The Kehillah RVA Podcast

56 Episodes

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The October 8th Jews

2026-10-0830:11

October 7, 2023 shattered the comfortable ability to be Jewish without thinking much about what being Jewish meant. Suddenly, Israel, antisemitism, Jewish history, community, and identity became impossible to leave in the background. An October 8th Jew isn’t necessarily more religious, more Zionist, or more politically conservative (or an anti-Zionist progressive, for that matter). They're a Jew whose assumptions about Jewish identity were disrupted—and who was left asking: What does being Je...

What You Missed on Sukkot

2026-09-2730:11

The dual meaning of Sukkot (booths?! Divine protection?!) gets an even bigger meaning when we think about our growing community. Consider that the ancient Priestly class likely added a theological layer to a preexisting activity, and you get an understanding of Sukkot that combines the spiritual, historical and practical layers of the utterly nonsensical holiday that is Sukkot. And also, shaking a lemon for God. In this episode, we talk about the Sukkot party you may have (probably) missed, o...

What Does It Mean To Come Home?

2026-09-2226:10

You matter. And you're always welcome home. Rabbi Patrick explores the ancient idea that Yom Kippur allows us to set aside the roles we play throughout the year and return to our truest selves. Drawing on Jewish tradition, the history of the synagogue, and Kehillah's own story, he asks what makes a Jewish community a home—and what it means for Kehillah to create a permanent home of its own. Also included: an update from Commonwealth Autism and an invitation to support BAYIT, Kehillah's effort...

Let's Build A Home

2026-09-1436:44

Kehillah is ready for its next chapter. In this final episode of the season, Rabbi Patrick reflects on Rosh Hashanah, the story of Avraham and Yitzakh, and what it means to actually listen to the people who make up our community. And we talk about Bayit — our effort to create a permanent, secured home for Kehillah. Not a building for the sake of a building, but a home for our Torah, Shabbat services and dinners, a MASSIVELY expanded Kehillah Cares, friendship and belonging. We’ve already rais...

What Do We Owe God? An early take on Rosh Hashanah

2026-08-2441:11

OK - you know I'm supposed to give a class like "what is Rosh Hashanah" but you all can find AI slop to help you learn that. Instead, how about "What do we owe God"? Seems on-theme for the High Holy Days. Maybe the answer isn't about figuring out exactly what God wants. Maybe it's about what we have that God doesn't have: our humanity. If being alive is a blessing, then what are we going to do with the fact that we're here? Upcoming Kehillah Events Saturday, September 12 @ 10:00 AM Free Rosh ...

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