Rabbi Beyer says,  In Biblical times, Isaac meditated. Genesis 24:63.  Many Sages found it to be an important part of their practice.  There are many Jewish meditation techniques and their purpose depends upon the technique.  

The Talmud, which was codified over 1500 years ago, says, "pious ones use to prepare (by meditating) for an hour before they started to pray.  Brachot 32b.  It was a means of clearing the mind for better concentration in prayer.  One may meditate to gain insight into one's self and further develop their ethical attributes (Mussar meditation).  Some meditate on a Hebrew letter or phrase, and some advocate to meditate on "No-Thing" (Kabbalistic meditations on Ayin).  

Frequently, the goal is to develop a closer relationship with G-d.  However, Rebbe Nachman says that the goal is to reach the transformative realization that G-d is everything.  Likutey Moharan.  Many Sages achieved this goal.  In fact, Elijah is said to have never died, but instead was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot, because he reached such a high level through meditation.  Kochavey Or.   

Faith Forum appears each Sunday in the Local Life Section of the Reno Gazette Journal. Faith Forum clergy answer a question posed each week and responses in the paper are limited to 150 words. Rabbi Beyer is featured as the "Jewish" response. In February 2014 it was 3 YEARS for Faith Forum column in the RGJ.  This interfaith group is now working towards a book which would be an edited collection of these columns. See www.nevadafaithforum.org