The monthly pre-Shabbat call — first Friday of every month
Jews in Weed started on a Shabbat call. We still gather on Zoom before Shabbat on the first Friday of every month at 4:20 PM ET, with a guest, a few familiar faces and room for new ones.
Why do we gather before Shabbat?
Because that is how Jews in Weed began. In the days after October 7, 2023, a small group of Jewish cannabis professionals found each other and realized how much they needed a place to talk. Jordan Isenstadt and Adriana Kertzer, who started JewWhoTokes, hosted the first Shabbat call soon after. Twenty-five people joined. Word spread, more people kept showing up, and the call became a monthly ritual.
It is still the most personal thing we do. The Bagel Bash is where the community meets in person at conferences. The pre-Shabbat call is where it checks in on itself, every month, from wherever people happen to be.
What happens on a call?
Expect familiar faces, a few new ones and a relaxed conversation. Most calls feature a guest from across the cannabis world, from policy reformers and physicians to journalists and investors. Stu Zakim, our resident rabbi, helps welcome Shabbat, and everyone leaves a little more connected than they arrived.
Who can join?
Everyone. Jewish professionals are at the heart of the call, and allies are always welcome. You do not need to have been to a Bash or to know anyone yet.
Who has joined the call in 2026?
An impressive lineup of guests has spent a Friday with the community this year. Here is who has joined us so far.
- Ethan Nadelmann
- Shirley Halperin
- Joanne Wilson
- Dr. Ethan Russo
- Javier Hasse
- Steve Marcus (pre-High Holidays call)
- Roy Kaufmann and David Bienenstock
- Saphira Galoob (next call)
- Guest to be announced
Know someone who should be our guest? Suggest a guest.
How do I make sure I never miss one?
Add the Jews in Weed community calendar, which carries every call along with our Bagel Bashes, holiday parties and evening gatherings. You can also join the WhatsApp community (opens in a new tab), where reminders go out before each call, or sign up below for the newsletter.
Can a company support the call?
Yes. Starting in 2027 the call has its own Virtual Call Sponsor, thanked on every call. See the 2027 sponsorships.
Get call reminders by email
We will send a note before each call, plus invitations to everything else the community is doing.