Angels are among us. At least that's what the rabbis noticed when closely reading the text in this week's Torah portion. Genesis 28:12 says:

"He (Jacob) had a dream; a stairway was set on the ground and its top reached to the sky, and messengers of God were going up and down on it."

Notice, on the ladder to heaven (cue Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven!) the angels were going up and down on it. Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzchaki (aka Rashi) in France in the early 11th century comments: "Up and THEN down."

Isn't that curious? Wouldn't you think angels would come down to earth from heaven and THEN ascend?

The 13th century Italian work known as the Chizkuni encourages us to understand that these angels behaving like human beings, ascending and descending the ladder to heaven as if transmitting strength and protection down to humans on earth from God, and relaying updates on humans up to God from earth.

If this all seems irrational to you, it did to the early Reform Movement as well. Dr. Jacob Petuchowski, in the 20th century noted that the early Reformers considered the belief in angels incompatible with the modern era, and thus excised all mention of angels from the liturgy early on (though some angelology may have crept back in).

What has replaced much of this thinking is the idea that instead of the Hollywood portrayal of angels as transparent ghosts with wings or cherubs flying around humanity, is the idea that the angels are actually US! We are the angels walking among one another. We are the ones on the ground everyday, capable of helping one another. Modern thinkers recognize that the Hebrew word for angel is מלאך/malach-- which literally means "messenger." We can be the messengers for one another of hope and comfort. We can help protect and provide for one another, doing the word of Goodness, doing the work of God, on earth for one another. We can bring soup to a sick friend. We can offer to take in the mail for one another, or pet sit for one another's fur babies. We can call or zoom one another and offer a listening ear, or even a word of encouragement. We can serve as angels to help one another thrive. And that is indeed, the work of the Divine. This is how each of up bring sanctity and wellness into the world.

That's how together, as a community, we're #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

ACCESS JUDAISM

Our Melanie Grohman z"l Access Judaism program is BACK! 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. (Think of it like a Judaism 201 type program for those who have already taken a 101 program or are already familiar with the basics of Jewish life). Classes are open to students entering with a diversity of backgrounds.

​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. Suggested donation for one class is $25, one session is $180 and the full program is $300. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Mondays at noon PT/ 1p MT/ 2pm CT/ 3pm ET:

Access Judaism: SESSION 1:

11/7 Personal Inventory of Belief (Make up session at 11am PT/2pm ET)

11/7 Radical Responsibility for the World (noon PT/3pm ET)

11/14 Demystifying Denominational Differences

11/21 The Flavors of the Holy Books (Register here)

TODAY! 11/28 One for Every Mood: The Jewish Holidays (Register here)

12/5 Jewish Intermarriage: A History (Register here)

12/12 The Righteous Economic Vision of the Rabbis (Register here)

11/19 The Kabbalistic Non-Binary God (Register here)

Access Judaism SESSION 2:

1/9 The Intelligent Design of the Prayer Service

1/23 Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook

1/30 Rituals as Markers of Transition

2/6 The Characteristics of a Good Jew

2/13 Slam Poetry in the Golden Age

2/27 Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why The Righteous Suffer

3/6 Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century

3/13 Before You Die, Consider These Rabbinic Thoughts

Please register HERE for one or all classes designed to give you greater Access to Judaism.

*This series is named after our beloved Keeping It Sacred community member, the late Melanie Grohman, may her memory be for a blessing, who loved learning about Judaism and our community. Her memory is a blessing.

BOOK SALE!

BIBLIOPHILES!

Rabbi Miller's books are on sale!

RESOULUTIONS: A Practical Guide for Self-Repair

is ON SALE NOW at a 30% discount at:

https://www.lulu.com/search?page=1&pageSize=4&q=resoulutions&adult_audience_rating=00&fbclid=IwAR0MDVq8CQimZKzzd32CRv75e9iEMdg_qi1-dgRqVgijEgr5ux9mtIUTh9U

use discount code: JOYFUL30

Makes a great gift for yourself or a loved one.

Jam packed with 29 favorite texts to inspire spiritual rejuvenation.

Bring light into this season!

AND CCAR Press books including the book Mishkan HaGa'avah, packed with inclusive liturgy including Rabbi Miller's blessing of remembrance for the LGBTQ Community, is available for 25% off using the code BOOKS25 at: https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50477

Enjoy!

HANUKKAH: GATHERING THE LIGHT

We would love to gather the light together with you for the FIRST night of Hanukkah! We are planning a joyous program for you to enjoy virtually. Last year, we celebrated with music and song and candle lighting and storytelling across 11 time zones. Help us lift up light across the world 12/18 at 5pm PT/8pm ET. Register HERE.

A BIT ABOUT... HANUKKAH!

Learn a bit about... Hanukkah in this episode of the series A Bit About...! Rabbi Miller breaks down the symbols and some of the amazing stories that inspire the holy day that is over 2,000 years old. Did you know the victory of the Maccabees was not only the result of Judah and his band of brothers, but also due to the amazing Judith! Learn more about this and other fun facts and inspiring notes HERE. Also on the Keeping It Sacred podcast channel (on Spotify and everywhere podcasts are available).

TRIPLE MAZAL TOV!

A wonderful family celebration happened recently-- three children, Drew, Noah and Haley, were loving named in their grandparents’ backyard. Rabbi Miller had officiated Haley’s parents’ wedding in 2017, and Drew and Noah are her cousins. Being the eldest, Drew contributed original artwork welcoming his brother and cousin to the world. Family, friends, and neighbors rejoiced, as does the entire Keeping It Sacred community! 

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

THIS WEDNESDAY! The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore another in our select collection of psalms and their messages about racial justice. This is our way of starting each month with a new vision of racial justice.

• October 26, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET (Psalm 23)

• November 23, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 92)

• December 21, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 104) REGISTER HERE

• January 18, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 30) REGISTER HERE

Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

THE LONGEST NIGHT

December 21st is recognized as the National Homeless Persons' Memorial day. It takes place on The Winter Solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere sinks into its deepest point of darkness creating the longest night of the year.

Please join us to honor our lost neighbors with a candlelight memorial which includes interfaith prayers and verses, sacred and secular music and the reading of their names.

This interfaith memorial is dedicated to those who died in Orange County, CA. without a permanent, safe or secure place to call home. This may be the only memorial that these brothers and sisters will receive. As we honor these neighbors, we cannot ignore the fact that their deaths, on our Orange County streets, emergency shelters and local hospitals were all too often the direct result of the lack of adequate housing, safety and security, food, and health care.

We commit ourselves to raising public awareness about the plight of the homeless. Please learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-longest-night-2022-ocs-homeless-persons-memorial-tickets-419729591507

SHABBAT SERVICES: THE LAST FRIDAY NIGHT OF EVERY MONTH

EVERY LAST Friday night of the month, 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.

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 and every LAST FRIDAY NIGHT of the month. Then, PLEASE register to join us HERE.

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

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 34 different states and 11 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.

Our own Rabbi Miller provided My Jewish Learning's Daily Dose of Talmud with commentary on Nedarim 33: Everything I do, I do it for food. Enjoy!

CONVERSATIONAL SURVEY OVER ZOOM

We want to know what you think! We are charting our path for the new year and want to begin by hearing your thoughts on Keeping It Sacred— the community, the offerings, and more! Please sign up for a 30-minute meeting with Rabbi Miller for a zoom-survey to discuss your impressions and dream up the future together. Click HERE to sign up for a 30-minute time slot: calendly.com/kitsrabbimiller

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!

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.

11/28 ACCESS JUDAISM

Join us Monday, 11/28 at noon PT/3pm 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.

12/1 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. 

12/1 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.  

12/5 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/5 at noon PT/3pm 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.

12/8 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. 

12/8 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.  

12/12 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/12 at noon PT/3pm 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.

12/15 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. 

12/15 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.  

12/18 HANUKKAH: GATHER THE LIGHT

We would love to gather the light together with you for the FIRST night of Hanukkah! We are planning a joyous program for you to enjoy virtually. Last year, we celebrated with music and song and candle lighting and storytelling across 11 time zones. Help us lift up light across the world 12/18 at 5pm PT/8pm ET. Register HERE.

12/19 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/19 at noon PT/3pm 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.

12/21 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Join us at 10am PT/1pm ET to review selected Psalms. This is our way to welcome in the new month with inspiration for our journey towards racial justice. Register for this program HERE.  

12/21 THE LONGEST NIGHT

At 7pm PT/10pm ET via YouTube, this interfaith memorial is dedicated to those who died in Orange County, CA. without a permanent, safe or secure place to call home. This may be the only memorial that these siblings will receive. As we honor these neighbors, we cannot ignore the fact that their deaths, on Orange County streets, emergency shelters and local hospitals were all too often the direct result of the lack of adequate housing, safety and security, food, and health care. For more information, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-longest-night-2022-ocs-homeless-persons-memorial-tickets-419729591507

12/22 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. 

12/22 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.  

12/29 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. 

12/29 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.  

12/30 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 12/30 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.

1/18 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Join us at 10am PT/1pm ET to review selected Psalms. This is our way to welcome in the new month with inspiration for our journey towards racial justice. Register for this program HERE.  

THANK YOU!

You are a cherished member of this community and we love to hear from you-- what questions do you have? Reach out to rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com or via phone at 818-312-8388 anytime to let us know what you’re finding meaningful, inspiring and what you’d like to see.

Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK: MONTHLY

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!

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...

And now on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Breaker, RadioPublic, PocketCasts!

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