Hitbodedut

Prayer

Hitbodedut is the Hebrew word for meditation. A practice that is attributed to the prophets and to other highly spiritual individuals after them, it has become popularized through the works and followers of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

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Yitzchak's Meditation and Divine Assistance

CHASIDUT

The Torah mentions Yitzchak going out to converse in the field, which is commonly understood to refer to prayer or meditation. The Mei HaShiloach, a Hasidic commentary by Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Izbica, discusses Yitzchak's character and what might have been the contents of his prayer, as well as the events surrounding it.

“And Yitzchak came from the way of the well ‘Lechai Roi,’ for he dwelt in the south country. And Yitzchak went out to meditate in the fields upon evening, and he raised his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming.” (Bereshit, 24:62)
Yitzchak was the root of all fear of God in the world, and even when (the mitzvah, or God’s will) involves “sitting” and refraining from action, as it says, “he dwelt [sat] in the south country [Negev]” or dry (menugav) from all desire not directed to Kedusha…

Mei HaShiloach, Volume I, Genesis, Chayei Sara 4

The Essence of Hitbodedut

CHASIDUT

In Breslover thinking, Hitbodedut aims to achieve bitul, or self-nullification, to become one with God. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov’s teachings in Likutei Moharan emphasize secluded, personal prayer and meditation as a means to foster a deep connection with God.

5. Here you have leshon Rabbeinu z’l of this lesson, which he composed with extreme brevity: Who goes on his way alone. He who stays awake at night… Know, the essence of bitul—that a person negates his corporeality and becomes ayin (nothingness), becoming encompassed in the oneness of God—is achieved only through hitbodedut . Now the hitbodedut requires a special place and time so that he is not disturbed by distractions. The time is at night—i.e., He who stays awake at night—for then everyone is asleep…

Likutei Moharan 52:5:1-4

Unveiling Hitbodedut's Ancient Roots

COMMENTARY

Breslover Chasidic teachings have popularized the practice of hitbodedut. This contemporary study of the book of Kings by Rabbi Chaim Jachter proposes a connection between those spiritual methodologies developed in Eastern Europe around the turn of the nineteenth century with the behaviors of great biblical figures.

Hitbodedut today is most often associated with Breslover Chassidut, which is renowned for its adherents’ isolation in the forest in an effort to draw closer to Hashem. Interestingly, the Seforno (Shemot 3:1) explains that Moshe Rabbeinu retreats to the desert to graze his sheep to isolate himself and draw closer to Hashem. Thus, from a certain perspective, Breslover Chassidim act like both Moshe Rabbeinu and Eliyahu HaNavi!

From David to Destruction, Eliyahu HaNavi and the Drought of Faith, A Fed Up Man of Faith 11

Hitbodedut in Nature

CHASIDUT

Engaging in hitbodedut in natural settings fosters a deeper connection with God and the world around us. Reb Noson, a disciple of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, emphasizes the importance of personal prayer in nature, as expressed in his collection of prayers, Likutei Tefilot.

The Grasses of the Field Enhance a Person’s Prayers
When a person prays in the field, all of the grasses enter into his prayer and imbue it with power.
Hitbodedut Among the Trees and Grasses
“Come, my beloved. Let us go out to the field, let us stay overnight in the villages. Let us arise to the vineyards, let us see if the grapevine has flowered, if the tiny grapes have developed, if the pomegranates have lost their flowers. There I will give you my love.”…

Likutei Tefilot, Volume II 11:1-7

Praying Jew, Aleksander Grodzicki (1893)

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