Have you ever gleefully sung a song one way only to later find out that the lyrics were, in fact, completely different than what you had been singing? 

At my grandparents’ temple, every service began with the rabbis processing into the sanctuary while the congregants sang what I, as a young child, called, “the gum song.”  You may know it as “Hinei Ma Tov,” but the full lyrics are Hinei Ma Tov U’ma Na’im, Shevet Achim GAM Yachad  Translated, it means, How good and how pleasant it is when we dwell together as one. Only, I would pronounce “gam” as “gum.” On some level perhaps I was intuiting the true meaning of the song- because gum is sticky, and that song praises the beauty of gathering together. 

This past winter break Melissa and the kids and I travelled to Miami. Though I had never been there before, I was able to gather with many people- some of the gatherings were intentional, some planned by others, and some happened serendipitously. 

The world works like that sometimes, right?

We went to Miami in the first place to spend some quality time with the man who helped Melissa and I have our children who is a dear friend and someone the kids call “abba.” At the oneg, I bumped into a rabbinic colleague who is the head of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (who lives in NY!). And, the Union for Reform Judaism representative who worked with our community to set up our code of ethics recognized me as well, and joyfully came over and introduced herself, too.  

Randomly, our KITS Digital Marketing Manager, Molly Flanagan, also happened to be in town so we finally met after having worked together since KITS was incorporated. (It was surreal to share a meal together!)

Many of you know that my grandma, Fruma “Kit” Endler, z”ll, for whom our community, KITS community, is named, died at the age of 100 in 2020. But, her cousins are alive and well in South Florida, so we arranged a mini family reunion there. And after several members invited others, a total of 13 cousins gathered there!

Truly, Hinei Ma Tov UMa Naim Shevet Achim GUM Yachad!

And then, as I was leaving reflecting on all the gathering I got to do, I saw the literal writing on the wall. In the Miami airport, there is an art installation that says, in big bold letters made of flowers, “TOGETHER.”  (See photo above). 

On the plane flight back, I had two thoughts. One, sadness that the time of the pandemic kept us for so long from gathering together (and truthfully we still need to be very careful). But also joy that our community gathers a lot more than we might normally gather because of the power of online gathering. To gather without the barrier of travel time, or geographic distance. We have found ways to gather together bigger and more far-reaching than we ever would have been able to before. For this I am grateful. 

And the rabbis who incorporated the Hinei Ma Tov into the liturgy never wanted us to take gathering together for granted. 

I will always appreciate gathering with loved ones and old friends and new friends in whatever way the gum-like stickiness of the universe brings us together. And I hope to get to gather with you again soon!

When we notice and appreciate one another’s’ company, we are keeping it sacred.  

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

PARR CONFERENCE

This weekend, Rabbi Miller joined colleagues at the Conference of the Pacific Association of Reform Rabbis in Palm Springs, CA. There, she attended learning sessions exploring Doubt and Faith, prayer led by student rabbis, a session with the Consulate General of Israel, and a luncheon hosted by the Women's Rabbinic Network, on whose board she serves as VP of Outreach and Membership. In addition to the photos here, Rabbi Miller captured some video of this gathering and posted it on instagram; it can be seen HERE.

LIVE IN 3D!

From Rabbi Miller: "The amazingly talented Digital Marketing Director who I have been working with for the past 3 1/2 years, building @keepingitsacred from the ground up, Molly Flanagan and I had never actually met in person. But this week, we were both randomly visiting Miami at the same time, and so we finally met in 3D! Together, we have increased membership from zero to 750, together we host hundreds of programs each year, and together we have come to support people looking for a spiritual community of wellness from around the world. We have worked so well together across the miles for years. What a joy to finally thank Molly in person for their incredible dedication and contributions to this community. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…"

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

Our Introduction to Judaism® online course will give participants a strong foundation for authentic and empowered engagement in the Jewish community.  This 18-session program is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays, and rituals.

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This course is designed for spiritual seekers, interfaith couples, individuals pursuing or considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful chance to reconnect with their Judaism as an adult.

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Classes will be held Mondays at 1pm PT/4pm ET from January 22 through June 3, with breaks March 25 (Spring Break) and May 27 (Memorial Day).

The program is led by Rabbi Heather Miller and her teaching style is interactive, and encouraging of questions. She is queer and a member of an interracial, international, interfaith family, and joyfully engages with folks of all backgrounds. Rabbi Heather Miller is known for her open, affirming, and joyful approach.

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Come for the program, stay for the community! Weekly classes are augmented by Shabbat and holiday programs and additional experiential components all found on the calendar (HERE). Our course of 18 classes is $360 for individuals, and $500 for couples. No experience necessary. All are welcome!

View the course outline HERE. Full course materials are provided upon registration.

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Register for this program HERE.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

At the start of every Hebrew calendar month, we take time to focus on our work for racial justice through the Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review. We are currently exploring the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Interim Report linked HERE.

• January 11th, 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET we will cover Chapter 3 Racial Terror, led by Rabbi Miller

Register HERE to join the discussion and make a difference.

KITS CREATIVITY CLUB

Every Other Sunday 9am PT/12pm ET, enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. Our sessions are led by beloved KITS community members Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. The next gathering will be January 14th.

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!

6TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PRAYER BREAKFAST

Join the 6th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Reconcile Church in collaboration with Orange County churches, on Monday, January 15th 2024 at 8AM at the Newsong Church in Santa Ana, CA. Register at tinyurl.com/OCMLKprayer2024.

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

We look forward to seeing everyone on 1/11 to celebrate four years of Daf Yomi together!

JOIN our healing circle holding space for all looking for prayers for healing. This and EVERY THURSDAY -- at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET.

(Small note: Rabbi Miller has Jury Duty this week and may be called in to serve. We will email everyone who has registered for this program if they need to be postponed.)

LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS:

iCal USER? 

If you use iCal and would like the complete Keeping It Sacred calendar added to your calendar, click HERE. This way you won't miss an opportunity to connect via our LIVE activities. 

EVERY DAY

Please enjoy TWO seasons of our 7-episode web series People Keeping It Sacred and our Jewish Holiday series called "A Bit About..." both available on YouTube HERE and via podcast on your favorite podcast player including: PocketCasts, Breaker, RadioPublic, Apple + Podcasts, Google Podcasts  Spotify and more HERE.

ONGOING: SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

Rabbi Miller is available for 1-on-1 spiritual counseling; pay what you can. Topics are based upon the participant and can include your personal theological understanding of coronavirus, spiritually making space for others in your home, the spirituality of isolation and finding your way back to sacred connection. For more information, click HERE.

1/11 SHEVAT ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Monthly at 9:30am PT | 12:30pm ET — This is our way of pursuing each month with a new vision of racial justice. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT. Shevat Rosh Chodesh will be led by Rabbi Miller and cover Chapter 3: Racial Terror. REGISTER HERE.

1/11 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. 

1/11 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.  

1/18 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. 

1/18 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.  

1/22 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE.

1/25 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. 

1/25 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.

1/26 SHABBAT SERVICES

The last Friday of every month at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET! 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. REGISTER HERE.

1/29 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE. 

2/1 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. 

2/1 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.    

2/5 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE. 

2/8 ADAR I ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Monthly at 9:30am PT | 12:30pm ET — This is our way of pursuing each month with a new vision of racial justice. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT. REGISTER HERE.

2/8 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. 

2/8 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.  

2/12 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE.

2/15 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. 

2/15 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.  

2/19 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE.

2/22 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. 

2/22 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.  

2/23 SHABBAT SERVICES

The last Friday of every month at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET! 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. REGISTER HERE.

2/26 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®

This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE.

2/29 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. 

2/29 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.  

2/29 SIYYUM TRACTATE BAVA KAMA

12pm PT | 3pm ET. Grab your place at the table as we sit down with the sages of old and wrestle with their thinking, enjoy their stories, and glean their wisdom! REGISTER HERE.

3/04 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. 

3/04 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.  

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...

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!