The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream and we honor it today. A dream where people are judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. He recognized that America, in his day, was far removed from the dream of America. And his vision, his dream, outlined a vision of what America could be.

The United States today is still far from the dream. And in order to think about how to build a bridge to that realizing his dream, we have to understand where we are, as a society, right now. We have to understand the nature of racial injustice in every sector it permeates, and create a plan of repair, restoration, and yes, restitution. This is how transformative change is made.

As a community, we begin each new month with a Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice book review to start our month thinking about these issues and thinking through Tikkun Olam (how to repair the world). For the past 9 months, we have explored a report of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. You may check out the full text HERE.

Having serendipitously concluded our reading the week before the Dr. King holiday weekend, our members spent Shabbat reflecting upon racial justice-- where we are, where we want to go, and what our responsibility is to get us there, as Jews and as global citizens..

Shari describes:

Rabbi Miler and other participating members engaged in the study of how deeply engrained racial bigotry, inequality, and injustice have impacted the fabric of America. Though I already knew a fair amount about the topic, studying the review proved how pervasively our legal system has subjected African Americans to a system stacked to force them to be subservient, rather than one that supports and embraces them. Over and over, I was astounded to learn how many laws, ordinances, and statutes from federal to state to local levels, in all corners of this nation, and in every aspect from social to financial to political to entertainment to sports to religious to health to education and more, have intentionally restricted or negated opportunities for Black people. Frequently they’re posited under the banner and aegis of our legal system as if they were constitutionally sound. They are not. Much of the report focuses on brutal, endemic violence causing death, imprisonment, and suffering where it should never have happened. The lack of equitable judicial governance is shameful. These portions were especially difficult to read. And the instances horribly common. 

Corrine shares:

The report has been an eye-opener on the ongoing plight of Black people. It came to me as  a shock as well as, a reality-check, that negative perceptions and prejudices against people of color, are still rampant, after centuries of colonialism and post-abolition of slavery. The fight against white supremacy, nationalism, xenophobia and racialization of people according to their origins, skin color, ethnicity, nationality, is more than ever,  a battle for the survival of  oppressed minorities.

Wendy reflects:

As one of the co-leaders of several chapter discussions, I was surprised by how chilling, how transformative studying this document has been for me. I confess that I approached the reading assuming that I already knew a lot about California history and about racism and slavery in the U.S. After all, I was a history major and did graduate work on racism, slavery, and gender issues; I had lived in California for 60 years and witnessed operationalized racism and uprisings in the 20th century. I was wrong. I knew the basics, but not the complexities that are so deeply woven into the tapestry of American history and race relations. As I read, I was horrified by both the actual details of how racism has been operationalized for centuries, and also horrified at how “white-sided” my education has been. This Report needs to be assigned reading for all Californians so that we can learn how to work towards a more just state, a more equitable society.

Having studied this illuminating text, Shari, Wendy, Corinne describe the personal responsibility that we each have in recognizing the problem. And the imperative to address it.

Shari notes that:

Judaism demands that we stand side by side with African Americans and all marginalized people. Normalizing injustice is not just. 

Wendy encourages:

As Jews, we are commanded “צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף, / tzedek tzedek tirdof” — “Justice, justice shall you pursue!” (Deuteronomy 16:20). .... Whether or not the wrongs were committed in our name, we are not excused from being part of the solution. We are expected to work towards the repair of the world: tikkun olam.

And Corinne envisions:

Governments/ political parties should be accountable for their policies towards people of color, not only on the eve of elections. Recommendations should be implemented within a reasonable timeline and national reviews undertaken on a regular basis.

I echo their sentiments wholeheartedly. Please take some time today to review the report, review their full reflections HERE, and consider what you might do in this new month and new year to address racial inequity in your sector, location, and sphere of influence.

All of us working together can help build a bridge from reality to bring about Dr. King's dream.

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

IN THE SPIRIT OF MLK, JR. INTERFAITH BREAKFAST

Join the Interfaith Solidarity Network, of which Keeping It Sacred are proud members, for breakfast: In the Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. event on Tuesday, January 16 at 8:30am at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 5619 Lindley Ave., Tarzana, CA 91356! See details below:

Each year on the day following MLK Day, we lift up the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by exploring some aspect of his work. We honor it not just for what he accomplished in the civil rights movement, but what he teaches us about how we can practice his principles today. Cultivating the Path of Peace will focus on Dr. King's considerable contributions to the work of building peace. It will be reflected in our opening prayer, in breaking bread together, in songs we sing, and a conversation that will be led by clergy of the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. In all this we find our shared humanity and rediscover our kinship with each other. Though we are many faith traditions, we are one human family.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7fRKKaOrp4CX87k6-2QXXn9Yv2hR4uCX6IbnreOUS7nix2Q/viewform

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

CLASSES START NEXT WEEK!

Our Introduction to Judaism® online course will give 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.

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. The next gathering will be January 28th.

And as always, 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!

JANUARY SHABBAT SERVICES: TENDERHEARTED 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:

January’s service is Tenderhearted Shabbat exploring Racial Justice (1/26)

February’s service is Repro Shabbat joining with the National Council of Jewish Women (2/23) (with special text study prior, see below)

March’s service is Queen’s Shabbat in honor of Purim (3/22)

April’s service is Passover Shabbat 4/24

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

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

4TH ANNUAL REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS & TORAH

Save the Date! February 23rd at 4pm PT/ 7pm ET, Keeping It Sacred joins dozens of communities around the US for a discussion on the intersection between Jewish values and Reproductive rights. Come explore what the sages had to say about the start of life, protecting the health of the pregnant person, and more. Hybrid (online and in person) text study at 4pm followed by hybrid (online and in-person) Shabbat Services at 5:30pm. REGISTER 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.

1/16 IN THE SPIRIT OF MLK, JR. INTERFAITH BREAKFAST

8:30am in person in Los Angeles, join the Interfaith Solidarity Network for an interfaith prayer breakfast In the Spirit of MLK, Jr. with guest Mayor Karen Bass, and other local leaders. Register HERE.

1/18 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. 

1/18 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.  

1/22 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.

1/25 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. 

1/25 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.

1/26 SHABBAT SERVICES: TENDERHEARTED SHABBAT

The last Friday of every month at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET! 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. This shabbat which we are calling Tenderhearted Shabbat, will focus on the Exodus story and Pharaoh's hardened heart. REGISTER HERE.

1/29 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. 

2/1 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. 

2/1 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.    

2/5 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. 

2/8 ADAR I ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Monthly at 9:30am PT | 12:30pm ET — This is our way of pursuing each month with a new vision of racial justice. REGISTER HERE.

2/8 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. 

2/8 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.  

2/12 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.

2/15 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. 

2/15 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.  

2/19 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.

2/22 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. 

2/22 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.  

2/23 TEXT STUDY AND SHABBAT SERVICES: REPRO SHABBAT

The last Friday of every month at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET! 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. This shabbat is Repro Shabbat, a national movement to honor reproductive rights. Prior to Shabbat Services, at 4pm PT/7pm ET, we will gather online and in person for a Jewish text study on Reproductive Rights-- all are welcome. REGISTER HERE.

2/26 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.

2/29 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. 

2/29 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.  

2/29 SIYYUM TRACTATE BAVA KAMA

12pm PT | 3pm ET. 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 HERE.

3/04 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. 

3/04 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.  

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!