After Oct. 7, Jews seek healing from kabbalah-informed psychedelic retreats

Jews in the US are seeking healing through kabbalah-informed psychedelic retreats, especially after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks and the resulting trauma and identity fractures. The article centers on Shefa Jewish Psychedelic Support, founded by Rabbi Zac Kamenetz, which integrates Jewish beliefs and rituals with psychedelic experiences. Shefa runs community events like Purim and Hanukkah gatherings, plus education and preparation circles, and it emphasizes a “psychedelic theology” focused on everyday spiritual connection and attunement. Kamenetz’s work grows out of a Johns Hopkins and New York University clergy study involving psilocybin. He later began facilitating ketamine retreats in Berkeley, with participants completing applications and medical screenings and preparing through sessions grounded in Hasidic and kabbalistic teachings, including Jewish prayers and music. The piece also notes cautions that framing psychedelics through religion could dilute faith power, and it situates Shefa within a broader wave of faith based psychedelic groups.