When Rabbi Michael Peris began his recovery from opioid addiction in 2011, he never could have imagined that 13 years later he would be a nationally known rabbi in the areas of addiction and mental health, helping hundreds of people in their recovery.
Rabbi Peris discovered his spiritual calling as a rabbi while in recovery, and his desire to help those struggling with addiction ultimately led him to serve as the new senior rabbi of Beit Teshuva, a Los Angeles-based addiction recovery community, treatment center, synagogue and educational institution.
“I found my purpose,” Peris says. “If I hadn’t had those struggles, I probably would have chosen a different path.”
Founded in 1987, Beit T’Shuvah provides treatment for drug, alcohol and gambling addictions using Jewish spirituality, addiction counseling and therapy to help residents achieve lasting sobriety. The program offers intervention services, residential care and aftercare for people of all religious backgrounds.
When Beit Teshuva announced that Peris would become the congregation’s new senior rabbi, he saw it as a full-circle moment.
“As someone in long-term recovery, I have been inspired by Beit Teshuva’s mission and life-saving work for many years,” Peris said. “Becoming its next rabbi is not only an honor, but also the culmination of a spiritual, personal and professional journey.”
Peris, who previously served as senior rabbi at Temple Sinai in Cinnaminson, N.J., said his appointment is a chance to expand Beit Teshuva’s influence within and outside the Jewish community by building partnerships with organizations and thought leaders in the fields of recovery and addiction. He will also work with Beit Teshuva staff to develop outreach programs to support family and friends of residents.
“Rabbi Peris’ inspiring story of recovery, combined with his charisma and deep spirituality, will be a key component in helping Beit Shuva residents connect with their core beliefs and achieve lasting sobriety,” said Keith Elkins, Beit Shuva’s board chairman.
Addiction has been an issue close to Peris’ heart for the past 13 years. Since being ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2020, Peris has advised nonprofits, major health care organizations and members of Congress on issues related to addiction and recovery. He also served as an advisory board member for the overdose prevention nonprofit Safe House and the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services.
“Through Rabbi Peris’ leadership, Beit Teshuva will inspire a renewed commitment to providing soul-enriching programs and services that nurture the mind, body and soul,” Elkins said.
In 2021, Peris was featured in an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer and had the opportunity to speak at synagogues, medical schools, and community spaces. By sharing his story of recovery, Peris has helped raise awareness and access to addiction treatment.
“Addiction teaches us many lessons, but recovery gives us the wisdom to live it,” Peris says. “My goal is to lead us to a future where that wisdom is shared and available to as many people as possible.”
“Addiction teaches us many lessons, but recovery gives us the wisdom to live it. My goal is to lead us to a future where that wisdom is shared and available to as many people as possible.” – Rabbi Michael Peris
As he assumes his new role, Peris looks forward to continuing Beit Teshuva’s longstanding tradition of community-focused care.
“Beit T’Shuva teaches us that connection is the key to overcoming addiction,” Peris said. “And that’s why I’m here. I’m here to help find that connection within each individual, in a community where discovering and elevating our true selves is what makes us whole.”
