Kosher rehab is addiction treatment designed so that observant and traditional Jews can recover without putting their Jewish life on hold. At Retorno, a therapeutic community near Beit Shemesh, Israel, professional addiction treatment and Jewish practice go together. Retorno was founded in 1998 by Rabbi Eitan Eckstein, who has worked with people struggling with addiction since 1996. More than 2,000 people have been treated at Retorno.
What makes Retorno a kosher rehab
- Kosher food: mehadrin food and chalav yisrael, under rabbinic supervision.
- Shabbat and Jewish holidays: observed as part of community life.
- Prayer and minyan: three minyanim daily, with prayer optional, plus Torah classes and a beis midrash for those who want them.
- A rabbi on staff: spiritual support is available alongside clinical care.
- Separate programs for men and women.
Professional treatment, not only a religious setting
A kosher setting matters, but it is not a treatment on its own. At Retorno, recovery happens in a structured therapeutic community, with individual and group therapy with psychologists, including CBT and DBT, based on the 12-Step approach. When needed, treatment begins with detox at Alon for men or Elah for women. Detox is medically supervised, with a nurse on site 24/7, and usually takes 21 days to 6 weeks. Families receive guidance so they can support their loved one during treatment and after it ends.
Much of the program takes place outdoors, on a green, kibbutz-style campus with activities such as therapeutic gardening, animal-assisted therapy and therapeutic horseback riding.
Who kosher rehab is for
Retorno’s kosher therapeutic community serves adults aged 18 and over from observant and traditional backgrounds, and anyone who wants their recovery to respect Jewish life. People of any level of observance are welcome. For an observant person, a program that does not fit their way of life can become a reason to delay treatment. A kosher setting removes that barrier.
Coming from the United States
English speakers from the US and around the world can join our treatment program for English speakers, which typically lasts 3 to 6 months. Our team can explain the assessment process and what to expect before arrival.
What to ask before choosing a kosher rehab
- Who supervises the kashrut, and is the whole kitchen kosher?
- Is Shabbat observed by the entire community, or only by individuals?
- Are men and women in separate programs?
- Is treatment led by trained professionals, not only by spiritual guidance?
- How are families involved during and after treatment?
Frequently asked questions
Is the food at Retorno kosher?
Yes. The food is mehadrin and chalav yisrael, under rabbinic supervision.
Can I keep Shabbat during treatment?
Yes. Shabbat and Jewish holidays are observed as part of community life.
Is there a minyan?
Yes. There are three minyanim daily, and prayer is optional.
Are men and women treated together?
No. Retorno runs separate programs for men and women.
How long is the program?
Treatment for English speakers typically lasts 3 to 6 months.
Where is Retorno located?
In a green area near Beit Shemesh, Israel, in the Judean foothills between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Take the first step
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and needs treatment that respects an observant life, contact Retorno today. Call us in the US at (646) 248-7297 or fill out the form on this page.
