Congregation Or Ami ("Light of My People") was founded in January, 1997 a few weeks after a group of families came together to create a traditional Reform Jewish congregation to service the Conejo Valley and surrounding communities. The congregation strives to be a light for its families and community and to create a warm, friendly and supportive environment in which we can all become more spiritually fulfilled as human beings to the betterment of ourselves, our families, and our community. As a young congregation, one of the exciting pleasures is to share "first-time" events and to enjoy the evolution of those events as they grow with our community. Following is a list of several Or Ami firsts.
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Or Ami hires Rabbi Jerrold Goldstein
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Or Ami opens its first religious school class (Sept. 1997)
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Rabbi Paul J. Kipnes becomes Or Ami's first full-time spiritual leader (July 2001)
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Or Ami dedicates its first combined sanctuary/office space (Sept. 2003)
Read all about the Significant Moments in Or Ami's history.
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The Keeper of the Light Award has been bestowed on Or Ami members that have made a special impact on the congregation's ability to succeed in its mission. It is Or Ami's highest honor. Since 1999 the award has been presented five times in each case to the person(s) that have made an extraordinary commitment of time and/or energy to the Or Ami community. Following is a list of the awards that have been presented to date:
- 1999 - Art & Sheri Coren, Or Ami's first co-presidents
- 2001 - Linda Fingleson & Lisa Richman, Membership chairs since the congregation's inception
- 2002 - Cantor Doug Cotler, on the evening of the Gala & Fryer's Club Roast in his honor
- 2004 - Carol & Darryl Lieberstein
- 2005 - Rabbi Paul Kipnes (celebrating his 13th (Bar Mitzvah year) since ordination
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