What a way to kick off the New Year! Whether virtually or in person, we offered a number of opportunities to celebrate the High Holidays together this year.
Rabbi Patrick led four live-streamed services that included prayer, poetry, and group discussion; these were a unique alternative to traditional High Holidays services!
For our in-person gatherings, we partnered with local venues and businesses to share in the celebrations! Rabbi and Rebbetzin hosted Erev Rosh Hashanah at their Brandermill home. There was music led by Kehillah’s Robin Rio in addition to prayer, poetry, and teachings.
The following evening we gathered at Blue Bee Cider for Rosh Hashanah. We couldn’t keep our hands off the delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by local restaurants Truckle Cheesemongers, JewFro, and Perly’s.
And there was plenty of cider to go around!
Yom Kippur
Our Yom Kippur observance began with a unique Kol Nidre service at Feed More (featured on the front page of Richmond Times-Dispatch). Gathered inside the organization’s loading dock, we were surrounded by food donations to be distributed to our local community in need. It was humbling to reflect on our hunger by choice in relation to those facing food insecurity.
Proceeds from our ticket sale were given to Feed More to assist their mission.
The next day, we moved outdoors for a Yizkor/Neilah service at Mid-Lothian Mines Park. Under the park’s amphitheater, our service included music and prayer for our loved ones, as well as Tashlich at the nearby pond.
We then closed out the High Holiday celebrations back at Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s for a Break the Fast Party, where we enjoyed bagels, lox, and kugel.
Enjoy soulful acoustic melodies led by Robin Rio and words of inspiration with Rabbi. All are welcome! No Kehillah or Jewish experience required.
Tickets are $19/person for your dinner and drinks. If you’re under 18, your ticket is free! Masks are required.
For more information on these events and about how Kehillah can be part of your journey, go to https://kehillahrva.org.
We are constantly adding new events to our calendar—stay updated by joining our email list at https://kehillahrva.org/subscribe and following our Facebook and Instagram @kehillahrva.