Newsletter May 30, 2022 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
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The theme of this, the final week of the Counting of the Omer cycle, is malchut/regality. This week, we take pause to consider what is important in our lives, and to consider: What do we each crown our lives with? At the end of this time period comes the holiday of Shavuot, the celebration of the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. The Torah is considered a gift so great, that every year for 3,500 years, the Jewish people have honored the anniversary of this gift. But here's the thing: we aren't celebrating receiving the Torah; we are celebrating the giving of the Torah. Why? What's the difference? The rabbis explain that Torah was first extended by God to all, but it is up to each of us to draw it down, to receive it. Receiving the Torah takes place every time we open a book and study. Each study session is pregnant with the possibility of revelation itself. Two thousand years ago, Rabbi Yohanan promoted this idea when he said that, "the crown of Torah is still sitting and waiting to be acquired, and anyone who wishes to take it may come and take it and be crowned with the crown of Torah." And, a thousand years ago in Spain, Maimonides said that the knowledge that comes form Torah, "Whosever wants it, may come and take it." (Mishnah Torah 3:1) In this way, the Torah is a great gift, absolutely accessible by all. A treasure trove of wisdom. A beautiful and valuable crown to adorn our lives with the beauty of ethical, intentional living waiting for us to claim it. If you have ever been to a Keeping It Sacred text study session, you know this to be true. We each glean much wisdom and encouragement, insight and empowerment from what the Torah has to teach. And, this Shavuot is extra special. Recently, a colleague of mine who heads a congregational community that is downsizing in the midwest let me and my colleagues know that she had some Torahs that would be available for purchase. I jumped at the chance, and voila! Our communal version of receiving the Torah came in the form of it being shipped across the country and my retrieving the sacred scroll from a local UPS store. Now the Torah is here for our community to enjoy. That's right: I am happy to report that the Keeping It Sacred community is now crowned with the gift of a bonafide Torah fit for ritual use. And our first reading of the Torah comes this Shabbat, just hours before Shavuot, when a wonderful, dedicated, caring pair of twins, Sam and Gigi, will read from it at their b'nai mitzvah. Please join us Saturday night for our Shavuot Celebration (and always!) as we celebrate and rejoice in the giving of the Torah! Register HERE. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred… Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
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MAZAL TOV ON YOUR GRADUTATION ILANA & SARAI! |
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The entire Keeping It Sacred community wishes a HEARTY Mazal Tov to dedicated members of the KITS Community, Ilana Tamir (above, left) and Sarai Hertz-Velasquez (above, right), who recently graduated from Wellesley College! Each has contributed their skills, talents, and energies toward building our beloved KITS Community, and helped to make us the welcoming, inclusive, inviting community we are today. We are so excited about their future! |
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MEMORIAL FOR BUFFALO, LAGUNA WOODS, AND UVALDE |
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THIS MORNING, Memorial Day May 30, 2022, 10am PT-12pm PT, our own Rabbi Miller and her dear friend Pastor Cue will co-officate an interfaith & community vigil honoring the lives of those lost at the recent Buffalo, Laguna Woods, & Uvalde shootings, and to remember in reverence all victims of white supremacist ideology and violence. The event is co-sponsored by Keeping It Sacred, the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita, Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), SCLC, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action along with Clergy 4 Black Lives & NAACP-SFV and Black Jewish Justice Alliance (BJJA). Participants will wear white and the community will attempt to answer the question: “Where Do We Go From Here?” For more information, please go to: https://fb.me/e/1K7tAzMNt |
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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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ACCESS JUDAISM: CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD JEW |
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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 SPECIAL SHABBAT HONORING WOMEN IN THE RABBINATE |
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THIS FRIDAY NIGHT Join Rabbi Miller and several of her Southern California colleagues to celebrate women in the rabbinate. Fifty years ago, Rabbi Sally J. Priesand was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion becoming the first woman ordained from a seminary in the world. Rabbi Miller will return to Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles, where she became bat mitzvah and was confirmed, to co-lead services with the woman rabbi who first introduced her to Mishnah over 30 years ago, Rabbi Leah Kroll. Join us as we reflect on the blessing of women in the rabbinate in person or by tuning in online. More info here: https://www.wisela.org/70-faces-of-torah-stephen-wise-temple-shabbat/ |
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The Jewish community around the world continues the practice of the counting of the Omer. Learn more about this ancient practice HERE. And, to follow all of our posts each day of the Counting of the Omer, please visit our Instagram page @keepingitsacred or our Facebook page HERE. |
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TELL YOUR OWN STORIES OF THE BIBLE! |
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THIS SATURDAY NIGHT- A Tikkun Leil Shavuot Celebration of the intersection between the sacred teachings of the Torah and the sacred teachings of our own lives. Delve into the rabbinic imaginings of the Exodus Narrative and unlock new revelations with a group of tenderhearted and thoughtful adult learners. Rabbi Heather Miller will lead us through a thoughtful approach to connecting with the texts that is contemporary, accessible, relevant, and empowering. June 4, 2022 at 8pm PT/11pm ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/event-details/tell-your-own-stories-of-the-bible. |
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INTERFAITH MUSIC FESTIVAL |
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Southern Californian members of KITS Community: Join us for an in-person Interfaith Music Festival hosted by the Interfaith Solidarity Network. The program has been organized by the board of the Interfaith Solidarity Network including our own KITS member, Rabbi Jim Kaufman, and begins at 1:30pm on June 12, 2022. Sign up here and join us then! |
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TORAH OF THE HEART: MAKING LITURGICAL LOVE TANGIBLE |
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JUNE 13TH! Join us for Torah of the Heart! Our newest teachings by guest Rabbis every other Monday in May and June. June 13, Rabbi Dr. N. Siritsky teaches Creating Welcoming Communities.
Join Rabbi Siritsky to think about how to build welcoming communities, especially for interfaith, LGBT, Jews of color, disabled, and communities beyond. A second-generation Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Siritsky's rabbinate has long been dedicated to "keruv" - an unwavering commitment to advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ and interfaith families and the creation of inclusive Jewish communities that are unconditionally welcoming of all spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious background, relationship status, identity, or Hebrew-speaking ability.
Originally from Montreal, Canada, Rabbi Dr. N. Siritsky studied in Jerusalem at several Orthodox yeshivas, prior to beginning their studies as a Reform rabbi at Hebrew Union College. For Rabbi Siritsky, studying Judaism from traditional perspectives was crucial because “it was important to understand what we are reforming”. Rabbi Siritsky believes in making educated choices from the rich set of resources provided by Jewish tradition, in order to ensure that every ritual and prayer is meaningful. In addition to nearly a decade working in synagogues, teaching, counseling and participating in life cycle events, they are also trained as an interfaith chaplain and worked with the American Red Cross after 9/11, providing counseling and support at the family assistance center, Ground Zero, and the morgue. Most recently, Rabbi Siritsky works as a social worker and therapist, as well as serving as the rabbi of an emerging Reform Jewish community in Atlantic Canada.
June 13th at 10am PT/1pm ET. Register here: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/event-details/creating-welcoming-communities-1
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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. 5/30 MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BUFFALO, LAGUNA WOODS, & UVALDE Murderous hatred and evil rocked the communities of Buffalo, Laguna Woods, and Uvaldale. Join Rabbi Miller and the Black Jewish Justice Alliance for a special Memorial Day remembrance observance calling out the injustices of hatred and bigotry and honoring the dead. The memorial will take place in Los Angeles at 10am on Monday, May 30 at 10am PT. For more information visit: https://fb.me/e/1K7tAzMNt 5/31 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. 6/1 ACCESS JUDAISM The Characteristics of a Good Jew Join us Wednesday, 6/1 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. 6/3 CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN THE RABBINATE Join Rabbi Miller and several of her Southern California colleagues to celebrate women in the rabbinate. Fifty years ago, Rabbi Sally J. Priesand was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion becoming the first woman ordained from a seminary in the world. Rabbi Miller will return to Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles, where she became bat mitzvah and was confirmed, to co-lead services with the woman rabbi who first introduced her to Mishnah over 30 years ago, Rabbi Leah Kroll. Join us as we reflect on the blessing of women in the rabbinate in person or by tuning in online. More info here: https://www.wisela.org/70-faces-of-torah-stephen-wise-temple-shabbat/ 6/4 TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT:TELL YOUR OWN STORIES OF THE BIBLE Saturday night, 6/4 at 8pm join our Tikkun Leil Shavuot Celebration of the intersection between the sacred teachings of the Torah and the sacred teachings of our own lives. Delve into the rabbinic imaginings of the Exodus Narrative and unlock new revelations with a group of tenderhearted and thoughtful adult learners. Rabbi Heather Miller will lead us through a thoughtful approach to connecting with the texts that is contemporary, accessible, relevant, and empowering. June 4, 2022 at 8pm PT/11pm ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/event-details/tell-your-own-stories-of-the-bible. 6/8 ACCESS JUDAISM Slam Poetry in the Golden Age Join us Wednesday, 6/8 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. 6/12 INTERFAITH MUSIC FESTIVAL Southern Californian members of KITS Community: Join us for an in-person Interfaith Music Festival hosted by the Interfaith Solidarity Network. The program has been organized by the board of the Interfaith Solidarity Network including our own KITS member, Rabbi Jim Kaufman, and begins at 1:30pm on June 12, 2022. Sign up at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 and join us then! 6/13 TORAH OF THE HEART JUNE 13TH! Join us for Torah of the Heart! Our newest teachings by guest Rabbis every other Monday in May and June. June 13, Rabbi Dr. N. Siritsky teaches Creating Welcoming Communities. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1. 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. 6/22 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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