What Is Buddhist Meditation Doing at an Ultra-Orthodox Yeshiva?

Feb. 17 2015

Avraham Yurovitch, who died in 2002, was a rabbi of some prominence in Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox community. He was also a mystic who taught meditative techniques to his followers. His son recently published a book based on his ideas, which draw heavily on the works of the 13th-century Spanish kabbalist Abraham Abulafia, recent academic findings about the history of kabbalah, and Buddhist techniques for meditative breathing. Alan Brill dissents:

Almost any contemporary natural-health book in the last decades has [instructions on] basic meditation for health. Yurovitch probably obtained his knowledge from those works. . . .

[First, Yurovitch’s] directions of how to sit [while meditating] are nowhere to be found in Jewish literature. Second, in no place in Jewish literature do we find directions on how to breathe, [such as] “empty your lungs,” lesson number one in any yoga or [Buddhist] teaching on breathing. Third, [Yurovitch elevates] breathing as an end itself, its own form of meditation. . . .

In 50 years, Yurovitch’s instructions will be seen as the true Jewish tradition of breathing and meditating. A new ancient tradition . . . is being constructed. In the meantime, a younger generation is being raised on these practices.

Read more at Kavannah

More about: Abraham Abulafia, Buddhism, Kabbalah, Religion & Holidays, Ultra-Orthodox, Yeshiva

Kuwait Should Be the Next Country to Make Peace with Israel

Feb. 13 2025

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.

Read more at Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

More about: Abraham Accords, Kuwait