Facing down fears is always the best way to overcome them. It is no secret that the once taboos in our circles have now become matters of regularity and the youth are exposed to far more than their parents were at their age.
In light of this situation a number of schools hosted Dr. Pinny Herman, PhD, a Lubavitcher Licensed Professional Counselor hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, to address the topic of marijuana use openly and factually with the Mesivta boys before the beginning of summer break. The project was organized by Neshamos.org and the schools that participated were Oholei Torah Mesivta, Darchei Menachem and Hamesivta at ULY Ocean Parkway.
Dr. Herman’s talk about the modern-day realities of marijuana use helped the boys understand the long-term effects that marijuana can have on the developing brain (in particular the modern strains of marijuana which are exponentially more potent than they used to be), why some people are pulled to using drugs and suggested healthier alternatives. He then answered the many questions posed the boys.
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Neshamos.org, the organizer of this project, heard from parents and boys that the talk was very open and informative. There was a lasting impression left on the boys and they felt respected to be spoken to openly about these matters and have all their questions addressed as one would with an adult.
A well-respected veteran teacher who was present at the talks had this to say, “The program today, no doubt saved lives. This is the first time anyone came to the yeshiva and addressed this matter openly and frankly without any vagueness. There are still many other topics which must be addressed in this open matter, but this is a great start. This must be done at least twice a year”.
In the evening, Dr. Herman addressed the parents of the Oholei Torah boys in a general assembly regarding the topics that were discussed with the boys during the day and answered questions
Dr. Pinny Herman received his master’s degree from Penn State University, and his Doctorate from Capella University. He specializes in treating anxiety and depression, addictive disorders, and codependency and other relationship concerns. He has additional training in chemical dependency assessment and treatment, family systems work, and treating dual-diagnoses. Dr. Herman holds multiple board certifications, including advanced certification in treating addictive disorders (CAC/CAADC), and in dual-diagnosis (CCDP) work. He is also certified as a Forensic Addictions Specialist (CFAS), conducts substance abuse evaluations in legal and custody cases, and serves as expert witness in these matters. Dr. Herman is credentialed as a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), and conducts interventions both regionally and nationally.
To have Dr. Herman talk at your child’s school please contact either Neshamos at [email protected], or Dr. Herman directly via email [email protected] or by phone 412-620-8060.
Neshamos.org operates a wellness helpline with a team of trained staff standing by to assist, refer and advocate in all matter’s addiction, parenting and mental/emotional health. There is always something that can be done. Please call 646-580-9842
As a frequent marijuana user and an alcoholic I can confidently say that alcohol is far worse and yet encouraged in yeshivot.
Therefore, this whole talk seems disingenuous.
My kids were there. They talked about marijuana, vaping, alcohol and drugs like opiates. For the record.
as the Rebbe was against both marijuana as well as the excess consumption of mashke
Weed is bad and all, but what about all the underage drinking promoted by yeshiva’s? In reality, alcohol and tobacco are far more prevalent in our yeahiva’s and pose a bigger risk. Get your priorities in order.
I graduated a very reputable chabad yehsiva a few years ago and it was common for many bochrim to drink crazy amounts of alcohol on a regular basis. Most “reputable” chabad yeshivos do not adequately value or understand the psychological state of the bochrim and would be better off trying to address the students mental wellbeing before they turn to alcohol or marijuana.
Dr. Herman is amazing; wish more schools would have him come and speak! Girls schools, too.