Rabbi Jeff Roth, a well-known meditation practitioner, teacher, and facilitator of Jewish retreats, is founder and director of the Awakened Heart Project for Contemplative Judaism. He co-founded Elat Chayyim, where he served as executive director and spiritual director for 13 years. In this primer on Jewish contemplative life, he presents teachings and practices for changing oneself and mending the world. Meditation can be seen as a tool that uses the activity of the mind to wake us up. Roth discusses breathing and the Divine Presence, living in the here and now, the reality of pleasant and unpleasant sensations, warnings for potential mystics, and much more.
In two very interesting sections, the author probes "Making the Darkness Conscious," where he takes a look at the evil inclination, and "Embracing the Divine," where he presents a wonderful fourfold contemplative chant paying tribute to the Divine Oneness:
"It is perfect
You are loved
All is clear and
I am holy."
Intention, Roth says, plays a major role in prayer, which he defines as "a ladder that connects you and God." An ambitious last section of the book covers Sabbath as a day of deep practice, creating a well-rounded spiritual life, working with pain, cultivating an open heart and generosity, and deeds of lovingkindness.
Roth numbers as his two main mentors Rabbi Arthur Waskow and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi; the latter's influence is evident in the inspiring and practical chapter on "A Blessing Practice." In this practice, you start with these four phrases: "May I be blessed with peace. May I be blessed with joy. May I be blessed with lovingkindness. May I be blessed with compassion." You can then extend the practice by substituting other names for "I," sending this light to your benefactors, your closest loved ones and family, your friends and acquaintances, neutral people, annoying/difficult people, and all beings. This blessing practice opens the heart and makes us more receptive to others. You can do it anyplace and anywhere. Roth does it on the subway and at airports.
