Get to know Kehillah member Shawn Harris as we discuss the life of a creative person, her big moves from the west back to Richmond, the power of imagination, storytelling and world building.
Learn more about her project Bizarro Torah: https://bizarrotorah.wordpress.com/
This is part of a series of interviews with Kehillah members including Lori Levy and her parents, Arianna Rose, and Rebbetzin Stefanie. Want to be interviewed? Send us fan mail.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Get to know Kehillah member Arianna who you've likely seen around, but have not had a chance to chat with one-on-one. In this episode we discuss growing up as a teen in West Virginia, her move to RVA, a shared love of music, and what it's like for her as a neurodivergent person (and what she needs your brutal help with).
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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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? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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Across America, more and more people are asking the same question: Whatβs the point? Faith has faded, connection feels shallow, and the old ways of belonging donβt seem to fit anymore. But in the Jewish tradition, a crisis is never the end β itβs a birth.
So let's get into it.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RSVP HERE: https://kehillahrva.org/calendar/
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Alright RVA, we need space for Shabbat on December 12 (dinner) and 13 (morning Torah study). Got a living room? We've got the rest! Reach out to rabbi@rabbipatrick.com
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
We need your support to make this (and other) episodes happen. Donation link below. $5 makes a huge difference.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Meet Kehillah members Sandra and Benjamin, otherwise known as Lori Levyβs parents
In this episode, weβll 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? Itβs not hard! Reach out to rabbi@rabbipatrick.com.
About Sandra and Benjamin
Sandra Ungar was born in 1940 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to orthodox Hungarian immigrant parents. She pursued her degree in education at Wilkes College.
Born in 1937 in WestChester, NY, Benjamin Levy grew up in Scranton, PA. He attended the University of Scranton and Fordham University where he earned his Master's degree in History.
Sandra and Benjamin married in 1961 and had two daughters, Lori and Devorah.
Sandra was an innovative, enthusiastic 4th grade teacher for 28 years in Fairfax County, VA. She has always been a wonderful cook and has a knack for writing funny poems.
Benjamin Levy spent the first part of his career as a teacher and then a Park Ranger with the National Park Service. He continued his NPS career in Washington DC and was promoted to the role of Senior historian and worked in the Historical Landmark's division. He worked for NPS for 36 years and was afforded many travel opportunities while he researched historical places.
Sandra continues to be a wonderful mother and kind hearted soul who looks for opportunities to help others and make them feel welcome. Benjamin remains the smartest and kindest man Lori knows and continues to thirst for knowledge but is not afraid to be goofy and laugh heartily.
Volunteer Opportunities
We're looking for homes to host Shabbat dinner and Shabbat morning torah study. All you have to do is provide the space -- we do the rest! Dates are November 8, December 12 and 13. Reach out to rabbi@rabbipatrick.com.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Recovering from Yom Kippur with this kavanah (intention) to Make Judaism Weird Again! Because we canβt just hand people bagels and lox and expect commitment.
A few requests:
And of course, Chag Sameach! Happy Sukkot.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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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
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
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: what would God want from us, and why do bad things happen?
Readings/sources for this podcast found on Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/156492?lang=bi
If you or someone you love needs help, please reach out to Kehillah Cares: https://kehillahrva.org/kehillah-cares/
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
π² Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
π Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
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/sources for this podcast found on Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/156492?lang=bi
If you or someone you love needs help, please reach out to Kehillah Cares: https://kehillahrva.org/kehillah-cares/
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
π² Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
π Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
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 emotionally tricky nature of going-then-coming-back, this podcast episode hopes to make you feel comfortable returning to your Jewish community.
ππ HIGH HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE ππ
Services held at Commonwealth Autism unless noted:
π Use coupon code KEHILLAH for free high holidays classes: https://tinyurl.com/hhdpodcast
π¬ High Holidays playlist so you can learn the prayers https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-FGkvtwGOynxf5aBdJ-r7AvLzg4SZwUS&si=etsMyF7GxqjNi8QJ
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
π² Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
π Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Sneak preview of all our High Holidays events, details on free tickets and more.
TICKETS AT KEHILLAHRVA.ORG
Thank you to Rebbetzin Stefanie (tefillah), Robin, Sophia, Matt, Austin and Avi (service leadership and support), Pam (food and beverage), Jessica (kids), and all our volunteers.
FREE TICKETS for volunteering. Just go to Kehillah Cares and fill out the form.
FREE ONLINE LEARNING! Use coupon code KEHILLAH for free downloads of some awesome High Holidays lessons.
Services held at the offices of Commonwealth Autism unless otherwise specified.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
π² Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
π Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
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 Thanksgiving person? Make sure to answer the questions using Fan Mail! Stefanie wants to know.
DONATIONS: we could use them! This podcast only exists if you make it happen. Give a gift to support episodes like this, and we'll do a shout out on the next episode.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
π² Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
π Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
βLove your neighbor as yourselfβ 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 β or even reality?
In this episode, Rabbi Patrick explores what the Torah actually means by βlove,β drawing on Leviticus 19, teachings from Rabbi Akiva, and wisdom from Pirkei Avot. Youβll learn how ancient Jewish valuesβlike honoring others, subduing the ego, and treating the stranger as equalβcan guide us through the fractured relationships of our time.
We also get practical: using Jedi-level communication tools like mirroring, labeling, and active listening, youβll discover how to talk to people you donβt understand (or maybe even like) with curiosity instead of contempt.
π¬ Whether youβre struggling with family tension, community division, or just trying to be a little more mensch-y, this episode gives you tools to do the work of loving your neighborβstarting with listening.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
π² Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
π Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Corruption isnβt just a political problem β itβs 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 β but itβs always worth it.
Show notes can be found on Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/519905?lang=bi
UPCOMING EVENTS
TICKETS: https://kehillahrva.org/calendar/
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
π² Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
π Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
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 β and so essential β in our adult lives.
Weβll talk about:
Drawing on Parshat Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9), he reflects on what it means to be a friend who delights in othersβ blessings, and how choosing abundance over competition changes everything.
Whether youβre craving deeper connection, or trying to be a better friend yourself, this episode will inspire you to choose blessing β and friendship β every time.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
π² Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
π Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
You have questionsβwe 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 whatβs changed at Kehillah over the years, to how to build a Jewish library, to the best bagel in Richmond, no topic is too bigβor too small.
We also talk about living in an interfaith family, what it means to be a secular Jew, how to stay open and kind in a demanding role, and how different generations connect (or donβt) to Jewish life. And yes, we even dig into movies and shows that get Judaism rightβ¦ and wrong.
Consider this your guide to Jewish questions that everyoneβs thinkingβbut not everyoneβs asking.
And donβt forget: RSVP now for the next Home-Hosted Shabbat at Brittney and Austinβs in Midlothian on July 11 at 6 PM. Tickets are on sale nowβkids are free, and you donβt need to bring a thing! And there are free tickets through Kehillah Cares. Email ineedhelp@kehillahrva.org for FREE tickets.
===
July 7th is your last chance to order kosher meat from our friends at Hiddr Meats VA. Place your order on their website.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Being Jewish comes with beauty, belongingβand 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 doesnβt always welcome us.
With wisdom from Midrash, the Book of Ruth, and community voices, this episode is about more than fearβitβs about resilience, complexity, and the deeply spiritual act of showing up as ourselves, especially when it isnβt easy.
Links to content inspiring this week's episode:
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/513882?lang=bi
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/474052?lang=bi
Note: this episode was recorded at the start of the 12 Day War and has not been updated.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Rabbi's out of town, but here are a few important announcements:
See you soon!
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Want to become Jewish? Rabbi Patrick explores the meaning of conversion in Kehillah and Progressive streams of Judaismβeverything 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.
π Follow along with Rabbi Patrick's show notes on Sefaria.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Stressed out? Overworked? This can help.
We live in a world thatβs constantly demanding moreβmore 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 31:16β17, asking: What does it really mean to rest like God?
What did it mean for God to βcatch His breathβ? And what would it mean for us to do the same?
From the wisdom of Rashi to the modern research of Johann Hari, this episode weaves together Torah, neuroscience, burnout culture, and the idea that rest isnβt a luxuryβitβs a birthright. Welcome to the Vayinafash Revolution.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
We aren't lazy Jews.
Progressive Judaism isnβt a trendβitβs 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 the thoughtful middle ground of Conservative and Reconstructionist movements, this episode reflects on what it means to belong to a Judaism that embraces egalitarianism, modern ethics, and a love of community over conformity.
Youβll also hear reflections on the paradox of mitzvot as chosen sacred acts and how Humanistic and cultural Judaism are shaping the next generation
β¨ Thank you to Penn Markham for suggesting this topic.
π¬ Got an idea for a future episode? Email: rabbi@kehillahrva.org
Just in time for Shavuot! If you like this podcast, please donate via https://kehillahrva.org/donate
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
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 didnβt create a perfect worldβGod created a complex one. And in that complexity, we become creators, too: of meaning, of art, of relationships, and of kindness.
Suffering is real. But so is strength. So is human solidarity. And so are we.
Rabbi Patrick explores Genesis 1:1β5 and how the Torahβs opening verses arenβt just about creation, but about transformation. With a nod to astrophysicist Sara Imari Walker's Assembly Theory and artist Justin Curfman (Feedings Fingers), we reflect on the role of imagination in a universe that moves from darkness to lightβnot once, but always.
π Shout out to the Curfman family in Napoli, Italy
π§ Topic suggested by Penn Markham. Thanks, Penn!
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
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Life. Sustained. Place. Time. Gratitude in the Moment.
In this episode of the Kehillah Podcast, we zoom outβand 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: "Weβve arrived. We survived. We are here now."
With a nod to Lisa Plotkin and PJ Library, and a reflection on the power of metaphors made physical, this episode explores the transcendent and the concrete: from the near-impossibility of the universe to framed antique paintings to what it really means to be present.
Because sometimes, just being here is the miracle.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
When we show up for one another, something sacred happens.
In this first episode of the Kehillah Podcast, we explore the meaning of Ecclesiastes 4:9β10, the power of Kehillah (community), and the idea that you matterβspiritually, intellectually, and socially. Rabbi Patrick reflects on the divine presence thatβs made real through relationships, and how being part of a community fills the βGod-sized holeβ the universe leaves when we live in isolation.
This episode is about more than Torahβitβs about connection, vulnerability, and why no one should have to do life alone.
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
This is the story of Kehillahβthe bold, independent Jewish community in Richmond, VA. Hosted by Rabbi Patrick Beaulier, each episode explores the spirit behind Kehillahβs 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, intellectually, and socially.
β‘οΈ You Matter β‘οΈ
Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show
π―οΈ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
π Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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π Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.
Shawn Harris on the Creative Process & Bizarro Torah (INTERVIEW)
39:14
Arianna Rose on Music, Judaism & Neurodivergence (INTERVIEW)
39:25
A Synagogue For Tired People Like Us
44:20
America's Crisis of Meaning
24:19
Meet Lori Levy's Parents | INTERVIEW
1:00:32
Make Judaism Weird Again | Sukkot
23:48
Rosh Hashanah Sermon | House of Prayer, Study & Assembly
19:15
What Is God & Why Do Bad Things Happen? (Part II)
44:36
What Is God & Why Do Bad Things Happen? (Part I)
31:21
Returning to Kehillah (You Can Come Back!)
29:41
Sneak Preview of High Holidays (FREE EVENTS + MORE)
24:47
Rebbetzin Stefanie INTERVIEW
44:49
Loving Your Neighbor, When You DON'T EVEN LIKE THEM
39:01
We Need To Talk About Corruption
47:11
You CAN Make Friends as an Adult
35:22
Your Jewish and Kehillah Questions Answered
49:57
Jewish Anxiety
23:12
Rabbi Patrick Is FAR OUT (of the Office)
2:24
Converting to Judaism
32:18
The Conspiracy For Your Soul ποΈβπ¨οΈ Exodus 31:16-17
29:31
What Is Progressive Judaism?
28:54
Some Thoughts on Suffering | Genesis 1:1β5
26:21
The Big Picture πΌοΈ Shehecheyanu
21:01
Significant Change Requires Significant Relationships
24:03
The Kehillah Podcast β‘οΈ Official Trailer
28:42