Lifting the veil on a Jewish problem
RABBI MELODY DAVIS Temple Covenant of Peace Purim is a holiday about masks and deception and
dark things in hiding. Thus, it is an appropriate time to discuss one of the unmentionables in the Jewish community: addiction. We are instructed on Purim to drink until we don’t know the difference between "blessed be Mordechai" and "cursed be Haman." Indeed, Judaism is replete with times we are enjoined to imbibe. Wine is a symbol of our joy. We welcome the Sabbath with it. We drink wine at a wedding. We drink four cups on Passover. There are congregations that have a custom having a shot after each hakafah on Simhat Torah. Then there is the inevitable "L’chaim!” with a "bissel"
schnapps. Many synagogues have a "kiddush club" which quietly meets in the kitchen and does shots of various beverages. “Ad lo yada” – until you do not know. Many of us do not want to know or do not accept the fact that there are Jewish alcoholics. There are. We don’t discuss it in the hope that it will simply disappear. Like any other group, we have philanderers, gamblers, drug addicts and thieves. We also have alcoholics. But until we lift the veil and open our eyes, and see the Haman of alcoholism in our midst, we are doing a disservice to our community.
The evil embodied in denial is the Haman in the Jewish community. It is difficult enough to struggle with addiction. It is a disgrace that people have to hide from their community the fact that they have a problem. In so doing, others with a problem are ashamed
to seek help. We need to be like Mordechai and help our brethren. “Ad lo yada” is not acceptable in today’s day and age. We all must know. Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is seeking help for addiction, call 610-882-0558.
Maimonides physicians to discuss mental health issues at brunch At one point or another, we all experience some mental conflict and stress. Come listen to two mental health professionals at a Maimonides Society bagel brunch on Sunday, March 18, at 10:15 a.m. at the JCC and learn how to understand and manage these common issues. Dr. Robert Gordon, a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, will show a psychotherapy video and discuss ways in which a patient suffering from depression and poor relationships can learn to improve these aspects of his or her life with insights into his or her
personality and self-defeating patterns of behaving. Stuart Horowitz, a licensed clinical social worker, president of NASW-PA, and chair of the Clinical Committee for Jewish Family Service, has been practicing mindfulness for over 40 years. He will teach how mindfulness can help with stress and relaxation. Participants will have an opportunity to practice some techniques at the same time. Brunch is free for Maimonides members and spouses, $10 for community members. RSVP to 610821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org.
NEW ST. LUKE’S DOCTORS FIND LOCAL COMMUNITY A PERFECT MATCH
Evan Marlin, MD, Neurosurgeon and Aviva Marlin, PsyD, Neuropsychologist When Aviva Marlin, PsyD and Evan Marlin, MD moved to the Lehigh Valley last July for new jobs at St. Luke’s, they were hoping to find a community that met several important criteria. “We wanted to relocate to a city that has both a strong medical community and a strong Jewish community,” says Dr. Evan Marlin, a neurosurgeon with St. Luke’s Neurosurgical Associates in Bethlehem. “We have found that the Lehigh Valley has both of those things.” Since their arrival, they have become active participants in Congregation Sons of Israel and the Jewish Federation. They also volunteer their time at the Jewish Day School, where their son is currently a student and their daughter will attend in the future. “We’ve taken part in so much in the few months that we’ve been here and we feel fully integrated into the local community,” says Dr. Aviva Marlin, a clinical neuropsychologist with St. Luke’s Neurology Associates in Bethlehem. “I think that’s a testament to the community and how much they really value young people coming in.” Both doctors entered their respective field because of the patient interaction it affords, and the profound impact they can have on patients and their families. “Neurosurgery also appealed to me in that it’s always changing,” explains Dr. Evan Marlin, who grew up in San Antonio, TX. “I find it very intriguing to be part of a field that is continuing to grow both in its complexity and capabilities. This will allow us to have a positive impact on more people in the future.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Aviva Marlin, who grew up in East Meadow, NY, found the connection of disciplines appealing in her specialty. “I chose neuropsychology because it’s a perfect intersection between clinical psychology and neuroscience, between mind and body, and between art and science,” she explains. Another aspect of their move that the Marlins have found attractive is that they are practicing as part of an established health network that is progressive, yet keeps its mission top of mind. “St. Luke’s is very patient centered,” explains Dr. Evan Marlin. “There are an amazing number of people and resources that go into the care of a single patient so he or she can achieve treatment goals and have the best outcome. I enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of the team at St. Luke’s.” Dr. Aviva Marlin agrees: “St. Luke’s is interdisciplinary with strong two-way communication. What is very special about St. Luke’s is that care can be an ongoing conversation between providers so it’s not just my specialty existing in a vacuum, but a collaboration of expertise to help our patients.”
Aviva Marlin, PsyD is a clinical neuropsychologist. She earned her Doctor of Psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University and completed an internship at the Dayton VA Medical Center and a fellowship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Evan Marlin, MD is a staff neurosurgeon. He earned his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine and did both an internship and a fellowship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Marlin specializes in minimally invasive treatment of vascular disorders of the brain and spine.
www.sluhn.org • 1-866-STLUKES Evan Marlin, MD Aviva Marlin, PsyD
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MARCH 2018 11