How do people make friends as adults?

In this episode of the Kehillah RVA Podcast, Rabbi Patrick explores why true, lasting friendships are so rare — and so essential — in our adult lives.

We’ll talk about:

• Why adult friendships feel impossible sometimes
• How to tell the difference between a true friend and a “frenemy”
• What Balak and Balaam teach us about blessings and curses
• How showing up for others creates more than connection — it creates life

Drawing on Parshat Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9), he reflects on what it means to be a friend who delights in others’ blessings, and how choosing abundance over competition changes everything.

Whether you’re craving deeper connection, or trying to be a better friend yourself, this episode will inspire you to choose blessing — and friendship — every time.

Got questions? Send us a text and we'll read it on the show

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You have questions—we have answers.

In this episode of the Kehillah RVA Podcast, Rabbi Patrick tackles some of the most thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt questions sent in by listeners. From what’s changed at Kehillah over the years, to how to build a Jewish library, to the best bagel in Richmond, no topic is too big—or too small.

We also talk about living in an interfaith family, what it means to be a secular Jew, how to stay open and kind in a demanding role, and how different generations connect (or don’t) to Jewish life. And yes, we even dig into movies and shows that get Judaism right… and wrong.

Consider this your guide to Jewish questions that everyone’s thinking—but not everyone’s asking.

And don’t forget: RSVP now for the next Home-Hosted Shabbat at Brittney and Austin’s in Midlothian on July 11 at 6 PM. Tickets are on sale now—kids are free, and you don’t need to bring a thing! And there are free tickets through Kehillah Cares. Email ineedhelp@kehillahrva.org for FREE tickets.

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July 7th is your last chance to order kosher meat from our friends at Hiddr Meats VA. Place your order on their website.

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.

Being Jewish comes with beauty, belonging—and fear.

In this episode of the Kehillah Podcast, we explore the quiet ways Jewish anxiety shows up in everyday life. From wondering whether to hang a mezuzah to deciding how (and when) to prepare our children for hate, Rabbi Patrick offers a reflection on what it means to be visibly Jewish in a world that doesn’t always welcome us.

With wisdom from Midrash, the Book of Ruth, and community voices, this episode is about more than fear—it’s about resilience, complexity, and the deeply spiritual act of showing up as ourselves, especially when it isn’t easy.

Links to content inspiring this week's episode:

https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/513882?lang=bi

https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/474052?lang=bi

Note: this episode was recorded at the start of the 12 Day War and has not been updated.

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.