Over the many years of my rabbinate I am often asked whether Judaism permits meditation, especially during worship. Many readers may be surprised to learn that meditation is a traditional activity in the Jewish religion. One of the first references to meditation in biblical times is in the Book of Genesis. There, Isaac is said to have gone out into a field during the afternoon to meditate. (Genesis 24:63). In this passage, rabbinic interpreters understood the word meditate to mean “to pray,” and on the basis of this verse they attributed the afternoon Jewish prayer service to the patriarch Isaac.
Over the years, Judaism has produced an important system of meditation. Furthermore, since Judaism is an Eastern religion that migrated to the West, its meditative practices may well be those most relevant to westerners. There is considerable evidence that the Jewish mystical masters had dialogue with the Sufi masters and were also aware of the schools of India.
Jews are by nature a spiritual people, and many are actively seeking spiritual meaning in life, often on a mystical level. Today, many American Jews have become involved in Eastern religions. A large percentage practice disciplines such as Transcendental Meditation. Until Jews become aware of the spiritual richness of their own tradition, they will continue to search for greener pastures elsewhere.
Meditation has been a part of Jewish prayer and life for the longest time. In the Talmud (rabbinic interpretation of the Bible), we read that the early Hasidim (Pietists) would spend an hour before prayer in meditation, to direct their mind to God.
Meditation has often been defined as thinking in a controlled manner, deciding exactly how one wishes to direct the mind for a period of time, and then doing it. Jewish meditation uses images, words, and symbols that come from Jewish tradition. The meditations themselves, and the teachings that go along with them, reflect Jewish understanding. I have used meditative techniques at Sabbath services and recently we included a guided meditation on the theme of repentance in the Yom Kippur Day of Atonement service at Beth Judah Temple.
People are often surprised to hear the term Jewish meditation. They have been taught that Judaism is an “in-the-world” religion rather than one that can lead to spiritual transformation. Thus, from an early age many Jews have been given the impression that any technique possibly leading to a spiritual experience is not Jewish and therefore ought to be avoided.
Not long ago, books on meditation paid little attention to Judaism. Most of those books emphasized Eastern practices, and in some instances Christian meditation, but Jewish meditation was for all intents and purposes ignored.
Now, there are many books on Jewish meditation to assist those who wish to learn the art. One of my favorites is Discovering Jewish Meditation: Instruction and Guidance for Learning an Ancient Spiritual Practice, written by Nan Fink Gefen and published by Jewish Lights. This book clearly helps guide the Jewish meditation that perhaps you have been searching for.
I hope that you will stay in touch and e mail me any questions that you have. And of course all are welcome to come visit Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood where you will find a warm and welcoming community with lots of singing and engagement!
Until next time, shalom and I wish you God’s blessings of peace and time to meditate too!
ED. NOTE: Rabbi Isaacs is interim rabbi at Beth Judah Temple, Wildwood. He invites questions emailed to his website www.rabbiron.com.
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