A.A. has set an example for stretching out a helping hand. It is not unusual for a person to be awakened in the early hours of the morning in subzero weather and be asked to respond to a call for help from a total stranger. The call is heeded even though the helper realizes that the stranger may change his mind or has fallen into a drunken stupor. Yet recovering alcoholics respond because their disease has taught them in very practical terms that We either make it together, or we don' t make it at all. Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religion and cannot take the place of religion.
Religion deals with ultimates, especially with the ultimate purpose of man's presence on earth.
All Jews need to learn more about their faith and learn more from the unlimited resources of Jewish knowledge. The recovering alcoholic has a particular need for positive direction and sense of purpose in his life, A.A. does not attempt to provide this. It has been said that new ideas often have a three-stage course. At first, the idea is thought to be anti-Jewish. Then it is decided it may be compatible with Jewishness after all.