NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- An exhibit on the relationship between Judaism and cannabis is coming to New York City that will examine Jewish pot use spanning from biblical times to the 21st century.
The exhibit, dubbed Am Yisrael High, will open May 5 at the Yiddish Scientific Institute, known by the acronym YIVO for the Yiddish translation of its name.
The exhibit's name is a play on the Hebrew phrase Am Yisrael Chai, which translates to “the people of Israel live.”
The exhibit’s curator, Eddy Portnoy, told the New York Post, he was inspired by a menorah-shaped bong to seek out more Jewish weed kitsch.
While he did find some other tchotchkes that fit the description, like the pot-themed seder plate or weed leaf yarmulke that will both be on display, he also discovered a rich history of Jewish religious and recreational cannabis use.
The Torah refers to sacrificial burning of “kaneh bosm,” which translates to “aromatic resinous reed.” Many scholars believe this passage is describing cannabis.
The plant is native to South Asia, the Caucasus region, Northern Africa and the Middle East, so it’s not implausible that ancient Israelites were smoking kush around the time they were fighting Cushites (the two terms share an origin).
The exhibit will feature historical records, like a 13th century purchase order for hashish or a 15th century poem poking fun at Medieval Jewish stoners.
Also on display will be memorabilia from Jewish figures who played an important cultural, scientific or political role in contemporary marijuana use.
Portnoy will host a panel on the opening day of the exhibit.
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