“You’re a bag of fun.”

“You always keep things interesting.”

“You keep me on my toes!”

These are all things doctors have said to me. Why? Because of the oddities of my medical history. Beginning in my youth with a rare teratoma tumor on my ovary, through all kinds of challenges with my nose and lungs and uterus and toe and most recently with my esophagus. Yes, last week I was diagnosed with something called eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE for short). What is it? Basically my esophagus has its own list of allergies I have to be careful with. As my doctors say- I’m “a bag of fun!”

And like so many of us with a complex list of bodily ailments, through the pain and challenges they presented, I first tried to understand them through science- what are they? Why do they happen? What can I do to give my body the best stability and health moving forward? Etc. 

When these questions are exhausted, ultimately I am left squarely in the philosophical and theological sphere, left wondering: Why does suffering exist? How can I make sense of these things happening to my body? Where is God in all of this?

I recently heard a striking actor say that we don’t need art until our hearts are broken in heartbreak or our hearts are exploding with feelings of new love. We need art to make sense of these things. 

And I agree. Also about theology and matters of religious tradition. We may not feel the need for it until we are awakened to the valleys and peaks in our own lives. To make sense of the finality of death or to lift up praise for new life. And more. The questions others have asked from the beginnings of our tradition until today, and the answers they have earnestly provided, have the power to move us deeply. In their observations, we see that we are not alone. And we are not being singled out. We are experiencing the human condition, and that connection is fortifying.

In the modern world, religion can help guide us when trying to understand the importance of human connection in the digital age, the enormous global disparities in wealth, the ways we can find balance in our lives trying to care for ourselves and those around us, and the importance of taking time for rest and gratitude. 

For me, Jewish tradition helps guide me in keeping it sacred. Keeping life sacred. Making sure I don’t miss it. Doing my best to live with intention and balance. 

And with regard to my health? Judaism keeps me in awe of the intricacies of the human body that are required to sustain life. With others in our tradition, I stand in awe the Mystery of death. And in moments of connection, I sing praises of gratitude to the Creator for the love I receive and am able to share all the days of my life. All of these things ensure that I am living with all my body, all my heart, and all my soul. Each moment is cherished for what it is. 

This week we are reading Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda’s Duties of the Heart chapter on devotion, and in it, we learn about all of the things that can distract a person from being alive and awakened to the experience of life. May we all see our lives for all that they are, even amidst the challenges. And may we be given consciousness still of the many blessings around us. 

Together, with our tradition, we're #keepingitsacred...

 
Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Wednesday, July 26th at 9am PT | 12pm ET: For the following three weeks, the Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore chapters from California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT, linked here:  https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ab3121-reparations-interim-report-2022.pdf

This session is led by Frieda Pollack and will cover Chapter 13: The Wealth Gap.

This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. 9am PT/12pm ET: July 26, Aug 18, Sept 13.

No experience necessary. All are welcome! Sign up here.

TISHA B’AV: MOURNING INJUSTICE

As we enter the month of Av, we not only prepare to mourn, but we also strive to find meaning and transformation in a world that breaks our hearts, and form communities of belonging and solidarity for our vision of equity, mutual care, and justice.

On Thursday, July 27, the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, please join our partners Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), UNITE HERE! Local 11, Bend the Arc Jewish Action, the Boyle Heights Chavurah, IfNotNow LA, Nefesh and the Pico Union Project as we call for #LivingWagesNow and affordable housing for all Angelenos at our Tisha b'Av Contemplation and Action!

RSVP HERE: bit.ly/tishabav2023

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/815239786763527/

Tisha b’Av is a Jewish day of mourning that commemorates the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies and injustices. This Tisha b'Av - Thursday, July 27 at 3 PM PT - our Jewish and interfaith communities will join together in solidarity with the hospitality workers of UNITE HERE! Local 11 who are leading the largest hotel strike in US history and captivating hearts and minds throughout our region and across the world!

For more information, please reach out to Matthew Hom, Faith-Rooted Organizer in LA and Santa Monica at CLUE, at mhom@cluejustice.org.
 

GRATEFUL & CONNECTED HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are halfway through the summer— and that means one thing— The High Holy Days are coming! This season, we at Keeping It Sacred will bring you a beautifully thought through series of services to to bring us all into the New Year of 5784— Grateful and Connected: High Holy Day Program.

Our Founder, Rabbi Heather Miller will bring texts, traditions, and teachings from the wisdom of the Sages into relevance today. And this year, she will be joined by the talented and good-hearted Cantorial Soloist Rachel Rothman. Rachel holds her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and fuels her spirituality and Judaism through music.

The entire lineup of services will be offered online including a Rosh Hashanah Seder, a Morning Rosh Hashanah Service, a Kol Nidrei Service, a Yom Kippur morning service, Yizkor, and Neilah services. There will also be a hybrid in-person & online Tashlich service (with an opportunity for Southern Californians to gather for Tashlich on the beach). As always, services are free of charge to all who wish to attend, but your contributions allow us to uphold this value of keruv/accessibility. As you reserve, please consider a meaningful gift to help us cover the costs of running this transformational programming and helping to support all of the sacred work we do. Registration is now open at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

GRATEFUL AND CONNECTED: HIGH HOLY DAYS WITH KITS

Please join us for the High Holy Days-- gather in community for:

MORE ABOUT CANTORIAL SOLOIST RACHEL ROTHMAN

We are so blessed as a community to have the exquisite heartfelt musicality of Cantorial Soloist Rachel Rothman co-lead us this High Holy Day Season. She holds her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has spent summers performing with at opera festivals in Italy, and currently has an in demand vocal studio where she teaches voice lessons privately. And, Rachel feels lucky to fuel her spirituality and Judaism through music. Rabbi Miller has known Rachel since 2008 and shares, "Rachel is an incredible talent, with a soul of sincerity, sensitivity, and sensibility. She is a gifted prayer leader with a range from participatory song to high art, having a voice trained by camp song leaders and conservatory instructors alike. I am incredibly excited to co-lead this season's worship experiences with Rachel."

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.

BALANCING YOUR INNER LIFE: DUTIES OF THE HEART

EVERY MONDAY! Jewish tradition houses some of the most beautiful teachings on character qualities. A thousand years ago, Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda decided to bring these sacred texts together, organized into various character qualities that he felt would inspire people to live lives of meaning. He called his work “Duties of the Heart,” and it is the work upon which the Mussar Movement (of Exceptional Character Qualities) is based. The book is available for free on Sefaria.org, and so we will take time each week to study teachings and explore how we might make sense of them in our lives today. 

Join us for one class, several, or all 10 weeks worth of classes! Please invite your friends to take the series with you, too!

These classes began June 12 and continue weekly throughout the summer every Monday at 9am PT/noon ET. Topics include: Unity, Reflection, Service,Trust, Devotion, Humility, Repentance, Self Accounting, Abstinence, and Love. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

TORAH FOR OUR TIMES: A SOUTH AFRICAN-LED TORAH STUDY

Study Torah with one of the first women rabbis in South Africa, Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. Her infectious energy and love of Torah, music, teaching, and prayer will motivate you through the weekly Torah portion and encourage engagement in the past rabbinic commentaries of the Mikra’ot G’dolot. The weekly Torah portion and commentaries can be found at hebcal.com.

Please register for your access to this amazing study group that takes place at 7:30am PT/ 10:30am ET every Thursday through August. Please register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 

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. The next gathering will be Sunday, July 30.

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

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

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 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.

MONTHLY SHABBAT SERVICES

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT: 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 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 July 30!

Please register at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming, and email rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com if you would like to attend in person.

KITS CONFIRMATION CEREMONY

August 20, 2023 10AM PT/1PM ET, Join us for KITS' third annual Confirmation Ceremony!

Confirmation is a ceremony that confirms commitment to Torah study, depth-seeking, and engagement with community. We will gather to lift up this sacred activity that provides deep life purpose and meaning. Honorees: Members of the Keeping It Sacred community are encouraged to participate in this ceremony honoring your commitment to Torah study, depth-seeking, and engagement in the community. Together, let's honor your engagement! Please reserve a ticket here, and then find more information on participating in the service here: https://bit.ly/KITSCONFIRMATION3.

You will be honored and receive a certificate commemorating this joyful day. INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY event-- all are welcome! Honored Guests/Friends & Family: All are welcome and encouraged to attend this ceremony celebrating our beloved community members. Come meet honorees and hear why folks love to engage. Keeping It Sacred honors the value of keruv/open welcoming, and as such, offers all classes and holiday observances free of charge. Please join in this momentous celebration! REGISTER HERE

LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Join us online at: keepingitsacred.com, Instagram accounts @hearabbi and @keepingitsacred, our Facebook pages HERE and HERE, YouTube Channel HERE and podcasts everywhere. Join us there for updated Talmud posts, Torah commentary, inspirations and invitations to gather online and in person.

Whether you found us through a friend, neighbor, a listserve or browsing the internet, we are glad you're here!

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.

Your generous support helps Keeping It Sacred: 

• Unlock access to learning the wisdom of ancient texts 

• Create 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!

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

7/24 BALANCING YOUR INNER LIFE: DUTIES OF THE HEART

Jewish tradition houses some of the most beautiful teachings on character qualities. A thousand years ago, Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda decided to these sacred texts together, organized into various character qualities that he felt would inspire people to live lives of meaning. He called his work “Duties of the Heart,” and it is the work upon which the Mussar Movement (of Exceptional Character Qualities) is based.

Ten classes begin June 12 and continue weekly throughout the summer Mondays at 9am PT/noon ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

7/27 TORAH FOR OUR TIMES

7/27 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET. We are so excited to bring you an opportunity to study Torah with one of the first women rabbis in South Africa, Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. Her infectious energy and love of Torah, music, teaching, and prayer will motivate you through the weekly Torah portion and encourage engagement in the past rabbinic commentaries of the Mikra’ot G’dolot. The weekly Torah portion and commentaries can be found at hebcal.com. Please register for your access to this amazing study group which will begin June 1 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET and continue Thursdays through August. Please register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 

7/27 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. 

7/27 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.  

7/27 TISHA B'AV ACTION IN LA

Thursday, July 27 at 3pm PT join our partners CLUE-LA (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) as we call for #LivingWagesNow and affordable housing for all Angelenos at our Tisha b'Av Contemplation and Action. RSVP HERE: bit.ly/tishabav2023.

7/28 SHABBAT SERVICES

7/28 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. 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.

7/30 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.

7/31 BALANCING YOUR INNER LIFE: DUTIES OF THE HEART

Jewish tradition houses some of the most beautiful teachings on character qualities. A thousand years ago, Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda decided to these sacred texts together, organized into various character qualities that he felt would inspire people to live lives of meaning. He called his work “Duties of the Heart,” and it is the work upon which the Mussar Movement (of Exceptional Character Qualities) is based.

Ten classes begin June 12 and continue weekly throughout the summer Mondays at 9am PT/noon ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

8/3 TORAH FOR OUR TIMES

8/3 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET. We are so excited to bring you an opportunity to study Torah with one of the first women rabbis in South Africa, Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. Her infectious energy and love of Torah, music, teaching, and prayer will motivate you through the weekly Torah portion and encourage engagement in the past rabbinic commentaries of the Mikra’ot G’dolot. The weekly Torah portion and commentaries can be found at hebcal.com. Please register for your access to this amazing study group which will begin June 1 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET and continue Thursdays through August. Please register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 

8/3 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. 

8/3 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.  

8/7 BALANCING YOUR INNER LIFE: DUTIES OF THE HEART

Jewish tradition houses some of the most beautiful teachings on character qualities. A thousand years ago, Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda decided to these sacred texts together, organized into various character qualities that he felt would inspire people to live lives of meaning. He called his work “Duties of the Heart,” and it is the work upon which the Mussar Movement (of Exceptional Character Qualities) is based.

Ten classes begin June 12 and continue weekly throughout the summer Mondays at 9am PT/noon ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

8/10 TORAH FOR OUR TIMES

8/10 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET. We are so excited to bring you an opportunity to study Torah with one of the first women rabbis in South Africa, Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. Her infectious energy and love of Torah, music, teaching, and prayer will motivate you through the weekly Torah portion and encourage engagement in the past rabbinic commentaries of the Mikra’ot G’dolot. The weekly Torah portion and commentaries can be found at hebcal.com. Please register for your access to this amazing study group which will begin June 1 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET and continue Thursdays through August. Please register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 

8/10 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. 

8/10 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.  

8/13 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.

8/14 BALANCING YOUR INNER LIFE: DUTIES OF THE HEART

Jewish tradition houses some of the most beautiful teachings on character qualities. A thousand years ago, Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda decided to these sacred texts together, organized into various character qualities that he felt would inspire people to live lives of meaning. He called his work “Duties of the Heart,” and it is the work upon which the Mussar Movement (of Exceptional Character Qualities) is based.

Ten classes begin June 12 and continue weekly throughout the summer Mondays at 9am PT/noon ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

8/17 TORAH FOR OUR TIMES

8/17 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET. We are so excited to bring you an opportunity to study Torah with one of the first women rabbis in South Africa, Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. Her infectious energy and love of Torah, music, teaching, and prayer will motivate you through the weekly Torah portion and encourage engagement in the past rabbinic commentaries of the Mikra’ot G’dolot. The weekly Torah portion and commentaries can be found at hebcal.com. Please register for your access to this amazing study group which will begin June 1 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET and continue Thursdays through August. Please register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 

8/17 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. 

8/17 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.  

8/21 BALANCING YOUR INNER LIFE: DUTIES OF THE HEART

Jewish tradition houses some of the most beautiful teachings on character qualities. A thousand years ago, Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda decided to these sacred texts together, organized into various character qualities that he felt would inspire people to live lives of meaning. He called his work “Duties of the Heart,” and it is the work upon which the Mussar Movement (of Exceptional Character Qualities) is based.

Ten classes begin June 12 and continue weekly throughout the summer Mondays at 9am PT/noon ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

8/24 TORAH FOR OUR TIMES

8/24 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET. We are so excited to bring you an opportunity to study Torah with one of the first women rabbis in South Africa, Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. Her infectious energy and love of Torah, music, teaching, and prayer will motivate you through the weekly Torah portion and encourage engagement in the past rabbinic commentaries of the Mikra’ot G’dolot. The weekly Torah portion and commentaries can be found at hebcal.com. Please register for your access to this amazing study group which will begin June 1 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET and continue Thursdays through August. Please register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 

8/24 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. 

8/24 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.  

8/25 SHABBAT SERVICES

8/25 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. 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.

8/27 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.

8/28 BALANCING YOUR INNER LIFE: DUTIES OF THE HEART

Jewish tradition houses some of the most beautiful teachings on character qualities. A thousand years ago, Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda decided to these sacred texts together, organized into various character qualities that he felt would inspire people to live lives of meaning. He called his work “Duties of the Heart,” and it is the work upon which the Mussar Movement (of Exceptional Character Qualities) is based.

Ten classes begin June 12 and continue weekly throughout the summer Mondays at 9am PT/noon ET. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming

8/31 TORAH FOR OUR TIMES

8/31 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET. We are so excited to bring you an opportunity to study Torah with one of the first women rabbis in South Africa, Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. Her infectious energy and love of Torah, music, teaching, and prayer will motivate you through the weekly Torah portion and encourage engagement in the past rabbinic commentaries of the Mikra’ot G’dolot. The weekly Torah portion and commentaries can be found at hebcal.com. Please register for your access to this amazing study group which will begin June 1 at 7:30am PT/ 10:30pm ET and continue Thursdays through August. Please register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 

8/31 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. 

8/31 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.  

9/15 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Erev Rosh Hashanah Seder

6pm PT/9pm ET (60m) Celebrate the birth of the world by breaking bread together as one beautifully diverse human family. Please register for this program: HERE. 

9/16 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Rosh Hashanah

10am PT/ 1pm ET(90 min) Celebrate the birth of the world in gathered community. Please register for this program: HERE. 

9/17 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Youth Service, Tashlich, Shabbat Services

1pm PT/4pm ET LIVE from the beach in California, join Rabbi Miller in person or via LIVESTREAM for a special Youth-oriented High Holy Day service, followed by Tashlich leading into Shabbat Services. Gather in community and sing, pray, dance, schmooze. Start the year with spiritual renewal. For more information and to register, please visit: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

9/24 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Kol Nidrei/Erev Yom Kippur

5pm PT/8pm ET (90 min) Enter into the holiest day of the year with the soul-work of reflection and repair. For more information and to register, please visit: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

9/25 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Day

10am PT/1pm ET (75 min) Focus on the texts, melodies and actions needed to rejuvenate the soul in community not bound by geographic limitations. For more information and to register, please visit: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

9/25 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Yizkor Remembrances 

Noon PT/3pm ET (45 min) Gather in community to remember loved ones we have lost but hold dear in our hearts this and every year. For more information and to register, please visit: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

9/25 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Ne'ilah & Virtual Break-the-Fast

6pm PT/9pm ET (60 min) Rejoice in the conclusion of the day. For more information and to register, please visit: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

THANK YOU!

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