“It made me more curious,” said my 7 year old after a week of studying a page of Talmud each day, a practice known as Daf Yomi.  

The section of text that we discussed brought up questions that stimulated deeper thinking, and encouraged more intentional living.  The subject he jumped into, for example, was the topic of vows. If a person swears off eating milk, does this include cheese? What about whey? Or if a person swears off eating meat, does this include chicken? What about fish? Exploring the contours of the promises we make to ourselves and others in such depth has great implications for the ways we live our lives more intentionally.

The best part of studying Talmud with him was seeing my kid named Yehuda reading the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda (who lived 1800 years ago!), and wrestling with it. He, and other thinkers on the page jumped out and grabbed the attention of my kid who felt like he was able to bring his own set of questions and insights. 

What’s more is that when he recently attended our weekly (usually all adult) Daf Yomi review that I host every Thursday (register HERE), our KITS community participants welcomed his questions and insights just as we do with and for everyone else. In the group we hear one another’s perspectives, build upon their assertions, learn from their perspectives and sometimes push their thinking, all from a place of love and building up. It is an important to have sacred spaces like this where our voices are heard and sharing is encouraged. I know my kid thinks so. And I know how much more enriched our lives are building community with this kind of activity at its center. 

This Thursday, the Keeping It Sacred community will celebrate 3 full years of studying Daf Yomi, a page of Talmud every single day. That’s 1,095 pages where we have challenged our minds and made connections. Committing to regular study like this is not child’s play, but it certainly awakens a childlike curiosity in all sorts of subject matter (from the afterlife to buying and selling, holiday observance to how to visit the sick). And these questions lead to more intentional living. 

I’d like to wish a hearty MAZAL TOV to all of our Daf Yomi participants and extend a sincere invitation to all who are now curious. 

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred… 

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

THREE YEARS OF DAF YOMI- EVERY DAY!

WOW~! We, members of the KITS Community are coming up on our THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of studying a page of Talmud every single day! Please join us Thursday, January 5 to celebrate! Bring a festive hat and be ready to share a reflection on what Talmud Study has meant to you-- or come ready to hear others' reflections. Let's celebrate our part in this timeless conversation! Please register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

THIS THURSDAY AND EVERY THURSDAY! Ever want to jump into a conversation with the rabbinic sages of old? Now you can! Join us as we study a page of Talmud every day, adding our perspectives and the relevance to our own lives as we go along. 

The more varied the participants the deeper the conversations.
Thursdays 11am PT/2pm ET.

Currently, we are 100 members strong from 36 different states and 11 countries!

We are:

People interested in becoming Jewish

Members of various Jewish denominations

Clergy

Lay leaders

Retired people

People who are not Jewish

We are in our 20s to 80s, and we are everywhere on the spectrum of gender.

Build community affirming of one another’s journey in the sea of Talmud with us! Benefit from the wisdom of Jewish tradition!

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."

AND just prior to our Talmud Study, we hold space for check-ins and healing prayers for loved ones in need, including ourselves. 

Keeping It Sacred programs are free for all because we uphold the value of keruv/accessibility; voluntary financial contributions to help offset the cost of these programs are greatly appreciated.

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.

ACCESS JUDAISM

We are gearing up for our Melanie Grohman z"l Access Judaism program- JOIN US FOR SESSION 2!

This program features a broad spectrum of thoughtfully curated Jewish subjects in the realms of history, rituals, culture, philosophy, law, and spirituality. These interactive classes, which include post-class reflection questions, can also count towards requirements of conversion or adult b'nai mitzvah ceremonies. (Think of it like a Judaism 201 type program for those who have already taken a 101 program or are already familiar with the basics of Jewish life). Classes are open to students entering with a diversity of backgrounds. There is no prerequisite for the class-- start with Session 2 if these classes appeal to you!

​This course is taught over Zoom in two sessions of 8 classes each. The classes are flexible and are designed so that a person can choose to take one class, several, a whole session, or both sessions. Suggested donation for one class is $25, one session is $180 and the full program is $300. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Access Judaism SESSION 2:

1/9 The Intelligent Design of the Prayer Service

1/23 Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook

1/30 Rituals as Markers of Transition

2/6 The Characteristics of a Good Jew

2/13 Slam Poetry in the Golden Age

2/27 Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why The Righteous Suffer

3/6 Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century

3/13 Before You Die, Consider These Rabbinic Thoughts

SAVE THE DATES and then, register HERE for one or all classes designed to give you greater Access to Judaism.

*This series is named after our beloved Keeping It Sacred community member, the late Melanie Grohman, may her memory be for a blessing, who loved learning about Judaism and our community. Her memory is a blessing.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, JONAH!

The entire Keeping It Sacred community welcomes Jonah into the world! His parents (married by Rabbi Miller) asked her to officiate his naming. It was an incredible honor. He was so joyful throughout the entire ceremony including when his parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles offered him blessings and donned a yarmulke and tallit like a pro! Like his namesake, Yonah/ the dove, he brings us much hope for a bright future.

SAVE THE DATE! KING DAY WITH THE SCLC

Join the Southern Christian Leadership Conference on January 19 in Los Angeles for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Interfaith Breakfast. This selection of righteous clergy, including our own Rabbi Miller, are guaranteed to inspire! Please register at www.sclc.sc.org.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

THIS WEDNESDAY! The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore another in our select collection of psalms and their messages about racial justice. This is our way of starting each month with a new vision of racial justice.

• October 26, 10am PT/ 1pm ET (Psalm 23)

• November 23, 10am PT/1pm ET (Psalm 92)

• December 21, 10am PT/1pm ET (Psalm 104) REGISTER HERE

• January 18, 10am PT/1pm ET (Psalm 30) REGISTER HERE

Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

CCAR BOOK: PROPHETIC VOICES

The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR Press) is soon publishing a book called Prophetic Voices. It helps readers renew and reimagine (and reconnect!) with the Haftarah readings of the liturgical cycle. Rabbi Miller has entries in the book and we are very excited to announce that it will soon be available! For more information: CLICK HERE.

SHABBAT SERVICES: THE LAST FRIDAY NIGHT OF EVERY MONTH

EVERY LAST Friday night of the month, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Jeffrey Silverstein will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song the last Friday of every month. Together, we will lift up anniversaries, birthdays, and honor remembrances of our loved ones.

Keeping It Sacred programs are free for all because we uphold the value of keruv/accessibility; voluntary financial contributions to help offset the cost of these programs are greatly appreciated.

And, please mark your calendars for 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET and every LAST FRIDAY NIGHT of the month. Then, PLEASE register to join us HERE.

TU B'SHVAT: PLANTING THE SEEDS OF COMMUNITY

The holiday of Tu Bishvat is known as the birthday of the trees. But every tree begins as a seed. Join us as our local KITS Community members and prospective members gather to envision a new way to provide Jewish education for our kids. With ample mixer time for parents and programming for kids. Join us as we imagine, together, a world where our kids thrive! 2/5 at 10am PT in Sherman Oaks (address provided upon RSVP) Rain date will be 2/11 at 10am PT. 

REPRO SHABBAT TEXT STUDY ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

Save the Date! February 24 at 4pm PT/ 7pm ET, Keeping It Sacred joins dozens of communities around the US for a discussion on the intersection between Jewish values and Reproductive rights. Come explore what the sages had to say about the start of life, protecting the health of the pregnant person, and more. Registration will be at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

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!

REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR

2022 in review- To all who contributed with your time, talent, or treasure, THANK YOU for such a successful and meaningful year! Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

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.

12/29 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. 

12/29 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.  

12/30 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 12/30 at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Jeffrey Silverstein 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-1.

1/5 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. 

1/5 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.  

1/12 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. 

1/12 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.  

1/18 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Join us at 10am PT/1pm ET to review selected Psalms. This is our way to welcome in the new month with inspiration for our journey towards racial justice. Register for this program HERE.  

1/19 SCLC-LA KING ANNUAL INTERFAITH BREAKFAST

Join Rabbi Miller and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference on January 19 in Los Angeles for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Interfaith Breakfast. Please register at www.sclc.sc.org.

1/19 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. 

1/19 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.  

1/26 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. 

1/26 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.  

1/27 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 1/27 at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Jeffrey Silverstein 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-1.

2/2 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. 

2/2 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 TU B'SHVAT: PLANTING THE SEEDS OF COMMUNITY

Save the Date! The holiday of Tu Bishvat is known as the birthday of the trees. But every tree begins as a seed. Join us as our local KITS Community members and prospective members gather to envision a new way to provide Jewish education for our kids. With ample mixer time for parents and programming for kids. Join us as we imagine, together, a world where our kids thrive! 2/5 at 10am PT in Sherman Oaks (address provided upon RSVP) Rain date will be 2/11 at 10am PT. Registration will be at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

2/9 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. 

2/9 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.  

2/16 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. 

2/16 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.  

2/23 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. 

2/23 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.  

2/24 REPRO SHABBAT: TEXT STUDY

Save the Date! February 24 at 4pm PT/ 7pm ET, Keeping It Sacred joins dozens of communities around the US for a discussion on the intersection between Jewish values and Reproductive rights. Come explore what the sages had to say about the start of life, protecting the health of the pregnant person, and more. Registration will be at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

2/24 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 12/30 at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Jeffrey Silverstein 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-1.

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!