
Shaanan Gelman & His Son: When a Child Becomes Addicted [Divergence VI 2/4]
3/17/2026
0:00
1:32:10
Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Shaanan Gelman and his son Ziggy about the persistence of a parent-child relationship when the latter faces addiction.
In this episode we discuss:
Interview begins at 15:05.
Shaanan Gelman, rabbi of Chovevei Tzion in Chicago, holds a degree in Computer Science from Yeshiva College and received semicha from RIETS at Yeshiva University. He studied in Israel at Yeshivat Hakotel and the Gruss Institute, and later served as a Kollel Fellow in Boca Raton, where he held leadership and educational roles. He is a member of the Rabbinical Council of America’s executive board, active in the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and serves on the board of Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago. A committed Zionist, he is active in AIPAC and has led initiatives supporting Israel.
References:
God of Our Understanding: Jewish Spirituality and Recovery from Addiction by Shais Taub
“Being Kevin, Watching ‘Being Charlie’” by Kevin Jack McEnroe
The Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath by Leslie Jamison
Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big BookIn the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Maté
Addict in the House: A No-Nonsense Family Guide Through Addiction and Recovery by Robin Barnett
Psalms 37
For more 18Forty:
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Shaanan Gelman and his son Ziggy about the persistence of a parent-child relationship when the latter faces addiction.
In this episode we discuss:
- How does habitual drug use evolve into addiction?
- How does a parent help a child struggling with substance abuse?
- How do such a parent and child manage the expectations and perceptions of the outside world?
Interview begins at 15:05.
Shaanan Gelman, rabbi of Chovevei Tzion in Chicago, holds a degree in Computer Science from Yeshiva College and received semicha from RIETS at Yeshiva University. He studied in Israel at Yeshivat Hakotel and the Gruss Institute, and later served as a Kollel Fellow in Boca Raton, where he held leadership and educational roles. He is a member of the Rabbinical Council of America’s executive board, active in the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and serves on the board of Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago. A committed Zionist, he is active in AIPAC and has led initiatives supporting Israel.
References:
God of Our Understanding: Jewish Spirituality and Recovery from Addiction by Shais Taub
“Being Kevin, Watching ‘Being Charlie’” by Kevin Jack McEnroe
The Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath by Leslie Jamison
Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big BookIn the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Maté
Addict in the House: A No-Nonsense Family Guide Through Addiction and Recovery by Robin Barnett
Psalms 37
For more 18Forty:
NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/join
CALL: (212) 582-1840
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: 18forty.org
IG: @18forty
X: @18_forty
WhatsApp: join here
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
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