YIVO’s exhibition will tell the story of Jews and cannabis, from Thursday, 5 May 2022.
There is a rich history and long relationship between Jews and cannabis. References to this plant appear in the Bible, the Talmud, and numerous other Jewish texts.
Rabbis, from Rambam to R’ Moshe Feinstein, have considered it in their writings, and cannabis has been used by Jews in religious ritual and for medicinal purposes from ancient times until today.
More recently, Jews have been at the forefront of scientific research and medical applications of cannabis. Many Jews have also been deeply involved in the counterculture and medical marijuana movements, both of which strove for legalisation in different ways.
Read more: Israeli Minister for Justice issues new guidelines on decriminalisation
Commercial aspects of the modern cannabis industry, from horticulture to distribution to paraphernalia, have also involved numerous Jewish businesspeople.
The exhibit will explore the contributions Jews have made in the field of cannabis by showcasing materials from medieval documents to dozens of contemporary artifacts ranging from rare original art to menorah bongs.
“While activity in the many realms of cannabis involves all kinds of people, not only members of the tribe, many Jews have played significant roles in a number of aspects related to cannabis and their connection warrants inquiry,” said Eddy Portnoy, YIVO’s Academic Advisor & Exhibitions Curator and author of Bad Rabbi: And Other Strange But True Stories from the Yiddish Press.
Read more: Israel calls for expungement of cannabis convictions
“The story of Jews and cannabis begins in ancient times and connects to religion, science, medicine, and law. It’s a story that continues to evolve.”
Am Yisrael High: The Story of Jews and Cannabis will be on view at YIVO, located in the Center for Jewish History building until the end of the year, with the opening night featuring a panel discussion moderated by Portnoy, who will provide a brief overview of the relationship between Jews and cannabis.
Panelists include horticulturist, educator, and legalisation activist Ed Rosenthal, attorney Adriana Kertzer, Rabbi/Dr Yosef Glassman, and journalist Madison Margolin. Their discussion will consider the many connections of the Jews to cannabis – religious and spiritual, historical, scientific, and more.
Find out more here.
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