Recovering Actor Gives Back to Chabad

Well-known Hollywood actor and producer David Arquette paid a visit last Thursday to the Chabad Residential Treatment Center in Los Angeles. Arquette, who has struggled with alcoholism, toured the premises and shared his own story of addiction and sobriety in an emotional discussion with the center’s residents.

Michael K., a resident who moved into the center in June, was particularly moved by Arquette’s visit. “I’ve always been a fan of Arquette’s work, so to see someone who reached the height of success and he also has to deal with these issues, that made me feel like I can overcome this as well,” said Michael.

Under the direction of Donna Miller, the center has steered thousands of addicts toward the long and arduous road to recovery. Miller thanked Arquette for his visit and presented him with a copy of Toward a Meaningful Life, the Wisdom of the Rebbe, by Rabbi Simon Jacobson.

Advertising executive and Telethon producer, Chaim Marcus who arranged for the visit said, “David was very open and deeply personal during his share, you could feel the energy in the room change. His taking time to reach out and inspire is itself inspiring.”

Marcus also afforded the forty-one year old actor an opportunity to have a second “bar mitzvah” by helping him don Tefillin and praying for himself and the center’s residents.

Arquette will be discussing his visit during a sit-down with Larry King on the September 9th Chabad Telethon. For the first time, this year’s Telethon will broadcast from the historic Saban Theater in Beverly Hills.

Chabad’s Rabbi Chaim Cunin, Executive Producer of the Chabad Telethon, discussed the important significance of this year’s Telethon, which comes at a time when Chabad and other major charities are dealing with unprecedented financial challenges due to the economic recession. “This year, Chabad has been inundated with more requests than ever for food, clothing, shelter, scholarships and rehabilitation. At the same time, charitable donations have been at historic lows. So we will work harder than ever, we will dance more than ever, and pour our hearts out more than ever, on behalf of those in need who rely on this Telethon for assistance.”