WORDS THAT BREATHE

What happens when strangers gather for Shabbat? Around candlelight, challah, and conversation, homes become sacred space and community begin

Even baseball can be holy. A Shabbat Prayer for the Dodgers turns “Play Ball” into “Amen” and the ballpark into sacred space. ⚾️✨

Love lives in the details—the small, intentional acts that show we care. Vayakhel teaches us that just as the Israelites built the Mishkan with devotion, we create holiness in our own lives through everyday gestures, like getting the right mustard and mayonnaise for my wife—because love, like faith, is best expressed in the language the other understands.

This week, I made a special trip to Gelson’s. Not for Shabbat flowers, not for wine, not even for the babka (though it took everything in...

In the wake of the shootings, Rabbi Douglas Sagal taught: On Shabbat, we light two candles. Why two? Twice the Ten Commandments are stated in the Torah; once in the Book of Exodus and once in the Book of Deuteronomy. There are slight differences in the two texts of the Commandments, however. In one, it is commanded to “Zachor”, remember the Sabbath day. In the other, it is stated to “Shamor” protect, guard the Sabbath Day. The Sages, of blessed memory, taught us that the tw

Why did Congregation Or Ami focus our energies on creating a mental health and wellness retreat? Because today's teens are particularly stressed out, overwhelmed by anxiety, buffetted by the emotional turmoil engendered by social media. They crave support and relief.

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

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

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

Watch my Shabbat Video Message: When You Feel Outside the Community

Sacred Graffiti: Walking around the Florentine neighborhood of Tel Aviv, I am struck by the abundance of graffiti which reminds us of the spirituality throughout Israel

Rabbi Paul Kipnes discusses the centrality of inclusion at Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas, CA

My Shabbat Video Message on Sweetness Shared from a Kiddush Wine Fountain. Followed by a prayer for after another shooting spree.

Ken Meyer Leads the Drumming (All Pictures by Michael Kaplan) We learn in Torah that Miriam took a timbrel in her hand and led the Israelite women sing, as they, her brother Moses and the Israelite men crossed through , the Sea of Reeds. We regularly tout the spiritual uplift that comes from music of (rams' horns) and of singing. This timbrel - in Hebrew, a percussion instrument, part mini-cymbals, part drum - was new to the Israelite orchestra. If our ancestors added thi

It is rare indeed when a rabbi has a free (Sabbath). With 54 B'nai Mitzvah a year , I joyously find myself in the sanctuary almost every Shabbat, being inspired by our young people as they lead services, chant from Torah and teach us about the intersection between Torah and life. When a Shabbat comes along during which I do not need to be in (synagogue), there are five items on my short list that I want to accomplish. Each helps me observe the holiest day of the week. What

Just as Shabbat dinner was mouth-watering, the Shabbat experience was delicious. 1. When you ask some people about their work and what they like about it, you hear some of the most fascinating stories. Who knew that real estate appraising, entertainment accounting, large corporation marketing and bankruptcy law was that interesting. 2. The movie Airplane still is as in appropriate and as funny as it was when it came out back in the previous century. 3. Our hostess makes a

Our congregant Ray Joelson recently reflected upon the experience when his son Jay became a Bar Mitzvah. With his permission, I share it here: Our son recently became Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Or Ami and there is much for our family to reflect upon and even more to carry forward and cherish for a lifetime. The culmination of our preparations, deliberations, and expectations seemed to all focus on this one day that was so unique and fulfilling and that was magically orches

In a new Jewish ritual, recently affiliated members of Congregation Or Ami walk through a tunnel of tallits (prayer shawls) held by veteran congregants. After they transitioned from "newness" into being fully part of the synagogue family, Rabbi Paul Kipnes and Cantor Doug Cotler, amidst joy and tears, offered blessings of welcome. Synagogue president Susan Gould invited these newest members to participate in the community's vast array of learning options and social action p