ABOUT RABBI PAUL KIPNES
Passionate About Spiritual Leadership
Rabbi Paul Kipnes is a visionary spiritual leader, three-time author, speaker, and innovator dedicated to guiding individuals and communities toward deeper faith, healing and transformation. As the longtime spiritual leader of Congregation Or Ami, he has pioneered groundbreaking approaches to spiritual engagement, earning 14 national awards for excellence in family education, interfaith outreach, disability inclusion, social justice, and use of technology.
A passionate educator, Rabbi Paul has guided over 56 rabbis and educators, shaping the next generation of faith leadership. His commitment to fostering meaningful spiritual living extends to his writing, including Jewish Spiritual Parenting, co-authored with his wife, Michelle November, and The Secret Life of the Mourner: A Poetic Journey Through a Year of Grief, a deeply personal and spiritual exploration of loss and healing.
National leaders, clergy, and people everywhere turn to Rabbi Paul and his poetic, alliterative writing and prayers to find the words to address the rapidly transforming personal and societal realities. He co-edited a national journal on New Visions for Jewish Community and his writing has been featured in JTA, The Forward, the Journal of Reform Judaism, Jewish Journal, Daily News, and eJewishPhilanthropy.com. He is co-founder of the Midrashic Monologues, which gives voice through the silence to our Biblical ancestors.
With a reputation for community transformation and teen engagement, Rabbi Paul integrates ancient traditions with modern insights, fostering inclusive, dynamic spiritual experiences. Whether through writing, teaching, or community leadership, he empowers individuals to connect more deeply with their spirituality, embrace sacred moments, and build vibrant, compassionate communities.
He was ordained rabbi from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, earning its Master of Arts Degree in Jewish Education along the way. His BA in Comparative Religion from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) deepened his appreciation for the universal spiritual search for truth, connection, and compassion. Beyond the pulpit, Rabbi Paul is a dynamic thinker and creative spirit. A lifelong lover of science fiction and meditation, he even appeared in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His passions also include outdoor concerts, jazz and blues, writing poetry, as well as hiking through national parks, where he finds spiritual inspiration in the grandeur of nature. He is married to Michelle November and together they have three children, two daughters-in-law, and a shared love of travel, good food, and good friends.
Educational Degrees and
Ordination
-
Ordained Rabbi – Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion (Los Angeles & New York City)
-
Master of Arts in Jewish Education – Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion
-
Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion – Trinity College (Hartford, CT)
Academic and Professional Teaching Roles
-
Member of the Clinical Faculty – Rhea Hirsch School of Jewish Education
-
Instructor in Rabbinic Pastoral Counseling – Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion
-
Mentor to over 57 rabbinic and educational students