The YIVO Institute for Jewish Analysis is launching a brand new, in-person exhibition referred to as Am Yisrael Excessive: The Story of Jews and Hashish on Could 5 on the Heart for Jewish Historical past constructing in New York Metropolis. The occasion can even be livestreamed for distant viewers.
Operating from this week via the tip of the yr, the exhibit highlights the largely neglected connection between Judaism and hashish all through historical past. Whereas it’s well-known that there are non secular connections to hashish, particularly within the Judo-Christian custom, Rastafarians get a lot of the press protection regarding sacramental utilization of the coveted holy herb.
Based on the exhibit’s press launch, references to hashish seem within the Bible (a truth many Christians know as nicely), the Talmud, and quite a few different Jewish texts. Rabbis have written on the topic, and hashish has been used for medicinal functions and through rituals.
There are additionally celebrations available of Jewish contributions to the world of hashish and medical sciences, that are additionally highlighted within the exhibit. It additionally options well-known counterculture icons in hashish and businesspeople who fall underneath the Jewish umbrella. One can comply with the historical past of the plant, together with the historical past of Jewish hashish fans.
The exhibit additionally options cannabis-centric artwork from the tradition, together with menorah bongs, an merchandise that sounds prefer it may make its manner right into a Hanukkah celebration within the close to future.
“Whereas exercise within the many realms of hashish entails all types of individuals, not solely members of the tribe, many Jews have performed important roles in various facets associated to hashish and their connection warrants inquiry,” mentioned Eddy Portnoy, YIVO’s tutorial advisor & exhibitions curator and creator of Dangerous Rabbi: And Different Unusual However True Tales from the Yiddish Press in keeping with a press launch. “The story of Jews and hashish begins in historic occasions and connects to faith, science, medication, and regulation. It’s a narrative that continues to evolve.”
Portnoy is a specialist on Jewish common tradition who presently serves as Educational Advisor for the Max Weinreich Heart and Exhibition Curator on the YIVO Institute for Jewish Analysis. Along with his writing and analysis, he has curated different displays for YIVO up to now.
Am Yisrael Excessive will kick off with a gap evening occasion at 7:00 p.m. (ET) that includes a panel dialogue moderated by Portnoy. Panelists embody horticulturist, educator, and legalization activist Ed Rosenthal; legal professional Adriana Kertzer, Rabbi/Dr. Yosef Glassman; and journalist Madison Margolin. Their dialogue will think about the numerous connections of the Jews to hashish—non secular and religious, historic, scientific, and extra.
“Whereas many cultures and religions have interaction with hashish in a wide range of methods, the Jewish connection has its personal distinctive options,” Pornoy advised Excessive Instances in an e-mail. “From ritual use to recreation, and from science and medical analysis to the legalization motion, Jews have been deeply concerned in hashish tradition. Combining visuals and artifacts, this exhibit tells the story of the Jewish connection and contribution to the world of hashish.”
The YIVO Institute for Jewish Analysis is devoted to the preservation and examine of the historical past and tradition of East European Jewry worldwide. For almost a century, YIVO has pioneered new types of Jewish scholarship, analysis, schooling, and cultural expression. This new exhibit will be part of the institute’s bodily and digital database of on-line and in-person programs, international outreach, and assets together with an over-400,000-volume library.
Now those that want to learn the way the Jewish custom connects to hashish can entry a wealth of data on the subject.
To tune in remotely to the exhibit, click here.