Rabbi Richard Eisenberg will talk about his new book, Judaism, Addiction and Recovery: A Spiritual and Faith-based Approach, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8 at Beth El – Keser Israel in New Haven.

In the book, Eisenberg, who after 35 years as a pulpit rabbi--including 12 years at Congregation B’nai Jacob in Woodbridge--become an addictions counselor, presents a Jewish faith-based perspective on chemical dependence, an approach that draws upon models that extend beyond the 12 Step philosophy. Instead, his spiritual and faith-based outlook offers newer ways of understanding the phenomena of addiction and recovery, allowing fresh concepts to emerge from the fog of addiction and its effects.

The book, which he wrote as a wake-up call to the Jewish community, invites individuals, families and communities to find helpful direction in the wake of a growing personal and public health crisis. His focus is applying Jewish principles and values of spirituality to addictions treatment as well as conveying the message and power of recovery to Jewish communal life.

Eisenberg was a rehabilitation counselor at The APT Foundation in New Haven for 10 years. His book will be available for purchase at the event.