God of Our Understanding: Jewish Spirituality and Recovery from Addiction

by Shais Taub

A Recovery Parable An addict is driving along all alone in his car one night on an empty highway. He is depressed beyond words, thinking how miserable he is and how he would do anything to get sober and have a normal life. Suddenly, as he’s zooming down the highway and thinking, he hears the voice of God. “I hear you’re looking for sobriety,” says God. “Yes,” he says, in awe. “Well, you’re in luck today,” says God, “Because I happen to have sobriety, and it can be yours for a reasonable price.” “How much?” “How much have you got?” “I’ve got twenty dollars in my pocket.” “You’re in luck,” says God. “The price of sobriety today happens to be exactly twenty dollars.” “But that’s everything I’ve got,” the man protests, “If I give you all of my money, how will I buy gas for the car?” “A car?” says God, “Oh, I see. The price of sobriety is twenty bucks and your car.” “But if I give you my car, how will I get to work tomorrow?” “Work?” says God, “You have a job? The price of sobriety is twenty bucks, your car, and your job.” “But if I give you my job, then I won’t get paid. I need to pay the mortgage this week.” “A mortgage? You mean you have a house? I hate to tell you this but the price of sobriety just went up. It’s twenty bucks, your car, your job, and your house.” “But where will my family live?” “Family? You’ve got a wife and kids? The price of sobriety is twenty bucks, your car, your job, your house, and your wife and kids.” At this point the man decides to shut up. “Are y...