Blog
Spiritual Counseling and Kabbalah
Spiritual counseling is a holistic approach to guidance that addresses the mind, body, heart, and soul.
Hasidic Mysticism and the Torah
Hasidic mysticism sees Torah study as a pathway to the Infinite. This Jewish spiritual lineage is a wonderful connector between our rich inner worlds, the writings of our ancestors, and the call to be a blessing in this world. Join author and spiritual counselor Rabbi Matthew Ponak for a deep look at the weekly parsha.
4 Types of Gematria
Hebrew letter magic, also called gematria, is a tool used by Jewish mystics to uncover hidden meanings. Kabbalists use gematria to interpret sacred writings or to understand the Hebrew language itself. Often involving mathematical permutations, Hebrew letter magic can be viewed as a form of Jewish numerology or divination.
Why Does the Torah Start with the Letter Beit (ב)?
If we are open to Torah then it will be open to us. The beit is a filter which guards the doorway to Jewish wisdom.
The Kabbalah of Spiritual Growth
The burning bush story serves as a model for gradual transformation—a reminder that transcendence is not achieved in a single moment of revelation but through a series of incremental steps.
The Spiritual Potential of Heart-Felt Connection
A teaching about the Shekhinah — the Divine Presence — and how it lands in the relational field.
Indigenous Language Revitalization Saves Lives: an Interview with Nicki Benson
Indigenous Language Revitalization has positive impacts on the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Matthew Ponak interviews Nicki Benson about the work she is doing to support Indigenous people in their efforts to reawaken their “sleeping languages.”
A Light in the Darkness: Retelling the Hanukkah Story for a New Generation
How can we pass on a story if we don’t believe it or if we don’t like its message? Ḥanukkah is quickly approaching. Each year I struggle with the same question of how to make this holiday meaningful for my kids.
Growing Because of, Not Despite, Difficulties
Part of being human is having difficulties. And, our difficulties can come from any number of sources. For starters, change is constant and any change can be stressful – even a positive change! So what are us mere mortals to do in the face of the inevitable difficulties?
Mindfulness, Shabbat and Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a construct from the brain which research shows that mindfulness can reduce. “Religious” meditation turns out to be more effective than its secular alternative. Shabbat can be a pain-relieving retreat.
Focusing and Jewish Mysticism
Going Down to Go Up Judaism is overflowing with maps of spiritual transformation. One prominent example from Hasidic mysticism is the path of descending for…
Are All Rabbis Created Equal?
Who is actually qualified to discuss Judaism today? How are different rabbis trained and who should you trust with your particular questions?