Study Analyzed Jewish Attitudes Toward Psychedelics

Researchers surveyed over 1,100 American Jews regarding the role of psychedelics in spiritual practice and identity.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Judaism

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a brass menorah next to a crystalline prism, representing the intersection of tradition and spiritual exploration. — A 2026 study titled 'Jewish Journeys' explores how American Jews are using psychedelics to re-engage with spiritual practice and cultural identity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe psychedelic experiences can help individuals feel more connected to their spiritual or religious community?

A September 2026 report titled Jewish Journeys explored the intersection of psychedelic use and religious identity among American Jews. The study found that a significant majority of unaffiliated respondents have used these substances for spiritual purposes.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that psychedelic experiences may serve as a catalyst for disconnected individuals to re-engage with Jewish community life. Researchers aimed to determine whether these experiences help bridge the gap between secular lifestyles and religious identity.

The study surveyed 1,126 American Jews, finding that 36% of participants used psychedelics to process generational trauma. Additionally, 22% of unaffiliated respondents reported utilizing these substances specifically for spiritual or religious ceremonies.

The players

Rabbi Zac Kamenetz

He is the founder of Shefa, a nonprofit organization based in Berkeley that explores the intersection of Jewish wisdom and psychedelic research.

Emory University

This Atlanta-based research institution provided the academic framework for the study of Jewish attitudes toward psychedelics.

Jim Joseph Foundation

This organization supports educational initiatives and contributed to the national study on Jewish attitudes and psychedelic use.

The details

Researchers from Emory University and the Jim Joseph Foundation spent two years gathering survey data and conducting interviews. The report indicates that for many participants, the use of psychedelics provided a path to explore their heritage and address emotional history.

Rabbi Zac Kamenetz founded the nonprofit organization Shefa in 2020.
Oregon legalized supervised psilocybin use in 2020.
Colorado decriminalized personal psychedelic use in 2022.
UC Berkeley reported 63% support for psychedelic research in May 2025.
Researchers released the Jewish Journeys report in September 2026.

Roadmap

This study tracks with broader academic and societal shifts reflected by institutions like the UC Berkeley psychedelic research center. It highlights a growing movement to scientifically validate how emerging substances are integrated into traditional cultural frameworks.

For unaffiliated individuals, the study highlights how informal spiritual explorations may influence personal decisions about seeking out Jewish community events. It suggests that individuals may find new entry points into their cultural identity through non-traditional practices.

The takeaway

The study underscores a growing trend of individuals seeking personal meaning outside of traditional institutional settings. Readers interested in this intersection should consider how personal spiritual inquiries often precede a deeper investigation of their own heritage.