In Hebrew, the word imploring us to "give thanks" is "הודו/hodu." You may be familiar with Psalm 118 which invites:

Hodu l'Adonai ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo;

הוֹד֣וּ לַיהֹוָ֣ה כִּי־ט֑וֹב כִּ֖י לְעוֹלָ֣ם חַסְדּֽוֹ׃

Let us give thanks to the Eternal, as God’s kindness is infinite.

This can be a powerful meditation to consider not only during Thanksgiving but each and every day throughout the year. What would it be like to wake up with thanks and gratitude in our hearts? How would our day start with that kind of alignment?

It is no surprise that this psalm is traditionally chanted during Passover, as part of the Passover seder because it encourages us to give thanks. And on Passover, we are meant to give thanks and appreciate the profound blessing of the redemption the Israelites experienced when being led out of oppression in Egypt.

See my friend Cantor Ross Wolman chant it HERE.

But, there is more to be grateful for than grand gestures. The rabbis teach that even waking up with consciousness is a blessing to be grateful for. What are you grateful for? I'd like to invite you to send me a little note. I will meditate on these in front of the open ark on Thanksgiving morning. While you're at it, if you're comfortable, please send your mailing address as well so that we can send you a personalized Thank You note in the coming weeks. (rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com).

Let us lift up one another's gratitudes this season and all year long!

Thank you for #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

ACCESS JUDAISM

Our Melanie Grohman z"l Access Judaism program is BACK! 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. (Think of it like a Judaism 201 type program for those who have already taken a 101 program or are already familiar with the basics of Jewish life). Classes are open to students entering with a diversity of backgrounds.

​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. Suggested donation for one class is $25, one session is $180 and the full program is $300. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Mondays at noon PT/ 1p MT/ 2pm CT/ 3pm ET:

Access Judaism: SESSION 1:

11/7 Personal Inventory of Belief (Make up session at 11am PT/2pm ET)

11/7 Radical Responsibility for the World (noon PT/3pm ET)

11/14 Demystifying Denominational Differences

TODAY! 11/21 The Flavors of the Holy Books (Register here)

11/28 One for Every Mood: The Jewish Holidays (Register here)

12/5 Jewish Intermarriage: A History (Register here)

12/12 The Righteous Economic Vision of the Rabbis (Register here)

11/19 The Kabbalistic Non-Binary God (Register here)

Access Judaism SESSION 2:

1/9 The Intelligent Design of the Prayer Service

1/23 Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook

1/30 Rituals as Markers of Transition

2/6 The Characteristics of a Good Jew

2/13 Slam Poetry in the Golden Age

2/27 Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why The Righteous Suffer

3/6 Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century

3/13 Before You Die, Consider These Rabbinic Thoughts

Please register HERE for one or all classes designed to give you greater Access to Judaism.

*This series is named after our beloved Keeping It Sacred community member, the late Melanie Grohman, may her memory be for a blessing, who loved learning about Judaism and our community. Her memory is a blessing.

TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

Yesterday, tenderhearted communities observed Transgender Day of Remembrance; a day dedicated to the memories of those whose lives were cut short due to gender discrimination and hatred due to their status or perceived status as Transgender or Gender Non-Binary.

The Keeping It Sacred community observed two interfaith Trans Day of Remembrance services: The first was at Metropolitan Community Church in the Valley led by the Rev. Dr. Pat Langlois, homily given by Rev. Megan More, and special guest remarks by our own Rabbi Miller. And the second was at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, where our own KITS member, Casey Casas, beautifully represented us with a reading of Rabbi Reuben Zellman's prayer, Twilight People.

These services had particular resonance as the world woke up to new of another shooting and murder of those gathered to celebrate life at a queer club in Colorado Springs, CO. We remember those whose lives have been cut short. And we remember we still have much work to do. Please join us in making a contribution to the Trans Justice Funding Project, which funds important initiatives all over the U.S. Together, may we build a world where no one has to live in fear of hatred.

PEOPLE KEEPING IT SACRED

As the weather gets colder for those of us in the northern hemisphere, cozy up to watch episodes of PEOPLE KEEPING IT SACRED Seasons 1 and 2! Across this series, Rabbi Miller interviews thoughtful friends yielding intelligent, joyful conversations about personal spiritual narratives.

We wanted to highlight this invigorating conversation from Episode 1 of Season 2 where Rabbi Miller interviews Arun Gandhi, grandson of the visionary Mahatma Gandhi. Hear him discuss living peace HERE.

Season 2 topics include: Living Peace, Forging New Paths Forward, Living Authentically, Investing in the Future, Holistic Approaches to Spirituality, Spiritual Repair, The Power of Convening, and more!

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

THIS WEDNESDAY! The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore another in our select collection of psalms and their messages about racial justice. This is our way of starting each month with a new vision of racial justice.

• October 26, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET (Psalm 23)

• November 23, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 92) REGISTER HERE

• December 21, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 104) REGISTER HERE

• January 18, 3pm PT/6pm ET (Psalm 30) REGISTER HERE

Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

SHABBAT SERVICES: THE LAST FRIDAY NIGHT OF EVERY MONTH

THIS Friday night 11/25, and EVERY LAST Friday night of the month, 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 the last Friday of every month. Together, we will lift up anniversaries, birthdays, and honor remembrances of our loved ones.

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, please mark your calendars for 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET and every LAST FRIDAY NIGHT of the month. Then, PLEASE register to join us HERE.

HANUKKAH CRASH COURSE FOR KIDS (and kids at heart)

THIS Sunday, November 27 at 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, join us for an interactive Hanukkah Crash Course for kids (and kids at heart). Rabbi Miller will lead us through the symbols and stories of Hanukkah with lots of participation. Questions are encouraged and all will go beyond the idea of presents to connect with a personalized vision of the true meaning of Hanukkah. Please register in advance at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

HANUKKAH: GATHERING THE LIGHT

We would love to gather the light together with you for the FIRST night of Hanukkah! We are planning a joyous program for you to enjoy virtually. Last year, we celebrated with music and song and candle lighting and storytelling across 11 time zones. Help us lift up light across the world 12/18 at 5pm PT/8pm ET. Register HERE.

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 34 different states and 11 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.

Our own Sue Parker Gerson provided My Jewish Learning's Daily Dose of Talmud with commentary on Nedarim 16: Were the mitzvot given to derive benefit?. Enjoy!

CONVERSATIONAL SURVEY OVER ZOOM

We want to know what you think! We are charting our path for the new year and want to begin by hearing your thoughts on Keeping It Sacred— the community, the offerings, and more! Please sign up for a 30-minute meeting with Rabbi Miller for a zoom-survey to discuss your impressions and dream up the future together. Click HERE to sign up for a 30-minute time slot: calendly.com/kitsrabbimiller

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!

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.

11/21 ACCESS JUDAISM

Join us Monday, 11/21 at noon PT/3pm 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.

11/23 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Join us at 10am PT/1pm ET to review selected Psalms. This is our way to welcome in the new month with inspiration for our journey towards racial justice. Register for this program HERE.  

11/24 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. 

11/24 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.  

11/25 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 11/25 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.

11/27 HANUKKAH CRASH COURSE FOR KIDS (AND KIDS AT HEART)

Sunday, November 27 at 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, join us for an interactive Hanukkah Crash Course for kids (and kids at heart). Rabbi Miller will lead us through the symbols and stories of Hanukkah with lots of participation. Questions are encouraged and all will go beyond the idea of presents to connect with a personalized vision of the true meaning of Hanukkah. Please register in advance at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1.

11/28 ACCESS JUDAISM

Join us Monday, 11/28 at noon PT/3pm 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.

12/1 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. 

12/1 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.  

12/5 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/5 at noon PT/3pm 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.

12/8 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. 

12/8 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.  

12/12 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/12 at noon PT/3pm 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.

12/15 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. 

12/15 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.  

12/18 HANUKKAH: GATHER THE LIGHT

We would love to gather the light together with you for the FIRST night of Hanukkah! We are planning a joyous program for you to enjoy virtually. Last year, we celebrated with music and song and candle lighting and storytelling across 11 time zones. Help us lift up light across the world 12/18 at 5pm PT/8pm ET. Register HERE.

12/19 ACCESS JUDAISM:

Join us Monday, 12/19 at noon PT/3pm 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.

12/21 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Join us at 10am PT/1pm ET to review selected Psalms. This is our way to welcome in the new month with inspiration for our journey towards racial justice. Register for this program HERE.  

12/22 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. 

12/22 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.  

12/29 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. 

12/29 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.  

12/30 SHABBAT SERVICES

Friday night, 12/30 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.

1/18 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

Join us at 10am PT/1pm ET to review selected Psalms. This is our way to welcome in the new month with inspiration for our journey towards racial justice. 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...

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!

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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We'd love for you to forward this to a friend to invite them to join us, too!