Each year, instead of ordering the stereotypical Chinese food dinner on Christmas Eve, I pop into Winchell’s for a glazed donut (or 2!) on my way to church. It has become a ritual, over the past 10 years, to join the sacred community of All Saints Church of Pasadena for their Christmas Eve services. It is their community’s tradition to invite leaders of the interfaith community in Los Angeles to their Holy Night, and they invite some of us to speak from the lectern, in the spirit of peace, love, and hope— in the spirit of Christmas.

After my dinner of champions, I park and walk into the cavernous nave alight with candles, amidst the sounds of the ebullient ambient music performed LIVE by their orchestra, and the smells of incense and fresh evergreen wreaths, to see the faces made familiar after year over year of sacred relationship. The rector, and his family, associate rectors and priests, members of the vestry, and so many community members--  for myself, and other leaders in various faith communities across Los Angeles County, this is what it means to come home for the holidays.

This year, we have put in extra effort to be present with, and for, one another. To compassionately bear sacred witness to one another's grief; to hear the concerns and the feelings of insecurity and trauma responses of one another; and, to open our hearts to the complexity of what one another has been going through. Seeing from the vantage point of one another.

As Rabbi Hillel said nearly 2,000 years ago in the Mishnah, Pirkei Avot 2:4, right after he insisted, "do not separate yourself from the community," and "do not trust yourself until the day of your death," he insisted, "do not judge your fellow until you have reached their place." We have refused to separate ourselves, we have refused to blindly trust what has been fed to us, and we have reserved judgement of the other. We have sat with one another to hold sacred space for the other. We have listened. And we have spoken. As The Rev. Mike Kinman noted, in these moments we were able to share our fears and hopes for our shared future together.

This is what it means to be in beloved community. To build when it feels all around you, everything is crumbling. To give attention, when everything inside wants you to look away.

And do you know what happens when you meet fear with community-- the isolation part of things fades away. And that makes it all a little easier.

Even if this is just a little corner of the Los Angeles interfaith scene-- if we can imagine a way forward together, and nurture relationships, and create community here, maybe, those in the center of conflict will be encouraged knowing that somehow, somewhere, even though far away, people across perceived difference are valuing one another. People are seeking to understand rather than seeking to destroy. People are looking for ways of holding one another up, rather than tearing one another down.

Sometimes our work seems so small and insignificant. And sometimes it feels like it means everything in the world. This past Christmas Eve especially, and especially amidst the backdrop of the stunningly gorgeous sermon delivered by Rev. Kinman (see it HERE, beginning at 40:35), we reflected on these past 2 1/2 months, and 10 years and more. And it was a blessing to be together in community. This is what it means to keep it sacred.

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

MONTHY CONTRIBUTOR DRIVE

Update: we have 18 new subscribers!

Will you consider being one of our two additional new subscribers to help us reach our goal of 20 new subscribers by the end of the calendar year?

You still have a chance to participate in our monthly contributor drive-- to contribute to our vibrant, inclusive, intelligent and compassionate community.

Even a contribution of just $5/month will help us build for the future to bring hope and inspiration to people al around the world. Help us build a community we can all be proud of-- a legacy institution that will hold sacred space for goodness.

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!

AND MANY THANKS to those of you who have contributed! 18 is an auspicious number in Judaism, corresponding to the word chai/life-- you give life!

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

The URJ Intro to Judaism course taught by our Rabbi Miller, starting in January, is now open for registration at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

This program will give seekers a strong foundation for participation in the Jewish community and to empower them to further explore Judaism. Weekly classes are augmented by Shabbat programs and additional experiential components.

Participants include singles and couples, Jews and those from various faith backgrounds. The LGBTQ-friendly class is also perfect for individuals raising Jewish children, those who never had a Jewish education, individuals who want to explore their Jewish roots or those who or want to explore Judaism on an adult-level.  This course is open to all, and is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals pursuing or considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful chance to reconnect with their Judaism as an adult.

Rabbi Heather Miller teaches and her style is open, interactive, and encouraging of questions. She was raised in an interfaith family, and joyfully engages with folks of all religious backgrounds and questions. Register HERE today!

ADOPTEE VOICES NEEDED!

Are you an adoptee of color raised in a Jewish family? Jewtina y Co. and Celia Center are doing a research study on adoptees of color raised in Jewish households! Click here to take the survey!

VISIT ACROSS THE MILES!

We enjoyed a beautiful Hanukkah gift! Sheryl and David drove in, all the way from Ohio, to join us for our incredible Hanukkah celebration (see it HERE), in person! They have been so generous with their time and efforts to build this community full of love, joy, and goodness, with Sheryl co-leading the KITS Creativity Club and being a regular member of our Talmud Study, and David spearheading our code of ethics and being a regular presence in our midrash and other classes. Both bring a joy and thoughtfulness to the building of what we are doing here. Thank you, Sheryl and David-- you are a gift and it was wonderful to gather with you in 3D!

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 December 31st.

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!

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

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.

• January 11th, 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET we will cover Chapter 3 Racial Terror, led by Rabbi Miller

Register HERE to join the discussion and make a difference.

6TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PRAYER BREAKFAST

Join the 6th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Reconcile Church in collaboration with Orange County churches, on Monday, January 15th 2024 at 8AM at the Newsong Church in Santa Ana, CA. Register at tinyurl.com/OCMLKprayer2024.

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

Please note our weekly Talmud Daf Yomi Text Study Group is postponed this week and next (12/28 and 1/4). We look forward to seeing everyone in the new year, on 1/11!

JOIN our healing circle holding space for all looking for prayers for healing. This and EVERY THURSDAY -- at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. This week 12/28 and 1/4, we have special lay leaders Sheryl and Wendy co-leading.

CONGRATS AGAIN, TAYLOR & BILLY!

Taylor and Billy's extended video of their recent wedding, packed with love, tenderness, and fun, is now available from Amari Productions. View the whole video HERE.

COPING FOR KIDS AT BEEWELL.COM

Kids who learn coping skills are better prepared for the difficulties that face them. 

This is the founding principle that KITS community member Terra Horton, MA, LMFT, and her sister Tracey Horton Gronemeyer, used to create a unique line of books for kids going through tough times like life-threatening illness, injury, and painful medical interventions can lead to trauma symptoms, including PTSD.

They saw the need for children to get mental and emotional care, alongside the medical care already getting in hospitals, because mental health matters. 

They started their work in hospitals, and grew to include other places kids need support too, including going to sleep away camps, entering foster care, learning how to protect themselves, and more. 

We wanted you to know about these resources and this amazing dynamic duo as Keeping It Sacred is a community of writers and healers. Enjoy 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.

12/28 HEALING CIRCLE

Join us as we gather every Thursday for a Prayer Circle. THIS WEEK will be co-led by lay leaders, Wendy and Sheryl. Come and 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. 

12/28 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP

This week's Talmud Study is postponed.

1/04 HEALING CIRCLE

Join us as we gather every Thursday for a Prayer Circle. THIS WEEK will be co-led by lay leaders, Wendy and Sheryl. Come and 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. 

1/04 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP

This week's Talmud Study is postponed.

1/11 SHEVAT 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. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT. Shevat Rosh Chodesh will be led by Rabbi Miller and cover Chapter 3: Racial Terror. REGISTER HERE.

1/11 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. 

1/11 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.  

1/18 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

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. 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. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT. 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 SHABBAT SERVICES

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. 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...

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!