Newsletter June 6, 2022 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
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Today, I took a morning walk through Malibu Creek State Park with my kids. The air was crisp, the birds were chirping, and we came across a beautiful little lizard that my son named "Yellowbelly." Viewing nature through the eyes of a child is always awe-inspiring. They notice every detail. They "oo-ed" and "ah-ed" about the white heron we saw by the shore, and the hawk in the sky, and I can't begin to tell you how excited they were to see a giant horsefly! The world around us is truly stunning, and marveling at the intelligent design of the world can be a spiritually grounding practice. Sometimes literally! For instance, there was once a rabbi whose friend shared a revealing story about him. The story? Once when they were schoolchildren, they went on a hiking field trip. When it was time to leave, the teacher gathered the class at the foot of the hill and counted students. Alas! This boy (who would later become the rabbi) was missing! When the teacher ascended to the top of the mountain, there, he found the boy face down-- arms outstretched, hugging the mountain! He was utterly grateful for Nature. When we are feeling down and out, when we turn into negative spaces, a good old fashioned walk through the great gift that is the natural world may help the spirit refresh. Even just a little. So take a moment to breathe in the natural world around you. You may yet still find gratitude for what is there. And if you can't, imagine what my kids would say. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred… Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
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ACCESS JUDAISM: SLAM POETRY IN THE GOLDEN AGE |
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Please sign up now for the Melanie Grohman z"l* Access Judaism KITS Signature Program. It offers relevant and empowering adult learning provided 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. Classes are open to students entering with a diversity of backgrounds from those well versed in Jewish life to those new to Jewish learning. There is a place for everyone in this program. 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. The Course features classes in philosophy, theology, culture, history, liturgy, and more! Wednesdays at 7pm PT/ 8p MT/ 9pm CT/ 10pm ET: Access Judaism SESSION 2: 5/11 The Intelligent Design of the Prayer Service (Register here!)
5/18 Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook (Register here!)
5/25 Rituals as Markers of Transition (Register here!)
6/1 The Characteristics of a Good Jew (Register here!)
6/8 Slam Poetry in the Golden Age (Register here!) 6/15 Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why The Righteous Suffer (Register here!) 6/22 Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century (Register here!) 6/29 Before You Die, Consider These Rabbinic Thoughts (Register here!) Register for all 8-classes, one 8-class session, or for individual classes a-la-carte when you click on an upcoming Access Judaism classes on our events calendar: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 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 can be made at the point of reservation or HERE. *We named this program for KITS member Melanie Grohman z"l (may her memory be for a blessing). She died unexpectedly this past summer at her home in Rockport, TX. She was very involved in our programs and in the midst of immersing herself in the study of Judaism and practices. We uplift her loving memory by naming this program in honor of her love of exploring Jewish life through the KITS community programming. For further information, or to introduce yourself, please write to Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com or our digital media manager, Molly Flanagan mflanagan@keepingitsacred.com. |
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MEMORIAL FOR BUFFALO, LAGUNA WOODS, AND UVALDE |
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Last Sunday, as founder of Keeping It Sacred and president of the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita, Rabbi Miller participated in the Memorial Service for those killed due to horrific gun violence in Buffalo, Laguna Woods, and Uvalde. She was joined by scores of religious and community leaders on the steps of Los Angeles' City Hall to unite against white supremacy and gun violence. The gathering was full of unity, prayer, and a call to action. See the news story from the Memorial HERE. |
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A HEARTY MAZAL TOV TO ARIANA AND PATRICK! |
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The entire Keeping It Sacred community wishes a hearty Mazal Tov to Ariana and Patrick on their recent wedding, officiated by Rabbi Miller, in Orange, CA. Married by a stunning olive orchard just before Shavuot began, the couple exchanged vows under a chuppah, not unlike the chuppah that the Jewish people made a covenant with God under during the Mt. Sinai giving of the Torah. Both were powerful blessings in this world! |
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PRIDE SERVICE AT ALL SAINTS CHURCH, PASADENA |
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Representing Keeping It Sacred, Rabbi Miller shared words on the theme of resilience at the Interfaith Pride Service at All Saints Church in Pasadena on Sunday. Watch the service HERE. |
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CELEBRATING RABBI SALLY PRIESAND |
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Rabbi Miller along with colleagues Rabbi Karen Strok, Rabbi Denise Edwards, Rabbi Leah Kroll (the one who taught Rabbi Miller mishnah 30 years ago), Rabbi Sari Laufer, Cantor Emma Lutz, Rabbi Jaclyn Fromer Cohen, and Rabbi Michelle Lenke honored Rabbi Sally Priesand on the anniversary of her historic ordination as America’s first woman rabbi 50 years ago. Festivities took place at Stephen S. Wise Temple. Watch the full broadcast HERE. |
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INTERFAITH MUSIC FESTIVAL |
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THIS SUNDAY! Southern Californian members of KITS Community: Join us for an in-person Interfaith Music Festival hosted by the Interfaith Solidarity Network. The program has been organized by the board of the Interfaith Solidarity Network including our own KITS member, Rabbi Jim Kaufman, and begins at 1:30pm on June 12, 2022. Sign up here and join us then! |
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TORAH OF THE HEART: MAKING LITURGICAL LOVE TANGIBLE |
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JUNE 13TH! Join us for Torah of the Heart! Our newest teachings by guest Rabbis every other Monday in May and June. June 13, Rabbi Dr. N. Siritsky teaches Creating Welcoming Communities.
Join Rabbi Siritsky to think about how to build welcoming communities, especially for interfaith, LGBT, Jews of color, disabled, and communities beyond. A second-generation Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Siritsky's rabbinate has long been dedicated to "keruv" - an unwavering commitment to advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ and interfaith families and the creation of inclusive Jewish communities that are unconditionally welcoming of all spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious background, relationship status, identity, or Hebrew-speaking ability.
Originally from Montreal, Canada, Rabbi Siritsky studied in Jerusalem at several Orthodox yeshivas, prior to beginning their studies as a Reform rabbi at Hebrew Union College. For Rabbi Siritsky, studying Judaism from traditional perspectives was crucial because “it was important to understand what we are reforming”. Rabbi Siritsky believes in making educated choices from the rich set of resources provided by Jewish tradition, in order to ensure that every ritual and prayer is meaningful. In addition to nearly a decade working in synagogues, teaching, counseling and participating in life cycle events, they are also trained as an interfaith chaplain and worked with the American Red Cross after 9/11, providing counseling and support at the family assistance center, Ground Zero, and the morgue. Most recently, Rabbi Siritsky works as a social worker and therapist, as well as serving as the rabbi of an emerging Reform Jewish community in Atlantic Canada.
June 13th at 10am PT/1pm ET. Register here: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/event-details/creating-welcoming-communities-1
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POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN:A NATIONAL CALL FOR MORAL REVIVAL |
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Join the Poor People's Campaign on June 18th, at 9AM. We will be inspired by community and faith leaders (including our own Rabbi Miller), and those impacted by low wages and who experience poverty in our community. Walk for those who experience discrimination and are marginalized, for their gender, country of origin, culture, race, for who they love, their gender identity, and all who face oppression. Meet at the Geneva Presbyterian Church 24301 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, Stop at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 24231 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, Gather at Saint George Episcopal Church 23802 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, for final reflections and light refreshments. Contact Rabbi Miller if you are planning on attending: rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com. |
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ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW |
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This TUESDAY - 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! |
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HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY |
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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 28 different states and 8 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. |
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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK: MONTHLY |
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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! |
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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. 6/8 ACCESS JUDAISM Slam Poetry in the Golden Age Join us Wednesday, 6/8 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. 6/12 INTERFAITH MUSIC FESTIVAL Southern Californian members of KITS Community: Join us for an in-person Interfaith Music Festival hosted by the Interfaith Solidarity Network. The program has been organized by the board of the Interfaith Solidarity Network including our own KITS member, Rabbi Jim Kaufman, and begins at 1:30pm on June 12, 2022. Sign up at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 and join us then! 6/13 TORAH OF THE HEART JUNE 13TH! Join us for Torah of the Heart! Our newest teachings by guest Rabbis every other Monday in May and June. June 13, Rabbi Dr. N. Siritsky teaches Creating Welcoming Communities. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1. 6/15 ACCESS JUDAISM Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why The Righteous Suffer Join us Wednesday, 6/15 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. 6/18 POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN Join the Poor People's Campaign on June 18th, at 9AM. We will be inspired by community and faith leaders (including our own Rabbi Miller), and those impacted by low wages and who experience poverty in our community. Walk in South Orange County for those who experience discrimination and are marginalized, for their gender, country of origin, culture, race, for who they love, their gender identity, and all who face oppression. Contact Rabbi Miller if you are planning on attending: rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com. 6/22 ACCESS JUDAISM Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century Join us Wednesday, 6/22 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. 6/24 SHABBAT SERVICES Friday night, 6/24 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. 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. 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... |
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GIFTS TO KEEPING IT SACRED |
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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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