How Jewish mindfulness meditation became a mainstay in High Holiday services and beyond

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RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — At an afternoon class on spiritual ethics this week, Rabbi Jenny Solomon began, as she always does, with a few minutes of guided mindfulness meditation.

“I invite you to find as comfortable a seat as possible in this moment,” Solomon intoned, pausing for a few seconds after each sentence. “I invite you to close your eyes … Allow your hands to rest on your lap or on your body. Any way that feels really loving and supportive … Take a couple of deep breaths as we arrive here, not only in body but in spirit.”

This 10-minute opening ritual is familiar to the participants, members of Beth Meyer Synagogue, a Conservative congregation of 500 families in North Raleigh. Solomon, who co-leads the synagogue with her husband, also a rabbi, has taught numerous classes on Jewish mindfulness meditation here. She routinely launches into a few moments of guided breathing even in the midst of traditional prayer services in the sanctuary. The synagogue offers a monthly Shabbat morning yoga class and annual beach retreats to which congregants bring their cushions and their mats.

“We’re…