Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on October 12, 2023

The community that says you matter. Sophia Paloma Photography Sophia Paloma Photography

Welcome to Kehillah! Maybe youre searching for a synagogue in Richmond, VA? Maybe youre looking for Jewish learning for your child? Perhaps you just want like-minded people to spend the holidays with. No matter who you are, where youre from, or where you are going, we believe that you matter.

Our mission is to inspire people socially, spiritually, and intellectually.

Our vision is to be the bold, creative approach to Jewish life, serving all of RVA. Were about meeting you and those you love where you are. No judgment, whatsoever.

If its your first time on our site, we know all of the information can be overwhelming, so weve created this page, with some of our very best resources, to get you started.

You have questions and we have answers. Here are a few. Youre also welcome to email rabbi@rabbipatrick.com if you need more information.

Kehillah, the Hebrew word for community, is the only independent-progressive Jewish community in RVA. We host open space Jewish events, as well as Shabbat, adult education and more. Were open to everyone regardless of background or religious practice, and there are no membership dues you have to pay to participate.

- Shabbat dinner and acoustic guitar service twice a month in either Midlothian or Scotts Addition

- Public Space Holidays like Carytown Hanukkah and Purim at Cannon & Draw Brewery

- Social Action programs including grocery funds and subsidized mental health services

- Adult educational programs online and in-person

- Free online childrens learning and family ritual kits delivered to your home

- Lifecycle services such as weddings and bnai mitzvah

We are an independent, progressive Jewish community. Most people would describe us as Reform or Reconstructionist in style. We are open to everyone regardless of their affiliation or religious practice. We are not in any way involved with Messianic Judaism or similar organizations.

We charge tickets for events like Shabbat and holidays, and fees for services (bar mitzvahs, weddings, etc.) You pay for the things that matter to you, and skip the things that you are not interested in. There are a lot of opportunities to sponsor others, or give to causes we participate in as well.

Absolutely! The majority of Kehillah are in relationships and families with mixed religious and cultural backgrounds. We honor and affirm the diversity of all who participate in our community.

We're incredibly friendly and you'll meet all kinds of great people at Kehillah. No matter your age, background, religious affiliation, you will find very warm people at Kehillah.

The best way to get to know us is to come to an event! Heres how that works:

Heres the big secret: Rabbi Patrick LOVES to meet people for coffee. Not a coffee person? Wine, beer, or ice cream works too. Plus, if its your first time getting together, he always pays. Reach out to him for a one-on-one.

I love the meaningful interaction throughout all our events. That, and the mantra that we all matter demonstrated by very specific acts of social justice, make me feel part of something much bigger than myself!

Kehillah is amazing! As someone growing up in a non-Jewish family, its great to have a community to celebrate holidays with.

It is the only family I know that is totally accepting of those whose ideas and views may differ from their own in fact, our community grows stronger with what each member brings to the table. Rabbi Patrick and his wife Stefanie make everyone feel welcome. They have welcomed everyone into their home and treated them as family. Our community takes to heart the meaning behind You Matter!

Ive been a bnai mitzvah tutor for Kehillah for almost two years. In that time its been my pleasure to work with five wonderful students. I often tell them theres no wrong way to be Jewish. I am grateful to be part of a community that embodies this idea so well.

I love being a part of a community so welcoming to newcomers. It really made me feel wanted when I came back after a bit away, and people missed me even though I havent been to Shabbat for very long.

Kehillah has been an invaluable sense of community during Covid. The Shabbat morning Torah studies leave me thinking and reflecting throughout the week. I always learn something and often something I can apply to my own life and practice. The connection with Rabbi Patrick and other members of Kehillah has been invaluable.

See more here:

Richmond Virginias Jewish Community - Kehillah

Category: Synagogue
Tags: