Those who come for meditation at Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo must walk through its sanctuary, step across the bimah and slip behind the ark to enter the newly designed Or HaLev Center for Jewish Spirituality.
While this sacred stroll might not hold the same weight on a regular Monday night as it would on Shabbat or a holiday, it allows congregants and community members seeking a spiritual experience to begin connecting with God and themselves, said Wendie Bernstein Lash, one of four meditation leaders at the Or HaLev Center.
“People are looking for something beyond intellect,” she said. “Many Jews are turning to Buddhism, but we want them to know meditation is in our heritage and can be done in a Jewish context.”
In preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Reform congregation is offering to its members and those outside the synagogue ongoing Monday night meditation sitting groups and a day retreat Saturday, Sept. 13, for reflection and renewal during the Jewish month of Elul.
Beth El also will host the first of four contemplative Shabbat morning services for the fall on Oct. 4.
Noting that many who attend High Holy Days services don’t have or know of a specific way to spiritually prepare, Bernstein Lash said, “We create a container where people can meditate, learn, listen and become ready for what it is the Days of Awe are asking them to look at.”
Though the methods for guiding their students are unique, teachers of Jewish meditation share a common goal of helping participants unite with God and find the small voice that exists within, perhaps another example of divine influence, Bernstein Lash said.
“When we are quiet or try to quiet the mind, we’re able to hear that voice,” she said. “It gives you a chance to listen to something that’s different, something that’s been under the surface if you’re busy.
“Ultimately, meditation allows people to feel more whole, more complete and spiritually healed.”
Bernstein Lash, a meditation and spiritual director for almost 20 years, often will begin her class with a lesson derived from the weekly parshah. The session continues with guided meditation and ends with the chanting of Hebrew words. Her sitting group focuses on the energy and spirituality of the current Jewish month, and the act of returning to oneself or to a sacred place.
Those unfamiliar with Jewish meditation can take part in one-on-one sessions with Bernstein Lash or other Or HaLev teachers Bobbi Bornstein, Rabbi Phil Cohen and Laurie Williams. The free half-hour session includes a consultation and a brief meditation. Anyone in the community is invited to participate.
“This is a place for people to meet others who are like them, but maybe not in their congregation,” Bernstein Lash said. “Even those who are not affiliated can find other spiritual seekers. We welcome anybody. If people want to sit, learn Torah and meditate, we’re pleased.”