08/31/2026
Remember. Honor. Act.
Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost to overdose and hold close the families, friends, and communities who continue to carry their absence.
We remember people not for the way they died, but for the lives they lived. Every person lost was someone with a story. Someone who loved and was loved. Someone who laughed, struggled, hoped, tried again, and mattered deeply.
In Jewish tradition, we are taught that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. Addiction does not take that dignity away. Relapse does not take it away. Overdose does not take it away.
Remember.
We say their names. We tell their stories. We make space for grief. We remember the fullness of who they were, not only the circumstances of their death. May their memories be a blessing.
Honor.
We honor those we have lost when we refuse to let stigma have the final word. We can meet people with compassion instead of judgment and build communities where recovery can be spoken about openly, where asking for help is met with care, and where people know they still belong.
Act.
Our tradition gives us the words V’ahavta, “you shall love.” Love is something we practice through acts of care for one another, and one of those acts can be learning how to save a life.
Our next 14Y Selah V’ahavta Community Narcan Training is October 21 at 12 PM ET. The training is free, virtual, and open to all.
If you want to be trained, reach out. If your synagogue, school, organization, workplace, or community wants to be trained, reach out. We’ve got you.
Carrying Narcan is an act of care. Knowing what to do in an emergency is an act of care.
Today, we remember those we have lost. We honor those who love and miss them. And we act so that more people have the chance to stay.
Remember. Honor. Act.
