In each module, we explore a different aspect of Jewish mysticism. The weekly topics each stand on their own, but are ordered intentionally as an expression of how an individual’s spiritual journey might unfold.
Class lectures are supplemented with mystical texts and commentaries from Embodied Kabbalah by Rabbi Matt Ponak, as well as academic sources, and guides for practices where relevant.
This course is 1 credit towards smicha
Course Topics
Evaluation
After each module, there will be a quiz on the content of the lecture and readings, as well as a short self-reflective writing exercise after the 5th and 12th classes.
Course Reading Materials
Required Readings:
Embodied Kabbalah by Rabbi Matthew Ponak (note: You can find all the purchasing options here.)
Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism by Gershom Scholem (https://amzn.to/33Iqw8g)
Recommended Readings:
The Receiving by Rabbi Tirzah Firestone – an excellent collection of female Jewish mystics (https://amzn.to/2SPHnnC)
The Kedumah Experience by Rabbi Zvi Ish Shalom – a very deep post-Jewish mystical philosophy with a body-centered orientation
God is a Verb by Rabbi David Cooper – a wonderful introduction to Jewish mysticism for practitioners (https://amzn.to/3hl67yl)
Other chapters in Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism by Gershom Scholem – there is one required reading from this book but this is an essential read for anyone studying Jewish mysticism academically. Gershom Scholem was the most influential scholar of Jewish mysticism and the major themes of his research seen in this book set the tone for a great deal of the scholarship that has followed. If you are especially interested in this type of research I also recommend Kabbalah: New Perspectives by Moshe Idel who was Scholem’s student and came to some significant different findings.
Reflection and Practice sections in Torah for the New Age – several of the pages have prompts to deepen your relationship with the material.
Course Instructor
Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of embodied transformation and a spiritual counselor. He got smicha from Hebrew College where he specialized in the study of Ḥasidut and Kabbalah. He has learned with many of this generation’s leading teachers of Jewish mysticism including Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, R. Arthur Green, R. Zvi Ish-Shalom, R. Tirzah Firestone, and R. Rami Shapiro. Also holding an MA in Contemplative Religions from the Buddhist-inspired Naropa University, Rabbi Matthew weaves world wisdom with ancient Jewish insights. His most recent projects are his upcoming book on embodied Kabbalah that will be published by Albion-Andalus and co-founding Mekorah.com, a spiritual education, and innovation initiative, with his wife, Melina Ponak.
Students Also Enjoyed
Ratings and Reviews
Brian KresgeThis course was so instructional, not just in a practical history of mysticism, but in practices that are actually useful to my inner mitnagdim. The reading materials buttressed the lectures very well.
Jeffrey SumberThis was one of the best introductions to Jewish Mysticism I have ever experienced. Rabbi Ponak did a tremendous job bringing personal anecdotes, Rabbinic teachings and real world applications into what could easily be a dense, difficult to access topic. Take the time to absorb these teachings as there is so much that will help me be a better rabbi. I intend to return to these videos and rewatch!
The information was engaging and valuable. The delivery was sincere and expert!