Kehillah

RVA's independent Jewish community

All About Us

The community that says you matter.

© Sophia Paloma Photography
© Sophia Paloma Photography

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.

© Sophia Paloma Photography
© Sophia Paloma Photography

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.

© Sophia Paloma Photography
© Sophia Paloma Photography

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.

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’re 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 Scott’s 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 children’s learning and family ritual kits delivered to your home

- Lifecycle services such as weddings and b’nai 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.
We provide customized B'nai Mitzvah learning geared toward your child's interests. Edva meets one-on-one with your child via Skype, 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.More info here. We do not operate a Hebrew School or Sunday School, as most parents would prefer the shorter term, low commitment program we provide. We do have all-ages friendly programs like Carytown Hanukkah and all our Shabbat dinners are free for kids. We hope you’ll bring the family!
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.
Our co-spiritual directors are Rabbi Patrick Beaulier and Rebbetzin Stefanie Papps. You can learn all about them here, in addition to our other leadership.
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.
Rabbi Patrick does both and much more! Information about weddings can be found on his website. 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:

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