Regretfully the audio from this recording was messed up. We chose to publish it anyway, because this interview is just too fun. If you'd like to help us, we could really use someone who likes audio and video production. Volunteer by emailing rabbi@rabbipatrick.com -- free tickets to events for your help!

Meet the Rabbi's Kid!

Javon is Rabbi Patrick and Rebbetzin Stefanie's son, who joined the family at age sixteen. He talks about what it's like to be adopted into a rabbinical family (no big deal), his favorite Jewish holiday (because who doesn't like pretending to be Pharaoh?) and how new people at Kehillah can find themselves and building friendships. Javon talks about his work for a variety of nonprofit organizations across the US, his upcoming work at Camp Dream, and his goals for the future (trade school > law school).

You can meet Javon at Kehillah events in Midlothian. Find something you'd like to go to here: https://kehillahrva.org/calendar/

You can also check out Rabbi & Son, the podcast with Javon and Rabbi Patrick (not affiliated with this podcast).

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.

Take a journey through the inner world of your soul and the outer world of the earth. Welcome to Tu Bishvat -- an obscure holiday made living through kabbalistic teaching.

In this episode, Rabbi Patrick guides you through one (of many) approaches to Tu Bishvat, and asks important questions about how the skills we have learned to survive may not be the skills we need to thrive. And yes, there is fruit and nuts, too.

We end on the question of the earth and Judaism: what if instead of synagogue, nature is your sanctuary? Rebbe Nachman agrees and offers you a special prayer.

Join us for our Church Hill's first Tu Bishvat Seder: https://kehillahrva.org/tu-bishvat-seder-at-kavaclub/

Big thanks to Second Arrow for the space: https://kehillahrva.org/our-locations-jewish-life-in-richmond-va/

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.

From Ashton’s experiences working with children with special needs and navigating higher education, to Nick’s path through mechanics, military service, and spiritual reflection, explore with our Kehillah friends in this podcast takeover how their backgrounds, passions, and personalities shape the way they approach life.

Along the way, they reflect on leadership, responsibility, and integrity—asking how confidence and humility coexist, how trust is built, and how personal growth happens through challenges. The conversation is honest, relatable, and sprinkled with humor, giving listeners a window into who Ashton and Nick are, what drives them, and how their experiences inform their values today.

Also in this podcast:

• The Rabbi Makes You Dinner & Breakfast! Join us for some Shabbat events in Midlothian
• Shabbat at Pam's in Three Chopt/Henrico. Coolest house ever!
• Do you wish this podcast was video? Do you have content ideas? People we need to interview? Let us know AND support the podcast

And drumroll please ...

We're excited to announce our new CHURCH HILL community, based out of Second Arrow. Think coffee shop meets healing space meets physical therapy and yoga. We're THRILLED about the opportunity to be here. Big thanks to Dr. Leah Johnson and her team for granting us this incredible venue for worship, learning and friendship.

Our first event is Tu Bishvat Seder, an earth-based, mystical Jewish experience you don't want to miss.

• Take a spiritual journey as we connect our inner journey with our outer world
• Enjoy a plant based dinner (mostly gluten free, too)
• Wine pairings (with non-alcoholic options courtesy of Point 5) served throughout
• A Kehillah Tu Bishvat Seder Haggadah to take home and so much more

RSVP at KehillahRVA.org -- and enjoy our first event at Second Arrow.

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.