WORDS THAT BREATHE

Is Zionism a yes, a no, or complicated? Rabbi Paul Kipnes makes the case against “no,” explains why “yes” alone isn't enough, and asks us to stay in covenantal relationship with Israel.

A Yom Kippur sermon on what a rabbi's toddler granddaughter taught him about presence, honest words, boundaries, and holiness in ordinary moments.

Rabbi Paul Kipnes draws on the Talmudic tale of Honi the Circle Maker and the memory of Judy Friedman for a Rosh Hashanah lesson on planting chesed and hope.

Friends, in just a few moments we will rise for Kaddish. Before we do, I need ten minutes of holy honesty. These past weeks, many of us have watched events unfold in Minneapolis and beyond, and we have felt the ground shift under our feet. We have said the names Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, and we have struggled with the same question echoing in so many Jewish hearts: How can this be happening here, and what does our Jewish tradition ask of us now? This is not a partisa

In a fearful world, Judaism still calls us to bring blessing into brokenness. Rabbi Paul Kipnes asks: What does it mean to be a Jew today?

What does it mean to be a Jew today? A reflection on identity, tradition, and justice in a complex world.

The mother died four days after her daughter became Bat Mitzvah. And then I had it out with God.

Lessons learned while taking their last breaths. Reflections on bikkur cholim (visiting the sick) with David and Jerry. A Yom Kippur sermon.