Newsletter April 29, 2024 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
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For those who observe seven days of Passover, the holiday concludes this evening. Suddenly we can resume eating chametz (bring on the pizza!), but spiritually, we also find ourselves alone in the desert wilderness. At least, that’s how it was for the ancient Israelites who made the exodus journey from slavery to freedom. Essentially once they cast off oppression in Egypt, they were faced with the daunting task of having to dream into existence what to do with that newfound freedom. They had to envision a new way forward; a new way that had never existed in their lifetime. Would each family go their separate way on the journey? Or would they band together? And if they stuck together, would they build power and replicate old systems of domination and control, or create spiritually healthy communities based on sharing and caring? The Torah tells us there was bickering and infighting in the wilderness. The people grew tired of wandering. It was hot and they began to take the miracle of manna from heaven for granted. When Miriam died, the wells of water accompanying them dried up and the people threatened to rebel against Moses’ prophetic leadership who, in turn, grew frustrated and struck the rock when God had instructed that he simply speak with it. This people had lived through a miracle, being saved from 400 years of slavery, and now, what? Fighting for freedom from oppression seemed to be easier than imagining a new world and working toward that vision. Their sights had been dimmed by centuries of subjugation. Indeed, it is difficult to shift the paradigm, to grow and realize that you are no longer struggling against the injustices committed by those in power, and that you are free to think and dream. Even harder to consider that now here you are with your own power calling the shots, and held accountable by throngs of people who would be impacted by your every move. Leadership is like that. In my own days in college, I had been a student leader fighting for changes to campus policies that were not thought out well, causing harm, and/or flatly discriminatory. But, when later I became a school administrator, I realized it is one thing to critique leadership and it is another thing to actually lead. To have your finger on the pulse of the people, to envision a better way of doing things, to create policies around those visions, and then to execute them well. And, probably most importantly, to be flexible enough to receive critique from those invested in the goals of the community to change course as needed. Religiously, the tension at this time of year is due to the shift of the holidays associated with the ancient Israelites from being an enslaved people, to now governing ourselves. And it seems that the tensions today reflect this challenge- the Jewish people worldwide and in Israel in particular are wrestling with what it means to forge a new way forward. Some have taken on the paradigms of our oppressors. Some are still acting like we are enslaved. And those striving to push through a new vision are divided on what that new vision could or should be. Add in powerful monied geopolitical forces who attempt to influence leadership and who inject sophisticated weapons systems into the equation, and we get what we are seeing on the 5 o’clock news everyday. No wonder we are all exhausted. We are living through a huge historical shift in power, resources, leadership styles, and tactics of warfare. We could not have envisioned a world like this, and now we are left to deal with it. Fortunately, our tradition has provided a spiritual scaffolding to support the ancient Israelites through the titanic shift in orientation to their world. Perhaps we can lean on this practice in our day, as well, to help us clarify our calling? The practice is called is the counting of the Omer- a ritual that would have us contemplate every day for seven weeks who we are as spiritual beings. It would lead us through our grief and trauma and ground us in the best of human qualities. The kabbalists developed this way of counting that involved taking seven of the ten attributes of God and balancing them among themselves. This created a system by which participants methodically contemplate who we are spiritually daily for 49 days. This is the journey our people have taken for centuries; perhaps now we can use it to help us acclimate to our new position in the world; to consider our new position in the world post-Holocaust, post-the founding of the state of Israel, and post-October 7. We have lost our way, and in the birthing of our new structure we are seeing, feeling and participating in the struggle to move forward. We need help envisioning our survival and also to consider what thriving in the new world looks like for ourselves and others. Are we to amass weapons, create a nation-state and wage wars like the rest of the countries around us? Or participate on the global stage as a community grounded in the highest of human values? And how do we actualize that vision? Evidence shows that it is all very complex and we are struggling through, as a people, to figure it out. I am feeling the pull of all the infighting, the lack of nuance, and the blaming, shaming, and oppression olympics. Also the vulnerability, ancestral trauma, and fear. Hopefully, this period represents a wandering in the desert that will eventually lead us to a clearer vision of what could be, and a brighter future. And hopefully, it won't take 40 years to come to fruition. Until then, all we can do is keep encouraging in one another's commitment to the highest ideals. This is how we are keeping it sacred. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred...
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
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Join our social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook, to follow along with counting the Omer, started this past Tuesday, April 23rd. The counting of the omer was once a harvest season ritual that was adopted by the Kabbalists who infused a spirituality and intentionality into the practice. Check out our social media daily for seven weeks of seven days of readings, and meditative prompts to spark introspection and spiritual strength. This custom traditionally links the second night of Passover with Shavuot (day 50!). Join us in this spiritual exercise as we climb up from oppression to the celebration of the giving of the Torah. |
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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. Our next KITS Creativity Club will be on May 5th, 9 am PT/ Noon ET. Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day is that day, and we are going to return to poetry. Bring a meaningful poem to share on the subject of this holiday, (especially if you wrote it!) and then we will write some poetry, so bring paper, and something to write with. Register HERE. |
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NISAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW |
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This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. Iyyar Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review: May 9th 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET. Register here! And mark your calendar for upcoming dates: Sivan Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: June 6 Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: July 5 Av Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: August 8 Elul Rosh Chodesh Racial Jusice Book Review: September 5
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THE 19TH ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN JOINT MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY |
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On May 12 at 10:30am PT | 1:30pm ET, join the Joint Memorial Day Ceremony, organized by Combatants for Peace and The Parents Circle Families Forum, the largest Israeli-Palestinian jointly organized peace event in history. The Joint Memorial Ceremony provides a unique opportunity for Israelis and Palestinians to grieve together and stand strong in demanding an end to the occupation and ongoing violence. The ceremony occurs yearly on the eve of Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Memorial Day). In Israeli mainstream culture, the ceremonies that are most often held to honor this day serve to reinforce cultural narratives of pain, victimhood, and hopelessness. The Joint Memorial transforms this narrative by bringing Palestinians to the Memorial alongside Israelis to mourn side by side and model another way forward. REGISTER HERE! |
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Hosted by Keeping It Sacred, in collaboration with Muslims for Progressive Values, and Nefesh: Hear from those living with Grief in the Middle East as we invite members of the Parents' Circle to share reflections on their experiences as people who have lost loved ones in violence. Explore human suffering and a new vision for the future. Join us at 9am PT | Noon ET on 5/20. Register here! Our speakers include: Robi Damelin, spokesperson and director of International Relations for the Parents Circle - Families Forum joined the organization after her son was killed by a Palestinian Sniper. All her work on the ground both in Palestine and Israel and internationally is geared towards non-violence and reconciliation as a means to end the occupation. Robi was named as a 2015 Woman of Impact by Women in the World. She regularly contributes to media outlets in Israel and abroad. Robi was invited to brief the Security Council at the United Nations in May, 2022. Laila Alsheikh lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. In 2002, her 6 months old son, Qussay, became ill and Israeli soldiers prevented Layla from taking him to the hospital for more than five hours. Qussay soon died from the lack of timely treatment. Laila joined the Parents Circle in 2016. Following her son’s death, she never thought of revenge, but rather has devoted her time and energy to ensuring a better, more peaceful future for her children
The Parents Circle - Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of more than 700 bereaved families. Their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. But instead of choosing revenge, they have chosen a path of reconciliation.Through their educational activities, these bereaved members have joined together to take tens of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis on journeys of reconciliation. It is often raw and always emotional. But out of these interactions, comes change. Not the kind of change that makes headlines, but a more personal and profound shift in perspective.As a joint Israeli-Palestinian peace organization, the PCFF models constructive dialogue around shared values. Even since October 7th, 2023, its staff, members, and thousands of participants are still committed to peace and a way forward that centers around empathy and humanization.The PCFF focuses on the shared value of the sanctity of human life. This conversation brings our attention to the values that Palestinians and Israelis can agree upon even in the darkest of times. |
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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. These services 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. Please RSVP for both at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming and if you’d like to join in person, please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com for details. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: May’s Shabbat is Fire Pit Shabbat in honor of Lag B’Omer (5/31) June’s service is Summertime Shabbat (6/28) |
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SHARE YOUR INTERFAITH WEDDING STORY WITH 18 DOORS |
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18Doors (formerly interfaithfamily.com) is looking to learn about the contours of interfaith weddings. Who officiated? In what ways were the elements of your traditions incorporated? What were special or memorable moments? Share your story with 18Doors here! “We want to see your Jewish Interfaith Wedding!” And, if you're looking to have an interfaith wedding, please check out our weddings webpage HERE-- Rabbi Miller joyfully officiates! |
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Our Introduction to Judaism® online course gives participants a strong foundation for authentic and empowered engagement in the Jewish community. This 18-session program is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays, and rituals. This course is designed for spiritual seekers, interfaith couples, individuals pursuing or considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful chance to reconnect with their Judaism as an adult. Classes will be held Mondays at 1pm PT/4pm ET from January 22 through June 3, with breaks March 25 (Spring Break) and May 27 (Memorial Day). The program is led by Rabbi Heather Miller and her teaching style is interactive, and encouraging of questions. She is queer and a member of an interracial, international, interfaith family, and joyfully engages with folks of all backgrounds. Rabbi Heather Miller is known for her open, affirming, and joyful approach. Come for the program, stay for the community! Weekly classes are augmented by Shabbat and holiday programs and additional experiential components all found on the calendar (HERE). Our course of 18 classes is $360 for individuals, and $500 for couples. No experience necessary. All are welcome! View the course outline HERE. Full course materials are provided upon registration. Register for this program HERE. |
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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 the world 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, 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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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. 4/29 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.
5/02 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. 5/02 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.
5/05 CREATIVITY CLUB
Every other Sunday at 9am PT | noon ET! Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. 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.
5/09 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. 5/09 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.
5/16 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. 5/16 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. 5/20 GRIEF IN THE MIDDLE EAST 9am PT/ noon ET on 5/20 join us for Grief in the Middle East. A program hosted by Keeping It Sacred, Muslims for Progressive Values, and Nefesh: Hear from those living with Grief in the Middle East as we invite members of the Parents' Circle to share reflections on their experiences as parents who have lost children in violence. Explore human suffering and a new vision for the future. Register here!
5/23 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. 5/23 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.
5/30 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. 5/30 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. 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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