Judaism and the Psychedelic Renaissance

Writing a book about the Holocaust and psychedelics will lead you to some interesting places. Some of them are scary, even incomprehensible. But others—thankfully!—can transmute the weight of ancestral trauma with new connection and growth. That’s why I’m so pleased to share news of this upcoming event, slated for Sunday, July 10th, 2022, right here in Portland, OR.

A one-day event dedicated to exploring the connections between Judaism and psychedelics, it will feature some of the most exciting and current voices in this arena. But it’s not—definitely not!—aimed solely at those who identify as Jewish. Rather, it’s an acknowledgment that, like many spiritual traditions, Judaism is historically informed by psychedelics. And that likewise, our present-day psychedelic practices can be deepened by Judaism and other spiritual traditions. We’ll also be exploring Oregon’s unique place in the psychedelic renaissance, and peering ahead to explore what the next years may bring.

More than anything, it’s a platform for meaningful and authoritative information and insights, a chance to connect and show our faces, and to deepen the bonds between us as we bring this truly epochal movement further out into the light.

Much more information is to come, but I wanted to set the pot boiling with this announcement. I’m thrilled to be a co-organizer along with a couple of stupendous Portlanders; look for more updates here as they become available. If you’re interested in the intersection of Judaism and psychedelics, this is one not to miss!