The Kehillah RVA Podcast

Tired? Burned out? We get it. Kehillah is perfect for you. This episode starts with talking about tents and biblical translations, introversion, the crisis of people flaking out on plans, and tells a private story about Rabbi Patrick being cordially un-invited to something (and it was HIS FAULT!) Join us as we explore being a congregation who's tired...and made for each other. Got questions?...

Across America, more and more people are asking the same question: What’s the point? Faith has faded, connection feels shallow, and the old ways of belonging don’t seem to fit anymore. But in the Jewish tradition, a crisis is never the end — it’s a birth . So let's get into it. === UPCOMING EVENTS Rebbetzin’s Jewish Prayer Bootcamp (Midlothian) : Thursday, November 6 @ 6PM Shabbat Dinner and...

Meet Kehillah members Sandra and Benjamin, otherwise known as Lori Levy’s parents In this episode, we’ll hear from the eighty-plus year old couple about everything from chicken soup to civil rights, the Black and Jewish experiences in the south and more. Recorded a few days before Rosh Hashanah. Want to be on the Kehillah RVA podcast? It’s not hard! Reach out to rabbi@rabbipatrick.com . About Sand...

Recovering from Yom Kippur with this kavanah (intention) to Make Judaism Weird Again! Because we can’t just hand people bagels and lox and expect commitment. A few requests: We need Metro RVA homes for Home Hosted Shabbat. If you have some space November 7 in the evening or November 8 in the morning, we’d appreciate the location If you’re interested in adult education, reach out to rabbi@rabbipatr...

What is the point of a synagogue? A few words for Rosh Hashanah. Event tickets: https://kehillahrva.org/calendar/ Free tickets & support: https://kehillahrva.org/kehillah-cares/ Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show Support the show 🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org 💛 Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate 📲 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehill...

Difficult times lead us to ask: what is God and why do bad things happen? In this two part podcast, Rabbi Patrick gives us some ideas from Jewish tradition about the nature of the Divine. In part one, we talk about the many, varied and unusual ways God is understood to exist in this world. In part two, we get into the hard stuff: what would God want from us, and why do bad things happen? Readings/...

This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. Difficult times lead us to ask: what is God and why do bad things happen? In this two part podcast, Rabbi Patrick gives us some ideas from Jewish tradition about the nature of the Divine. In part one, we talk about the many, varied and unusual ways God is understood to exist in this world. In part two, we get into the hard stuff...

Did you know 10% of congregants (of all religions in the USA) will LEAVE their community at some point? That's normal! But if you are someone who left, and you feel that tug at your heart to come back, and you're not sure how -- then this podcast episode is for you. YOU CAN COME BACK! Inspired by the story of Joseph and some practical wisdom about the weirdness, awkwardness and emotional...

Sneak preview of all our High Holidays events, details on free tickets and more. TICKETS AT KEHILLAHRVA.ORG Rosh Hashanah Evening Service | Sept 22 - 6:30PM Rosh Hashanah Day Service | Sept 23 - 9:30AM Shabbat Shuvah Dinner at Rabbi’s | Sept 26 - 6PM Shabbat at VA Pridefest | Sept 27 - Noon-8PM High Holidays Kids Event at Art Factory | Sept 28 - 5:30PM Kol Nidre Evening Service | October 1 - 7PM Y...

Live from the tiki room, it's Rebbetzin Stefanie! Stefanie discusses why she likes running a synagogue out of her house (although she wishes she had more Star Wars themed furniture), the value of community building, and shares some stories from the early days of dating Rabbi Patrick. Get to know your rebbetzin with this very special episode. QUESTION: are you more of a Halloween or Thanksgivi...

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is one of the most famous verses in the Torah. But what if your neighbor drives you crazy? What if you disagree about politics, values — or even reality? In this episode, Rabbi Patrick explores what the Torah actually means by “love,” drawing on Leviticus 19, teachings from Rabbi Akiva, and wisdom from Pirkei Avot . You’ll learn how ancient Jewish values—like honor...

Corruption isn’t just a political problem — it’s a human one. Drawing on texts about bribery, justice, and moral courage, Rabbi Patrick helps us explore how unchecked corruption corrodes not only institutions but relationships and communities, and what it really takes to live a life of integrity, and to pursue justice the right way. Because doing the right thing is never easy — but it’s always wor...

How do people make friends as adults? In this episode of the Kehillah RVA Podcast , Rabbi Patrick explores why true, lasting friendships are so rare — and so essential — in our adult lives.  We’ll talk about: Why adult friendships feel impossible sometimes How to tell the difference between a true friend and a “frenemy” What Balak and Balaam teach us about blessings and curses How showing up for o...

You have questions—we have answers. In this episode of the Kehillah RVA Podcast , Rabbi Patrick tackles some of the most thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt questions sent in by listeners. From what’s changed at Kehillah over the years, to how to build a Jewish library, to the best bagel in Richmond, no topic is too big—or too small. We also talk about living in an interfaith family, what it means to...

Being Jewish comes with beauty, belonging—and fear. In this episode of the Kehillah Podcast, we explore the quiet ways Jewish anxiety shows up in everyday life. From wondering whether to hang a mezuzah to deciding how (and when) to prepare our children for hate, Rabbi Patrick offers a reflection on what it means to be visibly Jewish in a world that doesn’t always welcome us. With wisdom from Midra...

Rabbi's out of town, but here are a few important announcements: Want to be on the podcast? Reach out: Rabbi@KehillahRVA.org KavaClub hosting our Ask A Rabbi Anything on Sunday, June 29th Please donate to support this podcast See you soon! Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show Support the show 🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org 💛 Support Kehillah: kehilla...

Stressed out? Overworked? This can help. We live in a world that’s constantly demanding more—more hustle, more speed, more screens. But Shabbat offers a sacred pause, and one ancient word changes everything: vayinafash . In this episode, Rabbi Patrick unpacks the spiritual, linguistic, and revolutionary depth of Exodus 31:16–17 , asking: What does it really mean to rest like God? What did it mean...

Want to become Jewish? Rabbi Patrick explores the meaning of conversion in Kehillah and Progressive streams of Judaism—everything from Jewish identity, practice, bet din, mikvah, and ultimately belonging. Whether you're on the path or just curious, this episode (hopefully) brings clarity, compassion, and insight. 📚 Follow along with Rabbi Patrick's show notes on Sefaria. Got questions?...

We aren't lazy Jews. Progressive Judaism isn’t a trend—it’s a centuries-long conversation between tradition and modernity. In this episode, Rabbi Patrick explores the foundational document of Reform Judaism, and uses it as a doorway into what it means to live a Judaism that changes without breaking. From the radical roots of Classical Reform , to the spiritual boldness of Jewish Renewal , to...

In memory of Sarah Milgram and Yaron Lischinsky, who were killed outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, May 21st. May their memory be a blessing, and may their families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim. --- God didn’t create a perfect world —God created a complex one. And in that complexity, we become creators, too : of meaning, of art, of rel...

Life. Sustained. Place. Time. Gratitude in the Moment. In this episode of the Kehillah Podcast, we zoom out—and then way in. Through the lens of Shehecheyanu , Rabbi Patrick shares a deeply personal reflection about his late father Art Beaulier (of blessed memory), the fragility of existence, and the spiritual practice of saying: "We’ve arrived. We survived. We are here now." With a nod...

When we show up for one another, something sacred happens. In this first episode of the Kehillah Podcast, we explore the meaning of Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 , the power of Kehillah (community) , and the idea that you matter—spiritually, intellectually, and socially . Rabbi Patrick reflects on the divine presence that’s made real through relationships, and how being part of a community fills the “God-si...

This is the story of Kehillah —the bold, independent Jewish community in Richmond, VA. Hosted by Rabbi Patrick Beaulier, each episode explores the spirit behind Kehillah’s gatherings, social action, holidays, spiritual moments, and the people who make it all real. From meaningful Shabbat dinners to mystical holidays at kava bars, Kehillah is about connection that inspires spiritually, intellectual...