"I've been struck by a glory attack!" This is the great catchphrase popularized by The Rev. Ed Bacon, former Rector of All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA. I recently saw him, and sure enough, he excitedly exclaimed this sentiment. I love the way he spontaneously shouts this out when suddenly moved by the power of God.

There is absolutely inspired leadership happening at All Saints. Rev. Bacon's successor, The Rev. Mike Kinman, is filled with the love of God and people with the same kind of vibrancy and vigor. He often shares the greeting of "peace be with you!" from the depths of his soul, communicating that he wants the fullness of goodness and joy and peace to be with you. His welcome is sincere and genuine.

This kind of strong enthusiasm is what I feel when I gather in community. I can't precisely explain it, but in these moments I am overcome by the joy of breathing a new day, and being on the planet at the same time as you. In my depths is this kind of gratitude and appreciation. Many of you know it comes out in the form of my smile. I LOVE gathering with you, and beholding your presence.

All of this joy and love and enthusiasm is what Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel described as "radical amazement." It is that childlike joy, unbound by "polite" conventions of adult expectations-- but rather that sweet, innocent, non-judgmental awe that overtakes a person. Oftentimes, Heschel discusses the idea of radical amazement as that feeling people get when they see a breathtaking natural wonder, be it as delicate as a flower budding, or as commanding as the Himalayas, or anything in-between.

The ability to be in the moment with wonder and gratitude and the fullness of joy is a critical element in every robust personal spirituality. The ability of allowing the spirit to take in the experience of living. What a joy. This is how we keep it sacred.

Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

ACCESS JUDAISM

Our Melanie Grohman z"l Access Judaism program is BACK! 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.

​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.

Mondays at noon PT/ 1p MT/ 2pm CT/ 3pm ET:

Access Judaism: SESSION 1:

11/7 Personal Inventory of Belief (Make up session at 11am PT/2pm ET)

11/7 Radical Responsibility for the World (noon PT/3pm ET)

TODAY! 11/14 Demystifying Denominational Differences REGISTER HERE

11/21 The Flavors of the Holy Books (Register here)

11/28 One for Every Mood: The Jewish Holidays (Register here)

12/5 Jewish Intermarriage: A History (Register here)

12/12 The Righteous Economic Vision of the Rabbis (Register here)

11/19 The Kabbalistic Non-Binary God (Register here)

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

Please 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.

PEOPLE KEEPING IT SACRED WITH THE REV. MIKE KINMAN

Check out PEOPLE KEEPING IT SACRED Seasons 1 and 2! Across these episodes, Rabbi Heather Miller interviews thoughtful friends yielding intelligent, joyful conversations about personal spiritual narratives.

We wanted to highlight this invigorating conversation from Episode 7 of season 1 where Rabbi Miller interviews The Rev. Mike Kinman, Rector of All-Saints Church, Pasadena. This is the church that invited Rabbi Miller, this past weekend, to deliver the closing benediction for their Sunday Service featuring their Archbishop of Jerusalem. And, it is also the church that is hosting the Transgender Day of Remembrance service at 5pm PT/8pm ET on 11/20. (see below for more).

Season 2 topics include: Living Peace, Forging New Paths Forward, Living Authentically, Investing in the Future, Holistic Approaches to Spirituality, Spiritual Repair, The Power of Convening, and more!

ARCHBISHOP OF JERUSALEM AT ALL-SAINTS CHURCH

This past Sunday, the Most Reverend Hosam Elias Naoum Archbishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem visited our friends at All Saints Church in Pasadena. Archbishop Naoum is a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation in his diocese which spans the multicultural, multiethnic, multiracial Middle East across 5 countries. A significant member of many ecumenical and interfaith organizations, he works with the Archbishop of Canterbury on Anglican and interfaith issues. Keeping It Sacred's own Rabbi Miller was invited to offer the closing benediction to the day's celebration. Feel welcome to view the Archbishop's remarks (0:24:00) and Rabbi Miller's closing benediction (1:49:00) through the All-Saints Church Facebook Livestream HERE.

INTERFAITH TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

Please save the date of 11/20 for our interfaith observances of Transgender Day of Remembrance. We are currently working with various organizations to host services, both hybrid and online. The first at MCC UCC in the Valley (in North Hollywood, CA) at 10am PT/1pm ET. The second one at 5pm PT/8pm ET at All Saints Church in Pasadena, CA. If you identify as transgender or nonbinary and/or genderqueer, and would like to honor this sacred day and represent Keeping It Sacred in these services, please contact Rabbi Miller at: rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com.

MAZAL TOV TO MARLON & JONATHAN!

The entire Keeping It Sacred community wishes a hearty Mazal Tov to Marlon and Jonathan who wed this weekend among family and close friends in a beautiful historic home in Los Angeles, CA. The grooms’ dance was about the most memorable ever and there was a very touching blessing offered by all ordained clergy present, including Rabbi Miller, who has been friends with Marlon ever since they worked together at a social justice organization over 24 years ago. Jonathan and Marlon hosted a beautiful gathering infused with activities that the guests enjoyed wholeheartedly and drew all attendees closer, creating community. May the joyful power of their love be sustained each passing year.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

For the next four months, the Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore four select psalms and their messages about racial justice. This is our way of starting each month with a new vision of racial justice.

• October 26, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET (Psalm 23)

• November 23, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 92) REGISTER HERE

• December 21, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 104) REGISTER HERE

• January 18, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 30) REGISTER HERE

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 34 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.

Our own Sue Parker Gerson provided My Jewish Learning's Daily Dose of Talmud with commentary on Ketubot 111: Clinging to God. Enjoy!

CONVERSATIONAL SURVEY OVER ZOOM

We want to know what you think! We are charting our path for the new year and want to begin by hearing your thoughts on Keeping It Sacred— the community, the offerings, and more! Please sign up for a 30-minute meeting with Rabbi Miller for a zoom-survey to discuss your impressions and dream up the future together. Click HERE to sign up for a 30-minute time slot: calendly.com/kitsrabbimiller

HANUKKAH CRASH COURSE FOR KIDS (and kids at heart)

Sunday, November 27 at 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, join us for an interactive Hanukkah Crash Course for kids (and kids at heart). Rabbi Miller will lead us through the symbols and stories of Hanukkah with lots of participation. Questions are encouraged and all will go beyond the idea of presents to connect with a personalized vision of the true meaning of Hanukkah. Please register in advance at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

YES, IT'S EARLY BUT PLEASE SAVE THE DATE: 12/18 at 5pm PT

We would love to gather the light together with you for the FIRST night of Hanukkah! We are planning a joyous program for you to enjoy virtually or in person. Please save us the date? 12/18 at 5pm PT. Register HERE.

SHABBAT SERVICES: THE LAST FRIDAY NIGHT OF EVERY MONTH

Friday night 11/25, and 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.

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!

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.

11/14 ACCESS JUDAISM

Join us TODAY Monday, 11/14 at noon PT/3pm ET! Access Judaism is a relevant and empowering adult learning program in a fun, relaxed environment. 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. Register. for one class, one session, or the whole program at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

11/17 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. 

11/17 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.  

11/20 TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

10am PT/1pm ET at MCC UCC church in North Hollywood ,CA, and at 5pm PT/8pm ET at All-Saints Church in Pasadena, CA. And, if you identify as transgender or nonbinary and/or genderqueer, and would like to honor this sacred day and represent Keeping It Sacred in these services, please contact Rabbi Miller at: rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com.

11/21 ACCESS JUDAISM

Join us Monday, 11/21 at noon PT/3pm ET! Access Judaism is a relevant and empowering adult learning program in a fun, relaxed environment. 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. Register. for one class, one session, or the whole program at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

11/23 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.  

11/24 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. 

11/24 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.  

11/25 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 11/25 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.

11/27 HANUKKAH CRASH COURSE FOR KIDS (AND KIDS AT HEART)

Sunday, November 27 at 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, join us for an interactive Hanukkah Crash Course for kids (and kids at heart). Rabbi Miller will lead us through the symbols and stories of Hanukkah with lots of participation. Questions are encouraged and all will go beyond the idea of presents to connect with a personalized vision of the true meaning of Hanukkah. Please register in advance at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

11/28 ACCESS JUDAISM

Join us Monday, 11/28 at noon PT/3pm ET! Access Judaism is a relevant and empowering adult learning program in a fun, relaxed environment. 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. Register. for one class, one session, or the whole program at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

12/1 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. 

12/1 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.  

12/5 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/5 at noon PT/3pm ET! Access Judaism is a relevant and empowering adult learning program in a fun, relaxed environment. 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. Register. for one class, one session, or the whole program at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

12/8 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. 

12/8 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.  

12/12 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/12 at noon PT/3pm ET! Access Judaism is a relevant and empowering adult learning program in a fun, relaxed environment. 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. Register. for one class, one session, or the whole program at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

12/15 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. 

12/15 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.  

12/18 HANUKKAH: GATHER THE LIGHT

We would love to gather the light together with you for the FIRST night of Hanukkah! We are planning a joyous program for you to enjoy virtually or in person. Please save us the date? 12/18 at 5pm PT. Register HERE.

12/19 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/19 at noon PT/3pm ET! Access Judaism is a relevant and empowering adult learning program in a fun, relaxed environment. 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. Register. for one class, one session, or the whole program at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

12/21 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.  

12/22 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. 

12/22 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.  

12/29 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.

1/18 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.  

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...

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK: MONTHLY

Are you inspired & empowered by the work we are doing?

Would you like to help us build our growth and capacity for goodness?

If so, please consider becoming a monthly donor to Keeping It Sacred. Our platform on the Our Future page allows you to choose how to support the work. Set it and forget it! Your financial contributions help ensure that we can keep bringing quality programs to the community that are accessible, relevant, and empowering. 

If everyone of our newsletter subscribers could contribute just $36/month, we could really get to the NEXT LEVEL of our organizational capacity.

Please scroll below and see the depth of the work we are doing, and consider monthly support. HERE is the link to do so. Thank you for all the ways you're building this community!

GIFTS TO KEEPING IT SACRED

All of us at Keeping It Sacred would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to each and every person who has extended a financial gift to the KITS community this past year. You power the work and ensure that quality relevant & empowering programming and resources remain accessible for all regardless of economic capacity. 

If you like what we're doing and would like to make a meaningful gift in this new year of any amount, please visit our contributions page at:

keepingitsacred.com/our-future

Thank you for #keepingitsacred...

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