BS’D
Hitbodedut is a well-known practice from the times of Avraham Avinu ztk’l. Hitbodedut is derived from the root word boded (alone) and differs from that of the siddur. It is certainly not intended to replace the structured prayer given to us by Anshei Knesset HaGedola (Sages of Yisrael), but to complement it.
Isn’t it just a Breslover Chassidic custom? Although hitbodedut has taken a more ‘popular’ stand through the Chassidic movement our forefathers have always practiced it. We give voice to our innermost desires, emotional turmoil, spiritual yearning, materialistic needs, teshuva, and of course express our gratitude for the endless gifts – those we notice and the infinite gifts that go unnoticed.
Hitbodedut is a spontaneous form of tefilla since it is not read from a pre-written text. The central theme of this tefilla is to bridge the distance between us and Hashem, particularly due to the busy rat race of life. Amazingly our emuna will strengthen, clarity of thought will enter our mind and inner serenity will start to set in.
In a nutshell hitbodedut is Torah therapy. It is a healing session with the One who knows us best.
