There was a park in my old neighborhood in West Hollywood- a Los Angeles city known for its fabulous queer community and its traditional Russian Jewish immigrant community. It was the perfect place for me to call home. 

In the center of the park, between the personal trainers working out chiseled 20-something’s and the chess games played by exuberant octogenarians, was a modest memorial dedicated to those who perished in the Holocaust. It had a simple onyx stone with the word,“zachor/ remember” engraved in it. An understated piece, with much power and resonance.

Sometimes, the light would reflect off of my face, in just such a way that I would catch my own reflection in the face of that stone. And, I would think of many generations that experienced that kind of mortal fear, that kind of hate, and the exile associated with it.

I would think about my own grandmother, Kit, who escaped the pogroms in her small town in Russia, being hidden in a pillowcase, and smuggled across the Polish border, eventually landing in Canada, and then California. I would think about my step-grandmother who was deported to Auschwitz, forced to make weapons for the Nazis, and eventually was liberated first to Columbia, and then to California. 

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day to consider the atrocities of genocide. But this year feels different. This year we are not dressed up in a fancy service lighting six candles or even 11 in community, one candle for each of the millions of people murdered in just a few short years. This year we sit with our own feelings about what it means to bear the weight of this kind of history. What it means to live in constant fear, and what it means to be a survivor.

The most importantly, I consider what kind of responsibility is placed upon my shoulders that this type of genocide never happens again. To ensure people are not hated simply because of who they were born to or where they were born. To the universal truth of love, and the moral obligation to ensure that everyone has what they need so that they have the best chance to fulfill their personal best.

How has Holocaust Remembrance Day changed for you this year? What are you thinking about? And what will you dedicate yourself to in loving memory of the millions who perished and the millions more affected by the disappearance and death of their loved ones?

These are the questions that help us keep it sacred.

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

COUNT THE OMER WITH US!

Join our social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook, to follow along with counting the Omer, started this past Tuesday, April 23rd. The counting of the omer was once a harvest season ritual that was adopted by the Kabbalists who infused a spirituality and intentionality into the practice. Check out our social media daily for seven weeks of seven days of readings, and meditative prompts to spark introspection and spiritual strength. This custom traditionally links the second night of Passover with Shavuot (day 50!). Join us in this spiritual exercise as we climb up from oppression to the celebration of the giving of the Torah.

NISAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

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! We are reading Grieving While Black by Breeshia Wade. And mark your calendar for upcoming dates:

• Sivan Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: June 6, Chapter 6

• Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: July 5, Chapter 7

• Av Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: August 8, Chapter 8

• Elul Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: September 5, Chapter 9

THE 19TH ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN JOINT MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

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!

JOIN THE BRAID AND THE LUNAR COLLECTIVE IN:
WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL THIS HERITAGE?

Check out upcoming events with the LUNAR: Have you ever seen an Asian Jewish theatre show? (Probably not, because we're pretty sure ours is the first!)

We've teamed up with @thebraidstories to create What Do I Do With All This Heritage?, an original theatre show featuring true stories by Asian American Jews. Written by our community and performed by an entirely Asian American cast, this one-of-a-kind show is one you won't want to miss.

The show opens on May 15 and continues through June 9! Whether you're joining us in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, or live on Zoom, there is a show for you. Plus, we're offering special pay-what-you-can tix for LUNAR community members!

Get your tickets at the-braid.org/heritage ✨

HAPPY RABBIVERSARY!

May 4, Rabbi Miler celebrated 16 years as a rabbi. She writes: "Sixteen years ago, I could never have imagined the experience of being a rabbi at this moment in time, with all of the challenges this day and age presents. Back then, I felt the weight of the responsibility on my shoulders as Rabbi Ellenson rested his hands there and blessed me. But now, in these tenuous days, I feel that heaviness even more. But also I feel the love and good will of those who surround me, the blessing of earned experience as a rabbi which has made firm my steps, and the integrity of perpetual study of the values, lessons, and morals that the tradition teaches. I lift up gratitude for this lot, and ask for strength in continuing to walk through these difficult times." Mazal Tov!

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.

Our next KITS Creativity Club will be on May 19th, 9 am PT/ Noon ET. Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day is that day, and we are going to return to poetry. Bring a meaningful poem to share on the subject of this holiday, (especially if you wrote it!) and then we will write some poetry, so bring paper, and something to write with. Register HERE.

GRIEF IN THE MIDDLE EAST

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 people who have lost loved ones in violence. Explore human suffering and a new vision for the future. Join us at 9am PT | Noon ET on 5/20. Register here!

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.

FIREPIT SHABBAT

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:

May’s Shabbat is Fire Pit Shabbat in honor of Lag B’Omer (5/31)

June’s service is Summertime Shabbat (6/28)

SHARE YOUR INTERFAITH WEDDING STORY WITH 18 DOORS

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!

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Register for this program HERE.

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 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.

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.

Iyyar Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review

5/09 IYYAR ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET. Register for this program HERE. We are reading Breeshia Wade's Grieving while Black, and will be exploring chapter 6.

5/09 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. 

5/09 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.  

5/13 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.

5/16 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. 

5/16 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.  

 
5/19 CREATIVITY CLUB

Every other Sunday at 9am PT | noon ET! Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. 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.

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!

5/20 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.

5/23 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. 

5/23 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.  

5/30 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. 

5/30 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.  

5/31 FIREPIT SHABBAT: 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!

 
6/02 CREATIVITY CLUB

Every other Sunday at 9am PT | noon ET! Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. 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.

6/03 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.

6/06 SIVAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET. Register for this program HERE. 

6/06 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. 

6/06 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.  

6/13 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. 

6/13 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.  

6/16 CREATIVITY CLUB

Every other Sunday at 9am PT | noon ET! Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. 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.

6/20 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. 

6/20 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.  

6/27 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. 

6/27 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.  

6/27 SIYYUM TRACTATE BAVA METZIA

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 for this program here!

6/28 SUMMERTIME SHABBAT: 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!

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!