Newsletter November 23, 2023 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
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Histories are complicated. They get confused with multiple viewpoints, shrouded by perspectives from biased participant actors, and others with agendas. The truth can be difficult to uncover. But it is always there. Recently I visited New Orleans which is a city of beautiful homes and delicious foods, and that celebrates free expression. But it was the site of the largest slave market in the United States, and crippling racial disparity persists. One can see history, issues, and current events from various angles. But what angle will we choose to view history from? While in New Orleans, I visited the WWII museum. It focused on the global war strategy by the nations involved, and military might and impact. There was one section dedicated to women’s contributions to the war efforts. And one to interfaith chaplains. Mention of the Shoah was a small section of the experience. But, if you go to the Smithsonian Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, you will find a different kind of museum. There, room after room of facts, artifacts, oral histories, and video footage of the experience of those who experienced the death camps, the propaganda that led up to it, and the impact to families following. There is a very moving memorial honoring all who were murdered. Both museums were covering the same time period, but from different angles. And within each museum, you can see echoes of the truth from another perspective. The holidays are like this, too. Thanksgiving, can be dressed up and the more savory (literally!) parts can be focused on to celebrate the kindergarten version of the day-- a celebration of a festive meal, Pilgrim pioneers, and knowledgeable local Native Americans. But in truth, Smithsonian tells us that massacres, disease, and American Indian societal and political damage is what the local tribes received. The Wampanoag tribe spends the holiday of Thanksgiving in deep mourning. So, whose truth do we see? What truth do we accept? This goes for the facts around WWII, the Thanksgiving holiday today, and every world event that has ever or will ever come to pass. Today is a day that I’m dedicating to the exploration of truth and asking questions about how we uncover the truth: where do we get our information from? What are their motives? What might they miss? What information could be lost in the fog of war and time and history? In Hebrew, the word “truth” is “emet”- and it is spelled with the first, middle, and last letters of the aleph-bet. This shows the expansive and enduring nature of truth. This is what Abraham Abulafia wrote about in the 12th century about Divine truth expressed through the power of letters. He encouraged, "engross yourself in truth's holy letters." (Our beloved member, artist and scholar Bruria Finkel recently explored this concept in Jerusalem; find her discussion below). The rabbis often encouraged us to ask questions and consider various perspectives When something seems too simple, it usually is. Ultimately, the truth, is still sitting right there. Waiting patiently to be discovered and shared. The search for the truth is sacred. What will we find?
Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
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TOMORROW! 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. With Rabbi Miller and Max Winer. These services generally 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. Our next gathering will be online only November 24th! PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: November's service will be on the 24th and online only, and December's service will be on the 15th (early in the month!) to include a Hybrid Hanukkah Reprise (online and weather permitting, in person). Please register for these at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming, and email rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com if you would like to attend in person. |
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Update: we have 6 new subscribers! Please consider subscribing today. Would you like to help Keeping It Sacred expand its capacity to spread more love, compassion, connection, and learning in the new year? If so, please join our SUBSCRIPTION CHALLENGE-- we are hoping to earn the monthly support of 20 new subscribers at any meaningful level to sustain and expand our work.
Your generous support helps Keeping It Sacred:
Unlock access to learning the wisdom of ancient texts Create an open, authentic, and empowered community Build connections with interfaith family members, neighbors & friends Create a courageous community that brings about positive social change
Visit our web page keepingitsacred.com/our-future to say YES to subscribe with a recurring monthly contribution. AND, to THANK YOU for your monthly recurring subscription, you will get not one but TWO gifts from our beloved KITS Community Members: -the new zine (artistic, informative magazine) called The Grieving Imperative written by Jethro Heiko, expert on grief and trauma in individuals and communities, and -a handmade original Thank You card by our KITS Creativity Club members. To subscribe, please go to keepingitsacred.com/our-future and be sure to click on the "monthly" option. Thank you for your support! |
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THE GRIEVING IMPERATIVE ZINE: IN CONVERSATION |
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Explore the process of grieving as individuals and as a community with grief specialist Jethro Heiko. His 25 years of grief work has yielded some reflections that are sure to offer new insight into the path of the mourner. Find new ways to honor grief as a transformative force Bring an open heart and your questions. This session will not be recorded. Register through our calendar HERE. |
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Please join us for a joyful celebration of the newest Hanukkah miracle: the 9th night celebrated as: A Miraculous Hanukkah Reprise December 15, 2023 join us at 5:30pm PT /8:30pm ET for an extra special online and in-person celebration of candle lighting, songs, stories, and celebration! RSVP for this epic night of miracles at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming Also: Are you going to be in the Los Angeles area this night? If you’d like to join us in person please email info@keepingitsacred.com so we can give you the details. |
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Please send a few photos of a favorite menorah and the city you represent to Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com, so we can share them and our love for the Festival of Lights- on social media. Include a story, favorite memory, or other fact about the menorah you share. And may this be a meaningful Festival of Lights with feelings of connectedness across the world for all! |
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Interested in exploring a modern Jewish take on spirituality, values, and community? You are invited to three part Our A Taste of Judaism® online course designed for you! We will begin next on November 27, 2023 at 1pm PT | 4pm ET, and will continue the 3 part series on December 4th and December 11th. Come and learn! If you have always wanted to learn more about Judaism but haven't been sure where to start, this is the opportunity for you. Encounter the big ideas and texts that make up Judaism's rich tapestry. A Taste of Judaism® provides an open door to community, connection, and meaning. Everyone is welcome. Whether you are in an interfaith relationship, raising Jewish children, a spiritual seeker, considering conversion, or curious about Judaism, this class is for you! A Taste of Judaism® is designed to be a safe and affirming place for you to explore, regardless of where you are on your journey with Judaism. We affirm individuals and couples from all backgrounds and are LGBTQIA+-friendly. A Taste of Judaism® assumes no previous Jewish knowledge and is taught by Rabbi Heather Miller, known for her open, affirming, and joyful approach. Register for one or all sessions at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming |
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BRURIA FINKEL: MEDITATIONS ON THE ALPHABET |
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Recently, our beloved member, artist Bruria Finkel, visited Jerusalem where her work was featured in the Jerusalem Theatre. Finkel (b. 1932, Jerusalem) is deeply rooted in her birthplace of Jerusalem, California's counter-culture movement, and medieval mystical thinkers like Abraham Abulafia, a 13th-century Kabbalist from Spain. Finkel was asked to translate into English Abulafia's tractate "Sefer Ha-Ot" (The Book of the Letter - 1288). About twenty years later, she began to create - in mixed media - her series "Meditations" were displayed in the exhibition. HERE, you can find a recording of the group discussion of Finkel along with Professor Moshe Idel, Max Cooper Professor of Jewish Thought Emeritus at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Dr. Christine Meilicke, scholar of contemporary American Jewish literature and culture; and the Jerusalem Theatre curator, Dr. Batsheva Goldman-Ida. Through this talk, engross yourself in truth's holy letters, and consider the dance of life. |
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HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY |
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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 at at least 38 states and 12 countries across 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 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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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 November 19th. 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: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/upcoming |
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ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW |
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At the start of every Hebrew calendar month, we take time to focus on our work for racial justice through the Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review. We are currently exploring the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Interim Report linked HERE. Register HERE to join the discussion and make a difference. |
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ICAL USER? JOIN OUR CALENDAR TO SEE OUR EVENTS! |
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If you use the calendar App, iCal, on your Apple device(s) 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. Or, to add it manually, go to your Apple device’s “Calendars,” then go to “Add Subscription Calendar,” and paste the following URL: webcal://p164-caldav.icloud.com/published/2/MTAwNTkyMDg4MjcxMDA1OQR0fuSCoir8-IUKE7Pl_mtLL6wCWL8UsFQl0SOGOutaVvSGypiGpw8QpGzN3GB97CHqafkuA4hx2U97b43we1c and add! You will receive updates to the calendar by “allowing notifications” too! |
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LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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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! |
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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. 11/14 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW 9am PT/12pm ET: The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore Chapter 9 (Cultural and Intellectual Life) of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT. This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 11/16 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. 11/16 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.
11/19 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 first session was wonderful with the leadership of Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 11/23 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. 11/23 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. 11/24 SHABBAT SERVICES Sing, eat, gather in community at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song. THIS gathering will be ONLINE ONLY.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. 11/27 TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 1 1pm PT/4pm ET, Come and learn! If you have always wanted to learn more about Judaism but haven't been sure where to start, this is the opportunity for you. Encounter the big ideas and texts that make up Judaism's rich tapestry. A Taste of Judaism® provides an open door to community, connection, and meaning. Please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming 11/28 GRIEVING IMPERATIVE WITH ZINE CREATOR, JETHRO HEIKO 10am PT/1pm ET, Explore the process of grieving as individuals and as a community with grief specialist Jethro Heiko. His 25 years of grief work has yielded some reflections that are sure to offer new insight into the path of the mourner. Find new ways to honor grief as a transformative force. Please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming 11/30 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. 11/30 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. 12/04 TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 2 1pm PT/4pm ET, Come and learn! If you have always wanted to learn more about Judaism but haven't been sure where to start, this is the opportunity for you. Encounter the big ideas and texts that make up Judaism's rich tapestry. A Taste of Judaism® provides an open door to community, connection, and meaning. Please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming 12/07 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. 12/07 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. 12/11 TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 3 1pm PT/4pm ET, Come and learn! If you have always wanted to learn more about Judaism but haven't been sure where to start, this is the opportunity for you. Encounter the big ideas and texts that make up Judaism's rich tapestry. A Taste of Judaism® provides an open door to community, connection, and meaning. Please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming 12/15 A MIRACULOUS HANUKKAH REPRISE 12/15, join us at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET for an extra special online and in-person celebration of candle lighting, songs, stories, and celebration with Rabbi Miller, Max Winer, and YOUR KITS Community! RSVP for this epic night of miracles at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming 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! |
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