Chaplaincy
Wisdom for the Soul, Support for the Spirit
Recovery is heavy work. While therapists help you untangle your mind and doctors heal your body, sometimes the burden weighs heaviest on the soul (Neshama).
At The Tikvah Center, our Chaplaincy Services provide a dedicated space for spiritual exploration, ethical guidance, and emotional comfort. Our Chaplains and Rabbis are not here to judge your level of observance; they are here to walk with you through the dark valleys and help you find your own light.
What is a Recovery Chaplain?
A Chaplain is a spiritual care professional who specializes in providing support outside of the medical model.
Think of the difference this way: A therapist helps you understand your psychology (emotions, trauma, behaviors). A Chaplain helps you understand your spirituality (purpose, guilt, forgiveness, and connection to God).
Our Chaplaincy team acts as a bridge. They are trained to navigate the complex intersection of mental health and religious law (Halacha), ensuring that your treatment respects your values and your values support your treatment.
How Chaplaincy Supports Recovery
The role of the Chaplain is multifaceted, offering support that clinical staff sometimes cannot:
- The Ministry of Presence: Sometimes, you don't need to be "analyzed." You just need someone to sit with you in your pain. Our Chaplains offer a calm, non-anxious presence during times of crisis or grief.
- Navigating Guilt & Shame: Addiction often leaves a trail of regret. Chaplains help clients distinguish between "toxic shame" (I am bad) and "healthy remorse" (I did something wrong), guiding them toward genuine atonement (Teshuva).
- Ethical Guidance: Recovery presents tough choices. A Chaplain can help you navigate moral dilemmas such as how to make amends, how to be honest with family, and more through the lens of Jewish ethics (Mussar) or your own spiritual tradition.
- Ritual Support: Whether it is putting on Tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles, or simply saying a prayer, the Chaplain facilitates the rituals that ground you.
How Does Chaplaincy Work?
Chaplaincy is integrated into the fabric of daily life at the center, accessible to clients in all levels of care.
1. One-on-One Spiritual Counseling
Just as you have individual therapy, you can schedule private sessions with the Rabbi or Chaplain. These sessions are confidential and client-led. You can discuss doubts about faith, anger at God, or specific religious questions related to your recovery.
2. Group Spirituality Sessions
Our Chaplains lead weekly groups that explore universal spiritual themes—gratitude, humility, patience—without being "preachy." These groups are designed to be accessible to everyone, from the devout to the doubter.
3. Halachic Consultation (For Jewish Clients)
For observant clients, the clinical process can raise religious questions.
- "Is taking medication a lack of faith?"
- "How do I honor my parents if they are toxic?"
- "Can I attend therapy on Shabbat?"Our Rabbinical staff provides authoritative Halachic guidance that prioritizes your health and recovery (Pikuach Nefesh).
FAQs
Browse answers to popular questions. Don't see what you are looking for? Contact us!
Yes. Addiction affects the whole family system. Our Chaplains often speak with parents or spouses to offer spiritual support, explain the Jewish imperative of recovery, and help them navigate the boundaries between "helping" and "enabling."
Yes. The Chaplaincy office is a "safe zone" for spiritual struggle. We believe that wrestling with God is a holy act. You can bring your anger, your doubt, and your questions here without fear of judgment.
Yes. Generally, conversations with a Chaplain are privileged. However, because we work as an integrated team, the Chaplain may share relevant safety concerns with your clinical director (e.g., if you express intent to harm yourself). We will always discuss the boundaries of confidentiality with you upfront.
Some can be but not most. While many Chaplains have training in counseling, they do not diagnose mental health disorders or prescribe medication. They focus on the spiritual and existential dimensions of your life. They work alongside your clinical team, not instead of them.
No. Our center is a judgment-free zone open to Jews of all backgrounds—secular, reform, conservative, or orthodox—as well as non-Jewish individuals seeking high-quality care. We respect where you are in your spiritual journey.
Our Services
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