Beit T’Shuvah, a half-way house for Jews who want to go from
taking people for a ride to Tikkun Olam, was founded by Rabbi Mark Borowitz, a
recovering alcoholic who sold stolen goods, got caught up in the criminal life,
but came back to his family faith in prison.
the Twelve Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous. Acknowledging this his program
meshes more with Christianity than Judaism, he still likes the thrill of
helping someone recovery and break free.
For the believer in Christ, we are made perfect in Him,
regardless of our fallen flesh and minds.
Still, I like the point that he had made about his worth:
"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10: 14)
Another quote from the Recovery Rabbi was very meaningful:
"My net worth and my self-worth were so tied up, when I made
money, when I made a score, I was something. When I was broke, I was nothing.”
I can relate to this dilemma of works-righteousness. As a teacher, I felt like
somebody. I was doing something, teaching
the students, getting stuff done, and I felt like somebody. When I went
home, I was so empty – there was nothing to
do – nothing to live for. This yo-yo life was really painful for me. It
drove me into deep despair, especially
when even the job stopped cheering me up. I wish that I had done more in my
life, I wish that I had learned what was going on inside of me, that I could
find my worth tied to something greater than myself.
do on a daily basis. It must be more than a title, than our work, or even
our family. Stability, ability, reality, worth, excellence, all depend on our
connection to God, not to our feelings or our thoughts.