Though contemporary individualism means all Jews are, in some measure, Jews by choice, Gary “Pips” Phillips made that choice during the Holocaust.

Jewish Music transplanted from Europe to American, via Hebrew Union College

As interest in psychedelics grows once again, people from many backgrounds—biomedical researchers, religious leaders, spiritual practitioners, and healing communities—are exploring their potential in new ways. Unlike the early psychedelic movements that emerged before the War on Drugs, today’s revival is strongly focused on legitimizing these practices through the lens of mental health and well‑being. Within this broader movement, ultra‑Orthodox Jewish communities have begun engaging with psychedelics in surprising and innovative ways. For many participants, these psychedelic practices reveal a desire to detach from the suffering produced by highly controlled societies and an attempt to find better alignment with one’s inner self.

Charlie Scheidt follows the forgotten trail of his family from Europe to the United States.

Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein breaks down a landmark study of road to the rabbinate.

Rabbi Michael Zedek shares his stories and the values the drive them.

A Jewish ethical tradition called Mussar and a uniquely Jewish approach to twelve-step recovery.

More than a religion, resisting extremes, but also hard to pin down, Judaism and Judaism’s God inspire Arnold Eisen’s spiritual search.