NEWSLETTER, July 20, 2020

SHALOM!

Reflecting upon our 8 year spiritual wedding anniversary which we celebrate this week, I am stuck by the fact that there is nothing like the sweet with the sacred. The joy that makes hearts soar and lifts communities into celebration. Judaism provides us with sacred traditions that remind us to appreciate all that is sweet in life. The High Holy Day are an opportunity to usher in a sweet new year through the sacred rituals of the Days of Awe.

 

Especially at this time, amidst such global uncertainty, national growing pains, and personal struggles, the sweet is that much sweeter and the sacred is all the more treasured. In this newsletter, please find ways that Keeping It Sacred is planning to uplift the sweet with the sacred together. Consider this your official invitation to gather together and usher in a new year that we hope and pray is more evidently sweet and sacred.

 

Thank you for #keepingitsacred…

HIGH HOLY DAYS WITH KEEPING IT SACRED

JOIN US for our Sweet and Sacred Season!

 

This year is different from all other years. But, we at Keeping It Sacred are dedicated to lifting up the essence of the High Holy Day Season: Sweetness and Sacredness. We have designed a comprehensive High Holy Day experience that will emphasize these qualities and uplift the essence of the holy days. Join us for intentional programming rooted in the wisdom of Jewish tradition. All programs are designed by Rabbi Miller to be accessible, relevant and empowering. Explore the programming HERE. 

Click Here to Explore

RABBI MILLER'S BOOK CLUB

There is ONE MORE CHANCE to discuss When They Call You A Terrorist by Patrice Cullors together! Please join us: August 9 at 10am PT/1pm ET.

 

This book raises issues including exploring systemic racism and considering how we can change a system that for too long has denied the dignity of swaths of humanity. Dignity is among the highest human values; denying dignity is akin to killing a person (like killing their soul), and we all know that saving a life is the highest value.

 

Contact rabbiheathermiller.com/contact to request details.

 

Whether you can make it or not, please visit rabbiheathermiller.com/contact to sign up to our mailing list for future opportunities to explore other works critical to our understanding of the world around us today, and how we can engage in tikkun olam.

Sign Up Here

TALMUD OF THE WEEK

 

We continue our DAILY study of the Talmud, a work produced over 1500 years ago! This study is called Daf Yomi (a page a day) and we are seeking out the modern meaning, relevance and values on each page. 

 

Click on the image below to be taken to Rabbi Miller's original Daf Yomi #Talmudgrams on Instagram and click on the individual photos you like for gems from the text. Don't forget to like, share, and comment! You don't need an Instagram account! You can also find these on Facebook here.

 

Let us invite you to study the page a day within our own private, sacred Facebook group called Keeping It Sacred- Daf Yomi Group. You will need an invitation to join, so please email rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com to participate. We'd love to study with you!

 

Our closed, secret Facebook group also meets every Thursday after the Healing Circle to discuss the week's texts. Join us! Email rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com for the link and passcode. 

TORAH OF THE WEEK:

 

Happy new week! The reflection on this week's Torah Portion, on Parashat Devarim, Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22, can be found HERE:

Torah

ACCESS MORE LEARNING HERE

 

1) Purchase Rabbi Miller's book, Re(Soul)utions: A Practical Guide to Self-Repair.

 

"As a rabbi, I'm always looking for new ways to reinterpret the power of the month of Elul. As we head toward the High Holy Days and the theme of starting fresh with a clean slate, a guided text like ReSOULutions is perfect for starting the conversation. This text is clearly written, beautifully arranged, and thoughtfully presented in a way that allows the reader - at any level of knowledge or experience - to connect with their inner soul, and with their personal mission to improve their life. Highly recommend!"

-Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan

 

"Having spent much of my professional life serving as a congregational cantor, I always gravitate toward opportunities to get my spiritual “batteries” recharged as preparation for the High Holy Days. I found RESOLUTIONS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SELF REPAIR, by Rabbi Heather Miller to be an important, exceedingly rich guide, written thoughtfully and accessibly, filled with true soul enrichment. This is a perfect way to enter the month of Elul, with an excellent step by step, day by day guide with delectable soul food along with daily new details to stimulate our intellect. A new MUST for the High Holy Days, and/or year round. Will join the ranks of seasonal Jewish classics!"

-Cantor Shula Kalir-Merton

 

Click here to purchase for just $8.99!

CLICK HERE to purchase RE(SOUL)UTIONS!

2) Take the Re(Soul)utions: A Practical Guide to Self-Repair online course!

 

This is a five-session class and can be used before, after or in conjunction with reading the online book.

Purchase includes access to the five-session course portal, handouts, and audio teaching files. PLUS, all subscriptions before June 15 will receive a complimentary 1-hour spiritual counseling session with Rabbi Miller at no additional charge. After purchase email her at rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com to set up a time to meet.

 

Learners will:

  • Understand the importance and origins of self-review in the Jewish tradition
  • Sense encouragement as you begin your path to self-repair
  • Begin to identify a vision for your truest expression of yourself
  • Feel empowered to claim that version of yourself
  • Overcome obstacles that hold you back from flourishing as your true self
  • Increase awareness of the importance of this work
  • Commit to repeating this practice regularly in life
  • Enjoy guidance from the wisdom of the Jewish tradition all along the way!
     

Click here to purchase.

CLICK HERE to sign up for the Online Course!

3) Study with us on our closed, secret and FREE facebook group!

 

We continue our DAILY study of the Talmud, a work produced over 1500 years ago! This study is called Daf Yomi (a page a day) and we are seeking out the modern meaning, relevance and values on each page. 

 

We are 69 members strong from:

Canada, England, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Upstate NY, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Washington, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, Vermont, Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia.  

 

We are:

Professors of Jewish studies

People interested in becoming Jewish

Members of various Jewish denominations as well as transdenominational

Some are Reconstructionist Rabbis

Reform Rabbis

Jewish Professionals

Temple Presidents

Reform Cantors

Retired people

People of other faiths

 

We are in our 20s to 80s

 

We are everywhere on the spectrum of gender.

 

And, we are each of us are affirming of one another’s journey in the sea of Talmud! Plus, we enjoy meeting in real time via zoom every Thursday at noon PST/ 3pm EST/ 8pm Londontime.

 

To join us, send Rabbi Miller an email or DM on Facebook to be added to the closed, secret Facebook group.

 

CLICK HERE to request to join the Facebook Group!

MONTHLY SHABBAT SINGALONG

The Shabbat Singalong program for kids (and kids at heart) will now be featured once a month on Saturdays at 9am! Upcoming dates include: 8/8, 9/5, and 10/17. Join Rabbi Miller and her mini-mes for songs, Hebrew learning, a Torah story, and space to express gratitude. Contact Rabbi Miller at rabbiheathermiller.com/contact for the link and passcode!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

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. Please request a meeting by contacting her at rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com.

 

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 NOW AT 10:30am PST/ 1:30pm EST/ 6:30pm London-time. Contact rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com to request the link and password.

 

EVERY THURSDAY: KEEPING IT SACRED-DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP

As noted above, our Facebook group will host our next virtual meetup via zoom. For the link to attend this meeting Thursdays noon PST, 3pm EST, 8pm London time, please contact Rabbi Miller directly at rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com. 

 

SATURDAYS 8/8, 9/5 and 10/17: SHABBAT SINGALONG 

9am PST, noon EST, join Rabbi Miller and her mini-mes for an uplifting kid-friendly Monthly Shabbat Singalong. Pick up some Hebrew vocabulary and get in touch with gratitude in community! Email rabbiheathermiller@gmail.com for the link and password.

 

SUNDAYS, 6/21, 6/28, 7/12, and 8/9: RABBI MILLER'S BOOK CLUB

Rabbi Miller will host a book club to discuss two books addressing systemic racism, and will share connections to ancient Jewish texts that apply. We will discuss:
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

June 21 at 7pm PT,

and June 28 at 10am PT

When They Call You A Terrorist by Black Lives Matter co-Founder, Patrisse Cullors

July 12 at 7pm PT and

Augist 9 at 10am PT-- LAST CHANCE!!! Please join us. 

Contact rabbiheathermiller.com/contact to request details.

 

JOIN US for our Sweet and Sacred Season!

This year is different from all other years. But, we at Keeping It Sacred are dedicated to lifting up the essence of the High Holy Day Season: Sweetness and Sacredness. We have designed a comprehensive High Holy Day experience that will emphasize these qualities and uplift the essence of the holy days. Join us for intentional programming rooted in the wisdom of Jewish tradition. All programs below are designed by Rabbi Miller to be accessible, relevant and empowering. And, unless otherwise noted, each are 1-hour. All are welcome. To register, click HERE.
 

SUNDAY AUGUST 9, INTRO TO THE HIGH HOLY DAYS

11:30am PST/2:30pm EST New to the High Holy Days? The Days of Awe? The Jewish New Year? Or would you like to go deeper in your understanding of this sweet and sacred season? Rabbi Miller will guide us through the structure of these days and offer spiritual frameworks to help us prepare to enter with intention. All are welcome! Register for programming HERE. 

 

AUGUST 12, DINNER WITH THE RABBIS OF THE TALMUD II

5pm PST/8pm EST This program follows up on our Shavuot Slumberparty with the Rabbis program, where we began to learn about various rabbis and their relationships with one another, their personalities, backgrounds and perspectives. For those who joined us for part one or those who are joining us for the first time. Register for programming HERE. (2 hours)

 

SUNDAYS, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30 and 9/6: RE(SOUL)UTIONS: ELUL COUNT

9am PST/12pm EST Join us as we read Rabbi Miller's book, Re(Soul)utions: A Practical Guide for Self-Repair in the month of Elul.The book is written with one reading and introspective prompt for each day of the week of Elul, the month preceding the High Holy Days. Jumpstart your introspection this year, a year when so many of us are rethinking what is important in life. Clear out the energy of the year 5780 and prepare for the year 5781 with renewed sense of self and resolve to act in alignment with our values. Rabbi Miller will lead a four session class--9am PT/noon ET on Sundays, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30, and 9/6. Register for programming HERE.

 

SUNDAY, 8/16 ALL ABOUT THE SHOFAR!

10am PST/1pm EST How do you sound a shofar? What are the calls? How is it made and what makes it kosher? And, can we practice? YES! We will address all of these points and more during our All About the Shofar workshop! Prepare to gain a new skill and get ready to sound the shofar this holy day season! Register for programming HERE.

 

SUNDAY, 8/23 PRAYER WRITING WORKSHOP

10am PST/1pm EST Having trouble finding the words? Want to understand some of the history and beauty behind the writers of our most hallowed words? Join Rabbi Miller as she teaches us all about writing prayers-- from the Torah to King David, Hannah, Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz, to contemporary pray-ers. Write your own prayer to share during this High Holy Day Season privately or with our community! Register for programming HERE.

 

SUNDAY, 8/30 HANNAH AND SPIRITUAL ANGST

10am PST/ 1pm EST Hannah poured her heart out in the Temple. Why was she distraught? What did those who found her think about her outpouring? What can we learn from this kind of deep expression of spiritual realness? And, how can we get in touch with our deepest spiritual yearnings to prepare for the Days of Awe? Let's get deep in this workshop exploring Hannah and her life. Register for programming HERE.

 

SUNDAY, 9/6 JONAH THE REBEL

10am PST/ 1pm EST Jewish communities around the globe have read the book of Jonah on Yom Kippur for thousands of years. What makes this work, about a rebel running away from God, so special that it would be read on the most sacred day of the year? And most importantly, what might welearn from this story that would deepen our own understanding of faith, doubt, and reconciliation? Register for programming HERE.

 

FRIDAY, 9/18 EREV ROSH HASHANAH NEW YEAR DINNER

5pm PST/ 8pm EST Join Rabbi Miller and friends for a truly universal celebration of creation. Tune in with friends from various traditions to reflect upon the power of creation and the season where we re-create ourselves anew. This year we will usher in 5781 with gratitude for the diversity of the world around us. Bring your dinner and your shofar and your best hopes for the new year. Register for programming HERE.

 

SATURDAY, 9/19 ROSH HASHANAH DAY I*

10am PST/ 1pm EST Join Rabbi Miller for a Zoom experience designed uplift the essence of Rosh Hashanah with prayer offerings, stories and lessons from our tradition, and invitations for thoughtful interaction. (75min.) Virtual Oneg to follow; enjoy your own apples and honey and round challah. Register for programming HERE.

 

SUNDAY, 9/20 GAME ABOUT WHAT MATTERS MOST

10am PST/ 1pm EST The season of reflection is a perfect time to consider what matters most to you. We will play a game (yes a game!) about life and death and meaning that is sure to spark some of the deepest conversations strangers can have with one another. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to have fun while being purposeful. Register for programming HERE. (2hrs.) 

 

SUNDAY 9/20 TASHLICH

3pm PST/6pm EST Tashlich is the service where we cast away any old behaviors that we would like to rid ourselves from in the new year. Rabbi Miller will Zoom in LIVE from a living body of water to perform this ritual on behalf of all of us, but you may also Zoom in LIVE from our preferred favorite living body of water as well. Don't forget to bring bread crumbs! Register for programming HERE. (30min.)

 

SUNDAY, 9/27 KOL NIDREI/ EREV YOM KIPPUR*

6:30 PST/ 9:30pm EST Join Rabbi Miller and musical guest for a Zoom experience designed uplift the essence of Yom Kippur Evening Service, known as Kol Nidrei, with prayer offerings, stories and lessons from our tradition, and invitations for thoughtful interaction. Together, we will usher in this most sacred day of the Jewish Year. Register for programming HERE. (75min.)

 

MONDAY, 9/28 YOM KIPPUR MORNING*

10am PST/ 1pm EST Join Rabbi Miller and musical guest for a Zoom experience designed uplift the essence of Yom Kippur with prayer offerings, stories and lessons from our tradition, and invitations for thoughtful interaction. Register for programming HERE. (75min.)

 

MONDAY, 9/28 YOM KIPPUR YIZKOR*

12pm PST/ 3pm EST Virtual Yizkor Join Rabbi Miller for a Zoom experience designed uplift the essence of the Yizkor Memorial Service with prayer offerings, stories and lessons from our tradition, and invitations for thoughtful interaction. Register for programming HERE. (75min.)

 

MONDAY, 9/28 YOM KIPPUR NE'ILAH & VIRTUAL BREAK-THE-FAST*

5:40pm PST/ 8:40pm EST Join Rabbi Miller for a Zoom experience designed uplift the essence of the Ne'ilah Service with prayer offerings, stories and lessons from our tradition, and invitations for thoughtful interaction that will close out the most sacred day. Following this, let's break bread together (virtually)! Register for programming HERE. (75min.)

 

*For these services, we will rely on the prayerbook called Mishkan HaNefesh which will be featured on the zoom screen. But, if you'd like to purchase the two-volume books, you can do so by clicking here (enter code: MHN2020 for a discount!), or use the free digital flip book on your device by clicking 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 rabbiheathermiller@gmail.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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27068 La Paz Rd. #781 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
818-312-8388

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