Judaism & the Grateful Dead – an unlikely or natural pairing?
There are many Jews who take to both Judaism and the Grateful Dead like bees to honey. This phenomenon shouldn’t be surprising. It certainly isn’t incongruous. First of all, by definition, serious adherents of both groups are true seekers in search of creating a more humane world. 4000 years ago, Abraham and Sarah, the first Jews, left their idolatrous home and culture in Mesopotamia in search of their one true God and a homeland. Since then, their descendants have practiced Judaism in search of a better world of celebration, justice, security and peace for all. Nearly 50 years ago, the Grateful Dead left the conventional world behind in search of a sound and spirit that would move lives to capture the possibilities of how alluring and joyful life could be. Since then, their fans have followed the music and forged a culture in search of an inspiring joyful spirit that could be shared to create a better world filled with peace and love for all. At their best, both Judaism & the Grateful Dead provide seekers with similar gifts, each in their own language and way. They are spirited dynamic communities who find great significance in life, caring, sharing, celebration and written & oral traditions in the hope of making the world a more joyous and peaceful place for all. Phrases like “Jews for Jerry” and “Blues for Challah” testify to the confluence of these cultures to those who are seriously passionate about both Judaism & the Dead. Many have found incredible insight and inspiration from what both Judaism & the Dead have to offer, resulting in molding people who are truly blessings to humanity.
http://www.relix.com/articles/detail/se ... teful_dead
I'm also severely hearing impaired (since birth), but that hasn't stopped me from enjoying the Dead either like other "Deafheads."
https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/07 ... ead-shows/
I didn't start listening to them until 1992. I had previously been a "punk" rocker and had no idea what the Dead were about until then. Though I didn't get to see them when Jerry Garcia was alive, I collected bootleg shows and spent the rest of the '90's totally into the Dead. At the same time I was beginning to observe Judaism as well, so the two are actually somewhat entwined in my mind.
I did see a few post-Jerry shows, including their last show in Chicago in 2015 (which was amazing!).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grateful_ ... -_2015.jpg
Any other Dead Heads here?