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
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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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🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
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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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🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
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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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🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
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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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🕯️ Learn more about Kehillah: kehillahrva.org
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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 ✡︎

Support the show

🕯️ 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.