Some call the Jewish people the “People of the Book.” But I like to think of us as the “People of the Question.”

Why should we be considered people of the question, you ask? Because not only do we permit questions to be asked, but we encourage, and even mandate it. Tonight, for example, is Passover. And around seder tables, all around the world, when we come to the section called “Mah nishtanah,” we will ask the youngest person present to sing the song famously asking all kinds of questions including the famous one: Ma nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilot?/ Why is tonight different from all other nights? 

This year, many of us would like to take the question further. Why is this year different from all other years? 

It feels like this year the questions raise even more questions.
 

In all other years, the massacres we had been told about in our people’s past felt like distant history, but this year we saw it in vivid color on the 5 o’clock news.

In all other years, we have felt revealing our Jewish identity could be done in relative safety in the US, but this year, our community has experienced an onslaught of instances of racial epithets, swastikas, and attacks.

In all other years, we have appreciated the value of self-defense but this year the mass killing of thousands of innocent people caught in the crossfire has left us questioning if self-defense itself is a moral or ethical choice or if there are boundaries to it.

In all other years, we have felt like the issues between the Israelis and the Palestinians have been of two peoples vying for the same piece of land, but this year we have seen how incredibly powerful geopolitical forces have complicated the issues exponentially.

We have so many questions. Many of us have been asking some form of these questions for years, but even for us who have dared to ask these questions in the past, this year it feels different. It is actually overwhelming to contemplate. 

So tonight we make space to ask questions. And the questions we ask are a beginning. And we ask them in community- huddled around the dinner tables with our loved ones contemplating the timeless themes of fear, hatred, and oppression, mass migration and the murder of innocents, power and privilege, and the mandate to stand up for what is right. The themes of the Exodus story; the themes of today.

May we contemplate with open hearts and always keep asking questions that lead us to the answers of finding a peaceful and just future forward. As we say at the end of the Seder, next year in Jerusalem! Next year in yiru-shalom- next year in a place of peace. 

This is how we’re keeping it sacred.
 

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

INTERFAITH ZOOM PASSOVER SEDER

Join us again this TUESDAY for Keeping It Sacred’s 4th Annual Interfaith, Intergenerational, International Passover Seder hosted online by Grammy-winning musician, Joanie Leeds and our own Rabbi Heather Miller 5:30pm PT /8:30pm ET April 23rd (this is a second night seder)! REGISTER HERE.

To get into the spirit, please enjoy this Rabbi Miller curated musical PLAYLIST.

And if you'd like to prepare for the seder, here's a handy guide created by our Digital Marketing Director, Molly Flanagan:

COUNT THE OMER WITH US!

Join our social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook, to follow along with counting the Omer, starting this Tuesday April 23rd. The counting of the omer was once a harvest season ritual that was adopted by the Kabbalists who infused a spirituality and intentionality into the practice. Check out our social media daily for seven weeks of seven days of readings, and meditative prompts to spark introspection and spiritual strength. This custom traditionally links the second night of Passover with Shavuot (day 50!). Join us in this spiritual exercise as we climb up from oppression to the celebration of the giving of the Torah.

CO-CHAIR OF THE FIRST LA DA INTERFAITH ADVISORY BOARD

This last Thursday evening Rabbi Miller joined part of the advisory boards at the LA DistrictAttorney's office. As co-chair, Rabbi Miller shared a few remarks – mostly wanting to say how appreciative she is for the way that the DA is running the office with significant community input to make things run smoother and to minimize harm. You can see the great energy around this work in the photos below, too. This is tough work- but all have sleeves rolled up to dig in because it will make an impact! If remarks become available in the future, they will be shared in the newsletter.

RABBI MILLER AT FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH LA

This past Sunday, Rabbi Miller spoke at the First Unitarian Church in Los Angeles. The topic of her sermon was: “Lessons Relating to Moses: Prophet in a Multicultural World.” The the welcoming community shared beautiful readings, and their vibrant commitment to social justice. Check them out online at @firstuula and at uula.org.

KITS CREATIVITY CLUB

Every other Sunday 9am PT/12pm ET, enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. Our sessions are led by beloved KITS community members Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. The next gathering will be MAY 5TH. Register HERE.

NISAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. Iyyar Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review: May 9th 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET. Register here! And mark your calendar for upcoming dates:

• Sivan Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: June 6

• Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: July 5

• Av Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: August 8

• Elul Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: September 5

LA QUEER INTERFAITH CLERGY COALITION

Recently, Rabbi Miller participated in the LA Queer Interfaith Clergy Coalition meeting at the historic Founder’s MCC church- the first queer congregation of any denomination founded for and by queer folks. They shared best practices and challenges, and planned all kinds of good stuff for PRIDE-- stay tuned!

MONTHLY SPIRITUALITY LGBTIQA+ GROUP

Join Rev. Alexander Yoo for drop-in conversation group over video, the 4th Saturday of every month from 11AM-12:30 PM for free, discuss Religious trauma, cults, recovery, reconciliation, reconstruction, integration, all backgrounds, upbringings, current and past relationships to faith/religion/spirituality, adamant atheists, firm believers, all welcome! Text/email for video link at chaplain@alexanderyoo.com or 323-834-9828.

THE 19TH ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN JOINT MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

On May 12 at 10:30am PT | 1:30pm ET, join the Joint Memorial Day Ceremony, organized by Combatants for Peace and The Parents Circle Families Forum, the largest Israeli-Palestinian jointly organized peace event in history. The Joint Memorial Ceremony provides a unique opportunity for Israelis and Palestinians to grieve together and stand strong in demanding an end to the occupation and ongoing violence. The ceremony occurs yearly on the eve of Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Memorial Day). In Israeli mainstream culture, the ceremonies that are most often held to honor this day serve to reinforce cultural narratives of pain, victimhood, and hopelessness. The Joint Memorial transforms this narrative by bringing Palestinians to the Memorial alongside Israelis to mourn side by side and model another way forward. REGISTER HERE!

GRIEF IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Hosted by Keeping It Sacred, in collaboration with Muslims for Progressive Values, and Nefesh: Hear from those living with Grief in the Middle East as we invite members of the Parents' Circle to share reflections on their experiences as parents who have lost children in violence. Explore human suffering and a new vision for the future. Join us at 9am PT | Noon ET on 5/20. Register here!

Just announced:

Our speakers include:

Robi Damelin, spokesperson and director of International Relations for the Parents Circle - Families Forum joined the organization after her son was killed by a Palestinian Sniper. All her work on the ground both in Palestine and Israel and internationally is geared towards non-violence and reconciliation as a means to end the occupation. Robi was named as a 2015 Woman of Impact by Women in the World. She regularly contributes to media outlets in Israel and abroad. Robi was invited to brief the Security Council at the United Nations in May, 2022.

Laila Alsheikh lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. In 2002, her 6 months old son, Qussay, became ill and Israeli soldiers prevented Layla from taking him to the hospital for more than five hours. Qussay soon died from the lack of timely treatment. Laila joined the Parents Circle in 2016. Following her son’s death, she never thought of revenge, but rather has devoted her time and energy to ensuring a better, more peaceful future for her children
 

The Parents Circle - Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of more than 700 bereaved families. Their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. But instead of choosing revenge, they have chosen a path of reconciliation.Through their educational activities, these bereaved members have joined together to take tens of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis on journeys of reconciliation. It is often raw and always emotional. But out of these interactions, comes change. Not the kind of change that makes headlines, but a more personal and profound shift in perspective.As a joint Israeli-Palestinian peace organization, the PCFF models constructive dialogue around shared values. Even since October 7th, 2023, its staff, members, and thousands of participants are still committed to peace and a way forward that centers around empathy and humanization.The PCFF focuses on the shared value of the sanctity of human life. This conversation brings our attention to the values that Palestinians and Israelis can agree upon even in the darkest of times.

SHARE YOUR INTERFAITH WEDDING STORY WITH 18 DOORS

18Doors (formerly interfaithfamily.com) is looking to learn about the contours of interfaith weddings. Who officiated? In what ways were the elements of your traditions incorporated? What were special or memorable moments? Share your story with 18Doors here! “We want to see your Jewish Interfaith Wedding!”

And, if you're looking to have an interfaith wedding, please check out our weddings webpage HERE-- Rabbi Miller joyfully officiates!

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

Our Introduction to Judaism® online course gives participants a strong foundation for authentic and empowered engagement in the Jewish community.  This 18-session program is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays, and rituals.

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This course is designed for spiritual seekers, interfaith couples, individuals pursuing or considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful chance to reconnect with their Judaism as an adult.

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Classes will be held Mondays at 1pm PT/4pm ET from January 22 through June 3, with breaks March 25 (Spring Break) and May 27 (Memorial Day).

The program is led by Rabbi Heather Miller and her teaching style is interactive, and encouraging of questions. She is queer and a member of an interracial, international, interfaith family, and joyfully engages with folks of all backgrounds. Rabbi Heather Miller is known for her open, affirming, and joyful approach.

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Come for the program, stay for the community! Weekly classes are augmented by Shabbat and holiday programs and additional experiential components all found on the calendar (HERE). Our course of 18 classes is $360 for individuals, and $500 for couples. No experience necessary. All are welcome!

View the course outline HERE. Full course materials are provided upon registration.

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Register for this program HERE.

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

JOIN our healing circle holding space for all looking for prayers for healing. This and EVERY THURSDAY -- at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET.

Immediately following that: at 11am PT/2pm ET, join us as we jump into a conversation with the rabbinic sages of old. We enjoy studying a page of Talmud every day and reviewing together every Thursday, adding our perspectives and the relevance to our own lives as we go along. We enjoy participation from participants across the world who span the spectrum of race, gender, class, age, and connection to Jewish thought.

The rabbis could never have imagined such a wonderful group considering their thoughts!

What people say:

"Yesterday's class was superb!! I remain impressed by so many things that you do! You are able to keep us on track, share (some of) your knowledge with us, make all sorts of connections to the Jewish and secular worlds, and meet each of us where we are! Kudos to you!!"

"Talmud study has opened a window to that world for me. I love the anthropology and sociology of it all."

"The minority opinions may someday count as much as the majority opinions. It reminds us that things change the Halacha changes and we change each year that we read it."

"We have the opportunity to compare the Halacha we are practicing today with the one they were writing and studying in the Talmud... It has been very interesting how things have evolved how we keep the tradition in our own way."

"I feel very close to this amazing group and I'm grateful to Rabbi Miller for conducting it."

To join, please register HERE. Also, DM Rabbi Miller on Facebook HERE to be added to the closed, secret group where we question and discuss. And look for us on Instagram daily HERE.

LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Join us online at: keepingitsacred.com, Instagram accounts @hearabbi and @keepingitsacred, our Facebook pages HERE and HERE, YouTube Channel HERE and podcasts everywhere. Join us there for updated Talmud posts, Torah commentary, inspirations and invitations to gather online and in person.

Whether you found us through a friend, neighbor, a listserve or browsing the internet, we are glad you're here!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

iCal USER? 

If you use iCal and would like the complete Keeping It Sacred calendar added to your calendar, click HERE. This way you won't miss an opportunity to connect via our LIVE activities. 

EVERY DAY

Please enjoy TWO seasons of our 7-episode web series People Keeping It Sacred and our Jewish Holiday series called "A Bit About..." both available on YouTube HERE and via podcast on your favorite podcast player including: PocketCasts, Breaker, RadioPublic, Apple + Podcasts, Google Podcasts  Spotify and more HERE.

ONGOING: SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

Rabbi Miller is available for 1-on-1 spiritual counseling; pay what you can. Topics are based upon the participant and can include your personal theological understanding of coronavirus, spiritually making space for others in your home, the spirituality of isolation and finding your way back to sacred connection. For more information, click HERE.

4/22 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE.

4/23 INTERFAITH, INTERGENERATIONAL PASSOVER SEDER

Join us again this year for Keeping It Sacred’s 4th Annual Interfaith, Intergenerational, International Passover Seder hosted online by Grammy-winning musician, Joanie Leeds and our own Rabbi Heather Miller 5:30pm PT /8:30pm ET April 23rd (this is a second night seder). Register here!

4/25 HEALING CIRCLE

Join us as we gather every Thursday for a Prayer Circle. Lift up names of those who are ill, and join together for support and community. All are welcome. 10:30am PT/ 1:30pm ET/ 3:30pm Brazil time/ 6:30pm London-time. Register for this program HERE. 

4/25 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP

Thursdays at 11am PT/ 2pm ET/ 4pm Brazil time/ 7pm London time, join us as we review the past week's Talmud readings in sacred international community. No experience necessary, but be ready for some *interesting* discussions. Bring what you know about Torah, but also what you know to be true from your own life. Your insights are appreciated. Register for this program HERE.  

4/29 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE.

5/20 GRIEF IN THE MIDDLE EAST

9am PT/ noon ET on 5/20 join us for Grief in the Middle East. A program hosted by Keeping It Sacred, Muslims for Progressive Values, and Nefesh: Hear from those living with Grief in the Middle East as we invite members of the Parents' Circle to share reflections on their experiences as parents who have lost children in violence. Explore human suffering and a new vision for the future. Register here!

THANK YOU!

You are a cherished member of this community and we love to hear from you-- what questions do you have? Reach out to rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com or via phone at 818-312-8388 anytime to let us know what you’re finding meaningful, inspiring and what you’d like to see.

Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

And now on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Breaker, RadioPublic, PocketCasts!

We'd love for you to forward this to a friend to invite them to join us, too!