Are Psychedelics Theologically Significant for Judaism?
Throughout millennia, Jews have explored individual and communal consciousness through a variety of techniques and traditions. More recently, Jews have played an outsized role in the “psychedelic renaissance” as researchers, practitioners, and advocates, including prominent leaders. A surge of interest in these substances creates an opportunity to reflect on non-ordinary experiences in Jewish life and theology more broadly.
To what extent have altered states of consciousness been theologically significant for Jewish theology and practice?
In what ways, if at all, have ingestions of psychoactive substances transformed Jewish theology? And how might this all relate to contemporary Jewish experiments with psychedelics?
In this panel, such questions will animate discussion among leading scholars of Jewish mysticism. Through considerations of historical, phenomenological, and hermeneutical dimensions of Jewish theology, these scholars will reflect together on the cultural significance of Jewish psychedelia today.
Panelists include: Sam Shonkoff, Melila Hellner-Eshed, and Jay Michaelson.
Register Here for this Zoom Webinar.
This event is sponsored by Harvard Divinity School, and takes place at 9am Pacific (12pm Eastern).
This event is online only