[Avodah] 12 Step Programs

[Mike Miller]

On 10/9/06, Harry Maryles <hmaryles at yahoo.com> wrote:
> --- Dov Kay <dov_kay at hotmail.co.uk> wrote:
> > I am exceedingly leery of the 12 steps, although I appreciate
> > that Rabbi Dr Twerski has no doubt helped many using them.
>
> I do not understand all this handwringing about the 12 step program.
> Why are we darshaning certain steps? This program is not meant as a
> primer on Torah Hashkafa. It is meant as a means to overcome an
> addiction.

Regardless of whether or not this is meant to be a primer on Hashkafa
or not, it would be inappropriate for Jews to make use of a philosophy
that carries messages counter to our beliefs or not. In much the same
way, I wouldn't expect a believer of any religion to make use of ideas
(not techniques, but ideas and ideologies) that run counter to their
basic views.

> As such the twelve steps make emminent sense. Trying to say that this
> or that step is not in concert with Torah Hashkafa is way besides the
> point and counterproductive. Besides these steps are not counter to
> Torah Hashkafa if understood properly.

I agree with you that they're not counter to our Hashkafa, but that
decision is still important

<snip example because I agree>

> I applaud Rabbi Twerski's efforts and successful use of the twelve
> step program. I don't think it is wise to do an Halachic or Hashkafic
> analysis of it. For those who use it successfully, such discussions
> can only be damaging.

I can't agree with this analysis. If a Jew who's feeling emotionally
depressed benefits from a philosophy that teaches that G-d loves him
so much that he gave his son to redeem his sins, and begins living his
life according to this historical "fact," I don't think you would
consider this good, despite the fact that it may have boosted the
person's self esteem enough that he's overcome his alcoholism, fixed
his marriage, and saved himself from suicide. Instead, we would try
and encourage a similar belief based on our mesorah as to how Hashem
loves His people, etc.

Since it appears to me that that the 12 step program is halachically
OK (more importantly, R' Twersky appears to agree), I agree that a
condemnation of such a person would be damaging. I don't, however, see
anything wrong with the discussions, nor do I think that we can say
that anything that helps people must automatically be good.

-- Mike Miller
Ramat Bet Shemesh