Menachem Poznanski

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Sep 26, 2020, 9:39 AM

Into the Abyss: Appendix on Erotic Behavior

Unpacking erotic dependencies: Intercourse, Self-Stimulated Orgasm and Pornography The previous series of essays discussed the use of specific and spiritually oriented exercises to combat unwanted behaviors and habit patterns. An area of specific concern for the Jewish orthodox community is combating...

May 28, 2020, 8:08 AM

Into the Abyss Part VII

Step 5 Healing Forward: Stepping into the Future The final component of this spiritual approach to addressing unwanted habits is prayer. Prayer in its most useful context (aside from organized ritual divine service practiced as part of a religious obligation)...

May 27, 2020, 5:52 PM

Into the Abyss Part VI

Step 4: Facing Yourself - The healing power of regret The next aspect we will tackle is a topic we have touched on already throughout these essays, but we now hope to discuss in the practical realm. The question...

May 27, 2020, 12:33 AM

Into the Abyss Part V

Step 3: Getting Real - A Daily Practice The most concrete step in this spiritual approach to addressing unwanted habits is the development of a reflection and accountability practice. Ongoing accountability allows us to face our ourselves and develop strategies...

May 26, 2020, 6:06 AM

Into the Abyss Part IV

Step 2: Clarify your goal As we begin the process of addressing unwanted habits, the first critical step is to clarify what we are working toward. At times the separation between bad and acceptable behavior is obvious (extremely black and...

May 25, 2020, 6:14 AM

Into the Abyss Part III

Step 1: Embracing Small Steps Healing our inner and fractured world, and emerging into a freedom from unwanted habits, is a journey with multiple stops. A process that is constantly shifting to the dynamic of our own personal growth and...

May 24, 2020, 8:24 AM

Into the Abyss Part II

The Inner Work: Trusting G-d & Cleaning House The famed 12 step programs are founded upon a theory that behind chronic and repeated patterns of addiction and dependence is a spiritual “malady” (or dysfunction) in the sufferer. They posit that this...

May 22, 2020, 2:46 AM

Into the Abyss – Part I

A Long Short Way In the first segment of this series titled “Understanding Dependency and Addiction”, we reviewed the key concepts behind unwanted and or dysfunctional habit patterns. With those basics in mind we are more ready to explore a...

May 19, 2020, 8:24 PM

Understanding Addiction and Dependency Part V

We are not our bodies, we are not our thoughts… We began our discussion in Part I of this series by exploring the paradigm of exerting influence versus taking control as relates unwanted aspects of life. Then, in Part II...

May 15, 2020, 7:09 AM

Understanding Addiction and Dependency Part IV

Unwanted habits Vs. full scale and or chronic addiction In Part I of this series we began by exploring the impact of influence and control in taking back our lives, when we find ourselves trapped in a pattern of unwanted...

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About Me

Menachem Poznanski, LCSW is director of The Living Room, a clubhouse for Jewish young adults in recovery from Alcoholism and Addiction. Menachem is co-author of Stepping out of the Abyss: A Jewish guide to the 12 steps (Mosaica, 2017) and the editor of both Consciously and The Light Revealed, two social media initiatives focused on the messages of Jewish recovery and spirituality. Menachem resides in Cedarhurst, NY with his wife Naomi and their children, Zoe and Tani.

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