There is a Jewish spiritual teaching that each of us is responsible for planting the seeds that will grow and bear the fruits that we eventually will want to consume. 

Today is Tu B’Shvat- a holiday known as the birthday of the trees. And so, today is a day we marvel at the beauty of the trees in our midst, and we are encouraged to think not only about the goodness they give-- their shade, their beauty, their oxygen-- but also, to consider what kind of future we want to grow. Often, Jewish communities plant all kinds of greenery on this day but especially parsley seeds. Why? Because, fun fact: if you plant parsley at this time of year, it will sprout and be ready for the ritual of dipping it in saltwater by Passover. 

What seeds are you planting at this time of year? What fruit do you hope it will bear?

Yesterday, members of the Keeping It Sacred community gathered in Los Angeles to plant the seeds of community and the seeds of a new model of family Jewish education. There is so much to know about and appreciate from Jewish teachings, stories, heritage, values, and holidays. We are looking to bring that to life in ways that are accessible, relevant, and empowering. All present want to plant the seeds of a vibrant community and we are making that happen. And it was awesome! Stay tuned and let me know via email at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com if you'd like to get involved.

As the weather is warming for those of us in the northern hemisphere, and the trees begin to bud, we are reminded of the hope built into the natural cycles of the earth. After the winter, comes spring and filled with it is warmth and potential. We may have a few weeks until everything in full bloom, but we see signs of beauty each day. From this holy day of Tu B’Shvat, may we draw encouragement and excitement at what's to come! 

Together, we are #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

ACCESS JUDAISM

TODAY! Please join us for the Melanie Grohman z"l Access Judaism session 2 classes!

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. There is no prerequisite for the class-- start with Session 2 if these classes appeal to you!

​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.

Access Judaism SESSION 2:

1/9 The Intelligent Design of the Prayer Service

1/23 Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook (REGISTER HERE)

1/30 Rituals as Markers of Transition (REGISTER HERE)

2/6 The Characteristics of a Good Jew (REGISTER HERE)

2/13 Slam Poetry in the Golden Age (REGISTER HERE)

2/27 Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why The Righteous Suffer (REGISTER HERE)

3/6 Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century (REGISTER HERE)

3/13 Before You Die, Consider These Rabbinic Thoughts (REGISTER HERE)

SAVE THE DATES and then, 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.

HEBREW UNION COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT

HUC-JIR spotlights the work of OUR Rabbi Heather Miller! Justice is clearly core to her being and core to her rabbinate as it is core to Jewish values. Read more about it HERE.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore another in our select collection of psalms and their messages about racial justice. This is our way of starting each month with a new vision of racial justice.

• February 21 (Psalm 137): REGISTER HERE

• March 28 (TBA): REGISTER HERE

• April 25 (TBA): REGISTER HERE 

Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

CCAR BOOK: PROPHETIC VOICES OUT NOW!

The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR Press) has published a book called Prophetic Voices. It helps readers renew and reimagine (and reconnect!) with the Haftarah readings of the liturgical cycle. Rabbi Miller has entries in the book and we are very excited to announce that it is now available!

Buy the new book here now!

Join the CCAR book launch on Tuesday, March 14, at 7:30 PM ET. The event is free and open to the public. Register here: https://ccar.co/pv-launch

SHABBAT SERVICES: THE LAST FRIDAY NIGHT OF EVERY MONTH

NOW IN PERSON (in LOS ANGELES) AND ONLINE!
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. Address provided upon RSVP.

REPRO SHABBAT TEXT STUDY ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

February 24 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. Registration will be at: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/event-details/repro-shabbat-text-study-on-reproductive-rights

MEGILLAH & MITZVAH

Keeping It Sacred has partnered with Beth Chayim Chadashim— the world’s first LGBT Founded Jewish Congregation and their kids program --to bring to our community a unique in person (in Los Angeles) Purim experience. Essentially it is an act of service, tying blankets to deliver to the LA LGBT Center’s youth homelessness and transitional services program. And along the way Purim characters will “visit” us in costume and in character. It should be lots of fun with lots of hamantaschen! Megillah & Mitzvah: A New Purim Experience Sunday, March 5, at 4 pm PT. SIGN UP HERE through Beth Chayim Chadashim.

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 36 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.

Also, this past week, our own Sue Parker Gerson's article on Nazir 7 and Rabbi Miller's article on Nazir 8, was published by the Daily Dose of Talmud.

REFORM JUDAISM HEBREW CLASSES

Sign up for Hebrew Classes with Reform Judaism here!

The Keeping It Sacred community (KITS) is now part of the URJ and the URJ offers two online Hebrew courses:

1. Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults, an online ten-session course. Learn the shapes and sounds of the Hebrew alphabet, with a warm and supportive educator to guide you.

2. Reading Hebrew Prayers, an online six-session course for those who can slowly sound out Hebrew words. Gain comfort and fluency reading Shabbat prayers in Hebrew.

Thought you'd want to know about the opportunity!

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.

ACCESS JUDAISM

TODAY! 2/6 at noon PT/3pm ET join us as we discuss: The Characteristics of a Good Jew. What are the characteristics of a good Jew? Learn about the Mussar movement and get an understanding of the spiritual legacy of mussar. Learn insights on humility, generosity and truth. Find inspiration to cultivate these quatlities in your own life. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

2/9 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. 

2/9 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.  

ACCESS JUDAISM

2/13 at noon PT/3pm ET join us as we discuss: 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. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

2/16 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. 

2/16 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.  

2/23 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. 

2/23 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.  

2/24 REPRO SHABBAT: TEXT STUDY

Save the Date! February 24 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. Registration will be at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

2/24 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.

ACCESS JUDAISM

2/27 at noon PT/3pm ET join us as we discuss: Bad Theology. 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. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

MITZVAH & MEGILLAH: A NEW PURIM EXPERIENCE

2/5 at 4pm PT Keeping It Sacred is partnering with Beth Chayim Chadashim— the world’s first LGBT Founded Jewish Congregation and their kids program --to bring to our community a unique in person (in Los Angeles) Purim experience. Essentially it is an act of service, tying blankets to deliver to the LA LGBT Center’s youth homelessness and transitional services program. And along the way Purim characters will “visit” us in costume and in character. It should be lots of fun with lots of hamantaschen! Megillah & Mitzvah: A New Purim Experience Sunday, March 5, at 4 pm PT. SIGN UP HERE through Beth Chayim Chadashim.

ACCESS JUDAISM

3/6 at noon PT/3pm ET join us as we discuss: 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! Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

ACCESS JUDAISM

3/13 at noon PT/3pm ET join us as we discuss: 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. Register here: 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...

And now on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Breaker, RadioPublic, PocketCasts!

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