Not infrequently, there is a resistance on the part of Jews to participate on the grounds that these programs have a religious orientation that is non-Jewish. Let us first dispense with some extraneous objections. A.A. is Christian because meetings are held in church basements, say some. The myth that Jews do not become alcoholic has resulted in an alienation of alcoholism treatment programs from the Jewish community. Several years ago there were virtually no synagogue-based A.A. meetings.
Today there are communities that have one or more.
If more rabbis and community leaders would overcome their resistance and denial, there is no question that more meetings will be held in Jewish institutions. A.A. meetings involve Christian liturgy, say others. While A.A. meetings generally close with the Lord's Prayer, there is no rule in A.A. that precludes substituting a Jewish prayer. While others are reciting the Lord's Prayer, one may say the 23rd Psalm or any other Jewish prayer. All the available literature on spirituality in recovery has Christian origins, is another common complaint.