By Turner L.
The Holy Thief, an autobiography by Mark Borovitz, former mobster, thief, and drunk, ends up sending a message more valuable than gold to the people at The Family Foundation School. Recently, Jeff Brain, Director of Admissions, while traveling in California, visited the Beit T’shuvah, a rehabilitation program in Los Angeles. This was not the first time the two programs had met. Several years ago Rabbi Mark, the director of Beit T’Shuvah, visited The Family School.
Before he left to catch his flight, Brain extended an invitation to the student body here at The Family School to read Rabbi Mark’s book and write him a letter. One reason for letting kids get the chance to talk to a book author who understands their struggles is because it is not every day that someone gets the chance to write to an author, especially one in recovery.
Smith House student Nate S. was the one of the students who decided to write a letter to the Rabbi after reading his book. He noticed that he could relate to the Rabbi in many aspects of his life. His letter consisted of words of gratitude for the scripting of his story, and the numerous ways in which Nate could relate to his life, addictions, and struggles.
This correspondence took a profound turn when the Rabbi wrote to Nate in reply. The Rabbi thanked him for taking the time to read his book. Nate then decided to write back to him. He did not receive a reply immediately, but was honored to receive a copy of a manuscript of Rabbi’s new book, You Matter: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of the Addiction of Misery. The manuscript was presented to Nate by Brain at circle-up in addition to a letter inviting Nate to comment on the manuscript. “I was shocked, amazed, and honored to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Nate.
Simmons also has an inspirational message to pass on to anyone who has an opportunity to achieve something great. “Reach out and grab it, even if it does not look like it will be a big thing. You never know until you try,” he said.
