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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🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
💛 Support Kehillah: kehillahrva.org/donate
📲 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kehillahrva
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🔁 Share this episode with a friend and help build something sacred together.

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.

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.

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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

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.