Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof:
Jewish Principles of Harm Reduction

The Jewish principle of pikuach Nefesh demands that we throw almost all rules aside in the pursuit of saving life. How do we apply that principle to substance use? Get some insight into this issue from Joel Dworkin, HAMSA Program Manager, JF&CS Atlanta, our Table Lodge speaker for our June 20, OLM at Congregation Or Hadash, 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs. 

We'll have snacks and schmoozing for HOD brethren at 7 p.m., followed by our OLM at 7:30. Our Table Lodge dinner and program should begin around 8:30 p.m., and it is open to HOD guests. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Dress is business casual.

In 2008, Joel entered an inpatient treatment center and then a wilderness therapy program for heroin addiction. It not only ended his drug use but fed his interest in working in the outdoor education and recovery fields. He worked at Camp Ramah of the Rockies for five years, helping them start a program for campers to learn about addiction and recovery. That sparked a chance for him to help start BaMidbar Wilderness Therapy in Colorado, a program for Jewish young adults struggling with mental health challenges.

He continued to work with Jewish camps until moving to Chicago. While in Chicago he completed a long overdue bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Roosevelt University and worked as the Youth Programs Manager for Brooklyn Boulders climbing gym. He currently manages HAMSA (Helping Atlantans Manage Substance Abuse), which educates the greater Atlanta community about substance use disorder and harm reduction and provides support, treatment resources, and strategies for those seeking help and in recovery.