David A. Cooper has studied mysticism for more than thirty years. His main practice has been spiritual retreats and meditation in a number of traditions, including Sufi, Vipassana, Kabbalah, Dzogchen and Zen. Cooper is the award-winning author of many books, including The Handbook of Jewish Meditation Practices: A Guide for Enriching the Sabbath and Other Days of Your Life; Silence, Simplicity and Solitude: A Complete Guide to Spiritual Retreat at Home and Three Gates to Meditation Practice: A Personal Journey in Sufism, Buddhism, and Judaism.

Introduction

I. Basic Jewish Meditation Practices
Ablutions/Mikveh
Sitting Practice
Morning Blessings/Gratitude
Walking Meditation
Lucid Strolling
Reflections on the Psalms
Psycho-Spiritual Journaling
Kavannah and Continuity Practice
Chesed: The Lovingkindness Meditation
Meditative Prayer
Contemplative Study
Hitbodedut: Alone with God

II. Jewish Retreats
Solo Retreats
Retreats of Three Days or Longer
Family Retreats
Yihudim Chanting Meditation
Tehora He/Pure Soul Meditation
Bittul Ha-yesh: Meditation on Ayin (Nothingness)
Divine Protection
Kabbalistic Dream-Healing
Hishtavut/Equanimity
Protection of the Archangels
Teshuvah: Return of the Soul
Raising Holy Sparks
Four Worlds
Inner Harmony
Shadow of God
Tikkun: Healing the Dead
Devekut: Melting into the Divine

Appendixes
Psalms: Selections for Reflection and Memorization
Schedules for One-Day Retreats
Ten-Year Calendars
Recommended Books and Resources