It took my breath away. Reading Abraham’s words in this week’s Torah portion. “Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty?” 

Watching the IDF’s bombings and ground incursions into Gaza this past weekend on a mix of people, some Hamas and many children, Abraham’s verse jumped out at me. 

Will we sweep away the innocent with the guilty? 

The Torah story backdrop is that of a wayward population of Sodom and Gemorrah which God intends to destroy. But the progenitor of Judaism, Abraham, bargains with God. What if there are 50 righteous people there? 

Abraham asks (Genesis 18:24-25):

“What if there are 50 righteous people within the city- will you indeed sweep them away and not forgive the place for the sake of the 50 innocent that are therein? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked treating the righteous as the wicked. Far be it from you! Shouldn’t the Judge of all the earth do justly?”

And what could God do but acquiesce? 

But then Abraham makes the same case of there are just 45 righteous there. Then 40, 30, and all the way down to 10. 

So God recognized that if there are even ten righteous people in a city it should not be destroyed. In fact, this is where Judaism gets our idea that we need ten people for a quorum or in Hebrew, a minyan. 

When I look at the suffering and pain being inflicted upon the populous of Gaza, I wonder- aren’t there 10 righteous people there? Of course there are. 

So what would Abraham say to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in this situation? Why are the innocent being swept away with the wicked? Have you seen the videos and images? That is what is happening. And there is great risk that the Israelis taken hostage will be swept away in the process, too. Many of their family members are gravely concerned.

This activity comes the weekend when the number of Israeli hostages in Gaza has now been updated to be 239. To say nothing if the Gazan children who live there. Innocents. And yet already, according to the international organization called Save the Children, 3,195 children have been killed there.

So what would Abraham say? Should we sweep away the innocent with the guilty? 

We know Torah is a guide. And honoring its principles, morals, and values, and applying them to our lives today is how we keep it sacred. 

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

SIGNING ONTO T'RUAH'S CLERGY LETTER

Rabbi Miller has joined over 400 other rabbis and cantors in calling for care in the Israel/Gaza situation. Read the letter HERE.

TODAY: RE-IMAGINING BIBLICAL TEXTS

TODAY: Have you ever wondered about the parts of the Bible that are not explained? So did the rabbis! And they filled in the gaps in the text with their own writing and understanding of what happened in a literary art form called midrash. Rabbi Miller will explain the concept and provide examples. Then, together, we will do a close read of selected texts to view gaps in the storylines, and write our own expositions based on our own life experience. In the process, we will learn more about the characters in the Bible, each other, and ourselves!

Join us Monday, October 30 at noon PT/3pm ET as we explore the relationship of Isaac and Ishmael.

And then again Monday, November 11 at noon PT/3pm ET as we explore the relationship of Cain and Abel.

Register for one or both 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.

• November 14th, 9am PT/12pm ET we will cover Chapter 9 Control Over Creative, Cultural, & Intellectual Life, led by Shari Pratt

• December 14th, 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET we will cover Chapter 2 Enslavement, led by Wendy Stiver

• 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.

TASTE OF JUDAISM

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

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

JOIN our healing circle holding space for all looking for prayers for healing. This and EVERY THURSDAY -- usually at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET but this week we will again begin at 10am PT/1pm 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.

SIYYUM TRACTATE KIDDUSHIN

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! Join us for a Half-Hour Siyyum Tractate Gittin Event on Thursday, November 9th at 12PM PT | 3PM ET. Register here.

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 November 5th.

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

ON YOUTUBE: INTERFAITH DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LA LIBRARY

The LA County Library has published a recording of the interfaith panel that Rabbi Miller served on two weeks ago with Roy Two-Bears Delarosa and Professor Najeeba Syeed called "Communities of Care." View it HERE. The interfaith panel that Rabbi Miller served on last week with Nirinjan Singh Khalsa called "Putting it Into Practice" will also be published on this YouTube channel so stay tuned!

THE SOUL OF INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP

One of the interfaith panels that Rabbi Miller participated last week organized by the Interfaith Solidarity Network (a community of organizations centered in the San Fernando Valley) was written up. Find the piece HERE.

Rabbi Miller joined Shaykh Suhail Mulla Director, Khalil Center (LA), Resident Scholar, Islamic Society of West Valley, and the Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith who is Ecumenical and Inter-religious Officer of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We prayed, broke bread together, and shared our common challenges and goals. It was an especially important time to gather together as we held space for one another's grief and lit a ritual memorial candle for the dead. When asked what we do in a time like the, the answer is-- engage.

LET US SING: AN INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING PROGRAM

All are welcome to join our friends and Interfaith Partners through the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita for the "Let Us Sing Thanksgiving" program on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 4:00-5:30 pm, hosted this year at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 30522 Via Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita (refreshments provided).  Questions may be directed to: Jeff@shieldslawoffices.com

MONTHLY SHABBAT SERVICES

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.

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.

WELCOME, RABBI ARIEL EZEKIEL TOVLEV!

Woo Hoo! Keeping It Sacred just got our 900th Instagram follower and it is none other than Rabbi Ariel Ezekiel Tovlev (they/them/he/him), a self-described Queer+trans cat lover, poet, and independent rabbi in the DMV. When asked what brought them to follow KITS online, they said, "I followed to be inspired by creative and innovative ways to engage our Jewish tradition." Welcome, Rabbi! @arieltovlev @hearabbi @keepingitsacred @instagram #900 #woohoo #whatrabbisdo

MORNING PRAYER BY RICH ORLOFF

Our member, Rich Orloff, shared with us his poem and gave us special permission to print it here. Enjoy.

Morning Prayer

by Rich Orloff 

I awaken

Open my eyes

And a divine voice

Says to me:

Look at the clouds

Look at the sky

Look at the horizon

I give you these

Look at a stranger’s smile

Hear a friend’s warm words

Feel a loved one’s embrace

I give you these

And if you’re thinking

Yeah, but what about…

And what about…

I admit these are fair questions

Your questioning mind

Yearning for answers

Hoping for a better world

I give you that, too

copyright 2023 Rich Orloff.

PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR WORK

We need your help. This community runs entirely on contributions by those who love our work. People like you!

If you value what we bring into the world, please consider a financial contribution to help us cover our costs and build our community in the future- afterall, nothing is guaranteed. So if you like what we are offering, please consider supporting.

Your generous support helps Keeping It Sacred: 

• Unlock access to learning the wisdom of ancient texts 

• Create an open, authentic, empowered community

• Reach out to our interfaith neighbors and friends

• Create a courageous community that effects positive social change
   

Visit our web page keepingitsacred.com/our-future to say YES to helping us build this very special community. We are so grateful for your commitment and generosity!

FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM

IT IS HERE! MOMENTUM: A KITS Family Education offering! Check out our website Family Education page (keepingitsacred.com/family-education) to learn more about the design of this special program that is both personalized and communal, affirms the interests and development of every student, and motivates the work through game theory. We couldn't be more excited about sharing more!

MOMENTUM: A KITS Family Education is a Jewish educational offering for the whole family that:

• Empowers parents

• Considers who your kid is uniquely

• Integrates into your family’s life organically

• Provides content and questions to explore

• Develops a meaningful relationship with the Jewish textual tradition 

• Instills values and encourages critical thinking

• Motivates learning through celebration, and

• Fosters community

   

We will share more with anyone interested in attending an information session. To attend, please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com several times and dates that work for you and she will send along a zoom link. This signature program is for anyone in the LA region or beyond, anyone with kids or without.

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.

10/30 REIMAGINING ISAAC & ISHMAEL

Monday at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/02 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. 

11/02 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.  

11/06 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.

11/09 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. 

11/09 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.  

11/09 SIYYUM TRACTATE KIDDUSHIN

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 at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming.

11/12 LET US SING: AN INTERFAITH MUSICAL PROGRAM

All are welcome to join our friends and Interfaith Partners through the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita for the "Let Us Sing Thanksgiving" program on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 4:00-5:30 pm, hosted this year at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 30522 Via Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita (refreshments provided).  Questions may be directed to: Jeff@shieldslawoffices.com

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.  

11/20 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.

TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 1

11/27 at 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

11/30 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.  

TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 2

12/4 at 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

TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 3

12/11 at 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

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!