Main Line Synagogue Welcoming New Rabbi With BBQ Cookout

BERWYN, PA — Congregation Or Shalom in Berwyn is welcoming a new rabbi with a cookout in July.

The synagogue, located at 835 Darby Paoli Road in Berwyn, announced the appointment of Rabbi Kami Knapp and will welcome Knapp with a meet ‘n greet cookout prior to Shabbat services.

The backyard BBQ starts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12 with traditional Friday night services starting at 7:30 p.m.

Those looking to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing office@orshalom.com.

Rabbi Kami, as she is known, was chosen after a nationwide search.

Congregation Or Shalom’s search committee was impressed by her rabbinate focus on meaningful Jewish practice, empathetic pastoral care and cultivating and deepening relationships by facilitating a deep study of Torah. She begins her tenure on July 1.

Her route to Berwyn had many twists and turns.

A Seattle native, she came to Philadelphia to pursue rabbinical studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.

Before her Rabbinic Ordination in 2017, Rabbi Kami earned an International Studies BA from Seattle University and an International Studies and Diplomacy MA from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies.

During her studies in Israel, at the Conservative Yeshiva, she discovered her passion for the Zohar and Kabbalah.

Over the last four years, Rabbi Kami has focused her work on finding inspiration within Jewish tradition to craft creative and relevant rituals for people's lives.