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/

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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/

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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

Support the show

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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.

🍏🍎 HIGH HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE 🍏🍎

Services held at Commonwealth Autism unless noted:

• Rosh Hashanah Evening Service | Sept 22 - 6:30PM
• Rosh Hashanah Day Service | Sept 23 - 9:30AM
• HHD Shabbat Dinner at Rabbi’s | Sept 26 - 6PM
• Shabbat at VA Pridefest! | Sept 27 - Noon
• High Holidays Kids Event at Art Factory | Sept 28 - 5:30PM
• Kol Nidre Yom Kippur Evening Service | Oct 1 - 7PM
• Yom Kippur Day Service | Oct 2 - 10AM
• Yom Kippur Concluding Evening Service | Oct 2 - 6PM (Service followed by a catered breaking-of-the-fast meal)

🎓 Use coupon code KEHILLAH for free high holidays classes: https://tinyurl.com/hhdpodcast 

🎬 High Holidays playlist so you can learn the prayers https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-FGkvtwGOynxf5aBdJ-r7AvLzg4SZwUS&si=etsMyF7GxqjNi8QJ

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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
• Yom Kippur Day Service | Oct 2 - 10AM
• Yom Kippur Yizkor/Neilah Service & Break Fast | Oct 2 - 6PM

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.

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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.

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“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 honoring others, subduing the ego, and treating the stranger as equal—can guide us through the fractured relationships of our time.

We also get practical: using Jedi-level communication tools like mirroring, labeling, and active listening, you’ll discover how to talk to people you don’t understand (or maybe even like) with curiosity instead of contempt.

💬 Whether you’re 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 neighbor—starting with listening.

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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 worth it.

Show notes can be found on Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/519905?lang=bi

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Adult Learning Class at Rabbi’s: Tuesday, July 22
• Home Hosted Shabbat at Rabbi’s: Friday, July 25
• Shabbat Morning Torah Study at Rabbi’s: Saturday, July 26
• Spiritual School: Wednesday, July 30

TICKETS: https://kehillahrva.org/calendar/

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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 others creates more than connection — it creates life

Drawing on Parshat Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9), he reflects on what it means to be a friend who delights in others’ blessings, and how choosing abundance over competition changes everything.

Whether you’re craving deeper connection, or trying to be a better friend yourself, this episode will inspire you to choose blessing — and friendship — every time.

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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 be a secular Jew, how to stay open and kind in a demanding role, and how different generations connect (or don’t) to Jewish life. And yes, we even dig into movies and shows that get Judaism right… and wrong.

Consider this your guide to Jewish questions that everyone’s thinking—but not everyone’s asking.

And don’t forget: RSVP now for the next Home-Hosted Shabbat at Brittney and Austin’s in Midlothian on July 11 at 6 PM. Tickets are on sale now—kids are free, and you don’t need to bring a thing! And there are free tickets through Kehillah Cares. Email ineedhelp@kehillahrva.org for FREE tickets.

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July 7th is your last chance to order kosher meat from our friends at Hiddr Meats VA. Place your order on their website.

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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 Midrash, the Book of Ruth, and community voices, this episode is about more than fear—it’s about resilience, complexity, and the deeply spiritual act of showing up as ourselves, especially when it isn’t 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.

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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!

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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.

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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 for God to “catch His breath”? 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 isn’t a luxury—it’s a birthright. Welcome to the Vayinafash Revolution.

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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 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.

You’ll also hear reflections on the paradox of mitzvot as chosen sacred acts and how Humanistic and cultural Judaism are shaping the next generation

✨ Thank you to Penn Markham for suggesting this topic.

 💬 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

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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.

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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 relationships, and of kindness.

Suffering is real. But so is strength. So is human solidarity. And so are we.

Rabbi Patrick explores Genesis 1:1–5 and how the Torah’s opening verses aren’t 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 light—not once, but always.

🙏 Shout out to the Curfman family in Napoli, Italy
 🎧 Topic suggested by Penn Markham. Thanks, Penn!

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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 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.

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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-sized hole” the universe leaves when we live in isolation.

This episode is about more than Torah—it’s about connection, vulnerability, and why no one should have to do life alone.

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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, intellectually, and socially.

✡︎ You Matter ✡︎

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