Across the United States, Jewish communities are increasingly integrating mindfulness meditation into their religious and spiritual practices. This approach blends techniques from Eastern traditions like Buddhism with Jewish language, theology, and rituals. At Beth Meyer Synagogue in North Raleigh, Rabbi Jenny Solomon begins many of her services and classes with guided meditation. The synagogue also hosts monthly Shabbat yoga classes and annual beach retreats that include meditation, showing how these practices are becoming a regular part of Jewish life. This trend is not limited to one denomination. Jewish mindfulness meditation has spread across all major Jewish movements, including the Orthodox. Many Jews use mindfulness during the High Holidays, especially Yom Kippur, either during services or during the afternoon break before the closing service. This practice has deep roots in Jewish history, with Jewish engagement in Buddhist practices like mindfulness meditation dating back over a century. In the 1960s, many American Jews began practicing Zen, Insight, or Tibetan meditation, and some became influential teachers in those movements, known as "JewBus" or "BuJews." Today, mindfulness meditation is largely influenced by the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) method developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, which is used as a secular tool for reducing stress and pain. American and Israeli Jews have adapted this practice with distinctly Jewish frameworks, using it as a way to grow awareness, set intentions, and experience God in the present moment. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, has integrated mindfulness meditation into his teachings, including sessions during the biennial meeting of the Union for Reform Judaism. Organizations like the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) and Or HaLev have trained rabbis and cantors in Jewish mindfulness. The IJS offers daily Zoom meditation sessions, weekly yoga classes, and podcasts. Harris Sokoloff, a retired university administrator, participates in these sessions regularly, finding them helpful in connecting with his heart rather than his mind. The IJS also runs in-person groups for younger Jewish mindfulness practitioners in cities like San Francisco, Brooklyn, and Cambridge. These groups are called "Shevet," meaning "to sit" in Hebrew. Rebecca Schisler, director of young adult programs for the IJS, says mindfulness meditation has helped her reconnect with Judaism in a more experiential way. Mindfulness meditation in Jewish practice draws on the Hasidic tradition, which emphasizes physical embodiment through song, dance, and chants. Josh Feigelson, president and CEO of the IJS, notes that mindfulness meditation has close ties to the Jewish mystical tradition, particularly in Hasidism, where the Hebrew word "da'at" describes awareness. While some critics argue that adopting Buddhist practices may reflect a lack of spiritual connection in religious groups, Feigelson has not encountered accusations of cultural appropriation. Instead, he believes Buddhist practitioners want more people to benefit from their methods. Rabbis have reported positive outcomes from incorporating mindfulness meditation, including higher participation and more vibrant prayer services. Rabbi Elliott Tepperman, who will soon lead Reconstructing Judaism, holds regular mindfulness services and silent retreats for his congregants. He sees mindfulness meditation as a valuable tool for connecting with God and spiritual life, and he aims to make it more central in Jewish practice.