Scholar-in-Residence Series: A Journey Through Jewish Mindfulness and Mysticism with Rabbi Matthew Ponak
Thursday-Saturday, April 23 - 25, 2026
Lawrence Family JCC
Join us for this journey of spiritual and mystical exploration as guest Rabbi Matthew Ponak guides us through Jewish history and text through the lens of mysticism and Kabbalistic practice. Joined by other mindfulness and spirituality scholars, this program will include traditional education opportunities, immersive learning and provide you with the tools to apply these teachings to your everyday life.
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 7:00 pm
Embodied Wisdom: Jewish Mysticism in Practice
Join author Rabbi Matthew Ponak for an evening exploring the spiritual insights of his book Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All People. In conversation with Betzy Lynch, CEO of the LFJCC, Ponak will discuss how Jewish mystical teachings can deepen our understanding of everyday life while connecting us to something greater. Blending ancient Kabbalistic wisdom with contemporary insight, this conversation invites us to explore spirituality that is grounded, compassionate, and accessible to all.
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 10:00am
Understanding Hebrew Letters as Forms of Divine Expression
The Hebrew letters are more than marks on a page. In the Jewish mystical imagination, they are living forms of divine expression - vessels through which creation itself is articulated. In this special Shabbat session, Rabbi Ponak will share his contemplative reflections on the sacred aleph-bet and provide a pathway into the architecture of sacred language.
Saturday, April1 25, 2026
The Four Worlds Service | 10:00 am
Inspired by the structure of the Shabbat morning prayers, the Four Worlds Service is a journey through Body, Heart, Mind, and Soul. Rabbi Matthew guides participants through four simple practices that reflect these inner worlds: Qi Gong movement for the body, niggun (wordless melody) singing with guitar for the heart, a poetic spiritual reading for the mind, and meditation for the soul. Rooted in Kabbalah and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter Shalomi, the service offers a meaningful alternative to traditional siddur-based prayer. Each practice invites reflection, connection, and a sense of the sacred in a way that is open and accessible to all.
An Evening of Jewish Mindfulness and Mysticism | 7:15 pm
Close out the Scholar-in-Residence series with an evening of learning, reflection, and shared practice. We begin with community Havdallah, followed by an Opening Plenary with Rabbi Matthew Ponak and LFJCC CEO Betzy Lynch exploring the topic of “Temple 1.0, Temple 2.0, Prayer, What’s Next”. From there, dive into breakout sessions led by Rabbi Ponak and other local mindfulness educators, offering tools for presence and spiritual grounding. We end the day together in community with a shared gathering and meditation.
Pricing:
Entire Series (Thursday - Saturday): $66 | JCC Members: $53
Single Day Program (Thursday or Saturday): $36 | JCC Members: $30
Friday: Complimentary
Scholar-in-Residence: Entire Series (Thursady- Saturday)
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April 23 | 7:00 pm - Embodied Wisdom: Jewish Mysticism in Practice
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April 24 | 10:00 am - Understanding Hebrew Letters as Forms of Divine Expression
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April 25 - The Four Worlds Service & An Evening of Jewish Mindfulness and Mysticism
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