Jewish spirituality was the topic for debate at a recent rabbinic conference. Some claimed that Judaism does not believe in the individual quest for spirituality and that communal holiness as opposed to individual spirituality is what distinguishes Judaism from Buddhism.
In Judaism, they argued, Kedusha (holiness) manifests itself more in communal worship than in individual service. I beg to differ. The perception that Judaism is unable to offer much in the way of individual spirituality leads many to seek spirituality amongst other religions and cults – an unfortunate state of affairs.
Judaism encompasses both types of spirituality – communal and individual. Silent, more individual spirituality is in fact a more advanced type of service than loud, communal holiness. The Kabbalists have long advocated a silent type of meditative spirituality. Indeed individual spiritual service is essential to the Chassidic paths of and Breslev.
The value inherent in the silent type of Jewish spirituality is summed up in a beautifully passage from the Zohar where its author Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai says to his son: “Elazar my son, cease your words, so that the concealed mystery on high, unknown to any human, may be revealed.” (Hakdomat HaZohar 2a)
Later we find Rebbe Elazar elaborating on what he had achieved through his silence: “My silence assembled a temple above, a temple below. Indeed, a word is worth one coin; silence two..by holding my silence, two worlds were created, erected as one.”
There should be no mistake – Judaism does have a very strong and deep tradition of silent individual spirituality. Doubtless prayer in a minyan (quorum of ten) achieves great Kedusha – we are told that the divine presence is rests at such a prayer quorum (Talmud, Brachot 6a). However, there is another level – silence. When contemplating the greatness of the Almighty we fall silent.
Just as a breathtaking view is beheld in individual silence –words would ruin the moment – similarly when contemplating the infinitude of the divine, silence is imperative. It is an individual moment and it is only powerful as such. So yes, holiness is found in community, but the peak of spiritual achievement is found within the silent contemplative moment – indeed both are Jewish and both are important.