Rabbi Paul Kipnes is a visionary spiritual leader, three-time author, speaker, and innovator, dedicated to guiding individuals and communities toward deeper faith, healing, and transformation. As the longtime spiritual leader of Congregation Or Ami, he has pioneered groundbreaking approaches to spiritual engagement, earning 14 national awards for excellence in family education, interfaith outreach, disability inclusion, social justice, and use of technology.
A passionate educator, Rabbi Paul has guided over 56 rabbis and educators, shaping the next generation of faith leadership. His commitment to fostering meaningful spiritual living extends to his writing, including Jewish Spiritual Parenting, co-authored with his wife, Michelle November, and The Secret Life of the Mourner: A Poetic Journey Through a Year of Grief, a deeply personal and spiritual exploration of loss and healing.
National leaders, clergy, and people everywhere turn to Rabbi Paul and his poetic, alliterative writing and prayers to find the words to address the rapidly transforming personal and societal realities. He co-edited a national journal on New Visions for Jewish Community and his writing has been featured in JTA, The Forward, the Journal of Reform Judaism, Jewish Journal, Daily News, and eJewishPhilanthropy.com. He is co-founder of Midrashic Monologues, which gives voice through the silence to our Biblical ancestors.
Beyond the pulpit, Rabbi Paul is a dynamic thinker and creative spirit. A lifelong lover of science fiction and meditation, he even appeared in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His passions also include blues and jazz, writing poetry, as well as hiking through national parks, where he finds spiritual inspiration in the grandeur of nature.
With a reputation for community transformation and teen engagement, Rabbi Paul integrates ancient traditions with modern insights, fostering inclusive, dynamic spiritual experiences. Whether through writing, teaching, or community leadership, he empowers individuals to connect more deeply with their spirituality, embrace sacred moments, and build vibrant, compassionate communities.
He was ordained rabbi from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, earning its Master of Arts in Jewish Education degree along the way. His BA in Comparative Religion from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) deepened his appreciation for the universal spiritual search for truth, connection, and compassion. He is married to Michelle November and together they have three children, two daughters-in-law, and a shared love of travel, good food, and good friends
A Personal Note from Paul
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
If we were sitting together over a glass of Cabernet or tequila (extra anejo), I’d tell you that my greatest passion is helping people find meaning, connection, and healing—through spiritual journeys, through relationships, and through the simple, profound moments of life.
I believe spirituality isn’t something we do only in synagogues or formal houses of worship. It’s in the way we comfort a grieving friend, how we stand up for justice, and even in the quiet moments of a sunset at the seashore or a sunrise hike in a national park. Whether I’m mentoring new rabbis, crafting poetry about grief, or guiding families on their spiritual journeys, I strive to bring depth and authenticity to everything I do.
I’m also a bit of a sci-fi nerd (yes, I was on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine—long story, happy to share!), a lover of blues and jazz, and someone who believes that transformation happens when we open ourselves to new ideas, sacred moments, and meaningful connections. I find my greatest joy in exploring life with my wife, Michelle, and in the communities that welcome and challenge me.
If you’re looking for inspiration, guidance, or just a new perspective, I invite you to explore, ask questions, and join me on this journey. Let’s grow together.