This High Holy Day Season, I am certainly feeling grateful & connected:

to my souls' inner workings;

to the natural world around; and

to our incredible Keeping It Sacred community.

We may be thousands or even tens of thousands of miles apart, but we are connected. Connected in our authenticity and sincerity.  Connected in our love of the exploration of all things sacred. Connected in our.... joyful nerdiness!

It is deeply satisfying to see each of you pop onto my screen and know that you're not just a 2x1 square on the screen, but to know that you're each real-life people, united in common bonds and uplifting of humanity. I am most honored to know that each of you is living in earnest intentionality, committed to aligning your actions with your values. I join you in that quest. To err is to be human, and to err and be human in this community, a community that is rooting for each of its members, and rooting for the world, is a deep pleasure and honor. To serve this community is a joy.

Please join me, also, in thanking our amazing Digital Marketing Manager, Molly Flanagan, and our inspiring Cantorial Soloist Rachel Rothman for their incredible contributions to our time together during these Yamim Noraim, Days of Awe.

Clips from the services and sermons (in text, podcast, and video) will soon be available on our website HERE. (Rosh Hashanah has already been uploaded).

I'm proud to walk this path with each one of you. And profoundly grateful to be on the planet at the same time as you. Grateful and connected.

Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

GRATEFUL & CONNECTED HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

TODAY!!! This season, we at Keeping It Sacred will bring you a beautifully thought through series of services to to bring us all into the New Year of 5784— Grateful and Connected: High Holy Day Program.

Our Founder, Rabbi Heather Miller will bring texts, traditions, and teachings from the wisdom of the Sages into relevance today. And this year, she will be joined by the talented and good-hearted Cantorial Soloist Rachel Rothman. Rachel holds her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and fuels her spirituality and Judaism through music.

The entire lineup of services will be offered online. We have already enjoyed a Rosh Hashanah Seder, a Morning Rosh Hashanah Service, a Children's HHD service, a Tashlich service, and a Kol Nidrei Service. Today, join us for the Yom Kippur morning service, Yizkor, and Neilah services.

As always, services are free of charge to all who wish to attend, but your contributions allow us to uphold this value of keruv/accessibility. As you reserve, please consider making a meaningful gift to help us cover the costs of running this transformational programming and helping to support all of the sacred work we do. Registration is now open at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

GRATEFUL AND CONNECTED: HIGH HOLY DAYS WITH KITS

Please join us for the High Holy Days-- gather in community for:

A BIT ABOUT…THE HIGH HOLIDAYS

ORDER RESOULUTIONS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SELF-REPAIR

It's that time again! If you're looking for a book to guide you through the self-reflective work of the soul preceding the High Holy Days, look no further! Our Rabbi Miller wrote RE(SOUL)UTIONS: A Practical Guide for Self-Repair (2019) to invite the reader into a process of self-reflection for the sake of personal improvement and empowerment. Rabbi Heather Miller draws from thousands of years of Jewish traditional texts, infusing them with relevance and practical meaning to Jewish and non-Jewish readers today. Her writing is warm, accessible, and meaningful. It is available in paperback and e-book formats! PURCHASE ON AMAZON HERE. And see more at: keepingitsacred.com/the-book. Elul begins Friday, so for many, if you order it today, it will be here in time for you to follow along each day.

AND be sure to follow along with daily posts related to each day of the month of Elul posted on our instagram page at: instagram.com/keepingitsacred Enjoy!

MORE ABOUT CANTORIAL SOLOIST RACHEL ROTHMAN

We are so blessed as a community to have the exquisite heartfelt musicality of Cantorial Soloist Rachel Rothman co-lead us this High Holy Day Season. She holds her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has spent summers performing with at opera festivals in Italy, and currently has an in demand vocal studio where she teaches voice lessons privately. And, Rachel feels lucky to fuel her spirituality and Judaism through music. Rabbi Miller has known Rachel since 2008 and shares, "Rachel is an incredible talent, with a soul of sincerity, sensitivity, and sensibility. She is a gifted prayer leader with a range from participatory song to high art, having a voice trained by camp song leaders and conservatory instructors alike. I am incredibly excited to co-lead this season's worship experiences with Rachel."

MONTHLY SHABBAT SERVICES

Give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate in community with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song the last Friday of every month. Rabbi Miller is our rabbi! And, Max Winer is a storyteller, song leader, and musician who uses these creative expressions to help create community, facilitate learning, and inspire a love of Judaism.

These services take place the LAST Friday night of the month both online and in person (in Sherman Oaks, CA) at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET. Our next gathering will be THIS September 29th!

Please register at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming, and email rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com if you would like to attend in person.

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 first session was wonderful with the leadership of Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. The next gathering will be October 9th.

And as always, bring your favorite form of creativity to work on, Art, Baking, Craft, Dance, etc. and share inspiration. Some weeks will include someone teaching how to do a project/technique, other weeks will be purely socializing while we do our own things. REGISTER HERE: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

Our Introduction to Judaism® online course will begin on October 16, 2023 at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. We will start October 16 and go Mondays 9 sessions until December 11. We will then pause briefly and pick back up on January 22 for 9 more sessions until March 18.

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. This course is open to all, and is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals pursuing or considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful chance to reconnect with their Judaism as an adult.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

NEW ALBUM BY OUR OWN KITS MEMBER: KAREN PITTELMAN

Be prepared for the beautiful depths of queer country music. Our own KITS Community Member, Karen Pittelman, just released a new album with her band, Karen and the Sorrows, called Why Do We Want What We Want. The album is heavily threaded with provoking philosophical questions as if the artist is making her way through the dilemmas of life. Wise insights follow. And, our community will especially appreciate the final track on the album called "Kol Nidrei"-- Jewish queer country? Yes, please! Listen to the album HERE and check out her other albums as well. Notable today especially, since this IS Yom Kippur, is her track called "Jonah and the Whale," which can be heard HERE. Much praise for these creative works!

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 at at least 38 states and 12 countries across 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 and of these gatherings, 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.

And please enjoy these writings by our own beloved KITS Community Member, Sue Parker Gerson: Kiddushin 30 and Kiddushin 39

PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR WORK

We need your help. This community runs entirely on contributions by those who love our work. People like you!

If you value what we bring into the world, please consider a financial contribution to help us cover our costs and build our community in the future- afterall, nothing is guaranteed. So if you like what we are offering, please consider supporting.

Your generous support helps Keeping It Sacred: 

• Unlock access to learning the wisdom of ancient texts 

• Create an open, authentic, empowered community

• Reach out to our interfaith neighbors and friends

• Create a courageous community that effects positive social change
   

Visit our web page keepingitsacred.com/our-future to say YES to helping us build this very special community. We are so grateful for your commitment and generosity!

FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM

IT IS HERE! MOMENTUM: A KITS Family Education offering! Check out our website Family Education page (keepingitsacred.com/family-education) to learn more about the design of this special program that is both personalized and communal, affirms the interests and development of every student, and motivates the work through game theory. We couldn't be more excited about sharing more!

MOMENTUM: A KITS Family Education is a Jewish educational offering for the whole family that:

• Empowers parents

• Considers who your kid is uniquely

• Integrates into your family’s life organically

• Provides content and questions to explore

• Develops a meaningful relationship with the Jewish textual tradition 

• Instills values and encourages critical thinking

• Motivates learning through celebration, and

• Fosters community

   

We will share more with anyone interested in attending an information session. To attend, please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com several times and dates that work for you and she will send along a zoom link. This signature program is for anyone in the LA region or beyond, anyone with kids or without.

SIYYUM TRACTATE KIDDUSHIN

Grab your place at the table as we sit down with the sages of old and wrestle with their thinking, enjoy their stories, and glean their wisdom! Join us for a Half-Hour Siyyum Tractate Gattin Event on Thursday, November 9th at 12PM PT | 3PM ET. Register 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.

TODAY! 9/25 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Day

10am PT/1pm ET (75 min) Focus on the texts, melodies and actions needed to rejuvenate the soul in community not bound by geographic limitations. For more information and to register, please visit: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

TODAY! 9/25 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Yizkor Remembrances 

Noon PT/3pm ET (45 min) Gather in community to remember loved ones we have lost but hold dear in our hearts this and every year. For more information and to register, please visit: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

TODAY! 9/25 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Ne'ilah & Virtual Break-the-Fast

6pm PT/9pm ET (60 min) Rejoice in the conclusion of the day. For more information and to register, please visit: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

9/28 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. 

9/28 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.  

9/29 SHABBAT SERVICES

Sing, eat, gather in community at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song. Together, we will lift up anniversaries, birthdays, and honor remembrances of our loved ones. This program runs the last Friday night of every month. Please email Rabbi Miller your important dates so we know when to honor your sacred times (birthdays, anniversaries, remembrances) at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com. And please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

10/5 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. 

10/5 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.  

10/09 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 first session was wonderful with the leadership of Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

10/12 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. 

10/12 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.  

10/16 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM ®

Mondays at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

10/19 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. 

10/19 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.  

10/23 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 first session was wonderful with the leadership of Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

10/23 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM ®

Mondays at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

10/26 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. 

10/26 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.  

10/27 SHABBAT SERVICES

Sing, eat, gather in community at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song. Together, we will lift up anniversaries, birthdays, and honor remembrances of our loved ones. This program runs the last Friday night of every month. Please email Rabbi Miller your important dates so we know when to honor your sacred times (birthdays, anniversaries, remembrances) at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com. And please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

10/30 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM ®

Mondays at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/02 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. 

11/02 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.  

11/06 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 first session was wonderful with the leadership of Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/06 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM ®

Mondays at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/09 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. 

11/09 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.  

11/09 SIYYUM TRACTATE KIDDUSHIN

12pm PT/3pm ET; Grab your place at the table as we sit down with the sages of old and wrestle with their thinking, enjoy their stories, and glean their wisdom! Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/13 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM ®

Mondays at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/16 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. 

11/16 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.  

11/20 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 first session was wonderful with the leadership of Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/20 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM ®

Mondays at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/23 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. 

11/23 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.  

11/24 SHABBAT SERVICES

Sing, eat, gather in community at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song. Together, we will lift up anniversaries, birthdays, and honor remembrances of our loved ones. This program runs the last Friday night of every month. Please email Rabbi Miller your important dates so we know when to honor your sacred times (birthdays, anniversaries, remembrances) at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com. And please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/27 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM ®

Mondays at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/30 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. 

11/30 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.  

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!