Newsletter April 15, 2024 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
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This week in Israel, schools are closed. Kids are often sent off on camping trips and other activities to get them out of the house so their parents can clean for Passover. This ritual involves using a feather (or perhaps feather duster) to clean out all corners of cupboards and everywhere the crumbs of leavened bread, forbidden to eat during the week of Passover, are found. If you have ever engaged in this activity, you know that this ritual can take on a spiritual quality encouraging the sweeper to consider what else needs to be swept out of their lives to make room for the holy. My favorite section of my favorite Passover Haggadah may guide us in this thoughtful meditation. In The Family Seder, author Alfred J. Kolatch tells us: Although it is the Pharaoh of old who is the tyrant of the Haggadah, it is not he alone of whom we speak tonight. We speak this evening of other tyrants and other tyrannies as well. We speak: Of the tyranny of poverty and the tyranny of privation, Of the tyranny of wealth, and the tyranny of war, Of the tyranny of power and the tyranny of despair, Of the tyranny of disease and the tyranny of time, Of the tyranny of ignorance and the tyranny of color. To all these tyrannies do we address ourselves this evening. Passover brands them all as abominations in the sight of God. This is why the Passover story has survived so long- because the archetype of Pharaoh persists in our lives. As long as we are human, we will struggle against all of these ills and more because the nature of tyrannies is that they get a grip and then take over. But the Passover story, of Moses and the Israelites finding their way out from under the oppression of the tyrant Pharaoh, is a valorization of the struggle to resist tyrannies. In fact, Passover is a bold celebration of triumph over tyrannies. So what tyranny are we facing these days? What are the biggest threats that threaten to overcome us? What do we need to sweep out from the corners of our hearts and minds to make room for the holy?
So, what tyrannies do you need to take a stand against to make sacred space for the holy in your life? This is the question of the season. This is how we’re keeping it sacred.
Together, we’re #keepingitsacred...
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
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NEWS ALERT FROM RABBI MILLER |
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Over the past weekend Israel was attacked with the tactics of international modern warfare. I attended an update on the situation yesterday organized by the Jewish Federations of North America given by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner of the IDF, and the Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog. They shared that a joint forces team of Israeli, US, UK, and French forces coordinated a defensive mission to stop 331 incoming ballistic missiles, bombs and other ordinance launched from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen at the behest of the Iranian leadership. These weapons took anywhere from 6-3 hours to arrive, so jets were scrambled and 98% of the ordinance was shot down. Approximately seven explosives landed, damaging an Air Force base and the shrapnel from one critically injuring a Bedouin girl. These are scary times. Global superpowers are creating a situation where highly sophisticated instruments of war have become critical to ensuring the preservation of life, even as they are also threatening life. It feels like the people in the region are caught in this multi-trillion dollar war game with no way out. A colleague of mine, Rabbi Paul Kipnes, wrote this poem in response to what he was seeing, especially in the context of the upcoming Passover holiday. I share it here to help us begin to put words to what we are seeing/feeling/receiving with these reports. As the Moments Drone On:
A Prayer for Protection
By Rabbi Paul Kipnes
Oseh Hashalom,
Maker of Peace,
Be with us all now - our siblings in Israel, our people around the world, all people who seek peace and strive to pursue it.
Grant us fortitude and courage
As we await what’s ahead
Is this what it was like
As our Israelite ancestors awaited
The arrival of the angel of death?
Did they too feel anxious and unsure,
Even though they too had been assured
That by marking the doorposts of their houses, That angel of death would pass over them?
That they would survive
And thrive?
Did they worry that Magein Avraham,
The shield of Abraham
Might fail to protect them?
Were they concerned that Ezrat Sarah,
The One who helped Sarah
Might be unable to help them through?
As the hours droned on
Before the exodus from Egypt,
Were our ancestors worried,
That the matzah they made
Might not hold off the hunger
of fearful night after fearful night?
That the darkness that descended
Might not dissipate,
disallowing them to see
With confidence and clarity
The hope we hope is ahead?
Makor Hachayim,
Source of Life,
who values life,
Spread your Sukkat Shalom,
Your shelter of peace,
Over us, over all Israel and
Over all the world.
And together we say,
Amen. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email or phone, or schedule some time HERE to process as needed. I am here for you. |
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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. 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. Please RSVP for both at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming and if you’d like to join in person, please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com for details. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: April’s service is Passover Shabbat PLEASE NOTE THE DATE IS NOW APRIL 19* May’s Shabbat is Fire Pit Shabbat in honor of Lag B’Omer (5/31) June’s service is Summertime Shabbat (6/28) |
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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 APRIL 21ST. For this workshop: Our next meeting of the KITS Creativity Club will be Sunday April 21, 9 am PDT, 12 Noon EDT. We will be talking about Passover, and all the creativity involved with the Seder. If you want, bring handmade or heirloom items that you use during your Seder to share with the group. will be lead by Shari Pratt, and take 2 sessions. This will be our second session, but please don’t let it dissuade you from joining if you missed the first. We will be making Family Trees like you have never seen before! All you need is paper and a pen or pencil. REGISTER HERE! |
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INTERFAITH ZOOM PASSOVER SEDER |
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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. |
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NISAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW |
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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
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MAZAL TOV DEBBIE AND NEIL! |
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Recently, Debbie and Neil wed in an intimate backyard ceremony in Rancho Mirage, CA officiated by Rabbi Miller. The day before the wedding, an epic California hailstorm gave way to rainbows. Amidst the music of a live professional violinist, the couple walked down the aisle to stand under their chuppah amidst swaying palm trees. In their vows, the pair of writers who met at a dinner for film contest judges, referenced their love of plot analysis, Star Wars, and the difference the right lumbar- and emotional- support can make. Indeed! With full hearts, the family recited the shehecheyanu blessing, expressing gratitude for the blessing of life, being sustained, and reaching this sacred time. The entire Keeping It Sacred community wishes them a hearty- Mazal Tov! |
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CONGRATULATIONS AME & ARYEH! |
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After taking some beautiful pre-wedding photos at the Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA, Ame and Aryeh crossed the street to renew their wedding vows amidst a venue overflowing with friends and family from the Jewish and Christian Science traditions. Standing under a custom made chuppah adorned by flowers from the bride’s deceased father’s garden tended by her mother, couple’s daughter presented them with a special drawing celebrating the family’s love. In turn, they gifted her a beautiful necklace to remember the occasion. Vows were exchanged with each partner reflecting on the growth of their relationship and the deep spirituality that binds them. The ceremony concluded with both partners smashing the glass- Mazal tov to the entire family! |
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THE 19TH ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN JOINT MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY |
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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! |
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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. |
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MONTHLY SPIRITUALITY LGBTIQA+ GROUP |
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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. |
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SHARE YOUR INTERFAITH WEDDING STORY WITH 18 DOORS |
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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! |
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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. 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. 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. 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. Register for this program HERE. |
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HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY |
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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. |
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LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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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! |
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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. 4/15 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. 4/18 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. 4/18 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. 4/19 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. Register 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... |
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We'd love for you to forward this to a friend to invite them to join us, too! |
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