kavana

Kavana, often transliterated as kavannah or kavanah, is a Hebrew term in Judaism that denotes intention, direction, or concentration when performing religious acts, especially prayer and mitzvot. The root conveys directing one’s heart and mind toward God. In its broad sense, kavana means engaging with the meaning of the words and with the act itself, not merely reciting aloud.

Classical rabbinic sources treat kavana as an important ingredient of prayer and ritual. Some authorities argue that proper kavana is essential for the act to be fully effective, while others permit certain exceptions for non-ideal circumstances, emphasizing effort and devotion.

In later Jewish thought, kavana becomes more elaborated in Kabbalah and Hasidism. Meditative practices called kavanot guide the worshiper to direct prayers toward specific divine attributes or cosmic structures, often alongside liturgical recitation.

In modern practice, kavana remains a common reference point in Jewish education and observance, though the emphasis and methods vary between communities. Some emphasize understanding the text and mindful intention; others highlight devotion and emotional engagement.

Outside Jewish discourse, the term is sometimes used more generally to mean intention or purposeful focus, and transliterations of the word appear in non-Hebrew contexts as well.