Hitbodedut (Hebrew: התבודדות) refers to an unstructured, spontaneous and individualized form of prayer and meditation taught by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. The goal of hitbodedut is to establish a close, personal relationship with God and a clearer understanding of one’s personal motives and goals.

Reb Nachman of Breslov, a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov and founder of Breslover Chasidut, breathed new life into Judaism by combining the mystical elements of Chasidut with in-depth Torah scholarship.

In addition to regular (prayer) davening from the Siddur, Reb Nachman frequently recited extemporaneous prayers. In fact, he taught his Chasidim (his followers) that they should spend at least one hour alone each day, talking aloud to God in his or her own words, as if “talking to a good friend.” This practice was to be in addition to the prayers of the Siddur. Breslover Chasidim still follow this practice today, which is known as hitbodedut (literally, “to make oneself be in solitude”). Rebbe Nachman taught that the best place to do hitbodedut was in a field or forest, among the natural works of HaShem’s creation. The hours spent in secluded prayer, according to Reb Nachman, were one of the primary ways to build a relationship with God.

Hitbodedut is performed in one’s mother tongue, in contrast to most other Jewish prayers that are recited in Hebrew. Rebbe Nachman did not intend for hitbodedut to take the place of the three daily prescribed Jewish services, but to supplement them. He recommended that his followers engage in hitbodedut for at least one hour each day.

Within our prayer lives, we need communal and personal forms of prayer, the structure of the Siddur, as well as hitbodedut. For they all draw us closer to HaShem. And yet, there is something special about our personal prayer times — alone, secluded, without distraction.

This type of prayer, which Rebbe Nachman referred to as hitbodedut was also practiced and encouraged by our own “rebbi.” Yeshua himself would often go off into seclusion to pray. We see this many times throughout the Besorot hatovot (Good News).

Although Maran Yeshua exemplifies the pattern of formal communal worship within the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) and synagogues, he also teaches us:

But you, when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. For your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. — Mattityahu / Matthew 6:6

We want Mashiach Now!