The community that says you matter.
Welcome to Kehillah! Maybe you’re searching for a synagogue in Richmond, VA? Maybe you’re 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 you’re 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. We’re about meeting you and those you love where you are. No judgment, whatsoever.
If it’s your first time on our site, we know all of the information can be overwhelming, so we’ve created this page, with some of our very best resources, to get you started.
STEP 1: Your Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions and we have answers. Here are a few. You’re also welcome to email rabbi@rabbipatrick.com if you need more information.
What is Kehillah?
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. We welcome everyone regardless of background or religious practice, and there are no membership dues you have to pay to participate.
What do you do?
- Monthly Shabbat worship and dinner in Midlothian or other locations
- Public space holidays like our annual Hanukkah celebration
- Social action programs including grocery funds and subsidized mental health services
- Meaningful, relevant adult educational programs
- Lifecycle services such as weddings, conversion and b’nai mitzvah
Are you Reform? Conservative? Messianic?
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 involved with Messianic Judaism or similar organizations in any way whatsoever.
How do you operate without membership dues?
With your help! 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.
Do you have a Hebrew School or B’nai Mitzvah Program?
We do not operate a Hebrew School or Sunday School, as most parents would prefer the short-term, low commitment program we provide.
We provide customized B’nai Mitzvah learning geared toward your child’s interests. Edva meets one-on-one with your child via Zoom, meaning no driving! Learning is done through our amazing online school and families can choose from a Hebrew-based program or a non-Hebrew reading program. B’nai Mitzvah families also receive Family School for their entire household.
We always have all-ages friendly events–we hope you’ll bring the family!
I am part of an interfaith family. Will I be welcome?
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.
Who is your rabbi? Leadership?
Our co-spiritual directors are Rabbi Patrick Beaulier and Rebbetzin Stefanie Papps, the co-founders of Kehillah. We also have a Board of Directors and many great volunteers.
Will I fit in? What if I don’t have someone to come to events with?
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.
Does Rabbi Patrick officiate weddings? What about conversion to Judaism?
Rabbi Patrick does both and much more! Visit RabbiPatrick.com for info on weddings. 100% of the fees from weddings goes to support Kehillah.
Conversion in our community means participation in our activities and personalized, self-directed learning with Rabbi Patrick. Many of our people are Jews by choice or people “returning” to Judaism. You will not feel strange in our community as someone new and learning.
STEP 2: Get To Know Us
The best way to get to know us is to come to an event! Here’s how that works:
- All our events are on our calendar
- Join our email list to stay up to date on what we’re up to
- Connect with us on our Facebook and Instagram to meet the people who make up Kehillah, ask questions, and engage
STEP 3: Meet Our Rabbi For Coffee
Here’s the big secret: Rabbi Patrick LOVES to meet people for coffee. Not a coffee person? Wine, beer, or ice cream works too. Plus, if it’s your first time getting together, he always pays. Reach out to him for a one-on-one.
What do our members love about Kehillah?
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!
—Carol
Kehillah is amazing! As someone growing up in a non-Jewish family, it’s great to have a community to celebrate holidays with.
—Juno
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’!
—Kim
I’ve been a bnai mitzvah tutor for Kehillah for almost two years. In that time it’s been my pleasure to work with five wonderful students. I often tell them there’s no wrong way to be Jewish. I am grateful to be part of a community that embodies this idea so well.
—Edva
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 haven’t been to Shabbat for very long.
—Hart
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.
—Margaret