Finding Calm
in a Kosher Way
Life is overwhelming. We all feel frazzled between constant notifications, endless to-do lists, and mounting pressure. While meditation offers proven benefits, most practices don’t align with Jewish law.
That’s where Kosher Meditation comes in.
What Makes This Different?
We bridge thousands of years of Jewish wisdom with modern stress management. You’ll learn:
health and healing
for managing anxiety and stress
A Different
Path
to Peace
Kosher Meditation serves as your spiritual GPS, offering a way to find tranquility. We provide Jewish-aligned techniques for finding your center without compromising on halacha.
Also available in all jewish bookstores and online book-sellers.
The Science Meets Spirituality
Leading rabbinical authorities and mental health professionals validate our approach.
of Stress and Peace
The Stress-Relaxation Connection
Your body has two opposing systems: the stress response and the relaxation response. While the stress response prepares you for danger, triggering hormones that increase heart rate and blood pressure, the relaxation response does the opposite. It’s your body’s natural healing mode.
Chronic stress contributes to numerous health issues:
Cardiovascular disease
Weakened immune system
Anxiety and depression
Digestive problems
Sleep disorders
The good news? The relaxation response acts as your body's built-in stress antidote
Research shows that meditation consistently triggers this response, leading to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced anxiety
- Better sleep
- Improved immune function
- Enhanced emotional regulation
How to Practice Kosher Meditation
1. Create Your Space
- Choose a quiet space in your home.
- Sit in a comfortable chair or in your bed.
- Low lighting is best.
- Remove distractions (phones, pets, devices)
2. Beginners Guide
- Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and breath comfortably for a moment or two.
- Begin mentally repeating your focus word and continue for 10 minutes.
- When your mind wanders off on a thought, easily return attention to the focus word.
- After the session, sit quietly for a moment before opening your eyes.
Remember: Just as you wouldn't expect to run a marathon without training, meditation takes practice. Start small, be consistent, and the benefits will come naturally.
Video Resources for Inner Peace
Kosher Breathing Method
Introduction to Chedvah (joy) breathing with Harav Yitzchak Ginsburgh
The Lubavitcher Rebbe on Kosher Meditation
Explore the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s insights on finding inner peace and building resilience.
Coming Soon
Gentle Movements for Body and Soul
Meet the Author
Rabbi Aryeh Siegel’s five-decade exploration of meditation benefits from his academic background in research and his spiritual path. A former senior executive in the Transcendental Meditation (TM) organization, he left in 1980 over concerns about its Hindu religious elements being marketed as a secular practice.
The turning point in Rabbi Siegel’s journey came when he learned of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson’s revolutionary vision: meditation could align with Jewish law and be therapeutically potent. The Rebbe’s insight inspired Siegel to explore meditation techniques harmonizing with Jewish law while preserving their stress-reduction benefits.
Today, Rabbi Siegel, author of “Transcendental Deception” and a federal court expert witness on TM in public schools, continues to teach and write about meditation’s role in health and healing through a Jewish lens. His work reflects the Rebbe’s wisdom that meditation can serve both body and soul without compromising religious principles.
Frequently Asked Questions for New Meditators
I can't sit still for five minutes. Is this for me?
If you can breathe, you can do this. We start where you are.
How do I make this a daily habit?
What if I'm not doing it right?
Feeling Unsure or Self-Doubt
- It’s normal to question your meditation practice, especially because it’s so simple.
- Meditation is not about achieving a specific state; it’s about observing and allowing awareness to unfold naturally.
- Think of meditation as watching clouds—you simply observe, without trying to control.
- Trust that sitting quietly with gentle awareness is the correct practice.
Memories Arising During Meditation
- Experiencing memories, even vivid or long-forgotten ones, is common.
- Thoughts are a normal part of meditation.
Seeing Colors, Shapes, or Landscapes
- Visual experiences may occur but are not significant.
- Always gently return to your focus word when you drift.
- Avoid trying to recreate pleasant experiences.
Feeling Drowsy or Falling Asleep
- Sleepiness is common, especially if your body needs rest.
- Don’t resist drowsiness; meditation naps can be refreshing.
- No need to extend your session if you fall asleep; resume daily activities as usual when time is up.
Racing Mind During Meditation
- A busy mind does not mean you’re doing it wrong.
- Thoughts are natural and may help you process mental chatter.
- Gently return to your focus word whenever you notice your awareness is on a thought.
Persistent or Intense Thoughts
- Thoughts can result from the body’s purification due to profound relaxation.
- Intense or persistent thoughts may overshadow your focus word; observe them without judgment. Don’t force your focus word. When comfortable, return to it.
- If persistent, slowly scan your body. Allow your attention to linger on any sensations you may notice, one at a time.
- Even if your sessions are filled with thoughts, the meditation is correct.
Measuring Meditation’s Benefits
- Don’t judge meditation by how you feel during a session.
- Challenging sessions can be as beneficial as peaceful ones.
- Notice effects like improved stress management and greater clarity in daily life.
- Consistency is key; release expectations about individual sessions.