Newsletter June 14, 2021 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
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We had such a full week last week at Keeping It Sacred with the Women's Rabbinic Network Convention, Fruma Kit Endler's first yahrzeit (my nana for whom KITS is named), PRIDE month, Loving Day, programs on racial justice and Chagall's artistry, as well as regular our Healing Circle & Talmud study. But, we wouldn't want to miss an important milestone in liberal Jewish history: the 1844 Rabbinical Conference held in Brunswick, Germany which happened 176 years ago this past weekend. Why was this significant? Because it marks the first gathering of modern, progressive rabbis ever. Rabbi Ludwig Philippson and Rabbi Levi Herzfeld drew together a total of 25 rabbis with similar leanings. You may have heard me quote Philippson several times-- he is a favorite thinker of mine who identified that: "The issue before us is concerned with the entire content of our religion which we must present and strengthen in its purity in order to rescue it from deadening rigidity on the one hand and from benumbing unfaith on the other." Sounds pretty relevant to today, right? Unsurprisingly, Philippson, Herzfeld and the other rabbis who gathered there drew the ire of proponents of the newly emerging Orthodox movement. Aside from the vitriol hurled in their direction, the different approaches to the modern world that the leaders of the Orthodox and Reform movements would take would shape Jewish life in ways that we still experience strongly in modern times. The Reformers saw themselves as liberating the pure kernel of the tradition from the restrictive husk. They linked themselves to the noble legacy of the impeccable ethics of the prophets, immersed themselves in rational thought, and sought to rejuvenate Jewish life in a way that would establish reverence for the Eternal. If I could be transported back to a significant moment in history, attending this conference would absolutely be in my top five historical events to choose. In small ways and large, at Keeping It Sacred, we honor their tradition. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred... Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
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SUPPORTING KEEPING IT SACRED |
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Introducing new ways to help build this community: Every member of this community is a valued part of the whole. Membership starts simply by signing up for the newsletter email list. From there, each and every person contributes what they can to build this community in terms of: participation in programs, sharing of knowledge, skills and connections, and, where possible, financial support. In every case, everyone who builds this community is greatly appreciated. If you are able to offer financial support, please consider a contribution towards our wish list: - General Support: Helps maintain our general operating budget which funds things like music licenses, our zoom subscription, and generally keep KITS running. ($180)
- Website: Enables us to host and maintain our website. ($300)
- Visiting Torah: Allows us to enjoy use of a kosher Torah during the High Holy Days. ($500)
- Partnerships: Enables us to partner with key organizations and speakers who are mission-aligned. ($800)
- Internships: Enables us to host paid interns. ($1200)
- Curricular Development: Supports our development of accessible, relevant, and empowering curriculum. ($2400)
- Musicians: Elevates our services with musical accompaniment. ($6000)
To make a financial contribution, please visit our web page: keepingitsacred.com/our-future |
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Tuesday, Rabbi Miller kicked off PRIDE Month by being featured on the Raising the Vibration of the LGBTQIP2SAA Community Radio Show. Catch the interview here: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-liveparanormal-31016213/episode/raising-the-vibration-radio-with-sheena-83225880/ Yesterday, Sunday, June 13, Rabbi Miller was a guest panelist with Noam Mason discussing Queer Joy/Simcha in a joyful celebration led by Torah Studio. The two-hour program also included performances by Boris Babka, and Rokhl Weston. Rabbi Miller was so inspired by the workshop on creative flow led by Erin from Simcha Zine, that she wrote the following poem comparing Jewish life and Queer life: Ever-Evolving Jewishness reforming Queerness becoming Life unfolding New generations emerging Closer and closer to the Eternal Divine One. |
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Also yesterday, Sunday, June 13, Rabbi Miller and Keeping It Sacred participated in the Annual Interfaith Pride Service through the Los Angeles Queer Interfaith Clergy Council. The service included live and Zoom participation from over 15 members of the clergy and their community members. View the whole service here: https://tinyurl.com/y5mxzdb3 Sunday, June 27 at 5:30pm, Rabbi Miller will participate on a panel for the non-profit organization called The Lavender Effect on Faith and the Queer Community. We will post on the Keeping It Sacred facebook page when that registration information is available. |
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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN STATEMENT |
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In partnership with the National Council of Jewish Women, Rabbi Miller and over 1,000 Rabbis and "Jewish Clergy for Repro" pledged to speak out about reproductive justice in their communities and to educate others about the Jewish values underpinning our support for abortion access for all. The statement states, in part, "We are working to ensure that our communities are places where anyone who has, or may ever, terminate a pregnancy feels loved and welcomed, where people understand what our tradition teaches about these issues, and where we emphasize the importance of fighting for reproductive health, rights, and justice for everyone." The full statement will be published soon, and included in future issues here. |
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Keeping It Sacred's Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression, and what we can and should do about it-- from a Jewish lens. Understanding the way racial injustice works is the first step in remedying the problems, taking us one step closer toward a world affirming of all. Let’s make 2021 a year of actively remedying racial injustice, a year of Tikkun Olam/repair of the world. Schedule: 13th movie by DuVernay (IYYAR) Monday, 4/12, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET
Caste by Wilkerson (TAMMUZ) Thursday, 6/10, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET
How to be an Antiracist by Kendi (ELUL) Sunday, 8/8, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET The Color of Love by Gad (CHESHVAN) Thursday, 10/7, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET N**** Theory by Armour (TEVET) Sunday, 12/5, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET If you have further questions, or to introduce yourself, please don't hesitate to reach out to Rabbi Miller: rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com To sign up, click HERE. |
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A WARM WELCOME TO JUDAISM |
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As you may know, Erin, Matthew and Alex recently were brought before a beit din to affirm their Jewish commitments. They will soon immerse in a mikveh to complete their entrance into the Jewish people. The entire Keeping It Sacred community is welcome to celebrate their entrance to Jewish peoplehood on June 27 at 10am PT/1pm ET on zoom. Their cousin, Marcia will share some special words. Please RSVP HERE. |
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HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY |
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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 90 members strong from 21 different states and 4 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. To join and of these gatherings, please send Rabbi Miller an email or DM on Facebook to be added to the closed, secret Facebook group and/or the weekly text study group. And look for us on Instagram daily HERE. Why is the democratization of Talmud Study so important? View Rabbi Miller's lecture (delivered to Temple Israel of South Africa) HERE. |
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And, SATURDAY, Rabbi Miller's commentary on Yoma 62 was published to a readership of 4,000 through My Jewish Learning. Read it HERE. |
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THE WOMEN'S RABBINIC NETWORK |
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The Women’s Rabbinic Network Convention celebrating 50 years of women in the rabbinate concluded this week. It was absolutely inspiring and soul-nourishing for those who participated. Hundreds of Reform women rabbis studied Talmud relevant to our times, dreamed of the Jewish future together, prayed across multiple time zones (the sun never sets on the WRN!), and enjoyed special time with Rabbi Sally Preisand, the first seminary-ordained North American Woman Rabbi. Kol hakavod to the organizers who ran an incredibly meaningful convention! At the conclusion of the convention, Rabbi Miller was again installed as a board member. She writes, "It is an honor and privilege to serve this sacred community for a new term. Thank you to all who have come before. This is a duty I take on with my whole heart." |
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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 the link at the bottom of the page HERE. This way you won't miss an opportunity to connect via our LIVE activities. EVERY DAY Please enjoy our 7-episode web series and podcast: People Keeping It Sacred on YouTube HERE or on your favorite podcast player (like: Spotify Google Podcasts, Apple + Podcasts, RadioPublic, Breaker, and PocketCasts). To learn more about Jewish holidays, check out our "A bit about... the holidays" 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. 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. 10:30am PST/ 1:30pm EST/ 3:30pm Brazil time, 6:30pm London-time. Register for this program HERE. EVERY THURSDAY: KEEPING IT SACRED-DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP Our Facebook group will host our next virtual meetup via zoom. For the link to attend this meeting Thursdays 11am PST, 2pm EST, 4pm Brazil time, 7pm London time. Register for this program HERE. 6/27 WARM WELCOME TO JUDAISM 6/27 Sunday at 10am PT/1pm ET, join us as we give a warm welcome to Judaism to our KITS members Erin, Matthew, and Alex. Their cousin, KITS member Marcia, will share special words, too. RSVP at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 6/27 THE LAVENDER EFFECT PANEL ON FAITH *NEW TIME* SUNDAY, June 27 atat 5:30pm PT, Rabbi Miller will participate on a panel for the non-profit organization called The Lavender Effect on Faith and the Queer Community. Stay tuned for information to register for this zoom experience! ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW SERIES: 8/8 How to Be An Antiracist Sunday, 8/8 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, join us as we discuss Ibram X. Kendi's powerful book, How to Be An Antiracist. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression. Please read How to Be An Antiracist on your own, and come ready to discuss. Register for the discussion, facilitated by Rabbi Miller, at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 10/7 The Color of Love Thursday, 10/7 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, join us as we discuss Marra Gad's powerful book, The Color of Love. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression. Please read The Color of Love on your own, and come ready to discuss. Register for the discussion, facilitated by Rabbi Miller, at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 12/5 N**** Theory Sunday, 12/5 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, join us as we discuss Jody Armour's powerful book, N**** Theory. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression. Please read N**** Theory on your own, and come ready to discuss. Register for the discussion, facilitated by Rabbi Miller, at 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... |
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We'd love for you to forward this to a friend to invite them to sign up, too! |
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If you’d like to make sure that this kind of quality programming by Keeping It Sacred continues, please consider making a donation via: keepingitsacred.com/our-future Thank you for #keepingitsacred... |
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