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, April 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) Add to Cart

April 23 | 7:00 pm - Embodied Wisdom: Jewish Mysticism in Practice Add to Cart

April 24 | 10:00 am - Understanding Hebrew Letters as Forms of Divine Expression Add to Cart

April 25 - The Four Worlds Service & An Evening of Jewish Mindfulness and Mysticism Add to Cart

Advanced Latin American Literature

Weekly on Mondays | April 27 - June 15 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Due to the holiday on May 25, class will be held that week on Thursday, May 29
Lawrence Family JCC

Students explore major Latin American literary texts and movements from the nineteenth century to the present through close analysis of prose, poetry, and essays. The course emphasizes historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts, critical reading, literary analysis, and advanced oral expression in Spanish, featuring authors such as Rubén Darío, Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, and Mario Vargas Llosa.

New students will receive an assessment prior to enrollment.

Price: $185 | JCC Member Price: $155
*Security fee will be applied at checkout

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event.

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Intermediate Spanish II

Weekly on Mondays | April 27 - June 15 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Due to the holiday on May 25, class will be held that week on Thursday, May 29
Lawrence Family JCC

This continuation course strengthens essential speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. Students practice real-world communication through peer activities, presentations, and everyday scenarios. Emphasis is placed on developing listening and speaking fluency while engaging with colloquial Spanish. Key topics include preterit and imperfect tenses, reflexive verbs and commands, and an introduction to the subjunctive mood.

New students will receive an assessment prior to enrollment.

Price: $185 | JCC Member Price: $155
*Security fee will be applied at checkout

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event.

Intermediate Spanish II Add to Cart

Spanish Beginners II

Weekly on Tuesdays (8-Week Course) | April 28 - June 16 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Lawrence Family JCC

Students will review and expand Spanish structures, develop formal vocabulary, and improve oral skills. They'll explore Hispanic culture and literature through short stories and videos. Key components include grammar, vocabulary, language awareness, and participation. Practicing and understanding Spanish in class is a vital part of this course.

New students will receive an assessment prior to enrollment.

Price: $185 | JCC Member Price: $155
*Security fee will be applied at checkout

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this class requires a minimum enrollment in order to proceed. If this minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and will receive a full refund or the option to credit their registration fee to a future event.

Spanish Beginners II Add to Cart

Rhythms of Wisdom

Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Lawrence Family JCC

Experience a joyful drumming class blending global rhythms with Jewish tradition. Explore beats like Samba and Beledi, create grounding rhythms, and improvise in a playful, supportive space. Reflect on Jewish teachings and spiritual themes, connecting rhythm with holidays and wisdom. No experience needed; all instruments provided. Come as you are and let rhythm guide your journey.

Price: $45 | JCC Member Price: $36

Rhythms of Wisdom Add to Cart

Jewish Spirit Song Jam with Adam Shames

Thursdays, May 7, May 14, & May 21 2026 | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Lawrence Family JCC

Join song leader Adam Shames for an interactive session of live music, creative expression, and community singing. With guitar in hand, Adam will guide a joyful mix of classic and contemporary Jewish songs in Hebrew and English. Bring your voice, instruments, and rhythm makers - or use ours - as we sing, drum, and improvise together. Limited to 24 participants.

Price: $36 | JCC Members $30

Jewish Spirit Song Jam with Adam Shames Add to Cart

Frontier | 36th Annual SDIJFF Mid-season Screening

Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 7:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

1943. Franco has sealed the path of Jews fleeing Nazi persecution across the Pyrenees. At a border crossing in a small village, Manel Grau, a civil servant with a Republican past, chooses to defy his superiors and help refugees cross into safety.

Price: $20 | JCC Member $17

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Frontier | 36th Annual SDIJFF Mid-season Screening

Death Wings Workshop

Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 10:00 am
Lawrence Family JCC

In Partnership with Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

The Death Wings Workshop is a hands-on creative ritual for remembering and letting go. This workshop, created by theatrical performer, playwright, artist and teacher Bess Welden, is a three-hour session for small groups to gently open up to thoughts and feelings about loss and grief while engaging in a meaningful art project. Facilitated by Lawrence Family JCC CEO Betzy Lynch, this community workshop will allow us to not only normalize loss but celebrate what letting go liberates in us, all while creating your very own set of mini-wings.

DISCLAIMER:Space for this program is limited. If you do register, please make every effort to attend. If plans have changed and you are no longer able to attend, please contact laurenl@lfjcc.org

Price: Complimentary

Death Wings Workshop: May 17 Add to Cart

JEWISH POETS-JEWISH VOICES: The Magic of Spoken Word

Tuesdays | 7:00 PM
Lawrence Family JCC

Celebrate the 19th season of Jewish Poets-Jewish Voices! Experience an enriching evening as three talented local poets, handpicked by the JP-JV committee, share their compelling presentations. Following their performances, indulge in a half hour of open mic, where you're invited to share your own voice. Join us for a captivating night filled with spoken word and moments of introspection.

Hosted by Joy Heitzmann, refreshments.

May 19: Featured poets: David Chait, Betzy Lynch, Donna Rolfe; open mic.
Price: Complimentary

May 19th Add to Cart

Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y: Adeena Sussman

Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 7:00 pm
Congregation Beth Am
5050 Del Mar Heights Road | San Diego, CA 92130

Join us for a delicious evening with Adeena Sussman! Adeena will share stories, recipes, and the flavors behind her culinary journey, in conversation with Debbie Kornberg, of SPICE + LEAF. Adeena is here with her new book: Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y Recipes.

Presented in partnership with Congregation Beth Am

Price:
Premium Ticket – Includes Book + Meet & Greet: $56 | Member $45
Ticket – Includes Book: $36 | Member $30
Ticket – No Book: $24 | JCC Members: $20

Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y: Adeena Sussman Add to Cart

The Jewish Short Play Festival

Monday, June 1, 2026 | 7:00 pm
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC

Now in its third year, the Jewish Short Play Festival returns with an engaging mix of humor, drama, and thought-provoking storytelling. Showcasing talented actors and playwrights from San Diego and beyond, this community-driven event explores themes of identity, tradition, and contemporary Jewish life. Directed by Debra Wanger, the festival celebrates creativity, connection, and the power of short-form theatre

Price: $25 | JCC Members: $20

The Jewish Short Play Festival Add to Cart

Treasures of the Jewish Music

Thursdays | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Astor Judaica Library
Lawrence Family JCC

Step into the rich tapestry of Jewish musical heritage with. Eileen Wingard and a community of music aficionados as they showcase and appreciate iconic musical gems from the Astor Judaica Library’s Jewish music collection.

Recorded music curated and hosted by Eileen Wingard, retired San Diego Symphony violinist

Jewish Holidays:
Music of Yom Hazikaron, April 16, 2026, Special guest: Guri Stark, Israeli-born engineer who served in the IDF.
Music of Yom Yerushalayim, June 4, 2026, Special guest TBA

Price: Complimentary

Music of Yom Yerushalayim: June 4th Add to Cart