“A time to be born, a time to die…. There is a season to every purpose under heaven.” 

These are the famous words of the book of Ecclesiastes, made popular by The Byrds in 1965, and they still move us today. They remind us of the cyclical nature of life. 

As a rabbi, I have an up-close view of these rhythms. One weekend a funeral, the next a baby naming. Add in b-mitzvahs and weddings and we have a full cycle. Some weekends feature multiple lifecycle events.

Personally, too, I feel these rhythms. Last week was the yahrzeit (anniversary of the death) for my stepfather, while today, my sister is due to give birth. Life is like the rising and falling of tides; the changing of seasons.

As we approach the High Holy Days, we notice that we are encouraged to contemplate life and death: we rejoice in the birth of the world on Rosh Hashanah, and seriously contemplate our own mortality, our own death, on Yom Kippur. It is a time when we ask ourselves:

What parts of our past year do we want to lay to rest?

And, what do we have yet to bring into this world?

These are the questions for this season. And they are questions for all seasons. Reflecting in this way is how we keep it sacred. 

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred….

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, SIMON!

The entire Keeping It Sacred community is proud to welcome Simon to the world. This past weekend, he was given the Hebrew name Shimon Getzel by his loving parents and older brother in a ceremony officiated by Rabbi Miller, who had previously heartily officiated their wedding and naming (respectively). In the ritual, Simon received blessings from his parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle and dear family friend, was wrapped in love from the tallitot of his father and his great grandmother, and at the end, the community giggled through an impromptu finale of “The Wheels on the Bus” incorporating the sound of the shofar much to the delight of his big brother. We are overjoyed you’re here, Simon!

FAMILY NEWS FROM LEILA

Our dear KITS community members, Leila and Jake are raising awareness for a genetic condition that their child has- Leila writes,

“Our son Sidney, after struggling to meet his developmental milestones on time was ultimately diagnosed with a rare hnrnpQ disorder. This causes his epilepsy and hinders his ability to communicate, and causes varying degrees of hypotonia. 

As with many rare neurodevelopmental disorders there is no FDA approved treatment. With a patient population under 500 world wide the potential of large drug companies investing is small. So the foundation was formed by moms and a few dedicated doctors to fund research, raise awareness and build community.”

To learn more about the foundation, please click HERE.

And the entire Keeping It Sacred community extends a hearty Mazal tov to their whole family as their eldest, Elle, recently became b-mitzvah in Seattle! The family tradition of contributing positively to the world and honoring Torah continues!

REMEMBERING SHELDON PINCHUK 1939-2024

The entire Keeping It Sacred community extends loving condolences to the family of Sheldon Pinchuk, z”l who died August 28, 2024, a few weeks shy of his 85th birthday. After initially practicing law, he took up filmmaking and succeeded in building a decades-long career producing up to 7 projects a year including the film “Reality Bites“ and the my nominated TV movie “Gore Vidal’s Lincoln.”

At his funeral, officiated by Rabbi Miller, his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and a dear coworker lifted up fond remembrances of Sheldon. The hallmarks of his life were curiosity, family, and integrity. And as his wife of 57 years shared, “He had a successful life in every measurable way- his career, our family, our travels We planned it exactly how we wanted it and we lived it.” His memory is a blessing. 

KITS CREATIVITY CLUB

Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. 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. 

Our next meeting is: September 22nd at 9am PT/ 12pm ET. REGISTER HERE!

SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB!

Are you interested in holding spiritual space for healing through reading and community? Then please consider joining the new KITS Spiritual Gentleness Book Club (SGBC) led by members Ashleigh and Tracy. The SGBC will explore books in bi-monthly meetings, with topics and discussions centered on the questions that arise for those who are new to Judaism. With a collaborative approach to book discussion, we envision this book club as a place to make new friends, have nuanced and meaningful discussions, and deepen our relationships with Judaism.

POSTPONED: Today‘s class has been postponed, we will now meet September 23rd at 2:30pm PT | 5:30pm ET, register here. We will be reviewing beyond part 2 (chapter 4 on) of Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz! Enjoy this amazing work and let's talk 9/23!

SHABBAT OF APOLOGY

Join us September 27th for Shabbat of Apology, as it is the last Shabbat before the new year. It is a special time for reflection and spiritual repair. 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. All are welcome to join us in person or online. Register HERE.

RABBI MILLER’S “RESOULUTIONS”

The High Holy Days are coming and we have the perfect book to get you ready- Rabbi Miller’s RESOULUTIONS: A Practical Guide for Self- Repair. 5 stars with 12 reviews! Available everywhere books are sold. For more information, check out: keepingitsacred.com/the-book.

REFLECTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: HIGH HOLY DAYS WITH KITS

Join us for the High Holy Days!

Our Founder, Rabbi Heather Miller will bring texts, traditions, and teachings from the wisdom of the Sages into relevance today. And this year, she will again be joined by the talented and good-hearted Cantorial Soloist Rachel Rothman. Rachel holds her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and fuels her spirituality and Judaism through music.

The entire lineup of services will be offered online including a Rosh Hashanah Seder, and a Morning Rosh Hashanah Service, as well as a hybrid (in person and online) Tashlich Service, Kol Nidrei Service, a Yom Kippur morning service, Yizkor, and Neilah service (See below to sign up). As always, services will be free of charge to all who wish to attend, but your contributions allow us to uphold this value of keruv/accessibility. As you reserve, please consider a meaningful gift to help us cover the costs of running this transformational programming and helping to support all of the sacred work we do.

MORE about Cantorial Soloist Rachel Rothman:

We are so blessed as a community to have the exquisite heartfelt musicality of Cantorial Soloist Rachel Rothman co-lead us this High Holy Day Season. She holds her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has spent summers performing with opera festivals in Italy, and currently has an in-demand vocal studio where she teaches voice lessons privately. And, Rachel feels lucky to fuel her spirituality and Judaism through music. Rabbi Miller has known Rachel since 2008 and shares, “Rachel is an incredible talent, with a soul of sincerity, sensitivity, and sensibility. She is a gifted prayer leader with a range from participatory song to high art, having a voice trained by camp song leaders and conservatory instructors alike. I am incredibly excited to again co-lead this season's worship experiences with Rachel.”

Please join us for the High Holy Days-- gather in community for:

And please print the following image to save on your fridge so you can be sure to remember our programs.

CHESHVAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW

At Keeping it Sacred, we observe Rosh Chodesh, the start of each new month, with a Racial Justice Book Review. Each month we examine new material. September 5, we begin a new book: We Refuse, by Kellie Carter Jackson-- see her on CBS talking about this book HERE-- we are excited! (And bonus: she was a professor of our own Molly Flanagan when a student at Wellesley College!) REGISTER HERE! 

Check out dates below for upcoming Rosh Chodesh where we will review We Refuse:

• 11/7 Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan: Chapter 1

• 12/5 Rosh Chodesh Kislev: Chapter 2

• 1/2 Rosh Chodesh Tevet: Chapter 3

• 1/30 Rosh Chodesh Shevat: Chapter 4

• 2/27 Rosh Chodesh Adar: Chapter 5

SOCIAL JUSTICE IN OUR TEXTS: “STUDY BREAK” WITH LAASOK

Immigration. Climate change. Marriage equality. LGBTQ+ inclusion. Voting and civic engagement. Respect for fellow human beings.

What does Judaism teach us about creating a just society?

Each month, September through June, we will take a one-hour “study break” to learn about an aspect of social justice in Jewish texts. This series is being taught by a variety of wonderful teachers, and will meet on Monday afternoons (3pm ET / noon PT) throughout the year.

Organized by LAASOK, the liberal Beit MIdrash (“House of Study”). This program is co-sponsored by a number of organizations, including LAASOK, Keeping It Sacred, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, and Kirva. Register at laasok.org/current-offerings/#justice

LGBTQ+ JEWS OF COLOR IN JEWISH SPACES SURVEY

This survey is a pivotal step in gaining a better understanding of the unique lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Jews of Color within Jewish spaces.

Your input will inform the creation of initiatives, resources, and programs designed to enhance the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews of Color. Additionally, it will empower the broader Jewish community to become agents of change and better allies to the LGBTQ+ Jews of Color in the community.

Take the survey here.

MAKE THE CALL! PUBLISH THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT!

What is the Equal Rights Amendment? The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that protects all Americans and guarantees equal treatment of our laws, regardless of sex or gender. Without the Equal Rights Amendment, the government is allowed to treat people differently and worse “based on sex.” Put another way, sex discrimination is legal without the ERA.

Help bring the ERA over the finish line! Spread the word, and let’s ensure equality under the law is guaranteed. Call or Text the White House and tell them to “Make the Call! Publish the ERA!” Phone: 202-456-1111 Text: 302-404-0880 And join the movement HERE.

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY

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

Immediately following that: at 11am PT/2pm ET, join us as we jump into a conversation with the rabbinic sages of old. We enjoy studying a page of Talmud every day and reviewing together every Thursday, adding our perspectives and the relevance to our own lives as we go along. We enjoy participation from participants across the world who span the spectrum of race, gender, class, age, and connection to Jewish thought.

The rabbis could never have imagined such a wonderful group considering their thoughts!

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."

To join, 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.

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!

If you are a subscriber, you are a member! We have no membership dues!

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, 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.

m Brazil time/ 6:30pm London-time. Register for this program HERE. 

9/9 SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB

Are you interested in holding spiritual space for healing through reading and community? Then please consider joining the new KITS Spiritual Gentleness Book Club (SGBC) led by members Ashleigh and Tracy! We will be reviewing part 2 (Chapter 4 and beyond) of Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz for our second meeting! REGISTER HERE.

9/12 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. 

9/12 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.   

9/19 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. 

9/19 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.   

9/22 CREATIVITY CLUB

Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. Bring your favorite form of creativity to work on, Art, Baking, Craft, Dance, etc. and share inspiration. REGISTER HERE.

9/23 SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB

Are you interested in holding spiritual space for healing through reading and community? Then please consider joining the new KITS Spiritual Gentleness Book Club (SGBC) led by members Ashleigh and Tracy! We will be reviewing Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz for our third meeting, with special guest Rabbi Heather Miller! REGISTER HERE.

9/26 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. 

9/26 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.   

9/27 SHABBAT OF APOLOGY

Join us September 27th for Shabbat of Apology, as it is the last Shabbat before the new year. It is a special time for reflection and spiritual repair. 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.

10/2 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Erev Rosh Hashanah Seder

6pm PT/9pm ET (60m) Celebrate the birth of the world by breaking bread together as one beautifully diverse human family. Please register for this program: HERE. 

10/3 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Rosh Hashanah

10am PT/ 1pm ET (75 min) Celebrate the birth of the world in gathered community. Please register for this program: HERE. 

10/3 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. 

10/3 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.   

10/4 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Second Day Rosh Hashanah with Jewtina y Co.

10am PT/1pm ET, we will celebrate the Second Day Rosh Hashanah with Jewtina Y Co. Gain the tools needed for spiritual growth with Kimberly Dueñas & Jewtina y Co. REGISTER HERE.

10/6 CREATIVITY CLUB

Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. Bring your favorite form of creativity to work on, Art, Baking, Craft, Dance, etc. and share inspiration at 9am PT|noon ET. REGISTER HERE.

10/6 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Tashlich Service & Beach Hangout

11AM LIVE from the beach in California, join Rabbi Miller in person or via LIVESTREAM for a special Tashlich Service and KITS family hangout. Gather in community and start the year with spiritual renewal. Please register for this program: HERE.

10/7 REFLECTING ON OCTOBER 7 AND EVERYTHING AFTER TOGETHER

Join your Keeping It Sacred community to mourn the events of October 7 and the devastation that continues. Together, we will hold space for our grief and our pain and find ways to bravely whisper our hopes for the region.  Rabbi Miller will facilitate the sharing beginning at 9am PT/noon ET. REGISTER HERE!

10/10 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. 

10/10 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.   

 
10/11 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Kol Nidrei/Erev Yom Kippur

7pm PT/10pm ET (75 min) Enter into the holiest day of the year with the soul-work of reflection and repair. For more information and to register, please visit: HERE.

10/12 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Day

10am PT/1pm ET (75 min) Focus on the texts, melodies and actions needed to rejuvenate the soul in community not bound by geographic limitations. For more information and to register, please visit: HERE.

10/12 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Yizkor Remembrances 

Noon PT/3pm ET (45 min) Gather in community to remember loved ones we have lost but hold dear in our hearts this and every year. For more information and to register, please visit: HERE.

10/12 HIGH HOLY DAY PROGRAMMING

Yom Kippur Ne'ilah & Virtual Break-the-Fast

5:45pm PT/8:45pm ET (60 min) Rejoice in the conclusion of the day. For more information and to register, please visit: HERE.

10/17 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. 

10/17 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.   

10/20 CREATIVITY CLUB

Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. Bring your favorite form of creativity to work on, Art, Baking, Craft, Dance, etc. and share inspiration at 9am PT|noon ET. REGISTER HERE.

10/24 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. 

10/24 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.   

10/25 SHABBAT OF APOLOGY

Join us for Shabbat — 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 (link tba!).

10/31 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. 

10/31 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.   

11/3 CREATIVITY CLUB

Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. Bring your favorite form of creativity to work on, Art, Baking, Craft, Dance, etc. and share inspiration at 9am PT|noon ET. REGISTER 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...

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