Newsletter June 13, 2022 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
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Remember when “school’s out for summer” was a magical phrase that signaled a shift not only in daily routine, but also lifted effervescent anticipation of a new season of life? The same can happen with the promise of a new job, or in the shift to retirement or taking on a new pastime. At life’s changes, we may expect a shift in spiritual energy, and hopefully for the better. Even when we go through the process of grief, we may hope that our acute mourning period will pass and allow space for joy to return. But what happens when the joy just isn’t coming? Psalm 126:5 promises, “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” But what happens when this isn’t happening. When loss is so great that we struggle? We may feel we are trying to jumpstart our engines again, but we are just sputtering out. In these moments, it helps to take time to notice. Notice feelings and sit in them. To begin to think through where they are coming from. And to give them time. Jewish tradition knows that major losses take not only a week or even a month, and not even just the year. But, we carry then with us through life and remember them on their anniversary. We don’t encourage people to “just get over it.” Rather, we encourage moving with and moving through grief. Preferably in a community of others who also understand the importance of giving grief time and supporting one another along the way. When Miriam died, Moses and Aaron lashed out. They were sad. They were frustrated. They missed their sister for so many reasons. And one of the reasons why they missed her was because she had this uncanny ability to locate water for the Israelites as we wandered through the wilderness. But now they were in their own wilderness. And they were without water. In their frustration, they struck the rock to get it to produce water. They weren’t giving their mourning time; they weren’t giving their spirits space to notice, to hold, to shift. If you have recently (in the last 2 years) gone through loss, you may benefit from a self-check in around that loss. What did the loss feel like initially? Where are you now with it? What do you need to do as a bridge to the next part of your journey through grief? And, I’d like to share a beautiful album that our new Keeping It Sacred member, Marilyn Bronstein, created as a possible soundtrack to this reflection. It is helpful to sit in the sounds and feel.* In the process, you may also begin to recognize other resources to help you. A friend who is there waiting for you. A nature walk you have been meaning to take. A Jewish ritual like Mikveh that may be helpful to help your rebirth into new energy. A support group, our even our own Keeping It Sacred Healing Circle, which does not only exist for spiritual support around physical ailments, but also exists to provide spiritual support for spiritual issues. And, please do reach out for one on one support. And may you move through to a place of greater peace, contentment, and understanding. Together, we're #keepingitsacred... Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder, Keeping It Sacred *ALSO: if you decide to purchase the album on June 17, Bandcamp is donating monies in honor of the Juneteenth holiday to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Spiritual repair inspiring repair of the social fabric of society. |
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ACCESS JUDAISM: BAD THEOLOGY |
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Please sign up now for the Melanie Grohman z"l* Access Judaism KITS Signature Program. It offers relevant and empowering adult learning provided 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. Classes are open to students entering with a diversity of backgrounds from those well versed in Jewish life to those new to Jewish learning. There is a place for everyone in this program. 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. The Course features classes in philosophy, theology, culture, history, liturgy, and more! Wednesdays at 7pm PT/ 8p MT/ 9pm CT/ 10pm ET: Access Judaism SESSION 2: 5/11 The Intelligent Design of the Prayer Service (Register here!)
5/18 Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook (Register here!)
5/25 Rituals as Markers of Transition (Register here!)
6/1 The Characteristics of a Good Jew (Register here!)
6/8 Slam Poetry in the Golden Age (Register here!)
6/15 Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why The Righteous Suffer (Register here!) 6/22 Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century (Register here!) 6/29 Before You Die, Consider These Rabbinic Thoughts (Register here!) Register for all 8-classes, one 8-class session, or for individual classes a-la-carte when you click on an upcoming Access Judaism classes on our events calendar: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 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 can be made at the point of reservation or HERE. *We named this program for KITS member Melanie Grohman z"l (may her memory be for a blessing). She died unexpectedly this past summer at her home in Rockport, TX. She was very involved in our programs and in the midst of immersing herself in the study of Judaism and practices. We uplift her loving memory by naming this program in honor of her love of exploring Jewish life through the KITS community programming. For further information, or to introduce yourself, please write to Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com or our digital media manager, Molly Flanagan mflanagan@keepingitsacred.com. |
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A big MAZAL TOV to Gigi & Sam, who recently became b'nai mitzvah in a stunning ceremony in an enchanted garden officiated by Rabbi Miller. They led the community in prayers, chanted from the Torah, and shared what values, morals and lessons can be taken from Parashat Bamidbar. Namely, that it is important to value everyone- everyone counts! They also received heartfelt blessings from their parents, grandparents, and big sister. What a joy! |
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The entire Keeping It Sacred community welcomes Maisie and Zoe, into the world, the Jewish community, and our whole community! What a special joy for Rabbi Miller who officiated at their parents' wedding 5 years ago. Family members and close friends offered blessings and gave gratitude for their bright, joyful presence in the world. It was such a lovely reunion under the happiest of circumstances. We are twice blessed! |
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INTERFAITH SOLIDARITY NETWORK MARCH |
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Keeping It Sacred is proudly part of the Interfaith Solidarity Network. As such, Rabbi Miller (and family!) joined the march and music festival yesterday addressing hate and gun violence. Read the whole story about these united communities seeking transformational justice in the Los Angeles Daily News here! And, many THANKS to Rabbi Jim Kaufman and Rev. Daniel Tamm for their incredible efforts spearheading the organizing. The musical selections were very unifying as well! |
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POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN:A NATIONAL CALL FOR MORAL REVIVAL |
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Join the Poor People's Campaign on June 18th, at 9AM. We will be inspired by community and faith leaders (including our own Rabbi Miller), and those impacted by low wages and who experience poverty in our community. Walk for those who experience discrimination and are marginalized, for their gender, country of origin, culture, race, for who they love, their gender identity, and all who face oppression. Meet at the Geneva Presbyterian Church 24301 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, Stop at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 24231 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, Gather at Saint George Episcopal Church 23802 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, for final reflections and light refreshments. Contact Rabbi Miller if you are planning on attending: rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com. |
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ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW |
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This TUESDAY - Rosh Chodesh is the celebration of the new month. And over the next six months, our Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review series will take time to explore 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World: An Abolitionist’s Handbook by Patrisse Cullors. Each month, we will discuss two chapters of this work which will simultaneously address transforming our inner personal lives and also the institutional infrastructures of injustice around us. 3pm PT/6pm ET: 3/3, 4/2, 5/8, 5/31, 6/30 and 7/28 Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 AND! Co-founder of Black Lives Matter, artist, and author Patrisse Cullors will JOIN US 7/28 to discuss her book! |
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HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY |
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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 28 different states and 8 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. |
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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK: MONTHLY |
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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! |
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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 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. 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. 6/15 ACCESS JUDAISM Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why The Righteous Suffer Join us Wednesday, 6/15 at 7pm PT/10pm 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. 6/18 POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN Join the Poor People's Campaign on June 18th, at 9AM. We will be inspired by community and faith leaders (including our own Rabbi Miller), and those impacted by low wages and who experience poverty in our community. Walk in South Orange County for those who experience discrimination and are marginalized, for their gender, country of origin, culture, race, for who they love, their gender identity, and all who face oppression. Contact Rabbi Miller if you are planning on attending: rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com. 6/22 ACCESS JUDAISM Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century Join us Wednesday, 6/22 at 7pm PT/10pm 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. 6/24 SHABBAT SERVICES Friday night, 6/24 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. 6/29 ACCESS JUDAISM Before You Die, Consider These Rabbinic Thoughts Join us Wednesday, 6/29 at 7pm PT/10pm 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. 6/30 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW 3pm PT/6pm ET, join Rabbi Miller for a discussion of Patrisse Cullors' latest book, 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World: An Abolitionist’s Handbook. Patrisse Cullors herself (the author & co-founder of Black Lives Matter) join us 7/28!Explore how to transform yourself and the world around you amidst thoughtful, committed, tender-hearted community members. All are welcome. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.
7/28 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW & PATRISSE CULLORS 3pm PT/6pm ET, join Rabbi Miller for a discussion of Patrisse Cullors' latest book, 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World: An Abolitionist’s Handbook. Patrisse Cullors herself (the author & co-founder of Black Lives Matter) join us 7/28! Explore how to transform yourself and the world around you amidst thoughtful, committed, tender-hearted community members. All are welcome. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1. 7/29 SHABBAT SERVICES Friday night, 7/29 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. 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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GIFTS TO KEEPING IT SACRED |
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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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