The Jewish Meditation Series

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a first entry into authentic and practical Jewish meditation. Taking us step by step through the words of the first morning prayer, providing imagery and concepts for mindful focus.

Continuing the Modeh Ani meditation with a contemplation of the Creator as Author of our personal stories.

Final segment of the Modeh Ani meditation, focusing on the return of the soul.

The Kaddish response is meant to be said with "all the power of your mental focus." Here is a practical guide to saying each word with total mindfulness and focus.

The first step of Shema is to lift yourself into a space from which you can see the view from above.

We use the emergence of speech from the human psyche to experience the act of creation within ourselves.

Real secrets don't need to be hidden--they are known only to those who already know. The most absolute secret is to know existence itself.

Now we bring this all back down to earth with an added line after the Shema.

The movements we make with the Four Kinds each day of Sukkot are a meditation on bringing our emotions into balanced harmony. This meditation is grounded in the kavanot of the Ari as explained in the siddur of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

The very idea of prayer is absurd--a tiny creature speaking with its Creator, like a figment of your imagination talking back to you. Once you accept that absurdity, you are ready to stand in the awe of prayer.

The Shemoneh Esrei tells a story, began with a proper order of priorities in life, each need in its proper place.

Next comes the story of redemption, leading up to the ultimate prayer in the temple of a rebuilt Jerusalem.

Leaving the upper world while holding on tight.

Mindful eating begins by opening a channel. Tzvi Freeman works backwards, step by step, disclosing the thoughts behind a mindful blessing.

Before doing any mitzvah, a blessing is also said, but somewhat longer. Rabbi Freeman illuminates the meaning of the added words.