As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, there are so many messages that one can take hold of. There are also a preponderance of symbols which mark the New Year. One of the most famous is the Shofar (Ram’s Horn). Blowing the ram’s horn or shofar on Rosh Hashanah comes directly from the Torah/Old Testament.. There is a commandment that on the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) “you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts.” These loud blasts were understood to allude to the blasts of the shofar. There are a number of reasons that are indirectly given as to why we blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Saddia Gaon, a famous commentator from Egypt, listed 10 reasons why the shofar is blown. Three in particular can really speak to those in recovery, those struggling with addiction or those who are impacted by addiction; 1) the beginning of the new year 2) the Mt. Sinai experience 3) the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
The beginning of the new year is a natural fit. Newness allows us to reset and move forward and not stay stuck in the past. As we know, we can’t go back one second let alone a week, month, or year. By blowing the shofar, we are reminded of the beginning which allows us to reset. In 12 step programs people receive something for their yearly sobriety. It gives them an opportunity to look back on the past year and see where the successes and failures were. What needs to be strengthened and what is on solid ground. The shofar can remind an addict or anyone of what they can do to continue to improve moving forward in the upcoming year.
The second reason from Rabbi Gaon deals with Mt. Sinai. There is an idea that the shofar integrates the spiritual and physical as it comes from an animal and was the very sound that was given at Mount Sinai when the Israelities received the 10 Commandments. Becoming sober from physical addictions starts with our spiritual well being. It is almost impossible to become sober without tapping into your spirituality. Our goal in this world is to integrate the physical with our spiritual and in turn to elevate the physical into something spiritual. Whether you see yourself as a physical being having a spiritual experience or a spiritual being having a physical experience, one must tap into their spiritual side to navigate the road ahead. Whether one is a struggling addict or a person trudging the road of life, we know the importance of integrating our physical, spiritual, mental and emotional components to be successful in everything that we will experience on the long and winding road.
The third reason that Rabbi Saddia Gaon mentioned for blowing the shofar, the destruction of the Temple, is a great reminder for addicts. The destruction that our addiction inflicted upon those around us needs to be subtly reminded. No one lives in a vacuum and everything we do has an impact on those around us. Whether it is a loss of a job, emotional neglect towards those we love, financial destruction, physical scars that have or haven’t healed or anything else. The addiction caused chaos. One does not need to live in a place of guilt or perpetual suffering but, it is important to have a reminder once in a while of the consequences of our actions. This can speak to anyone, not only those that have struggled with addiction.
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Topics:
Recovery,
Healthy
As the golden hues of September embrace us, the national spotlight shifts to a cause of immense importance: National Recovery Month. For those unfamiliar, National Recovery Month is observed every September in the United States. It celebrates the gains made by those in recovery and sheds light on the positive impact that effective treatments can offer. This month, we can look into the unparalleled significance of residential treatment centers in the recovery journey.
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Topics:
Treatment,
Recovery
The intricate, winding path of addiction is often accompanied by the heavy weights of shame, guilt and regret. Making the transition from addiction to sobriety can be as much about healing our inner world as it is about breaking free from the physical and mental bonds of substance use. Below are some insights and steps that may help in releasing these burdens and embracing the new chance at life that recovery offers.
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Topics:
Addiction,
Treatment,
Recovery,
Healthy,
Mental Health
Dutch Michaelangelo Soberman “Dutch”, our beloved therapy tortoise, has been a member of our therapeutic team at Soberman's Estate for over a year now. He was introduced to us by Psychiatrist and Medical Expert, Dr. Michael Vines. Dr. Vines has been with Soberman’s Estate since 2019 and it was that year that he found Dutch, and at that time Dutch could fit comfortably in the palm of his hand.
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Topics:
Treatment,
Recovery,
Mental Health,
mindfulness
Many alcoholics and addicts are selfish. They may not be aware of this, but the simple act of being under the influence is selfish and self-centered as they are not emotionally present for others. Other than being selfish about one’s sobriety, being selfish is not beneficial to recovery.
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Topics:
Recovery,
Healthy
There's no denying the fact that retirement marks a significant transition in one's life. After years of constant work, finding a new rhythm can be challenging. This challenge can sometimes be even more intense for those recovering from addiction, as idle time might stir up thoughts of relapse. However, retirement can be an opportunity for you to discover a new purpose and find fulfillment in a sober life. Let's explore how you can channel your energies positively and prevent boredom and relapse.
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Topics:
Recovery,
retirement
As our summer season in Arizona starts to heat up and July approaches, it’s a great time to pause for a moment and reflect on the concept of independence. Our minds can be filled with images of flags wavering, fireworks illuminating the sky, family gatherings, bbq picnics, and large celebrations. This July, let’s look at the powerful connection between sobriety and freedom, and discover how embracing a life free from substance abuse can lead to genuine independence.
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Topics:
Addiction,
Recovery
In the transformative journey of recovery, one of the most powerful tools you can harness is not just sobriety itself, but the power of gratitude. You might be wondering, 'Why gratitude? What has it got to do with recovery from substance misuse?' The answer is—everything. This simple yet profound emotion has the potential to reshape the way you view your past, perceive your present, and envision your future.
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Topics:
Recovery,
Healthy,
Mental Health,
mindfulness
Mental health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing, and recovery is a critical component for individuals who have faced various types of challenges – be it addiction, trauma, or other life-altering circumstances. Navigating these roads can be challenging, but having strong, positive role models can significantly aid the journey.
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Topics:
Recovery,
Mental Health
At Soberman’s Estate, we are privileged to be under the stewardship of extraordinary fathers whose dedication and commitment we aspire to acknowledge and honor, not just today, but each and every day. Among these remarkable individuals, we wish to extend our heartfelt acknowledgement to our esteemed Founding Father, Mitch Prager. Mitch, aside from being the proud parent to two wonderful daughters, is also the visionary who breathed life into the establishment of Soberman’s Estate, which he affectionately refers to as his “baby”. This unique and extraordinary sanctuary serves as a transformative haven where men in recovery can genuinely embrace and realize their full potential as outstanding fathers, nurturing lasting family relationships.
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Topics:
Recovery,
Soberman's Estate,
family
