SHALOM!

If you could choose a time and place to visit in history for a day, when and where would you go?

There are so many options: you could visit family members in pivotal moments in their lives. You could see great days significant to world history. You could choose to witness unbelievable miracles.

The idea of going back in time, learning from people, hearing their thoughts and ideas in their context, in their time, is an exciting prospect. And, it is a major reason why I love reading Jewish sacred texts. Especially the texts from the rabbis. Hearing their ideas makes me feel like I’m learning directly from them. They are sharing their time and values with me; sharing their wisdom with me. They communicate through the stories they told, the laws they wrote, the guiding principles they outlined.

But, I’m not the only beneficiary of thousands of years of thinking and reasoning; this tradition was bequeathed to all of us. And we don’t need a time machine to access this thought. All we need is a book and some dedicated time.

One of the reasons why I founded Keeping It Sacred was to help encourage people to unlock this wisdom by previewing and selecting texts that are relevant, sharing them in an accessible way, and ultimately empowering people to confidently continue to dive into the texts again and again. Each bit of wisdom helps fortify our lives with sacredness.

Sure, we wrestle with some of the statements expressed (afterall, they were writing thousands of years ago). And we struggle to understand why they used particular words or phrasing or are unclear in their thoughts. But all of this makes the conversation that much more alive. We are part of the conversation.

Thursday night, May 28, we celebrate the gift of the Torah to the Jewish people through the holiday of Shavuot. And, as such, we have the opportunity to join in the thousands of years old conversation. We learn stories of the rabbis of old focusing on life experiences that shaped who they were, and how they thought about the values, principles and teachings of Torah. Like a good old fashioned slumber party, we will stay up all night getting to know them, and by the end of it, we will all be better friends. 

Join us in this sacred endeavor! For more information, see below.

And, thank you for #keepingitsacred

SLUMBER PARTY WITH THE RABBIS!

Torah is the gift that keeps giving! First, there are the 5 books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Then there are the Prophets (Isaiah, Ezekiel, etc. ) and Writings (Proverbs, Psalms, etc.). Then, across the centuries are the many MANY commentaries on these texts which have become sacred works in and of themselves. Midrash Rabbah. Mishnah. Talmud. And more and more and more. And… we are the next links in this chain of tradition. Our impressions of the text today help shape the lessons of the future.

This Shavuot (May 28-29), I’d like to invite you to a deeper study of the texts, and in particular, to learn more about the Rabbis who shaped them (email Rabbi Miller to participate: rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com). We will look at biographical stories of the sages all through the night.

Think of this as a slumber party with the rabbis. The best part of slumber parties is bonding with others there— learning about their lives and motivations, challenges and triumphs. We will do this with these sages— finding out who came from a place of economic hardship? Who came into the world with a pedigree? Who had a wife that was a rock? Who started learning only at 40 years old?!

By learning their stories, we will learn more about our own. And, at the end of the night, we will see that they were human beings, flesh and blood, like us, just trying to sort out how to live their most sacred lives.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL LAUNCH

In case you missed it: recently, Keeping It Sacred reached a major milestone- we launched our new YouTube channel! The aim is to reach a broad audience of people interested in exploring ancient texts that are accessible, relevant, and empowering. Texts that help us stay in touch with what is sacred in life. 

We began with an interfaith panel called Diverse Spirits United through Coronavirus. The six panelists had previously served together as the spiritual care team at UCLA Medical Center in 2006. The panel inclided Father Erik Esparza (Catholic), Rev. Sheena Trotter-Dennis (Methodist), Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg (Jewish), Rev. Dr. Peter Tan-Gatue (Presbyterian) and our own Rabbi Heather Miller (Jewish, who also served as host). 

We discussed coronavirus and how that has affected their pulpits, inspiring texts that they turn to for strength, and answers to YOUR questions. It has been viewed on YouTube over 150 times, and liked on Instagram over 400 times and called inspiring, informative, and comforting. 

The video was produced and edited by noted filmmaker, Hillary Bosarge. 

To view it, click on the link on the homepage of Rabbi Miller’s website: rabbiheathermiller.com. Enjoy!

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: We will be making MORE of these kinds of videos. Please send all of your questions to rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com so that we can delve deeper into answers. 

COUNTING THE OMER-- THIS WILL BE THE LAST WEEK!

Jewish tradition connects deep spiritual principles found in the Kabbalah to counting the 50 days from the second night of Passover until we arrive at Shavuot  (aka my Nana’s 100th birthday) THIS THURSDAY! This gives us the opportunity to move ourselves from a spiritual mindset of isolation and slavery (like that we experienced in Egypt) towards connection and peoplehood (like that we experience on Shavuot, the holiday that celebrates our communal identity as we build a relationship with God through the giving of the Torah).

If you would like to count with me (try it!), I have begun a daily Omer count on Facebook (HERE) and Instagram (HERE). Be sure to click the images to reveal a deeper understanding. Let's travel together through the wilderness and enjoy the bond of community!

TALMUD OF THE WEEK

We continue our DAILY study of the Talmud, a work produced over 1500 years ago! This study is called Daf Yomi (a page a day) and we are seeking out the modern meaning, relevance and values on each page. 

Click on the image below to be taken to Rabbi Miller's original Daf Yomi #Talmudgrams on Instagram and click on the individual photos you like for gems from the text. Don't forget to like, share, and comment! You don't need an Instagram account! You can also find these on Facebook here. 

TORAH OF THE WEEK:

Happy new week! The reflection on this week's Torah Portion, Naso, Numbers 4:21 - 7:89, called "In the Desert" can be found by clicking HERE:

NEW INTERFAITH PANEL VIDEO- WATCH NOW!

Rabbi Miller served on another interfaith panel responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This one was sponsored by The Interfaith Justice Collaborative of South Orange County Replenishing the Spirit in Troubled Times was recorded on Thursday, May 7th from 3:30PM-4:30PM to a live audience of over 100 participants. 

Below you will find the YouTube link to the recording so you can VIEW IT NOW! If you enjoy the video, please feel free to give it a thumbs up and/or comment directly on the video. We thank you for attending this healing event!

Faith Leaders of Orange County who participated:

• Daniel Clark, Co-President of the Interfaith Youth Council of Orange County, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Reverend Monsignor John Urell, Pastor of St. Timothy Catholic Church, Laguna Niguel

• Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder, Keeping It Sacred and the visiting Rabbi at Temple Israel in Hollywood

• Tom Thorkelson, Director of Interfaith Relations for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Pastor Brenda Bos, Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Assistant to the Bishop for Rostered Leadership Lutheran, Southwest California Synod

• Imam Tarik Ata, Orange County Islamic Foundation in Mission Viejo

ACCESS MORE LEARNING HERE

1) Purchase Rabbi Miller's book, Re(Soul)utions: A Practical Guide to Self-Repair.

"As a rabbi, I'm always looking for new ways to reinterpret the power of the month of Elul. As we head toward the High Holy Days and the theme of starting fresh with a clean slate, a guided text like ReSOULutions is perfect for starting the conversation. This text is clearly written, beautifully arranged, and thoughtfully presented in a way that allows the reader - at any level of knowledge or experience - to connect with their inner soul, and with their personal mission to improve their life. Highly recommend!"

-Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan

"Having spent much of my professional life serving as a congregational cantor, I always gravitate toward opportunities to get my spiritual “batteries” recharged as preparation for the High Holy Days. I found RESOLUTIONS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SELF REPAIR, by Rabbi Heather Miller to be an important, exceedingly rich guide, written thoughtfully and accessibly, filled with true soul enrichment. This is a perfect way to enter the month of Elul, with an excellent step by step, day by day guide with delectable soul food along with daily new details to stimulate our intellect. A new MUST for the High Holy Days, and/or year round. Will join the ranks of seasonal Jewish classics!"

-Cantor Shula Kalir-Merton

Click here to purchase for just $8.99!

2) Take the Re(Soul)utions: A Practical Guide to Self-Repair online course!

This is a five-session class and can be used before, after or in conjunction with reading the online book.

Purchase includes access to the five-session course portal, handouts, and audio teaching files. PLUS, all subscriptions before March 21 will receive a complimentary 1-hour spiritual counseling session with Rabbi Miller at no additional charge. After purchase email her at rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com to set up a time to meet.

Learners will:

• Understand the importance and origins of self-review in the Jewish tradition
• Sense encouragement as you begin your path to self-repair
• Begin to identify a vision for your truest expression of yourself
• Feel empowered to claim that version of yourself
• Overcome obstacles that hold you back from flourishing as your true self
• Increase awareness of the importance of this work
• Commit to repeating this practice regularly in life
• Enjoy guidance from the wisdom of the Jewish tradition all along the way!
   

Click here to purchase.

3) Study with us on our closed, secret and FREE facebook group!

We continue our DAILY study of the Talmud, a work produced over 1500 years ago! This study is called Daf Yomi (a page a day) and we are seeking out the modern meaning, relevance and values on each page. 

We are 62 members strong from:

Los Angeles, New York, Canada, Colchester Essex England, 2 in Las Vegas, Orange County, San Diego, 2 in SF, Upstate NY, 2 in Minnesota, 2 in Iowa, 2 in Wisconsin, Washington State, 2 in Indiana, Maryland, Vermont, Florida, 2 in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and 2 in Virginia.  

We are:

Professors of Jewish studies

People interested in becoming Jewish

Members of various Jewish denominations as well as transdenominational

Some are Reconstructionist Rabbis

Reform Rabbis

Jewish Professionals

Reform Cantors

Retired people

People of other faiths

We are in our 20s to 80s

We are everywhere on the spectrum of gender.

And, we are each of us are affirming of one another’s journey in the sea of Talmud! Plus, we enjoy meeting in real time via zoom every Thursday at noon PST/ 3pm EST/ 8pm Londontime.

To join us, send Rabbi Miller an email or DM on Facebook to be added to the closed, secret Facebook group.

SHABBAT SINGALONG- NEW TIME AND DAY!

The Shabbat Singalong program for kids (and kids at heart) will now be featured ON SHABBAT-- Saturdays at 9am! Join Rabbi Miller and her mini-mes for songs, Hebrew learning, a Torah story, and space to express gratitude. Email: rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com for the link and passcode!

LIVE/VIRTUAL UPCOMING EVENTS:

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. Please request a meeting by contacting her at rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com.

EVERY THURSDAY: PRAYER CIRCLE

Join us as we gather Thursdays for a Prayer Circle. Lift up names of those who are ill, and join together for support and community. All are welcome 11:30am PST/ 2:30pm EST/ 7:30pm Londontime. Contact rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com for the link and password.

EVERY THURSDAY: KEEPING IT SACRED-DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP

As noted above, our Facebook group will host our next virtual meetup via zoom. For the link to attend this meeting Thursdays noon PST, 3pm EST, 8pm London time, please contact Rabbi Miller directly at rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com. 

EVERY SATURDAY: SHABBAT SINGALONG 

NOW ON SATURDAYS, at 9am PST, noon EST, 5pm Londontime, join Rabbi Miller and her mini-mes for an uplifting kid-friendly Shabbat Singalong. Pick up some Hebrew vocabulary and get in touch with gratitude in community! Email rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com for the link and password.

5/28-5/29: SLUMBER PARTY WITH THE RABBIS!

Join us, sunset to sunrise on Shavuot 5780 as we study all night! Over zoom, May 28 from 7:30pm PST- 6am PST May 29th we will learn about the rabbis through stories about their lives. Stay up all night getting to know Hillel, Maimonides, Akiva and more! Contact rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com for details!

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 rabbiheathermiller@gmail.comor 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

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