Do you remember coming of age?

This is a photo of my b-mitzvah ceremony (gender inclusive term for bar/bat/b'nai mitzvah), a celebration of coming of age in the Jewish tradition. I remember this moment when all of the learning I had done with my esteemed mentors was finally put into action. Where I could bring my studies, experiences, spirit, heart, mind, and soul to the Jewish people-- leading a service, reading Torah, and interpreting it for our times authentically. 

Tomorrow will mark my Rabbiversary-- and for me and my classmates of the New York School of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, this year marks 13 years in the rabbinate. In Jewish time, that means this is the year my rabbinate is finally coming of age. 

What does it mean that my rabbinate is coming of age? For me, this means that all of the learning that I have done until this point, all of the experiences in chaplaincy, education, justice organizations, congregational life, all of it will be reimagined and re-formed to align more holistically with the lives of all who I serve. 

This is the year where a vision for thoughtful innovation can become possible. A time when the parts coalesce into something greater than the simple sum of its parts. But it is always connected with YOU, the people. That means that this newsletter comes with an invitation to build that vision together-- the future of Keeping It Sacred will be determined by our partnership together!

Please take a moment to visit the Keeping It Sacred survey found HERE-- I can think of no better rabbiversary gift!

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller, 

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

KITS SURVEY!

YOU are helping to build the Keeping It Sacred (KITS) community and we want to hear from you-- what are our strengths, what are are weaknesses? What would you love to see? How are we keeping the sacred at the center?

This practice of a cheshbon hanefesh-- an annual accounting of ourselves-- will help to direct our work in the coming year. Your answers to these 18 questions bring our future to life! Please take a moment to fill out the survey attached HERE. 

TENACITY IN THE TEXTS

This past year has tested our endurance. Learn what the sages say about tenacity. Find the source of their strength and even uplift amidst some of the darkest times in Jewish History. Prepare to be inspired!

Tenacity in the Texts: A Shavuot Study Session

Sunday, May 16 at 7pm PT/10pm ET- Monday, May 17 at 7am PT/10am ET

Register HERE:

ACCESS JUDAISM CLASSES- NEW SESSION RUNNING NOW

Please join Rabbi Miller and a beautiful collection of people who are exploring Jewish learning through the inaugural experience of the Keeping It Sacred Signature Program: Access Judaism. Join for one class, one session, or all remaining classes!

Participants have shared:

"It was such a great group. It was an amazing start to my day. Looking forward to next week."

"It was a pleasure to study with you today. Reading and listening to others' views and understanding of God brings into light my perception of God."

"It was a wonderful class and it seems like it can only get better as we share and learn more about each other." 

"It’s exhilarating."

To register, please click on the images above, or the button below.

SUPPORT FOR THE STUDY OF REPARATIONS

Keeping It Sacred signed onto a statement urging the U.S. House of Representatives to explore the impact of racial inequities in the U.S. through H.R. 40.

The statement reads, in part: 

"As people of faith, we are calling on you to pass H.R. 40 because God calls us to repair wrongs done to one another and to work for personal and social reconciliation and renewal. We believe we are duly bound to follow a spiritual call to honor and protect the inherent sacred worth and dignity of all people and seek justice when that worth and dignity is violated. We have an opportunity and an obligation to swiftly pass H.R. 40 as a first step in redressing centuries of injustice against Black people in the United States. H.R. 40 has been described as the ONLY present possibility in adequately addressing and redressing these historic injustices."

View the full statement HERE.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW

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 for our first session, click HERE. 

And, to watch 13th for free, click HERE. 

COUNTING OF THE OMER ON SOCIAL MEDIA

It is Jewish tradition to count for 49 days beginning on the second night of Passover (this year, 3/28). This counting of seven weeks of seven days each is called the Counting of the Omer. Practically speaking, it fulfills the biblical command in Leviticus 23:15-16 which says that we should count seven weeks when you bring the sheaf offering.

But spiritually, there is so much depth because the counting culminates in the holiday of Shavuot, which celebrates being given the Torah on Mt. Sinai. So, this special time of the year marks the transformation the Israelites made from enslaved individuals, to a unified people.

Jewish mystics called kabbalists further considered their understanding of the Divine, and the seven lower qualities they attributed to God. They then considered what it would be like to cross these seven lower qualities with one another and they ended up with a combination of two qualities per day of the Omer. 

For the past three years, Rabbi Miller has written reflections for each of these days. And, this counting of the omer will be back by popular demand this year-- on social media. So, check Rabbi Miller's @hearabbi account on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/hearabbi/ or Rabbi Miller's personal Facebook page at facebook.com/rabbiheathermiller to read the reflections. And, please comment, question, like, and share!

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY 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 86 members strong from 20 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.

JEWS OF COLOR

Tuesday, May 11 at 3pm PT/ 6pm ET, join Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Central Synagogue, New York City, Bruce Phillips, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology & Jewish Communal Service, HUC/Los Angeles, Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., HUC President, Moderator-- when the Torah first calls us a People, coming out of Egypt, we are described as an erev rav, a “mixed multitude.” It’s time to refute the definition of Jews as a race – which has been used to justify antisemitism, violence, and even genocide – and adopt a definition of covenant as the foundation of Jewish peoplehood, one that embraces Jews of color and celebrates diversity and inclusion. Special discussion to follow. No experience necessary. All are welcome! Register at: huc.edu/HUCConnect and to get the link to the discussion afterwards, be sure to cite Keeping It Sacred as the Synagogue/Organization.

CHAGALL AND THE BIBLE

Tuesday, June 8 at 12pm PT/ 3pm ET, Enjoy this Guest Lecture by Jean Bloch Rosensaft, Director, Dr. Bernard Heller Museum, HUC-JIR/New York. Marc Chagall was profoundly inspired by the Bible throughout his career, producing biblical works in a broad array of mediums, including paintings, etchings, sculptures, mosaics, tapestries, stained-glass windows, ceramics, and stage set designs. Discover how memories of his youth in Bitebsk, his 1931 visit to Palestine, the Russian Revolution, the Holocaust, his personal religiosity, and his admiration for the old masters informed his imagination to create uniquely modern visual interpretations of the core text of the Jewish people. Special discussion to follow. No experience necessary. All are welcome! Register at: huc.edu/HUCConnect and to get the link to the discussion afterwards, be sure to cite Keeping It Sacred as the Synagogue/Organization.

WOMEN'S RABBINIC NETWORK CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

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 WEDNESDAY: BLACK POWER

One of the bright lights of the Black Lives Matter movement, Dr. Melina Abdullah, Professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State Los Angeles, will offer an in-depth 8-week course dedicated to shifting power, privilege, and influence to support freedom for Black people. This course is run by SVP, but Rabbi Miller and others from Keeping It Sacred will be enrolled, so please join us! Register 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.  

2021: ACCESS JUDAISM: ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES SESSION 2!

Please save the dates for accessible, relevant, and empowering Jewish learning! Classes will be held at 10am PT/1pm ET via zoom. No experience necessary. All are welcome! Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

4/11 The Intelligent Design of the Prayerbook

COMPLETED

4/18 Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook

COMPLETED

4/25 Rituals as Markers of Transition

COMPLETED

5/2 The Characteristics of a Good Jew

COMPLETED 

5/9 Slam Poetry in the Golden Age

Medieval Spain birthed a Golden Age for the Jews. And, out of this era came a diverse array of poetry that is relevant today. From highly structured sacred praises of the Divine, to short quips about old age, to involved love poetry. Join us as we explore this vibrant literature.

5/16 Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why the Righteous Suffer

Why do bad things happen to good people? We don't know. But we do know a bad explanation when we hear it. Join this class to begin to heal from spiritually corrosive explanations of your suffering, to learn how to best support a suffering loved one, and how to draw boundaries when someone shares an unhelpful word.

5/23 Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century

Did Christianity spring forth from Judaism? Or did contemporary Judaism and Christianity emerge together? Learn the roots of both and you decide: Siblings or Cousins or parent/child? We'll make proto-rabbinic Judaism fun and accessible! 

5/30 Before You Die Consider these Rabbinic Thoughts

What are the most important things to think about in life? What will we be held accountable for later? How can we live the best life possible? Learn from the wisdom that was shaped over millenia in the Jewish tradition. 

Please see keepingitsacred.com/accessjudaism and register for, one class, one session, or the whole program HERE. These classes are free with suggested donation of $25/class, $180/session, $300 for the entire program; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All are welcome!

5/4-5/6 473k: A BELONGING EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE

At the 473K Belonging Experience, we will co-create a new vision of Bay Area Jewish communities where everyone in our diverse population can find belonging during this time of crisis and beyond. As the newest community partners of the 473k Community, Keeping It Sacred community members are invited to attend the conference for free. Read more about this opportunity HERE. 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HEBREW UNION COLLEGE: CONNECT

5/11 Jews of Color

Tuesday, May 11 at 3pm PT/ 6pm ET, join Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Central Synagogue, New York City, Bruce Phillips, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology & Jewish Communal Service, HUC/Los Angeles, Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., HUC President, Moderator-- when the Torah first calls us a People, coming out of Egypt, we are described as an erev rav, a “mixed multitude.” It’s time to refute the definition of Jews as a race – which has been used to justify antisemitism, violence, and even genocide – and adopt a definition of covenant as the foundation of Jewish peoplehood, one that embraces Jews of color and celebrates diversity and inclusion. Special discussion to follow. No experience necessary. All are welcome! Register at: huc.edu/HUCConnect and to get the link to the discussion afterwards, be sure to cite Keeping It Sacred as the Synagogue/Organization.

6/8 Chagall and the Bible

Tuesday, June 8 at 3pm PT/ 6pm ET, Enjoy this Guest Lecture by Jean Bloch Rosensaft, Director, Dr. Bernard Heller Museum, HUC-JIR/New York. Marc Chagall was profoundly inspired by the Bible throughout his career, producing biblical works in a broad array of mediums, including paintings, etchings, sculptures, mosaics, tapestries, stained-glass windows, ceramics, and stage set designs. Discover how memories of his youth in Bitebsk, his 1931 visit to Palestine, the Russian Revolution, the Holocaust, his personal religiosity, and his admiration for the old masters informed his imagination to create uniquely modern visual interpretations of the core text of the Jewish people. Special discussion to follow. No experience necessary. All are welcome! Register at: huc.edu/HUCConnect and to get the link to the discussion afterwards, be sure to cite Keeping It Sacred as the Synagogue/Organization.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW SERIES:

6/10 Caste

Thursday, 6/10 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, join us as we discuss Isabel Wilkerson's powerful book, Caste. 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 Caste on your own, and come ready to discuss. Register for the discussion, facilitated by Rabbi Miller, at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

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

5/16-17 TENACITY IN THE TEXTS

This past year has tested our endurance. Learn what the sages say about tenacity. Find the source of their strength and even uplift amidst some of the darkest times in Jewish History. Prepare to be inspired! 5/16 7pm PT/10pm ET- 5/17 7am PT/10am ET. All night in honor of Shavuot!

6/6 WRN JUBILEE CELEBRATION

Sunday, June 6 at 2:30pm PT/ 5:30pm ET, Join the Women's Rabbinic Network and Rabbi Miller, who proudly serves on the Executive Board, to celebrate 50 years of women in the rabbinate! This part of the biannual convention, usually reserved for the 700+ Reform women rabbis around the world in the WRN membership, will be open to the public to enjoy. It will be held Sunday, June 6 at 2:30pm PT/ 5:30pm ET. If you'd like to attend, you may 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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Keeping It Sacred continues, please consider making a donation via:

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Thank you for #keepingitsacred...