Published writing
From grief to growth, from parenting to prayer, from tradition to transformation, my writing weaves together the emotional, spiritual, and communal threads of a meaningful life. These published pieces are more than reflections; they are roadmaps and rituals, sparks and soulwork, crafted to kindle connection, inspire meaning, and reimagine what it means to live a life of purpose, compassion, and sacred creativity in today’s world.
The Secret Life of the Mourner: A Poetic Journey Through a Year of Grief
The Secret Life of the Mourner: A Poetic Journey Through a Year of Grief is a heartfelt exploration of loss, love, and the complex emotions that define mourning. After the unexpected loss of his father, Paul Kipnes embarked on a deeply personal journey through grief, uncovering what he calls the “secret life of the mourner.” This collection of poignant poetry captures the raw, often hidden layers of emotion that mourners experience—sadness, relief, guilt, reflection, and moments of profound connection.
Drawing from his own experience as a mourner and years as a clergy person guiding others through the valley of the shadow of death, Kipnes invites readers into an intimate conversation with grief. Written with unflinching honesty and poetic simplicity, these verses transcend theology and intellect, speaking directly to the heart. Poetry, with its ability to convey the inexpressible, becomes a vessel for the emotions that often defy articulation.
The Secret Life of the Mourner is a companion for those who grieve, a resource for loved ones seeking understanding, and a tool for caregivers, clergy, and ritual leaders. Whether read in quiet reflection or shared during moments of mourning, these poems illuminate the universal truths of loss and the resilience of the human spirit.
Ultimately, this book is a gift—a raw, real, and deeply moving tribute to the enduring bond between the living and the lost, reminding us that even in the shadow of grief, love endures and memories become blessings.
jewish spiritual
parenting
Parenting has never been easy – but in a culture that encourages more screen time than face time, how can you make sure that your children stay connected to what really matters in life?
In this guidebook for building a strong framework for a Jewish life, Rabbi Paul Kipnes and Michelle November, MSSW, reveal the spiritual wisdom they have learned and the hard-won parenting techniques they developed that shaped their children as individuals and their family as a whole. Together, they explore spiritually nourishing approaches to help you foster essential Jewish values like gratitude, joy and honesty in your children. Kipnes and November also share timeless teachings and spirit-filled activities, rituals, and prayers that will help you cultivate strong Jewish values and cherished spiritual memories in your own family.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
RABBI DEBRA ROBBINS
In this collection of poems, "the dictations of his heart," Paul Kipnes is fully present as a grieving son. Kipnes, who uses laughter to ease pain and can make almost anything rhyme, has always been drawn to help heal broken hearts. He is once again up front, guiding us through mourning.
RABBI RONALD STERN
Paul Kipnes’ heartfelt poetry captures the poignancy of life’s most powerful moments. Moved and inspired by his experiences—both personal and as a rabbi—he reveals the depth of each moment as seen through his eyes. Each poem reflects his unique perspective and his spiritual commitment to capturing life with the emotional candor best expressed through the art of poetry.
RABBI JASON GWASDOFF
In beautiful powerful prose Rabbi Paul Kipnes takes you on a personal journey through the uncharted waters of mourning. As a rabbi with hundreds of encounters with mourners, but even more so as a mourner himself, his words combine ageless wisdom and heartfelt empathy. With a gem on every page, his poems will touch and uplift your soul for, as we say: “words that come from the heart enter the heart.”