Shows
Arash's World PodcastWalking the Mystical Path: The Sephirot and a 49-Day Omer Counter toward Inner Balance with Rabbi Matthew PonakIn this episode, I have (once again!) the great pleasure of speaking with Rabbi Matthew Ponak, Teacher of Jewish mysticism, spiritual counselor, and author of “The Path of the Sephirot: A 49-Day Omer Counter for Spiritual Growth and Inner Balance.”
Rabbi Ponak explains how the Kabbalah is a living tradition that helps us understand the journey between the finite and the Infinite where divine emanations flow and interact and how to reveal and manifest them in our lives.
By following “The Path of the Sephirot,” we are tapping into divine qualities that we then wish to embod...2025-04-2229 min
Sense of SoulKabbalah’s Path of the SephirotToday on Sense of Soul we have
Rabbi Matthew Ponak, he is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the author of Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All People. Ordained with honors at the neo-Hasidic Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he also holds a Master’s degree in Contemplative Religions from the Buddhist-inspired Naropa University. Rabbi Matthew lives in Victoria, British Columbia and is certified as a Focusing Professional to guide others to deeper self-knowledge and healing through their bodies.
Rabbi Matthew Ponak's new book, The Path of the Sephirot, comes out in April 2025. It...2025-03-3159 min
We're In This Shift TogetherPeace-Loving Robots with Ola MohajerCan AI save us from ourselves? Would computer algorithms, properly trained, be able to prevent wars and mediate conflicts? Ola Mohajer thinks so!Ola is the Founder and CEO of Transcend. Founded in 2023, Ola combined her experience as a refugee and survivor of war with more than ten years of her professional experience in peace, government, and international development. Visit https://missiontranscend.ai to learn more.Currently, Ola is part of the leadership team at the United States Institute of Peace's Africa Center. She h...2024-12-0345 min
Radio Medium Laura Lee"Spiritual but normal"Laura Lee's 5-minute spirit reboot with Rabbi Matthew Ponak, author of "Embodying Kabbalah," shares how we can balance our spirituality in a normal life. Join Radio Medium Laura Lee Group on Facebook to be part of our conversation. (S9 2023)2024-09-1305 min
Let's Talk Faith and JusticeAntisemitism and Building Bridges with Rabbi MatthewRabbi Matthew Ponak is a local, independent Rabbi who teaches Jewish mysticism and works as a religious consultant. Matthew, Boston, and Lyndon talk with vulnerability and a willingness to sit in discomfort about different views on zionism and what is going on the Holy Land. They also discuss local and national antisemitism, critique of government, and looking beyond our echo chambers.2024-03-2548 min
LIVE with The Famous Dr. ALDr Lycka with Rabbi Matthew PonakDr Lycka with Rabbi Matthew Ponak2023-09-1830 minRadio Medium Laura Lee"Spiritual normal life"Laura Lee's 5-minute spirit reboot with Rabbi Matthew Ponak, author of "Embodying Kabbalah," shares how we can balance our spirituality in a normal life. Join Radio Medium Laura Lee Group on Facebook to be part of our conversation.2023-08-0405 min
The Holistic MonitorA Journey Into Spiritual Counseling Podcast with Matthew Ponak S4E5On today's episode of The Holistic Monitor Podcast, we are thrilled to have Rabbi Matthew Ponak as our guest. With a deep understanding of Jewish mysticism and a passion for spiritual counseling, he co-founded the Mekorah Institute—an online spiritual center for embodied practice. Ordained as a rabbi with honors and holding a Master's degree in Contemplative Religions, Matthew brings a unique perspective to the world of spirituality. As a Focusing Professional, he guides others on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Join us as we delve into the realm of Embodied Kabbalah and explore the transformative power of embodied pr...2023-07-261h 33
Living and Leading with Emotional IntelligenceThe Integration of Jewish Mysticism and The Search for Meaning, Inner Knowing, and Grounded Spirituality with Rabbi Matthew PonakThe Integration of Jewish Mysticism and The Search for Meaning, Inner Knowing, and Grounded Spirituality with Rabbi Matthew PonakIn this episode, I speak with Rabbi Matthew Ponak about the overlap of spirituality and emotional intelligence. We take a dive into his book and his mission as we discuss:How to be spiritual while leading a “normal” and relatable lifeThe difference, spiritually, between facing our difficulties and transcending them (and why both are part of a balanced existence)The value of learning from religious and spiritual ancestry, even if we are secular, atheistic, or agnosticWhy people leav...2023-07-121h 04Sense of SoulKabbalah and Ancient TextToday back on Sense of Soul I have Rabbi Matthew Ponak. He is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the cofounder of the Mekorah Institute—an online spiritual center for embodied practice. Ordained with honors as a rabbi at the neo-Hasidic Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he also holds a master’s degree in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University. Matthew lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and is certified as a Focusing Professional to guide others to deeper self-knowledge and healing.
He joined me back in February when he was launching his new book Embodied Kabb...2023-05-261h 28
We're In This Shift TogetherJewish Wisdom and Ecological Thinking with Natan MargalitTapping into ancient wisdom to shed light on modern problems is essential for grounded cultural transformation. Today's guest is Natan Margalit—the author of The Pearl and the Flame—a book which synthesizes traditional Jewish insights and contemporary ecological theories to envision a more integrated, connected, and hopeful path for humanity. Natan Margalit is a rabbi and scholar with 30 years of experience in teaching, writing, organizing and congregational leadership. Raised in Honolulu, as a young adult he spent 12 years in Israel where he received rabbinic ordination. He returned to the U.S. and earned his Ph.D. in Nea...2023-05-011h 25
Richer SoulFollow the Call of Your Soul with Rabbi Matthew PonakFollow the Call of Your Soul Takeaway: Everyone has everything they need within themselves Money Learnings: Matthew learned about money growing up by example from his parents. Bio: Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the cofounder of the Mekorah Institute—an online spiritual center for embodied practice. Ordained with honors as a rabbi at the neo-Hasidic Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he also holds a Master’s degree in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University. Matthew lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and is ce...2023-04-251h 04
ehealth radio networkThe Integration of Jewish Mysticism and The Search for Meaning, Inner Knowing, and Grounded SpiritualityRabbi Matthew Ponak, a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the cofounder of the Mekorah Institute—an online spiritual center for embodied practice joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel. Rabbi Ponak is also the author of Embodied Kabbalah. Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Rabbi Matthew Ponak discuss the following: What is your story? Can you give us an understanding of what you do as well as how and why you came to do it?What sort of person did you write your book for?What can contemporary spiritual seekers learn from the Jew...2023-04-1814 min
The Intuitive Mindset-with Jeannie LynchIntroduction to Jewish Mysticism & The Kabbalah for Spiritual Enthusiast EverywhereWhat is Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah (also spelled Kabalah, Cabala, Qabala)—sometimes translated as "mysticism”. The Kabbalah is part of Jewish tradition that deals with the essence of God. Whether it entails a sacred text, an experience, or the way things work, Kabbalists believe that God moves in mysterious ways. However, Kabbalists also believe that true knowledge and understanding of that inner, mysterious process is obtainable, and through that knowledge, the most incredible intimacy with God can be attained. In this Interview as part of my Spiritual Modalities for a Spiritual Life series, Rabbi Matthew Ponak and I explore the...2023-03-2738 minRadio Medium Laura Lee"Prevent Burnout"Your 5-minute spirit reboot with my special guest, Rabbi Matthew Ponak, author of "Embodied Kabbalah," shares his spiritual insights on preventing burnout.2023-03-2404 minArash's World PodcastEveryday Jewish Mysticism for Everyone: How Embodied Kabbalah & the Shabbat Can Improve Your Life and Work-Life Balance with Rabbi Matthew PonakIn this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Rabbi Matthew Ponak about his fascinating book “Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism For All People” and how to apply Jewish wisdom to find balance and harmony in our ordinary everyday life.
This book makes powerful and spiritual wisdom accessible to everyone and shows how we could all benefit from the Shabbat mindset to cultivate and expand the good within and to gradually fill our lives with more joy, bliss, and peace from moment to moment.
We also touch upon mindfulness and psychedelics and how each coul...2023-03-1043 min
Tell Me Your StoryRabbi Matthew Ponak- Embodied KabbalahGUEST WEBSITE: matthewponak.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMatthewPonak https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabbimatthew/ https://twitter.com/matthewponak https://www.instagram.com/rabbimatthewponak Hashtags #Embodiedkabbalah #Kabbalah #Jewishmysticism #Embodiment #Somatic #somatics #groundedspirituality #Judaism #newauthor #religioushistory #spiritualbutnotreligious #spiritualauthor #transformation #love #sbnr Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the cofounder of the Mekorah Institute—an online spiritual center for embodied practice. Ordained with honors as a rabbi at the neo-Hasidic Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he also holds a Master’s degree in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University. Matthew lives in Victoria, British Colu...2023-03-051h 18
Tell Me Your StoryRabbi Matthew Ponak- Embodied KabbalahGUEST WEBSITE: matthewponak.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMatthewPonak https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabbimatthew/ https://twitter.com/matthewponak https://www.instagram.com/rabbimatthewponak Hashtags #Embodiedkabbalah #Kabbalah #Jewishmysticism #Embodiment #Somatic #somatics #groundedspirituality #Judaism #newauthor #religioushistory #spiritualbutnotreligious #spiritualauthor #transformation #love #sbnr Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the cofounder of the Mekorah Institute—an online spiritual center for embodied practice. Ordained with honors as a rabbi at the neo-Hasidic Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he also holds a Master’s degree in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University. Matthew lives in Victoria, British Colu...2023-03-051h 18
Tell Me Your StoryRabbi Matthew Ponak- Embodied KabbalahGUEST WEBSITE: matthewponak.com SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMatthewPonak https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabbimatthew/ https://twitter.com/matthewponak https://www.instagram.com/rabbimatthewponak Hashtags #Embodiedkabbalah #Kabbalah #Jewishmysticism #Embodiment #Somatic #somatics #groundedspirituality #Judaism #newauthor #religioushistory #spiritualbutnotreligious #spiritualauthor #transformation #love #sbnr Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the cofounder of the Mekorah Institute—an online spiritual center for embodied practice. Ordained with honors as a rabbi at the neo-Hasidic Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he also holds a Master’s degree in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University. Matthew lives in Victoria, British Colu...2023-03-051h 18
Tell Me Your StoryRabbi Matthew Ponak- Embodied KabbalahGUEST WEBSITE: matthewponak.com
SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.facebook.com/RabbiMatthewPonak
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabbimatthew/
https://twitter.com/matthewponak
https://www.instagram.com/rabbimatthewponak
Hashtags
#Embodiedkabbalah #Kabbalah #Jewishmysticism #Embodiment #Somatic #somatics #groundedspirituality #Judaism #newauthor #religioushistory #spiritualbutnotreligious #spiritualauthor #transformation #love #sbnr
Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the cofounder of the Mekorah Institute—an online spiritual center for embodied practice. Ordained with honors as a rabbi at the neo-Hasidic Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he also holds a Master’s degree in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University. Matthew lives in Victoria, British Colu...2023-03-051h 18Sense of SoulEmbodied KabbalahToday on Sense of Soul podcast, Rabbi Matthew Ponak he is a Spiritual Counsellor, Teacher, and Author. He is a Certified Focusing Professional, Focusing is a body-centred introspective method, Masters in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University, a Buddhist-inspired University, teaching meditation and experiential religious studies and is ordained as a Rabbi from Hebrew College his studies are focused on Jewish Mysticism, including Kabbalah.
He teaches Jewish mysticism to help people connect with their innate wisdom, calm, and strength. He joined me to talk about his new book, Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All People, where he brings for...2023-02-241h 14
A Fine Time for HealingMeaning, Inner Knowing and Grounded Spirituality with Rabbi Matthew PonakBurnout is increasingly rampant in our world and we need new approaches—adapted from traditional wisdom—that reverse this trend. Unfortunately, turning to many current spiritual practices and perspectives can lead to bypassing underlying issues. An attitude of deep transformation from the inside-out leads to changes that are authentic, sustainable, and integrated.
Making 42 valuable, but obscure, mystical texts accessible with commentary, reflections, practices, and more, today's special guest, Rabbi Matthew Ponak presents through his book, Embodied Kabbalah, teachings from Jewish mysticism alongside insightful inspirations from current thinkers and the world's great philosophers.
Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of Jewish mystic...2023-02-211h 04
4worldstorahFour Worlds Torah Episode 17Rabbi Charna Rosenholtz and Rabbi Shoshana Leis discuss the ancient Hebrew wisdom of Torah through a contemporary lens.
This week, the Rabbis discuss Parashat Mishpatim (https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.21.1?lang=bi&aliyot=0) through the lenses of listening and experiential learning.
Exodus 24:7
וַיִּקַּח֙ סֵ֣פֶר הַבְּרִ֔ית וַיִּקְרָ֖א בְּאׇזְנֵ֣י הָעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶׂ֥ה וְנִשְׁמָֽע׃
Then he took the record of the covenant and read it aloud to the people. And they said, “All that יהוה has spoken we will faithfully do!”
Reb Nachman of Bratzlav, translated by Rabbi Matthew Ponak:
...At all times, every person’s soul is perceiving and comprehending profoundly
transcendent matters. The body, however, does not know about them. So every person should tune into the very substance of the body, to witness and to refine it until the soul will be able to enlig...2023-02-1615 min
Gray TransformsRabbi Matthew Ponak Teaches Jewish Mysticism and Embodied KabbalahRabbi Matthew Ponak Teaches Jewish Mysticism and Embodied Kabbalah | Gray Transforms #5
Ordained Rabbi with a Masters in Contemplative Religions, Rabbi Matthew Ponak is an author and spiritual counselor.
He brings to us the wisdom of Jewish Mysticism.
He has a new book out now titled Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All People Be sure to check out his website and you can purchase his book: https://matthewponak.com/embodied-kabbalah/
Warning: This content can transform your life.
Gray Transforms is a Transpersonal Psychology informed archive of conversations wit...2023-01-2546 minWe're In This Shift TogetherArt that Aims for Heaven with Dr. Brian PollickCan commissioning public art ensure a happy afterlife? Many wealty merchants in medieval Italy sure hoped so! Dr. Brian Pollick opens a window for us into their worldview and how it can enrich our own. Brian was born in England in 1946 but grew up in Toronto after his parentsemigrated in 1952. After getting his BA from York University in 1967 heembarked on multiple careers that included teaching, correctional services,community and family justice services, and Information Technologydevelopment. He has been a senior executive manager for the federal andBC governments, as we...2022-12-221h 03
Elisha and Carla MusingEpisode 15 - Interview with Rabbi Matthew Ponak on Embodied KabbalahElisha and Carla do their first ever interview. The girls interview Rabbi Matthew Ponak to talk about his new book Embodied Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism for All People. Matthew is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and the cofounder of the Mekorah Institute-an on-line spiritual center for embodied practice. Ordained with honors as a rabbi at the neo-Hasidic Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, he also holds a Master's degree in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia and is certified as a Focusing Professional to guide others to deeper self knowledge and healing...2022-11-2052 minWe're In This Shift TogetherMama Earth and Joyful Service with Rabbi Shoshana Meira FriedmanBeing of service to the world means more than just working for a cause you believe in: it's also about striving to live harmoniously with who you truly are.In this episode, Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman describes her own journey to becoming a climate activist and spiritual leader. Through many years of seeking and searching, she discovered the best ways her talents could be utilized to help a planet which is struggling. In this conversation, Rabbi Shoshana and Rabbi Matthew also delve into the benefits of spiritually-based activism and Rabbi Shoshana shares some personal lessons from parenting...2022-11-0451 minWe're In This Shift TogetherAn Inter-Spiritual PanelFour contemplatives share, reflect and face challenging questions. Christian, Buddhist and Muslim healers and teachers join Rabbi Matthew Ponak to discuss the gifts that our traditions can offer the world in these changing times — and the ways in which these traditions are (or ought to be) changing as well.Charlotte Z. Rotterdam is a Buddhist teacher, meditation instructor and contemplative educator. She received the title of Magyu Lopön, lead teacher of the Mother Lineage at Tara Mandala Retreat Center, by Lama Tsultrim Allione in 2016. She is the Director of the Center for the Advancement of Co...2022-10-011h 10We're In This Shift TogetherShabbat on a Sunday!? A Reverse Interview with Rabbi Joel GoldsteinWe're changing things up in this episode! Our guest Rabbi Joel Goldstein asks the questions — challenging Rabbi Matthew about the experimental home ritual "Oasis Time." This innovative practice is inspired by Shabbat but not bound by its traditional customs. Rabbi Matthew and his family have been testing it out in an effort to capture the essence of spiritual refreshment in a shareable way for our time. Join us for thought-provoking dialogue about the edges of religious evolution between two scholars who come from very different places along the spectrum of Jewish practice. We are also briefly joined by Jo...2022-08-221h 08We're In This Shift TogetherSpiritual Health with Rev. Sandra SummersPromoting spiritual health for individuals, churches and organizations of all kinds is Rev. Sandra Summers' speciality. She lays out what it is, why we need it and how to bring it into our lives. We also delve into The Great Resignation's effects on clergy, being authentic, balancing our use of technology and the surprising relationship between pregnancy and intuition. Sandra is a Christian pastor's kid who attempted to stay in college forever before answering her call to ministry. Currently, Sandra serves in a variety of ministry settings including in hospitals, activist organizations, and private practice. Sandra’s call...2022-07-0854 minWe're In This Shift TogetherSomatic Spirituality with Emma SartwellIn this episode, we discuss embodied transformation, spiritual entrepreneurship, Jewish Mysticism, and the current state of modern religious life. Emma Sartwell is the founder and owner of Somatic Spiritual Counseling, a collective of body- and mindfulness-based therapists and coaches. She grew up in a reform Jewish household in Baltimore, MD. After a spiritual crisis in college, she found Buddhist meditation, which led her to Naropa University, a Buddhist-based graduate school in Boulder, CO, where she studied Buddhist and interfaith spiritual care. While there, she met some teachers who helped her return to her Jewish roots and see t...2022-06-1752 minWe're In This Shift TogetherJesus was a Jewish Mystic with Rev. Dr. Ian MevorachThis episode features Rev. Dr. Ian Mevorach talking about the historical Jesus. Rev. Dr. Ian Mevorach is the founding minister and director of the Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick, MA, a love-centered community that values many spiritual paths and is a hub for environmental justice and peace activism. He is an ordained American Baptist minister and holds an M.Div., and a Ph.D. in Ecological Theology and Ethics, from Boston University School of Theology. He is a life-long environmental and social justice activist and practitioner of interfaith dialogue and community-building. He is also a facilitator of...2022-05-261h 03We're In This Shift TogetherOvercoming Procrastination with Dr. Piers SteelThis episode features Dr. Piers Steel, one of the world's leading experts in the study of procrastination.Piers Steel is a professor in the Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources area and is the Brookfield Research Chair at the Haskayne School of Business. He is a recognized authority on the science of motivation and is known internationally for his productivity research, receiving widespread media coverage.Piers’ particular areas of research interest include culture, motivation and decision-making. He is also currently driving a systematic review of ethical research with the goal of identifying what is known and wh...2022-05-061h 04We're In This Shift TogetherThe 6 Types of True Love with Dr. Beth HedvaThis episode's guest is Dr. Beth Hedva who lives in Calgary, Canada. Author of Journey from Betrayal to Trust and the award-winning Betrayal, Trust and Forgiveness, she is an internationally recognized healer, counsellor and teacher. A past Director of the International Council of Psychologists and current Co-Chair of the Canadian Institute for Transpersonal and Integrative Sciences, Dr. Hedva was invited to train local recovery workers in the two deadliest disasters of this century. A licensed Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist who holds certifications in somatic sexology, Dr. Hedva has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, a Masters Degree...2022-04-1357 min
We're In This Shift TogetherIntroducing We're in this Shift TogetherAre you cautiously optimistic about the world’s future? I am. My name is Rabbi Matthew Ponak and I’m the host of a brand new podcast: : “We’re in This Shift Together.” Like you, I’m concerned about the well-being of our families, our planet, and our internal realities. As a student of Jewish wisdom, I know that even in the most uncertain times, there is always hope through communal effort and opening ourselves up to new potentials. Today, no single discipline or approach has all the answers for our seemingly endless list of challenges. To quote my teacher Reb...2022-03-3001 min