In this podcast, we challenge both the Americanized “Hanukkah as Jewish Christmas” approach and the backlash against it...Because Hanukkah’s story is far more complicated than either side admits.

Hanukkah is ultimately a blend of civil war memory, Temple rededication, rabbinic theology, and ancient seasonal tradition. That mix is what makes it meaningful.

So while we respect concerns about “Christmas-ifying” Hanukkah, we also accept that living in America means cultural blending. As long as we keep the story and rituals alive, we say: enjoy the aesthetics, light the menorah, and Hanukkah Sameach.

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🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
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If Seinfeld was a show about nothing, then this episode is a podcast about nothing.

That's because in this episode of the Kehillah RVA podcast, we get to listen in on a an unedited conversation between Rabbi Elisha Paul, Head of School at RTA - Richmond Hebrew Day School and Rabbi Patrick Beaulier from Kehillah.

The conversation goes into every kind of topic -- from demographic shifts in Israel to the Jewish landscape in Richmond, what it means to be religiously observant (or not), the challenges that come with building community that's all over the map and more.

This isn't an interview. It's friendship. And it's fun.

If you enjoyed this episode, we hope you'll get to know Rudlin and consider giving a donation to support their work.

Big thanks to Rabbi Paul, Rivka Skaist and everyone at RTA for making this episode possible.

Note that this was filmed on location, so there are some unfortunate audio issues. We hope that this further drives home the authenticity and sincerity of this podcast. If you'd like to see us improve the production value of the Kehillah RVA podcast, we won't say no to new equipment -- so drop us a donation and we'll get to work on getting some discounted gear during the holiday shopping season.

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/kehillahrva
📘 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
🔁 Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.

Want some dad advice from Rabbi Patrick on dating Jewish in Richmond, VA? Well...you're getting it!

In this episode, Rabbi Patrick takes the collective observations of Kehillah's singles and offers up spiritual wisdom around places having energies, about Jewish matchmaking, love, companionship, and finding a sense of home where you are and who you are with.

Upcoming Events:

• Latke Making with Brittney: Tuesday, December 9
• Shabbat Dinner & Service: Friday, December 12
• Shabbat Morning Torah Study: Saturday, December 13
• Hanukkah at Art Factory: Saturday, December 20

RSVP: https://kehillahrva.org/calendar/

FREE TICKETS: 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/kehillahrva
📘 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/kehillahrva
🔁 Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.