Newsletter June 20, 2022 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
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Today is the day Juneteenth is observed this year. And, the Pastor of Skid Row’s Church without Walls, Pastor Cue Jn-Marie, recently wrote, “Juneteenth is not the day African Americans in Galveston Texas were set free by law; that was 1863. But 1865 gives us a clear picture that liberation for African Americans would be a constant fight.” Freedom is a constant fight and one that is worth fighting for because it is the only way we can all flourish. When we work for wellness, we are centering of human dignity, social connection, economic opportunity, educational access, theological healing, historical truth telling, and peaceful coexistence. But those who seek to usurp power through the degradation of others attack these very principles sometimes in subtle ways, and sometimes through overt violence. Great resolve and persistence is required in working towards the prophetic vision articulated by the prophet Micah chapter 6, verse 8: כִּ֣י אִם־עֲשׂ֤וֹת מִשְׁפָּט֙ וְאַ֣הֲבַת חֶ֔סֶד וְהַצְנֵ֥עַ לֶ֖כֶת עִם־אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ "Only to do justice, And to love goodness, And to walk humbly with your God.” This is a marathon, not a sprint. Rights are not just won and are then the work is done. Community must unify to intelligently meet hatred with love, to address bias wherever it festers, and to encourage one another to keep working for positive change. In the Torah, we learn of the famous story of Zelophehad’s daughters who successfully advocated for inheritance rights (even as women). But a few chapters later, limits on these rights are introduced, again curbing women’s self-agency. In the United States, Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, but we are waiting, any week now, for a Supreme Court decision that would once again erode bodily rights. After emancipation, Jim Crow laws were enacted degrading African Americans through new policies and practices. Working for social justice and tikkun olam/ the healing of the world takes stamina and deep solidarity through meaningful relationships. Not only showing up at a rally once or twice, but building deep connections, building power, building the movement. This is truly the work that makes all the difference. I’d like to welcome you to plug into the movement through Keeping It Sacred. The next opportunity to do so is through thoughtful discussion in our upcoming Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review series. June 30 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, we will review the book An Abolitionist’s Handbook: 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World by Co-Founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Patrisse Cullors. And then July 28 also at 3pm PT/6pm ET, Cullors will join us for a thoughtful discussion on the work of creating a bold, innovative, and humanistic approach to social justice. Please find the book everywhere books are sold and register for the programs HERE. And RIGHT NOW, you can also view several episodes of our People Keeping It Sacred podcast— one with Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson and dedicated peacemaker in his own right, Arun Gandhi, one with Black Lives Matter-LA co-founder Dr. Melina Abdullah, and one with dedicated social justice advocate and Rector of All Saints Church in Pasadena The Rev. Mike Kinman— all these and MORE can be found through our website HERE or via the Keeping It Sacred Podcast Channel found on podcast players everywhere. Together, we’re building the community we wish to see in the world. Together, we're #keepingitsacred... Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
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ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW |
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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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POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN:A NATIONAL CALL FOR MORAL REVIVAL |
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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. One participant reflected, "I so appreciate the words, the passion and heart that (Rabbi Miller) brought to this movement towards justice. Although the story of over policing is tragic, combined with the social stigmatizion of our formerly incarcerated siblings, sharing his story opened hearts and minds!! I have heard from so many folks about the profound impact you made yesterday.People find it refreshing and hope filled to experience a mighty rabbi who is a proud, gay woman and pillar of her community. You make a profound impact for love, faith and justice!!" Check out our Keeping It Sacred Justice webpage HERE for more information about great causes we proudly support. |
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ACCESS JUDAISM:SIBLINGS OR COUSINS? |
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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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WELCOMING MADELYN MAE/MIRA LEAH! |
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The entire Keeping It Sacred community welcomes Madelyn Mae/ Mira Leah into the world, the Jewish community, and our whole community! Rabbi Miller reports: “She is a little ray of sunshine! During her naming ceremony on Sunday, she was all smiles- throughout the entire ceremony she would wave and clap and delight in the circle of love surrounding her. Her parents and adoring half brother offered personal blessings that were incredibly moving. She is already a blessing in the world!” |
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JEWISH JOURNAL ARTICLE ON CELEBRATION OF WOMEN RABBIS |
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The Jewish Journal recently published an article on our gathering in honor of the 50th anniversary of the women in the rabbinate. It was a joyful occasion for so many of who have pursued this sacred calling. Read the article HERE. |
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CREATING WELCOMING COMMUNITIES |
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JUNE 27TH! Join us for Torah of the Heart! Our newest teachings by guest Rabbis every other Monday in May and June. June 27, 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 Dr. N. 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 27th at 10am PT/1pm ET. Register here: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/event-details/creating-welcoming-communities-1
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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. This week, Rabbi Miller's reflection on Yevamot 100 was featured in My Jewish Learning's Daily Dose of Talmud 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. 6/22 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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