When the rabbi begins with “I do not condone the use of psychoactive substances regulated by the FDA,” you know you’re in for something special. Thus began Rabbi Zac Kamenetz’s Aug. 14 talk at Afikomen Judaica in Berkeley, titled “Psychedelic Research and the Future of Judaism.” Yes, please. Thank God for Berkeley. Despite the far-out…
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Jew in the Pew
Jew in the Pew
Time to rethink everything you’ve been told about Jews and astrology
For most Jews, the entirety of Jewish belief about astrology is based on a single line in the Talmud: ein mazal l’Yisrael — there is no astrological sign…
Jew in the Pew
He’s on a quest to create a new Jewish holiday: a Day of Justice
Andrew Mandel believes that the Jewish people need another holiday. He calls it Yom HaTzedek — Day of Justice. Social justice is a big part of Judaism but…
Jew in the Pew
Magic, sex and blessings at an unconventional seder in Berkeley
The JeWitch Collective is exactly what it sounds like: a group of people who are connected to Jewish spirituality, magic-based practices or both. They…
Jew in the Pew
A journey into the Holy of Holies — in a Latter-day Saints temple
Last Monday morning, I found myself in an unexpected place, sitting silently with a group of Bay Area journalists in the Celestial Room of the Oakland…
Jew in the Pew
Is it an exercise class or a prayer service?
Jewish prayer is a largely sedentary activity. We stand up, we sit down, we gently bow now and then. Things are a little different at Rabbi Jaymee…
Jew in the Pew
Called to the Torah for the first time — as adults
“Today I become a man,” 70-year-old Judy Kraft said to a round of laughter. She was one of 10 adults to become b’nai mitzvah in one blockbuster service at…
Jew in the Pew
Pride Shabbat is this synagogue’s highest holiday
First, there were cocktails. At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, the historically LGBTQ synagogue in the Mission, in a festively decorated upstairs social hall…
Jew in the Pew
When Moshiach comes, men will clear the table
Think back to the very end of Passover — those final, agonizingly bread-free moments of the weeklong exercise in self-control. What were you doing?…