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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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.

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🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
💛 Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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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/

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Support the show

🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
💛 Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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🔁 Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.

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.

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Support the show

🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
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🔁 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).

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Support the show

🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
💛 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.

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🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
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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.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

• Rebbetzin’s Jewish Prayer Bootcamp (Midlothian): Thursday, November 6 @ 6PM
• Shabbat Dinner and Service at Ellen and Ross’s (Short Pump): Friday, November 7 @ 6PM
• Bagels + Torah Study at Rabbi’s (Midlothian): Saturday, November 8 @ 10AM

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

Support the show

🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
💛 Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
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🔁 Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.

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 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

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.