בס”ד
In the world of Jewish spirituality, there are many ways to connect with G-d. Two powerful and often misunderstood practices are Hitbodedut and Hitbonenut (also spelled Hisbonenus). They may sound similar, but they come from different traditions and carry very different approaches and goals.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Hitbonenut (התבוננות) – Thinking, Understanding, Meditating
The word Hitbonenut comes from the Hebrew root “בינה” (Bina) – meaning understanding or insight. It refers to deep, intellectual contemplation, particularly about G-d and His creation.
As Maimonides explains in the opening of Mishneh Torah, contemplating the natural world leads to love and awe of G-d. While these qualities aren’t explicitly listed among the Seven Noahide Laws, they are logical spiritual prerequisites for truly serving G-d and refraining from violating His commandments. Hitbonenut can therefore play an important role in developing a sincere connection with the Creator.
This approach is central in Chabad Chassidut. The basic idea is:
By thinking deeply about G-d—His Greatness, His Kindness, His Unity—you awaken your feelings and transform your behavior.
This method draws on sources like Maimonides (the Rambam), Duties of the Heart (Chovot Halevavot), and Chassidic teachings. You take a specific idea—G-d’s Infinite Power, His Oneness, His Compassion—that you previously learned from these holy sources, and reflect on it in depth.
It is important to emphasize: one does not meditate on whatever one personally thinks might be true about G-d. We rely on the authentic sources and focus our minds on what they actually say, without inventing new ideas or adding personal interpretations. The goal is to internalize the truth, not to create our own.
Sometimes this meditation involves repeating or reviewing the idea in the exact words of the teaching. Other times, you meditate on how this idea affects your life, expressing it in your own words—while remaining faithful to the original meaning.
There are three primary forms of hitbon’nut (contemplative meditation), each building on the previous:
- Study-Meditation (הִתְבּוֹנְנוּת שֶׁל לִמּוּד):
After learning a concept thoroughly from authentic Torah sources, one reflects deeply on its meaning, until its intellectual depth and truth begin to shine clearly. The focus here is on understanding. - Meditation Before Prayer (הִתְבּוֹנְנוּת קוֹדֶם הַתְּפִלָּה):
In this stage, the goal is not only to understand the concept intellectually but to awaken a sense of its spiritual vitality and emotional relevance. This helps prepare the heart for meaningful prayer. - Meditation During Prayer (הִתְבּוֹנְנוּת בַּתְּפִלָּה):
Here, the intention is to sense the Divine element within the concept itself—to feel the presence of G-d within the truth you’ve learned. This transforms the prayer into a personal and heartfelt connection with the Divine.(Hayom 20th Tamuz)
Through this progressive form of meditation—moving from intellect to emotion to spiritual intimacy—one becomes increasingly aware of G-d’s presence and draws closer to Him in a real and lasting way.
The goal of Hitbonenut: to awaken awareness of G-d through the intellect, which then shapes your heart and your actions. The head leads the heart.
Hitbodedut (התבודדות) – Being Alone, Withdrawing from the World
The word Hitbodedut comes from the Hebrew root “בודד” (Boded), meaning alone. It refers to setting oneself apart—secluding from the distractions of the world—to focus inwardly and connect with G-d.
But this “being alone” can take on very different meanings, depending on the spiritual tradition. Within Jewish mysticism, there are two major interpretations of Hitbodedut:
- The emotional path of Breslov, which focuses on spontaneous, heartfelt conversation with G-d.
- The introspective path of Chabad, which emphasizes self-reflection and spiritual accounting.
Though they share the same name, these practices are quite different in tone and purpose.
Hitbodedut According to Breslov – Talking to G-d Like a Father
In Breslov Chassidut, Hitbodedut is about being alone with G-d—not to meditate silently, but to speak. Literally speak to Him.
Go out into nature—the woods, a quiet field, a park—and talk to G-d as you would to your father or best friend.
“Dad, life is hard. Help me. I don’t know what to do.”
There are no formal words, no scripts, no special language. Just talk. Whatever’s on your heart. The more you speak, the more you become aware of G-d listening. The more you share, the closer you feel.
Goal of Breslov-style Hitbodedut: emotional closeness, real-time relationship with G-d, awareness through personal, unfiltered dialogue.
Hitbodedut According to Chabad – Spiritual Self-Reflection
In Chabad, Hitbodedut means something else entirely. Here, it’s about self-evaluation and inner accounting.
You take time alone not to talk to G-d, but to look inward:
- What did I do today?
- Where have I improved?
- Where do I need to grow?
- What patterns in my life need attention?
It’s an honest check-in with yourself. Not emotional expression, but calm, focused introspection aimed at growth.
Summary: What’s the Difference?
| Hitbonenut | Hitbodedut (Breslov) | Hitbodedut (Chabad) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Chabad | Breslov | Chabad |
| Focus | Thinking about G-d | Talking to G-d | Thinking about yourself |
| Method | Meditation on ideas | Personal, spontaneous speech | Self-reflection |
| Style | Intellectual | Emotional | Intellectual & practical |
| Goal | Awareness of G-d through understanding | Awareness of G-d through conversation | Awareness of self and personal growth |
A Personal Note
In my own life, each of these forms plays a different role. They help me in different moments, in different ways.
- I like to practice Hitbodedut briefly before I begin to pray. It helps me center myself—who am I speaking to right now? That quiet moment of separation makes the prayer more real, more personal.
Interestingly, the Shulchan Aruch instructs that before prayer, one should contemplate both the greatness of G‑d and the lowliness of man. This reflection grounds the heart in humility and awe, preparing it to connect sincerely with the Divine.
- I use the Breslov-style Hitbodedut when I’m walking through nature. Sometimes I just want to share the beauty I see with G-d. Other times, when I feel emotional or overwhelmed, I speak to Him as I would a father, asking for help, comfort, direction.
- The Chabad-style Hitbodedut I find helpful at the end of the day. It’s a chance to reflect: what went well, what needs attention, where can I grow tomorrow?
Each one has its own power. Together, they help deepen my relationship with G-d—in thought, in feeling, and in action.
Which Path Is “Better”?
People often ask, “Which path is better?” But that’s not really the right question.
It’s like music.
Some people love classical music—structured, thoughtful, every note perfectly placed. That’s Hitbonenut: a disciplined, intellectual meditation.
Others love jazz—improvised, raw, emotional. That’s Hitbodedut in the Breslov sense: heartfelt, unfiltered, unique every time.
And both are music. Both can be beautiful—depending on the soul that plays them.
Some souls resonate more with thinking, others with feeling. Some people are analytical by nature. Others are seekers of warmth and closeness. And some shift between the two, depending on the season of life.
So the question isn’t “Which is better?”
It’s: Which one tunes your soul?
When your inner strings are aligned, when your practice brings out your most authentic sound—that’s when it works.
Can I Meditate on “Small” Things?
Absolutely. You can meditate on anything that brings you closer to G-d. A leaf, a mountain, a flowing stream. The key is not whether it’s “big” or “small” but whether you see the divine within it.
“How great are Your works, Hashem; You made them all with wisdom.” (Psalms 104:24)
Everything in creation is a window into the Creator. Even the tiniest detail can be a doorway to wonder.
Final Thought
Whether you’re talking to G-d under the trees, meditating on His infinite unity, or quietly examining your own spiritual journey—you are seeking connection.
And that’s what it’s all about.
There are many paths to G-d.
The goal is to find the one where your soul can sing.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber and to Rabbi Tani Burtonfor their feedback
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