image sourced from original article at Jewish psychedelic retreats informed by kabbalistic teachings are offering new paths to healing and spiritual connection for American Jews, especially in the wake of the trauma following the October 7 attacks in Israel. Organizations like Shefa Jewish Psychedelic Support, founded by Rabbi Zac Kamenetz, have created spaces where Jewish rituals and psychedelic experiences are woven together, helping participants process personal and ancestral pain. These retreats incorporate Jewish prayers, music, and mystical teachings, and are carefully facilitated with medical screenings and preparation, aiming to foster a sense of community and authenticity among attendees.
The movement reflects a broader revival of Jewish counterculture, drawing on legacies from the 1960s and integrating contemporary approaches to spirituality and mental health. While some caution that psychedelics could dilute religious traditions, Shefa has largely been welcomed by Jewish leaders and continues to expand, including collaborations with Indigenous facilitators for legal psilocybin retreats. For many participants, these experiences have prompted a renewed engagement with Jewish faith and practice, offering a sense of wholeness and belonging in a time of existential uncertainty.
