Please join us for a dessert program with Rabbi Richard Eisenberg. After serving as spiritual leader for many years at a congregation in Woodbridge, CT, Rabbi Eisenberg stepped down from the pulpit to become a certified addiction counselor, hoping to aid in the fight against chemical addiction in the Jewish community. In his new book "Judaism, Addiction and Recovery: A Spiritual and Faith-Based Approach," he shares much of what he has learned over the years about the social, medical and spiritual crisis of addiction. Rabbi Eisenberg discusses treatment and self-help models, not limited to 12-step programs, and shares practical suggestions and tips for anyone affected by the disease of addiction. Jewish texts and sources are interwoven throughout.

A Q&A session will conclude the program, followed by a book signing.

The cost for this program is $5. Please RSVP by December 2 to Jacob Kovel (860-651-9366 or eaglewars@aol.com).

Rabbi Richard L. Eisenberg was born in Bridgeport, CT, received a BA in Anthropology from Duke University, MA in Religious Studies from Smith College, Rabbinical Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counseling from Gateway Community College. Over a span of 35 years, he served as a congregational rabbi in Columbus, GA, Wayne, NJ, Woodbridge, CT and Torrington, CT. He is a certified addictions counselor and worked as a rehabilitation counselor for almost a decade at the APT Foundation, a treatment center in New Haven, CT. He has written for Tablet Magazine and the Forward and is currently working on a book that analyzes modern-day addictions and attachments from a spiritual perspective. Rabbi Eisenberg lives with his wife Judy in Hamden, CT.

This program is co-sponsored by Beth El Temple Men's Club and Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford.