Yesterday, I fulfilled a childhood dream: to see manatees in the wild. They were more majestic and breathtaking than I imagined. Gentle giants swimming among the barracudas, sheepshead fish, lion fish, nurse sharks, and minnows. 

And the best part? I was there with my children and wife, and friends- and as I reflect on the experience on this New Years Day, there is a lesson that emerges. Something I don’t want to soon forget: surround yourself with people who are rooting for you to make your dreams come true. 

Even biblical Moses had people like this surrounding him. His brother Aaron, and friend, Hur, helped him fulfill his responsibilities to the people in Exodus 17. And his father in law, Jethro, advised him in his leadership in Exodus 18. It seems even our patriarch gets by with a little help from his friends. Surrounding yourself with people who help you be your best self is a Jewish value. 

Speaking of which, this Friday marks for our community four years of sustained study of the Daf Yomi/ Page a Day of the Babylonian Talmud. At first this study marathon seemed like an insurmountable challenge- to read 2,711 pages of thoughtful argumentation along a journey that syncs with others around the world studying this cycle. But we have a superpower: we have surrounded ourselves with those in our KITS community who have the similar goal and who want to empower and champion each other. Together we are moving forward, helping one another fulfill our dreams. Mazal Tov to all who have made it this far! (And, it's never too late to join; let me know if you'd like to pick it up by emailing me at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com).

This first day of the new year, my wish is for each of us to be aware of the Aaron and Hurs and Jethros in our lives (for me one of my Jethro’s is named Jethro!). And to be that kind of champion for those around us. 

This is how we will bring sanctity and momentum for ourselves and others into the new year. 

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

MONTHY CONTRIBUTOR DRIVE

Update: WE MADE IT! Together, we reached our goal of 20 new recurring monthly subscribers by the end of the calendar year!

Our monthly contributor drive was a huge success--

and now, we are entering 2024 stronger than ever. Poised to bring more of our vibrant, inclusive, intelligent and compassionate community of inspiration to people all around the world.

Together, we are building a community we can all be proud of-- a legacy institution that will hold sacred space for goodness. Feel welcome to invite your friends, and enjoy together.

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

The URJ Intro to Judaism course taught by our Rabbi Miller, starting in January, is now open for registration at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

This program will give seekers a strong foundation for participation in the Jewish community and to empower them to further explore Judaism. Weekly classes are augmented by Shabbat programs and additional experiential components.

Participants include singles and couples, Jews and those from various faith backgrounds. The LGBTQ-friendly class is also perfect for individuals raising Jewish children, those who never had a Jewish education, individuals who want to explore their Jewish roots or those who or want to explore Judaism on an adult-level.  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.

Rabbi Heather Miller teaches and her style is open, interactive, and encouraging of questions. She was raised in an interfaith family, and joyfully engages with folks of all religious backgrounds and questions. Register HERE today!

ADOPTEE VOICES NEEDED!

Are you an adoptee of color raised in a Jewish family? Jewtina y Co. and Celia Center are doing a research study on adoptees of color raised in Jewish households! Click here to take the survey!

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

At the start of every Hebrew calendar month, we take time to focus on our work for racial justice through the Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review. We are currently exploring the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Interim Report linked HERE.

• January 11th, 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET we will cover Chapter 3 Racial Terror, led by Rabbi Miller

Register HERE to join the discussion and make a difference.

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 January 14th.

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!

6TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PRAYER BREAKFAST

Join the 6th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Reconcile Church in collaboration with Orange County churches, on Monday, January 15th 2024 at 8AM at the Newsong Church in Santa Ana, CA. Register at tinyurl.com/OCMLKprayer2024.

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

Please note our weekly Talmud Daf Yomi Text Study Group is postponed this week 1/4. We look forward to seeing everyone on 1/11 to celebrate four years of Daf Yomi together!

JOIN our healing circle holding space for all looking for prayers for healing. This and EVERY THURSDAY -- at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. This week 1/4, we have special lay leaders Sheryl and Wendy co-leading.

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.

1/04 HEALING CIRCLE

Join us as we gather every Thursday for a Prayer Circle. THIS WEEK will be co-led by lay leaders, Wendy and Sheryl. Come and 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. 

1/04 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP

This week's Talmud Study is postponed.

1/11 SHEVAT ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Monthly at 9:30am PT | 12:30pm ET — This is our way of pursuing each month with a new vision of racial justice. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT. Shevat Rosh Chodesh will be led by Rabbi Miller and cover Chapter 3: Racial Terror. REGISTER HERE.

1/11 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. 

1/11 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.  

1/18 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. 

1/18 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.  

1/22 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.

1/25 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. 

1/25 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.

1/26 SHABBAT SERVICES

The last Friday of every month at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET! 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. REGISTER HERE.

1/29 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. 

2/1 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. 

2/1 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.    

2/5 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. 

2/8 ADAR I ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Monthly at 9:30am PT | 12:30pm ET — This is our way of pursuing each month with a new vision of racial justice. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT. REGISTER HERE.

2/8 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. 

2/8 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.  

2/12 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.

2/15 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. 

2/15 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.  

2/19 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.

2/22 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. 

2/22 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.  

2/23 SHABBAT SERVICES

The last Friday of every month at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET! 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. REGISTER HERE.

2/26 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.

2/29 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. 

2/29 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.  

2/29 SIYYUM TRACTATE BAVA KAMA

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 HERE.

3/04 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. 

3/04 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!