Rabbi Paul Kipnes

Rabbi Paul Kipnes (he/him/his) is the spiritual leader of Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas, California. He also serves as rabbinic dean at URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, CA. He consults on synagogue disruption and transformation, using his viral articles, Disruptive Judaism: Will Your Synagogue Be Beit Blockbuster or Kehillat Netflix and Synagogue dues are dead: What’s the price point at which quitting the temple is impossible? Rabbi Kipnes and his wife, Michelle November, co-wrote Jewish Spiritual Parenting. He also co-edited a national CCAR Journal issue, "New Visions for Jewish Community." His searing poetry and insightful writings can be viewed at PaulKipnes.com. 

Torrah and Kippah
Vayigash

Finding Guidance and Direction from the Voice Within

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Paul Kipnes
Joseph, then viceroy of Egypt, decides to hold Benjamin to pressure his brothers to bring their father Jacob to Egypt. His true identity is still hidden from his brothers. But Judah steps forward to intervene ( Gen. 44:1-14). As Vayigash opens, in an impassioned plea, Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin ( Gen. 44:18-34). Where does Judah, who once lacked strength to protect Joseph, finally find the courage?
Torrah and Kippah
Marriage

Jacob Awakens to the Sexual Assaults Suffered by His Children

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Paul Kipnes
In Parashat Vayeishev , we read that Joseph suffers sexual harassment at the hands of Potiphar’s wife. Joseph is the patriarch Jacob’s second child to face sexual violence, after his daughter Dinah was raped ( Gen. 34). In this midrashic monologue, we wonder how Jacob reacted to the news of what happened to Dinah:
Torrah and Kippah
Vayeitzei

How Can We Avoid Conflict Among Siblings?

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Paul Kipnes
Have you ever wanted to kill (or seriously harm) your brother (or sister, or other relative)? The Book of Genesis is replete with enough examples of intended fratricide that we ought to take notice.