Saturday, August 9, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CT
This is a hybrid event. Join in person or online!
"Where words leave off, music begins. "- Heinrich Heine
Song is a spiritual language that connects us with the ineffable. In the Jewish mystical tradition, nigunim—wordless melodies—are sacred tools for opening the heart, clearing the mind, and inviting contact with the Divine. In this experiential workshop, Rabbi Matthew Ponak will guide participants through the practice of singing nigunim (pronounced nee-goo-neem) in a group setting, while sharing teachings from Kabbalah and Hasidic mysticism that illuminate the spiritual power of melody.
No musical experience is required—just a willingness to participate by lending your voice in collective group singing. With melodies that are simple, soulful, and meditative, this gathering will flow between learning and chanting, head and heart, insight and experience.
If you are not yet comfortable singing in front of others, the philosophy of this workshop is that singing can be a form of practice like meditation. It is not performative but rather an opportunity to harness breath, body, mind, and heart, with a contemplative and soulful spirit. Similar to most other spiritual practices, singing nigunim is personal and non-competitive, with the emphasis on being present, aware, and open to what can emerge. At no point will anyone be asked to sing alone in front of the group.
What You’ll Learn:
● Sacred Sound, Deep Roots: Discover the role of music and melody in Jewish mysticism as a path to inner richness, joy, and transcendence.
● Singing as Spiritual Practice: Experience how repeating simple melodies can become a form of meditation and connection to the Sacred.
● A Tradition to Carry Forward: Leave with a basic familiarity of nigunim and a few melodies you can bring into your own spiritual life or community.
Whether you are new to Jewish spirituality or an experienced seeker of inner truth, this workshop offers a unique doorway into the heart of mysticism—through the power of song.
Registrants will receive on-demand access to recording(s) that can be viewed for two weeks following the conclusion of the program.
TS members $35 Nonmembers $40
Rabbi Matthew Ponak is a teacher of Jewish mysticism, a spiritual counselor, and an author dedicated to making the deep wisdom of Kabbalah and Hasidic spirituality accessible for seekers of all backgrounds. Ordained with honors at Hebrew College’s neo-Hasidic rabbinical school, he also holds a Master’s degree in Contemplative Religions from Naropa University, a Buddhist-inspired institution integrating meditation and experiential religious studies.
With a background in both Jewish and global mystical traditions, Rabbi Matthew blends scholarly insight with embodied practice. He is a certified Focusing Professional, guiding others toward self-awareness and transformation through somatic introspection. Through his teaching, writing, and counseling, he empowers individuals to discover their own spiritual truths and live with greater authenticity and presence.
Rabbi Matthew’s work has touched the lives of students and seekers across North America and beyond. He is the author of Embodied Kabbalah, a groundbreaking exploration of Jewish mystical wisdom for modern life. His most recent book The Path of the Sephirot introduces readers to the most practical tools of Kabbalistic Tree of Life through 49 days of practice. His teachings bridge the ancient and the contemporary, illuminating a path of balance between intellect and intuition, tradition and personal discovery. To learn more about Rabbi Matthew Ponak and his offerings, visit matthewponak.com
Program Format
This is a live, interactive hybrid program that will also be recorded. Registrants will receive on-demand access to recording(s) that can be viewed for two weeks following the conclusion of the program.
Join us in person at 1926 N. Main Street, Wheaton, IL 60187 or join online via a YouTube link that will be emailed upon your registration.