When we are young, we are taught that strength looks like bulging biceps, muscled necks, and washboard abs. But the rabbis know better. In Pirkei Avot, Ben Zoma asks: Who is strong? And then answers: "The one who subdues their [evil] inclination, as it is said: “The one who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and the one that rules his spirit than he that takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32). 

This shows us that among the most challenging parts of the human experience is the process of mastering one's impulses; to control them before they control us. It is so refreshing to know that the rabbis were not some disembodied dispassionate bots-- instead, they were humans made fully of flesh and blood. Of beating hearts. Accordingly, they had big impulses of despair and anger, lust and greed and addiction. But they set up a system that revered the ability to manage these inclinations. And they had full faith that people would be rewarded mightily for efforts.

This week in the ritual counting of the Omer, we are concentrating on the quality of strength. How can we build a life of strong relationships with friends, family, and community? How can we exhibit strength of character and strength of integrity? How can we hold space for the gifts of ourselves and others? 

Yesterday, I joined with others building emerging communities to contemplate what building with strength looks like--- what do our values operationalized across a new Jewish community look like? How is it experienced? 

I'd love to welcome your thoughts on building with strength. What does a strong Keeping It Sacred community look like to you?

Listening to one another ensures that together, we’re #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller, 

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

WOMEN CLERGY IN THE JEWISH AND EPISCOPALIAN TRADITIONS

TONIGHT! Join The Rev. Susan Russell (All-Saints Church, Pasadena) and Rabbi Heather Miller (Keeping It Sacred) over the course of three sessions to discuss women clergy in their respective religious traditions: Jewish and Episcopalian. The sessions will cover where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. Come, reflect on your experiences and raise your questions with us. This program is over zoom and free, though donations to Keeping It Sacred or All-Saints Church are welcomed. This program is being hosted in honor of the 50th Ordination anniversary of Rabbi Sally J. Priesand which will take place on June 3, 2022.

Join us Monday nights at 5pm PT/8pm ET, April 11th, 18th, & 25th. Register here: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/event-details/women-clergy-in-the-jewish-and-episcopalian-traditions-3

SHABBAT SERVICES THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT! Give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Jeffrey Silverstein will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song the last Friday of every month. Together, we will lift up anniversaries, birthdays, and honor remembrances of our loved ones.

Please email Rabbi Miller your important dates so we know when to honor those sacred times at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com.

Keeping It Sacred programs are free for all because we uphold the value of keruv/accessibility; voluntary financial contributions to help offset the cost of these programs are greatly appreciated.

And, please mark your calendars for 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET on 3/25, 4/29, 5/27, 6/24, and every LAST FRIDAY NIGHT of the month. Then, PLEASE register to join us HERE.

IN HONOR OF EID AL FATIR...

Join Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder of Keeping It Sacred and President of the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita, and Dr. Naba Sharif, Interfaith Chair of the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, friends for 25 years, as they discuss interfaith understanding, organizing, and building power for the good of all. May 1st 10:15am PT/1:15pm ET, register at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

TORAH OF THE HEART: KING DAVID'S DIVAS

Join us for Torah of the Heart! Our newest teachings by guest Rabbis every other Monday in May and June. This week: Rabbi Rose Durbin teaches King David's Divas. Sure, King David gets all the credit and famous naked statues, but the secret of his political success lay entirely with his 3 named wives’ strategic political influence. We will dig into the rich and surprising narratives of Michal, Abigail and Batsheva (who, by the way, did much more for the Jewish people than simply bathe on the roof for David’s enjoyment)! Get the inside scoop on these unsung heroes in our tradition,  and obtain more insight into Jewish feminism along the way, as we study these important texts together. May 2nd at 10am PT/1pm ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/event-details/king-davids-divas

ACCESS JUDAISM SESSION 2

STARTING THIS MAY! 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. 

*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.

TELL YOUR OWN STORIES OF THE BIBLE!

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.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW

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

BREAKING NEWS! Co-founder of Black Lives Matter, artist, and author Patrisse Cullors will JOIN US 7/28 to discuss her book!

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY 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.

AND our Keeping It Sacred member, Sue Parker Gerson's commentary on Yevamot 35 as well as our own Rabbi Miller's commentary on Yevamot 36 was featured on the My Jewish Learning Daily Dose email. 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK: MONTHLY

Are you inspired & empowered by the work we are doing?

Would you like to help us build our capacity for goodness?

If yes, please consider becoming a monthly donor to Keeping It Sacred. Our new platform on the Our Future page allows you to choose how to support the work. Set it and forget it!

If everyone of our newsletter subscribers could contribute just $36/month, we could really get to the NEXT LEVEL of our organizational capacity.

That means: more programs, more inspiration, more effectiveness, more sacredness in the world! And always accessible, relevant, and empowering...

Please scroll above 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!

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.  

4/25 WOMEN CLERGY IN THE JEWISH AND EPISCOPALIAN TRADITIONS

Monday nights at 5pm PT/8pm ET, April 11-25. Join The Rev. Susan Russell (All-Saints Church, Pasadena) and Rabbi Heather Miller (Keeping It Sacred) over the course of three sessions to discuss women clergy in their respective religious traditions: Jewish and Episcopalian. The sessions will cover where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. Come, reflect on your experiences and raise your questions with us. This program is over zoom and free, though donations to Keeping It Sacred or All-Saints Church are welcomed. This program is being hosted in honor of the 50th Ordination anniversary of Rabbi Sally J. Priesand which will take place on June 3, 2022. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

4/29 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 4/29 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.

5/1 FRIENDSHIPS & ORGANIZING: BUILDLING BONDS, BUILDING MOVEMENTS

Join Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder of Keeping It Sacred and President of the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita, and Dr. Naba Sharif, Interfaith Chair of the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, friends for 25 years, as they discuss interfaith understanding, organizing, and building power for the good of all. May 1st 10:15am PT/1:15pm ET, register at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

5/2 KING DAVID'S DIVAS WITH RABBI ROSE KOWEL DURBIN

Join us for Torah of the Heart! Our newest teachings by guest Rabbis every other Monday in May and June. This week: Rabbi Rose Durbin teaches King David's Divas. Sure, King David gets all the credit and famous naked statues, but the secret of his political success lay entirely with his 3 named wives’ strategic political influence. We will dig into the rich and surprising narratives of Michal, Abigail and Batsheva (who, by the way, did much more for the Jewish people than simply bathe on the roof for David’s enjoyment)! Get the inside scoop on these unsung heroes in our tradition,  and obtain more insight into Jewish feminism along the way, as we study these important texts together. May 2nd at 10am PT/1pm ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/event-details/king-davids-divas

5/8 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.

5/11 ACCESS JUDAISM

The Intelligent Design of the Prayer Service

Join us Wednesday, 5/11 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.

5/18 ACCESS JUDAISM

Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook

Join us Wednesday, 5/18 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.

5/25 ACCESS JUDAISM

Rituals as Markers of Transition

Join us Wednesday, 5/25 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.

5/27 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 5/27 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.

6/1 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.

6/4 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.

6/15 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...

GIFTS TO KEEPING IT SACRED

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