ויפח באפיו נשמת חיי

Breathwork as a spiritual practice is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, serving as a profound means of connecting to Hashem, cultivating healing, meditation, and spiritual alignment. From the moment Hashem breathed life into Adam HaRishon, breath became a powerful bridge between body and soul.

The Torah introduces this clearly:

"וַיִּפַּח בְּאַפָּיו נִשְׁמַת חַיִּים"
“And He breathed into his nostrils a breath of life.” (Bereishit 2:7)

From this foundational moment, breath has been understood as our vital connection to the Source of all life and healing.

Rabbi Avraham Abulafia (13th-century Kabbalist known for meditative techniques):

"הנשימה היא המפתח להשגת רוח הקודש."

 “Breath is the key to attaining divine inspiration.” (Chayei HaOlam HaBa)

Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (Arizal, foundational 16th-century Kabbalist):

"צריך שתכוון בנשימתך ובשמות הקודש שתדבר בפיך, כי הנשימה נמשכת מנשמתך."

 “Intend your breathing and sacred names you speak, for breath flows from your soul.” (Sha'ar Ruach HaKodesh, Derush 1)

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (18th-century Hasidic master emphasizing spiritual practice):

"כשאדם מתבודד, יוכל לכוון נשימתו כדי להשקיט מחשבותיו ולדבר עם קונו באמת."

 “In personal secluded prayer (hitbodedut), breath quiets the mind and opens honest dialogue with Hashem.” (Likutey Moharan, Torah 52)

The Zohar (fundamental Kabbalistic text):

"נשימתא דאינש ממשיך רוח חיים ממעלא."

“Breath draws spiritual life from above.” (Zohar, Vayikra 20a)

Chazal (ancient sages) teach:

"כָּל הַנְּשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָּהּ" – על כל נשימה ונשימה – הלל לה'."

 “Let every soul praise Hashem—for every breath, praise Hashem.” (Tehillim 150:6; Bereishit Rabbah 14:9)

Rabbi Eliyahu de Vidas (16th-century Kabbalist and student of Ramak):

"בעת ההתבוננות, יסדיר נשימתו, כי על ידה יתיישב דעתו."

“Regulate your breath during meditation; it calms the mind.” (Reshit Chochmah, Sha’ar HaKedushah, Chapter 14) 

Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak, central 16th-century Kabbalist):

"הנשימה היא הקשר בין הגוף לנפש, ובה תלוי שיווי המשקל הרוחני." 

“Breath connects body and soul, essential for spiritual equilibrium.” (Pardes Rimonim, Sha’ar 22, Chapter 5) 

Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi (12th-century philosopher, poet, author of Sefer HaKuzari):

"הנשימה היא גשר בין הגוף והנפש, והיא מעלה את האדם מעל החומר."

“Breath bridges body and soul, elevating us beyond the physical.” (Sefer HaKuzari, Ma’amar 3, Section 5) 

Rabbi Chaim Vital (foremost student of Arizal, influential 16th-century Kabbalist):

"הנשימה היא המוליכה את הכוונה אל הלב."

 “Breath carries intention to the heart.” (Shaarei Kedushah, Part 1, Sha’ar 5) 

Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (18th-century founder of Chabad Hasidism, author of Tanya):

"הנשימה עולה עד שרשה העליון ומורידה עמה שפע עליון."

 “Breath ascends to its source, drawing down divine abundance.” (Tanya, Iggeret HaKodesh, Chapter 1) 

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (Lubavitcher Rebbe, 20th-century influential Hasidic leader):

"נשימה עמוקה ומיושבת מביאה בהירות פנימית בעבודת ה'."

 “Deep, deliberate breathing brings clarity to divine service.” (Likkutei Sichot, Vol. 15, Parashat Bereishit) 

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal, renowned 18th-century mystic):

"הנשימה בכוונה מושכת אור עליון לנפש האדם."

“Intentional breathing draws divine light into the soul.” (Derech Hashem, Part 4, Chapter 5, Section 2) 

Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira (Piaseczner Rebbe, 20th-century spiritual teacher guiding resilience):

"יסדיר נשימתו בנחת, ומתוך כך יוכל ליישב נפשו ולהשיג קרבת אלוקים."

 “Gentle breathing settles the soul, achieving closeness to Hashem.” (Bnei Machshava Tova, Chapter 9)

These ancient insights remain profoundly relevant. Breathwork in Jewish tradition offers practical guidance for emotional healing, spiritual alignment, and mindful living. Far from a modern innovation, this is a rediscovered eternal wisdom that our sages practiced and cherished. 

May these teachings inspire deeper awareness, emotional healing, spiritual clarity, and profound connection to our Creator—one breath at a time.