"All my life I grew up among the Sages, and I have not found anything better
for the body than silence".
כָּל יָמַי גָּדַלְתִּי בֵין הַחֲכָמִים, וְלֹא מָצָאתִי לַגּוּף טוֹב אֶלָּא שְׁתִיקָה
Rabbi Shimon. Pirkei Avot 1.17
Meditative practices have been at the heart of Jewish spirituality for millennia.
From Abulafia to the Piaczesner rebbe, from Rabbi Cordovero to Rabbi Nachman, From Hayim Vital to the Milter Rebbe, Jewish Sages have shared with us along the centuries their paths of consciousness.
Today, thanks to the publication of some of their works, we can have a glimpse in this well of torah-based transformative wisdom.
As the Jewish Spiritual Masters guide us on the way to changing ourselves towards clarity, serenity, joy and connection, Jewish Meditation practice help us become part of the greater change: the fixing of the World (Tikkun Olam).
I invite you to join me on the journey.
Dr. Mira Neshama Niculescu is a Paris-born Scholar and teacher of Jewish spirituality . She lives in Jerusalem where she teaches Medieval and Chassidic contemplative practices at Pardes, Or HaLev and Yakar, learns Torah at Yeshivat Har'El. She lectures and facilitates workshop on Jewish spirituality in Israel, Europe and the United States.
What is Jewish Meditation?
"Jewish meditation" is a generic term pointing to a diverse array of contemplative techniques which Jewish sages have been transmitting for centuries. From Kavannah to 'Histaklut, from Gerushin to Hitobnenut, from Hashkata to Hitbodedut, from Tserufim to 'Haga, the field of Jewish meditation is vast and complex.
It can be roughly divided into three trends: ecstatic Kabbalah, pietistic Chassidut, and ethical Mussar.
Learn more about Jewish meditation ressources
Join a local or online Jewish Meditation class or retreat