Last month, I saw the legendary jam band Phish as part of their annual four-night New Year’s Run at Madison Square Garden. I went as a fan of their music. I came away with new insights into how to be a better rabbi and how to make the shul experience more meaningful.

For those unfamiliar with them, Phish has an extraordinarily devoted fan base, often called Phishheads, that rivals even the Swifties. For Phish fans, the New Year’s Run is something like their High Holidays, a can’t-miss ritual. In fact, on New Year’s Eve, Phish even plays three sets instead of their usual two, a liturgical addition that feels reminiscent of Yom Kippur’s Neilah service. While we may joke about the comparison, many fans, myself included, have genuinely spiritual experiences at these shows. There is often a palpable sense of oneness with everyone in the room and a feeling of transcendence.

I’m still relatively new to the scene, having attended only five shows, which in the Phish world is hardly noteworthy, as many devoted fans have seen the band 200 to 300 times. The Jewish connection to the band is well documented, but as a rabbi, I found myself learning something deeper. One of the elements that makes each show so distinctive is that the band performs an entirely different setlist every night, unlike most touring bands, which typically repeat the same........

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