In the wake of last week’s historic Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, progressive clergy colleagues of all stripes have taken to social media to post messages affirming support of our community members’ reproductive choices. There are photos of rabbis with picket signs, ministers at rallies, graphics with clever slogans like, “abortion bans are against our religion.”

It’s such an odd thing that we have to affirm our position. Why? Because the clergy I know would support people on this journey without question. And yet, we need to affirm it online and in the public square because the issue keeps getting painted by the the right wing as a battle of people of faith vs. sinners. This is outrageous and not the case for so many people of faith and faith leaders. 

There is a deep tradition of Jewish thinking on this topic. From the question of when life begins, to the case of miscarriage, procedures, and more. From a Jewish perspective, the rabbis see the life of the pregnant person as paramount. And especially when the existence of the fetus threatens the life of the carrier, it falls into the category of rodef a pursuer (that would kill her). And any rodef, must be stopped in order to preserve life of the one it would harm.

Modern rabbis have expanded this understanding of promoting the health of the carrier to include not only physical well-being but also mental and spiritual health as well. When the fetus threatens that, abortion can certainly be a valid moral choice. And certainly one to only be made by the person whose body it affects. (There is so much MORE to share on this topic- so I decided to host a study session THIS WEDNESDAY at 1pm PT/4pm ET called Reproductive Rights in the Torah- register HERE.)

I, and my clergy colleagues walk with our people through so many of life’s journeys. We walk with you down the aisle.  We walk behind the casket with you when a loved one dies. We walk you up the altar at coming of age ceremonies. We walk with you through the streets at rallies. We walk with you into the chambers of government to support your advocacy. We walk you through the halls of hospitals and sometimes when the path takes you there, we even walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death. Of course we would walk our people through the decisions of reproductive choices. To bear sacred witness. To help you identify your resources. To pray, to cry, to lift up questions. To share how others in your situation have thought about the journey. And ultimately to administer the most sincere spiritual support. 

Progressive spiritual leaders are thoughtful, principled, caring and religiously grounded people and faith leaders who care about the sanctity of the lives of the people in our communities. We are here to state that you are not alone and yours is a sacred and personal and morally valid choice. We are here to spiritually walk this path together. 

Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller,

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

SHABBAT REMARKS FROM RABBI MILLER: THE BLESSING OF CALEB

This past Shabbat, on behalf of the entire Keeping It Sacred community, we welcomed Dan & Diana’s beautiful, curious, and alert baby Caleb to the world. This was especially meaningful for Rabbi Miller who had officiated Dan & Diana’s wedding not too long ago. We are blessed by all of them!

At the service Rabbi Miller also offered these remarks:

Exodus from narrow spaces, the kind we honored in that past blessing called the ge’ulah/ the prayer of redemption, rarely ends with a simple “happily ever after.” We know this. Life after we escaped oppression in Egypt has not guaranteed us with a life of goodness and freedom and happily ever after. There will always be a new hill to climb or challenge to meet. In 1973, we had collectively gone through narrow spaces of advocating for reproductive rights, and landed on Roe v. Wade decision. But today, that was overturned.

As someone with a clever picket sign said: I fought for these rights in the 70s, and now I fight for them in MY 70s.

Sometimes the world seems utterly upside down. Like when a loved one dies. When we are faced with a new health reality. When a natural disaster hits. Or times like today, when a Supreme Court decision is issued allowing the government to interpose between a person and their body.

We think- my god?! What is this world I am living in?

Knowing that reproductive healthcare is now outlawed in 13 states who had trigger laws on the books ready to outlaw abortion rights the minute the supreme court case was issued.

Knowing that there will be states that outlaw abortion even in the case of rape, and even when pregnancy is life threatening. Knowing that many will still seek abortions but will now have to do so illegally, and in unsafe conditions. Knowing that the argument that this was not a fundamental right penned by the authors of the constitution because the authors of the constitution were a homogenous group that is far from reflecting what the population of the US looked like them and looks like now and so this is another stone added to the many many stones giving weight to patriarchy.

Jewishly, abortion is not only permitted but sometimes even required by Jewish law. Abortion bans are against our religion. And so this is simultaneously an attack on our religious values and practice. Against our principled expression of our Jewish worldview.

Today’s ruling flies in the face of the principle of Pikuach Nefesh—the sacred obligation to preserve life. The life of the gestational carrier is not taken into consideration by today’s ruling. Their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is cast aside when they are forced to carry pregnancy to term, that is, if it doesn’t them.

According to a recent study from Duke University, a ban on abortions would likely increase maternal deaths by 21%, and may now increase Black maternal deaths by 33%. (source: Sheila Bates and NCJW)

This is unconscionable. And we knew it was coming, but still how could we stop it.

In these times, we may feel like the spies did in this week’s Torah portion. They were commanded by God and Moses to enter the promised land and assess the future. If they entered the land, what kind of forces might they be up against? They reported back that they felt small compared to the great armies that lived in the land. They said:

בְעֵינֵ֙ינוּ֙ כַּֽחֲגָבִ֔ים וְכֵ֥ן הָיִ֖ינוּ בְּעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃

V’aineinu ka’hagavim, v’chein hayyinu b’eineihem

We appeared as grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must have appeared to them.

True, the Supreme Court is packed with 6 for and 3 against today’s decision. And in general, our legislative system has been corrupted by large corporations, special interest groups, and biased lawmakers. But this is not a time to feel small, my friends. This is not a time to cower or fear the fight ahead.

Our tradition reminds us that we must be “chazak v’amatz” strong and resolute. As God told Joshua when he was leading the troops,

חֲזַ֖ק וֶאֱמָ֑ץ כִּ֣י אַתָּ֗ה תַּנְחִיל֙ אֶת־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה אֶת־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּי לַאֲבוֹתָ֖ם לָתֵ֥ת לָהֶֽם׃

Chazak v’amatz

Be strong and resolute, for you shall apportion to this people the land that I swore to their forebears to assign to them.

We must build our confidence, and be thoughtful in the ways big and small that we can keep human dignity at the center. The ways we can provide assistance for those seeking healthcare. The ways big and small we can turn hearts and build power and strategy. The ways we can unite and the ways we can keep one another’s spirits up..

Yes, we can grieve, and yes we can lament. There is a time for that. And then, there will also be a time to set out and make our voices heard. To resist.

And all the while take care of ourselves. To take each day as it comes and see the blessings that yet surround us. The blessings of all that keeps us strong and fortified and aligned. The blessings of this community, included.

Today, at the beginning of this shabbat service, we celebrated a baby named Caleb. This is a good sign. Why? Because in the story of the spies, Caleb was one of the spies who came back and didn’t report feeling small. Instead, he saw the potential in the future of the Israelite people. A future existence with bounty and goodness.

Let our Caleb here today serve to remind us that perception is everything and to not count ourselves out. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, may we each be chazak v’amatz—strong and resolute. Amen.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS & TORAH: A TEXT STUDY SESSION

THIS WEDNESDAY, June 29th at 1pm PST/4pm EST, join together to explore Jewish texts on reproductive rights. Rabbi Heather Miller, a longtime advocate for reproductive justice, will lead the study in a way that is accessible, relevant, and empowering.

No experience necessary. All are welcome! 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 and are greatly appreciated.

Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW

THIS THURSDAY! Rosh Chodesh is the celebration of the new month. And over the next six months, our Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review series will take time to explore 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World: An Abolitionist’s Handbook by Patrisse Cullors. Each month, we will discuss two chapters of this work which will simultaneously address transforming our inner personal lives and also the institutional infrastructures of injustice around us. 3pm PT/6pm ET: 3/3, 4/2, 5/8, 5/31, 6/30 and 7/28 Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

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

ACCESS JUDAISM: CONSIDER THESE RABBINIC THOUGHTS

What are the most important things to think about in life? What will we be held accountable for later? How can we live the best life possible? Learn from the wisdom that was shaped over millenia in the Jewish tradition. No experience necessary. All are welcome.

June 29th 7pm PT/10pm ET. Register here: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/event-details/access-judaism-before-you-die-consider-these-rabbinic-thoughts-2

OUR SECOND ANNUAL CONFIRMATION CEREMONY

PLEASE SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE!

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. Together, let's honor your engagement! Please join us by participating in the service through this link HERE. You will be honored and receive a certificate commemorating this joyful day. This is an 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. Please register HERE: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

Sunday, August 21, 2022 10am PT/1pm ET

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!

POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN:MORE COVERAGE IN THE NEWS

Faith leaders and laity based in Orange County, CA gathered together to host our own Poor People's Campaign March coordinated with and by the Poor People's Campaign. Our own Rabbi Miller (second from left) spoke passionately about the vulnerability faced by those without funding or housing on behalf of Keeping It Sacred and the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita.

The Episcopalian Diocese News picked up the story and reflected leaders' inspiring words-- including those of our own Rabbi Miller. Check out the article HERE.

Check out our Keeping It Sacred Justice webpage HERE for more information about great causes we proudly support.

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 31 different states and 9 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.

This week, KITS member Sue Parker Gerson shared a reflection on Yevamot 107 and it was featured in My Jewish Learning's Daily Dose of Talmud HERE.

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!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

iCal USER? 

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

EVERY DAY

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

ONGOING: SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

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

EVERY THURSDAY: PRAYER CIRCLE

Join us as we gather Thursdays for a Prayer Circle. Lift up names of those who are ill, and join together for support and community. All are welcome. 10:30am PST/ 1:30pm EST/ 3:30pm Brazil time, 6:30pm London-time. Register for this program HERE. 

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

Our Facebook group will host our next virtual meetup via zoom. For the link to attend this meeting Thursdays 11am PST, 2pm EST, 4pm Brazil time, 7pm London time. Register for this program HERE.  

6/29 REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS & TORAH

THIS WEDNESDAY at 1pm PST/4pm EST, join together to explore Jewish texts on reproductive rights. Rabbi Heather Miller, a longtime advocate for reproductive justice, will lead the study in a way that is accessible, relevant, and empowering.No experience necessary. All are welcome! Please register at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

6/29 ACCESS JUDAISM

Before You Die, Consider These Rabbinic Thoughts

Join us Wednesday, 6/29 at 7pm PT/10pm ET! Access Judaism is a relevant and empowering adult learning program in a fun, relaxed environment. This program features a broad spectrum of thoughtfully curated Jewish subjects in the realms of history, rituals, culture, philosophy, law, and spirituality. These interactive classes, which include post-class reflection questions, can also count towards requirements of conversion or adult b'nai mitzvah ceremonies. Register. for one class, one session, or the whole program at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

6/30 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW

3pm PT/6pm ET, join Rabbi Miller for a discussion of Patrisse Cullors' latest book, 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World: An Abolitionist’s Handbook. Patrisse Cullors herself (the author & co-founder of Black Lives Matter) join us 7/28!Explore how to transform yourself and the world around you amidst thoughtful, committed, tender-hearted community members. All are welcome. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.
 

7/28 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW & PATRISSE CULLORS

3pm PT/6pm ET, join Rabbi Miller for a discussion of Patrisse Cullors' latest book, 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World: An Abolitionist’s Handbook. Patrisse Cullors herself (the author & co-founder of Black Lives Matter) join us 7/28! Explore how to transform yourself and the world around you amidst thoughtful, committed, tender-hearted community members. All are welcome. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

7/29 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 7/29 at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Jeffrey Silverstein will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song. Together, we will lift up anniversaries, birthdays, and honor remembrances of our loved ones. This program runs the last Friday night of every month. Please email Rabbi Miller your important dates so we know when to honor your sacred times (birthdays, anniversaries, remembrances) at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com. And please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

8/21 SECOND ANNUAL CONFIRMATION CEREMONY

8/21 at 10am PT/1pm ET, join us for our Second 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-- come and affirm your commitment to study in the year ahead, and invite your friends and family. To join as a participant, please fill click the link here: . And to register for the ceremony, please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

THANK YOU!

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

Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

GIFTS TO KEEPING IT SACRED

All of us at Keeping It Sacred would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to each and every person who has extended a financial gift to the KITS community this past year. You power the work and ensure that quality relevant & empowering programming and resources remain accessible for all regardless of economic capacity. 

If you like what we're doing and would like to make a meaningful gift in this new year of any amount, please visit our contributions page at:

keepingitsacred.com/our-future

Thank you for #keepingitsacred...

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