Psychedelic Yom Kippur at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

Step outside your routine, connect with others in nature, and leave with clearer intentions for the year ahead.

Shul not your thing? Join us at the Chicago Botanic Garden for the 5th Annual Psychedelic Yom Kippur, a sober journey for the soul.

Explore Jewish values and self-improvement through:

• Unique group experiences
• Guided Meditation
• Journaling & goal setting
• Spiritual Improv & play
• Movement & dance
• Guided conversations

This is an intimate group event. Participation from start to finish is recommended. The after party is optional.

See agenda for more details.

There will not be drugs at this event. We use the adjective “psychedelic” generally, meaning anything that invokes a shift in mind, mood, and perception.

What past participants have said

“I loved it… one of the closest I’ve felt to the joys of camp since being an adult and it really fed my Yom Kippur reflective experience.”

— 2025 attendee

“So glad I went!! I met such lovely people, so I was thrilled by the container and by being outside in a beautiful place! And I actually was able to connect with folks organically and make friends, which is rare at these events.”

— Leigh Goldsmith, 2025 attendee

“I had no idea what to expect when I came last year. What I found was laughter, goofy moments, surprisingly deep reflection, and a group of people I left feeling deeply connected to. Highly recommend keeping an open mind — you’ll be delighted you did.”

— Shaily Hakimian Armstrong, ChiTribe Board Chair, past participant

About the co-organizer

Dashiell Bark-Huss is the founder of Psychedelic Synagogue, a community exploring the intersection of Jewish ritual, conciousness, and playful spirituality. After teaching herself to code and running a software business for several years, she retired to focus on consciousness research, collaborating with scientists from Northwestern University and Cambridge. Dash is the co-founder of KD Labs, a remote lucid dream research lab. Outside of research and tech, she enjoys creating spaces that balance playfulness with depth and offer practical tools for living a good life. Dash is also the best friend of her partner, Shlomo.

All proceeds go back to ChiTribe to support the Jewish community. Volunteers have donated over 200 hours of planning for this event.

Check your email for more information about what to bring and prepare before the event.