Temple members receive innovation award

'LIGHT OF MY PEOPLE'- Caring Community Committee founder Karen Harris, right, looks on as Rabbi Paul Kippnes speaks during the Ner Ami Innovator awards ceremony. Six members of Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas recently received the Ner Ami (Light of My People) Innovator award for their participation in the synagogue's Henaynu Caring Community.

The award recipients are past Henaynu Caring Community chairpeople Karen Harris, Marina Mann, Sheryl Braunstein, Marcy Cameron, Cris Epstein and Karen Freeman.

Rabbi Paul Kipnes presented the awards at a recent Shabbat service. The award is given to individuals who help create innovative and meaningful programs that enhance the lives of others.

The Caring Community Committee deputizes every synagogue member with three responsibilities: to seek out those who are struggling physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually; inform the congregation and rabbi; and be prepared to deliver food, make supportive calls, help drive carpools, or otherwise support those in need.

The caring community was initiated by Calabasas resident Karen Harris in 1999, soon after the formation of the synagogue.