In my previous presentation for NEFESH (Spring, 2021), I presented basic information regarding meditation vis a vis halachic permissibility. In this slightly longer workshop, I would like to review basic concepts and go further into experiential tools such as meditations, breathing techniques, etc. so clinicians can learn and share with greater ease.

Although it is clearly known that there are many benefits to meditation, there can be halachic issues with what is available. These days, online formats of meditation are ubiquitous. In fact, mindfulness meditation has become one of the most widely used techniques used in current evidence-based therapeutic modalities (consider DBT, MBCT, MBSR, etc.).  Additionally, there is significant research demonstrating the beneficial neuroplastic effect meditation has on the brain.   Even though there are obvious clinical and health benefits, many available methods contain some avizrayhu d’avodah zara (subtle Eastern religious carryover elements).  The Lubavitcher Rebbe was very strong about getting the neutral format out as soon as possible (over 40 years ago) since Jews were led astray.  The Rebbe predated many current, cutting-edge, evidence-based research with his approach to meditation. In the ’60s and 70’s he approached individuals, groups, and then publicly gave an address about Transcendental Meditation and its idolatrous elements. 

At the time of this appeal, minimal research was done, but meditation had promise toward these ends.  As a teenager, I used TM.  I have a first-hand appreciation for the long-term benefits of using the basic elements of the method. However, I had to stop cold turkey once I found out about the overtly idolatrous elements.  Finding out that my “unique mantra” (sound to focus on) was the name of a Hindu deity, was a horrible betrayal and loss.  At that time, I ran far from meditation. However, later after becoming a therapist, learning how such techniques can help in self-regulation, I have been working on responding to The Rebbe’s request. For the past 20 years or so my work has involved providing and disseminating clinical meditation and relaxation recordings, as well as sleep audio and other modes to assist people with their self-regulation.