WORDS THAT BREATHE

I sent this text to my children, on Inauguration Day - 1/20/17

A group of men gathered at Congregation Or Ami's Men's Night Out, and took up Dr. King's challenge. We asked "What are our responsibilities as men to our community, our country and or world?"

Torah commentary on Nitzavim: Why did the people have to stand up so long?

The history of Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States, offers lessons about social justice and religious tolerance that resonate even today. Video written & directed by Seth Front: http://sethfront.com "Shalom Rav" Performed by Nancy Linder: http://nancylinder.com Music by Jeff Klepper & Dan Freelander

The clergy of Congregation Or Ami (Calabasas) share their vision of the synagogue as a sanctuary of kindness, your second home.

How a car accident and a rape teaches us about the responsibility to stand up and be counted.

A Prayer for during a Fire: Our God and God of our fathers and mothers, as the flames burn, wreaking havoc upon our homes, our hills, our fire fighters, our sense of security, we turn to You for comfort and support.

My Shabbat video message: on blessings and curses

On our Shabbat hike, we experienced a different connection with God, a deeper connection that allowed us to experience God as our ancestors did. In the wilderness, without walls, without man-made things, it seemed easier to feel God's presence.

Leading your own synagogue Shabbat Hike is incredibly easy. In just 10 steps - simple but effective - you can embark on a moving spiritual experience. And, as we discovered on Congregation Or Ami's own Shabbat Hikes, the journey is inspiring and refreshing . They say that exercise is good for the soul. I think Shabbat in the wilderness is good for the soul too and if you can add in a hike, well – even better! To worship in an environment where you can hear the birds, feel the

Shabbat Video Message: Why we hike in the wilderness on Shabbat.

Sitting in my mentor's study, I soak up his wisdom. Rabbi Stan Davids seems to know so much about so many things and I wonder how that was possible.

Understanding transgender. What if gender is determined by more than genitalia and chromosomes? What if the way we have always perceived humanity has been flawed or wrong?

The Hebrew word for truth is אמת (meet). The Hebrew word for mother is אמ (em) – the first two letters of the word אמת (meet). To discover truth, we are often need only go in the right direction, the one that our mothers point us in.

In this video, Moms and Dads reflect upon the joyous, warm experience of being parents at Congregation Or Ami.

My First Music Video! Mi Chamocha, a new version written by Sheryl Braunstein, Daniel Braunstein and me (Rabbi Paul Kipnes).

Seder Prep Tips from the Kipnes/November Seder Table. Plus readings and inserts for your Haggadah.

When pounding started on the front door, we move quickly toward the door, opening it with caution. In front of us stands “Elijah,” the prophet who one day will announce the Messianic era and the redemption of humankind.

What would make your Passover seder — or any hosted meal in your home — meaningful and memorable? Food, fun, music and meaning, play and prayer. While there is a stylized beauty to sitting around a dressed up Passover table, try setting up your seder just as you would a child’s birthday party or an arts and crafts playdate.

Send an email ahead of time to your seder guests, assigning them a role in the seder. These creative ideas personalize the seder by incorporating the talents or life experience of your guests.