A rabbi, a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction treatment, and many recovering Jewish people share their experience with and understanding of the twelve Jewish steps of recovery from addiction of all kinds based on conversations with each other--and with God. Twelve Jewish Steps to Recovery explains how the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is relevant for Jewish people. Many Jewish people see the Twelve Steps as "Christian" and have difficulty relating to the Steps as Jews. The authors present the Twelve Steps in a Jewish context. In a spiritually supportive way, Rabbi Olitzky and Dr. Copans resolve questions such as: Why are Jews uncomfortable with the Twelve Steps? How does the Jewish understanding of the material differ from the Christian understanding of it? Which Jewish sources explore the concepts of recovery and renewal? They present a Jewish perspective on the Twelve Steps and offer consolation, inspiration, and motivation for recovery through drawing on traditional Jewish sources and quoting from what recovering Jewish people say about their experiences. Artist Maty Grünberg's illustrations of the gates of the Old City of Jerusalem open each chapter of Twelve Jewish Steps to Recovery as the reader is welcomed into another stage of a Jewish Twelve Steps experience. These illustrations were selected to emphasize the relationship between heavenly and earthly in all our lives through the prism of Jerusalem. Editorial Reviews Review "If I were to recommend one book on the experience of addictive behavior, it would be this one...because it is universally authentic, compassionate and life-enhancing." -- Rabbi Earl A. Grollman, D.D., author of Living When a Loved One Has Died and In Sickness and in Health "This book is the first aimed directly at helping the addicted person and family. Everyone affected or interested should read it." -- Sheila B. Blume, M.D., C.A.C., Medical Director, Alcoholism, Chemical Dependency and Compulsive Gambling Programs, South Oaks Hospital, Amityville, NY From the Inside Flap For all people who would gain insight--and strength to heal--from Jewish tradition: All people who are in trouble with alcohol, drugs, or other addictions such as food, gambling, and sex Anyone seeking an understanding of the Twelve Steps from a Jewish perspective--regardless of religious background or affiliation Alcoholics and addicts in recovery Codependents Adult children of alcoholics Specialists in recovery and treatment