Congregation gathers under the stars

CANDLELIGHT- Members of Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas worship outside during a recent Shabbat campfire service.

Congregation Or Ami left the confines of its Mureau Road synagogue to find spirituality at a campfire under the stars.

In May, more than 120 congregants and community members gathered outdoors at a campfire to celebrate Shabbat and to explore spirituality within nature.

During the service, Rabbi Paul Kipnes, the synagogue's spiritual leader, said that ever since Jacob encountered the Holy One in the midst of the wilderness, Jews have been finding God in the most unusual places.

The congregation is committed to seeking spirituality throughout nature: at campfires, by the Pacific Ocean, on mountain top hikes, during camp-outs in Malibu Creek State Park and in members' backyards.

"Getting out of the sanctuary allows us to find the sanctuary within our soul," Kipnes said.

The synagogue holds campfire services at least three times a year within the Conejo Valley. The synagogue is at 26115 Mureau Road, Ste. B, Calabasas.

To find the date of the next "Spirituality under the Stars" Shabbat service, call the synagogue at (818) 880-4880, e-mail Kipnes at rabbipaul@orami.org or visit www.orami.org/calendar.

Congregation Or Ami is a Reform synagogue serving the west San Fernando and Conejo valleys.