BMitzvah journey

"As a young man, I did not have a Bar Mitzvah. However, after joining Congregation Or Ami, I saw an announcement about an adult B'Mitvah program. I immediately signed up for the two year program. Over the next two years, I learned to read and speak Hebrew, chant the Torah, and recite and sing many of the key Jewish Prayers. My studies culminated in a powerful and moving Bar Mitzvah with my family and new found classmates."

"We tried multiple synagogues before landing at Or Ami. The warmth, the energy, the fun, musical, soulful vibe — we found it nowhere else. And Rabbi Paul is a truly special clergy leader. We're grateful to be here. Without Or Ami, I don't think we'd be as connected to our spirituality or our Judaism."

"When we were searching for a Hebrew school, I wanted something that truly felt right, a place where my kids could learn, belong, and be themselves. The larger temples never felt like the right fit for our family. Then we found Congregation Or Ami, and it immediately felt like home."

"My family and I did not belong to a Synagogue growing up. But when my wife and I began to search for a Congregation where we could deepen our connection to Judaism and make new friends, we eventually found Congregation Or Ami."

"Our kids are always excited to go to Kesher. They look forward to learning and being with friends. For them it's comfortable, engaging, and fun!"

“The teen program provides a vital meeting place and Jewish educational center for teens after their b’nei mitzvah. In middle and high school, maintaining a strong connection to Judaism and our congregation is more vital than ever in these challenging times, and the regular connectivity of Or Ami has become a vital part of our daughter’s life. A group of peers at Or Ami that you can always rely on provides warmth and joy to teens as they walk down the road of transition to adulthood."

"Seven years ago, when I made the decision to join Congregation Or Ami, it took about nine months of consideration. It wasn’t easy to leave the synagogue where the rest of my family were members, but I knew I was making the right decision for my daughter. I wanted a place where Cami could learn about Judaism, feel connected to God and the Jewish community, and grow spiritually. Or Ami has been that safe and nurturing space for her—and for us as a family."

"When my mother entered hospice on the afternoon of Kol Nidre, our family faced a profound intersection of grief and tradition. Despite his immense high holy days responsibilities, Rabbi Paul arrived at her bedside, without hesitation."

"We are so grateful to have found Or Ami and their education programs for our kids. Isabella enjoyed going to Kesher and Makom every session. She loved learning about Judaism and bonding with her friends. Jonah loved the taste of Mitzvah class. He enjoyed learning Hebrew and feeling like he was getting prepared for his bar mitzvah. He now can follow along in the prayer book during services and is proud to chant along with the congregation."

"True Story... 16 years ago our dear friend died in a tragic accident. We went to the funeral led by Rabbi Paul Kipnes. By the end of the service, I whispered in my wife's ear, "we're changing to this temple !"

"To my family, Or Ami is truly home. We have been partners since almost the beginning. All our lifecycle events, from confirmation, to weddings, baby namings and shiva’s are centered around Or Ami. My grandchildren call it home and Rabbi Paul is “their “ rabbi!"

"When my dad died, Rabbi Paul listened to the story of our complicated relationship and developed a meaningful (and unconventional) shiva to meet my needs as a mourner. I invited a few family members and close friends, but at least half the folks who came to support me were from my Or Ami family. We never know when we’ll need our Jewish community, but when we do, Or Ami shows up."

"I started writing down all the amazing things I’ve done at Or Ami over the past 12 years and quickly realized there are too many to mention."

"Working with Rabbi Paul, Lisa, and the entire Or Ami team for Eva’s Bat Mitzvah was an experience our family will always treasure. From the very beginning, everything felt thoughtful, organized, and deeply personal. Eva was encouraged to be herself every step of the way, which gave her the confidence to truly shine on the bimah."

"Having our son's bar mitzvah at Or Ami was a magical and meaningful experience for our family. We felt taken care of every step of the way, and everyone we worked with was available and ready to address any questions at all times."

"My upbringing at Or Ami set me on the path to becoming who I am meant to be. I am studying to become a rabbi because of our clergy's leadership, our community's warmth, and the beautiful blend of tradition and innovation inherent to Or Ami's nature. This congregation is a gift to each member individually and the Jewish people as a whole."