Rabbi Matthew Ponak – Presentation
"To Everything There Is a Season: Jewish Mysticism and the Art of Balance"
In an unpredictable world, how can we find stability without rigidity? How do we embrace change while staying true to ourselves? This talk explores the wisdom of Kabbalah and Jewish spirituality as a guide to balancing groundedness and flow. Through the sacred rhythm of Shabbat, 20th-century mystic Rav Kook’s Fourfold Song, and the interplay of body, heart, mind, and soul, this session uncovers ancestral teachings that cultivate resilience, endurance, and sustainable contentment in modern times.
Rabbi Matthew Ponak – Workshop
"Sacred Rest, Everyday Joy: Designing Your Own Oasis Time"
Rest is not a luxury—it is a spiritual necessity. Inspired by the Jewish Sabbath but adaptable for all, Oasis Time is a practice of sacred pause: a moment for delight, celebration, and inner stillness amidst life’s demands. This workshop combines Jewish mystical insights on rest and renewal with practical guidance to help participants create their own Oasis Time—whether for a full day, an hour, or even a mindful pause during a busy day.
Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and an author dedicated to making Kabbalistic and Hasidic wisdom accessible to seekers of all backgrounds. Ordained with honors from Hebrew College’s neo-Hasidic rabbinical school, he also holds a Master’s in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University, a Buddhist-inspired institution integrating meditation and experiential study.
With expertise in Jewish and global mystical traditions, Rabbi Matthew blends scholarly insight with embodied practice. As a certified Focusing Professional, he guides individuals in self-awareness and transformation through somatic introspection. His book, Embodied Kabbalah, explores Jewish mystical wisdom for modern life, bridging ancient traditions with contemporary spiritual practice.
To learn more, visit www.matthewponak.com.