CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
74. Drugs and Mystical
Experience
QUESTION: Is it possible to use mind altering drugs in order
to attain a mystical experience? (K. V., Los Angeles, CA)ANSWER: The Jewish
attitude toward mystical experience is shaped by halakhic and kabalistic views.
Normative Judaism has been antimystical, or at least suspicious of mysticism. The
Talmud cautioned that such literature not be studied until the student is mature (M. Hag.
2.1; 13b). Sometimes this struggle between the two forms of Judaism may be found in a single
individual, such as Joseph Caro, author of both the Shulhan Arukh and the mystical
Magid Mishnah (R. J. Z. Werblowsky, Joseph Karo, Lawyer and
Mystic). The various Jewish philosophical and mystical works, which deal with
heightened states of awareness of whatever form, demand that they be attained through study,
introspection, the observance of the mitzvot, and a life of piety. External stimulants are,
to the best of my knowledge, not mentioned by authorities in this field, like Gershom
Scholem. As psychedelic drugs promote no assurance that a “heightened state of
awareness” will be attained, we would, therefore, have to classify such a use of these drugs as
seeking pleasure. This is prohibited by Judaism; that question has been treated in another
responsum. Mind altering drugs, therefore, may not be used by Jews to induce a “heightened
sense of religious awareness” or to seek a mystical experience.May 1985
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.