle Forms of Slavery
By Gregory D. Metzger As God’s first act in the Torah, we learn that separating the light from darkness is of primary importance. Distinguishing between good and bad, between light and darkness is a challenge in a world colored by … Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, Judaism, Torah
Energy Drinks in Rehab: Why Can’t I Have Them?
By Ben Spielberg Taurine. Guarana. Ginseng. Ginkgo Biloba. Are these real words or am I just talking crazy talk? On the contrary, not only are these real words, but they are also ingredients commonly found in most energy drinks. You … Continue reading
Filed under addiction, Beit T'Shuvah, Current Events, Sobriety
Gala? What Gala?!
By Ben Spielberg Beit T’Shuvah’s annual Gala is quite possibly one of the most exciting events of the year! But with all of the surf therapy, alumni Torah studies, acting groups, marathons, and musicals, how could this be, you ask? … Continue reading
Filed under Beit T'Shuvah, BTS Communications, Current Events, Gala, Gratitude
Santa Monica Suicide and Societal Pressures of Perfection
We are all so “driven to distraction” and comfortable in denial that it takes a catastrophe to focus our attention on self-examination and problem solving. Last week we were forced to confront our collective insanity acted out by a lone … Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, Judaism, Torah
To the Governor of Alabama: Show Some Respect
FROM RABBI MARK BOROVITZ REGARDING TODAY’S LOS ANGELES TIMES STORY ABOUT THE GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA: “In today’s Los Angeles Times there is a story about the new Governor of Alabama saying that anyone who doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ as … Continue reading
Filed under Current Events
Okay, Okay. I’m Finally Sober… Now What Do I Do?
By Ben Spielberg Three months ago to this day I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do with my life. I had conceivably failed at everything I had tried—I was a barely passable musician, I couldn’t pick up … Continue reading
Filed under 12-Steps, addiction, Beit T'Shuvah, Sobriety
Do You Have a Gambling Problem, a Love Problem, or a Drug Problem? Yes.
By Michael Soter Yesterday, I went to a Gambling symposium at The Courtyard Marriott. I went with two other Beit T’shuvah residents to speak to a room of 30 therapists about compulsive gambling. I was different than resident A and … Continue reading
Filed under addiction, Beit T'Shuvah, Compulsive Gambling, Sobriety
Judaism in Aronofsky’s Black Swan
Image via Wikipedia By Michael Soter Saturday night, I went to see Darren Aronofsky’s new film, Black Swan. It is the story of a naïve, perfectionist ballet dancer cast into the role of both The White Swan and The Black … Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, Judaism
