Newsletter May 13, 2024 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
|
|
When something breaks, when harm is done, it creates a breach. A rift in time. Between that which was before and that which was after. Before something terrible happens, there’s an innocence. A benign naïveté. But after, there’s a hard-truth. A bitter pill. A painful hurt that needs mending. When a bone is broken, we go to the orthopedist to make a cast and, as they say, time heals all wounds. But what happens when institutions are broken, harm is not limited to some acute break. The wound extends among the hearts and minds and spirits of the many- how do you heal something like that? Especially if it has happened institutionally over the course of generations? These were the questions that Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion explored in its reckoning with injustices perpetuated by abuses of power and patriarchy that created situations of gender based harm across generations of rabbis. Today’s leadership of the school recognized that time doesn’t heal these kinds of wounds. And Sunday, there was a piece of repair work, a ritual, to help bring a repair. And honestly, I am still processing the power of the day. So in this newsletter, I will sketch out some of the issues addressed, and in the installment next week, I will attempt to process more about how I felt about things. First was a harm. Actually, many harms committed based on gender. The most ubiquitous was the fact that from 1972 to 2015, every ordination certificate earned by a woman featured different language than that bestowed upon men. And, unsurprisingly, different didn’t mean better. (Read more HERE) There was a corrective measure done in 2015 to bring equity in language, but what about the generations of rabbis whose certificate still featured the old language? In addition to that, some certificates were granted to women by men who were perpetrators of harm. (Read more HERE) Next was a survivor-based imagining. I have served on the board of the Women’s Rabbinic Network for five years now, and at several retreats over the years, and in private conversations, there was a bold response- re-imagining of what that ceremony would have looked like had our ordaining rabbi been someone else, or even someone of one’s own choosing. We dared to dream of an alternate reality of justice. A roadmap for some repair. Then, a sharing. Over the years our leadership would bring these harms to the attention of the leadership for exploration, understanding, and acknowledgement. And in the last few years, there were opportunities for folks to share the harms done. As it turns out, if harm-doers open up space to listen with the intention to apologize, victim-survivors will share. And a flood of testimony came to light despite the harm associated with the revisiting of the traumatic past. Then, an acknowledgement came from the College officially recognizing the harm done. And acknowledgement of the need for repair. The idea for the reaffirmation ceremonies was shared as a piece of the vision for teshuvah/ repair/ repentance, and over the course of many months with dedicated staff working diligently with the advisement of WRN leadership, a ceremony was created and invitations to those harmed were extended. Sunday, I participated in the ceremony, reaffirming my ordination which took place 16 years ago. As I ascended the steps of that bimah, I allowed myself to focus on what I usually try to ignore- the weight of gender based discrimination on my shoulders. All of the vignettes flashed across my heart of biased classroom encounters, and rigid rules for women and freedoms for men; I remembered the flashes of comments about my clothes, the awful comments shared with me, and threatening encounters with powerful leadership that would have been unthinkable to have perpetuated upon a man in my position as rabbi or as a rabbinical student. As I ascended the stairs of the bimah, I wondered if this would be a ritual of freeing myself from these trappings, or simply acknowledging them; would it feel like a liberation or an addressing of a wound? What would it be…? Next week, I intend to explore more thoughts on the ritual itself and the power of repair. I hope that this will help all of us explore the weight we each carry around everyday with abilities not voiced, and consider the importance of teshuvah/ repair work. Participating in teshuvah is how we are keeping it sacred. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred...
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
|
|
THIS COMING Sunday 9am PT/12pm ET, enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better, and create. Our sessions are led by beloved KITS community members Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. Shalom! Our next KITS Creativity Club will be on May 19th, 2024, 9-10 am Pacific, 12-1pm Eastern. We will launch our exploration of prominent Jewish artists to both learn more about our broader creative community, and to inspire our own artistic endorsement! This week we will learn about Marc Chagall (1887-1985), generally regarded as the pre-eminent Jewish artist. For our creative activity, we will look at several of Chagall‘s self-portraits, and start creating our own self-portraits. You can use colored pencils, markers, pastels, crayons, paint, or whatever you have around. And always remember: there are NO mistakes in art, there are only creative adventures. Here are some examples to look at, plus you can find wonderful information at https://www.wikiart.org. See you soon! |
|
|
THIS COMING MONDAY! Hosted by Keeping It Sacred, in collaboration with Muslims for Progressive Values, and Nefesh: Hear from those living with Grief in the Middle East as we invite members of the Parents' Circle to share reflections on their experiences as people who have lost loved ones in violence. Explore human suffering and a new vision for the future. Join us at 9am PT | Noon ET on 5/20. Register here! Our speakers include: Robi Damelin, spokesperson and director of International Relations for the Parents Circle - Families Forum joined the organization after her son was killed by a Palestinian Sniper. All her work on the ground both in Palestine and Israel and internationally is geared towards non-violence and reconciliation as a means to end the occupation. Robi was named as a 2015 Woman of Impact by Women in the World. She regularly contributes to media outlets in Israel and abroad. Robi was invited to brief the Security Council at the United Nations in May, 2022. Laila Alsheikh lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. In 2002, her 6 months old son, Qussay, became ill and Israeli soldiers prevented Layla from taking him to the hospital for more than five hours. Qussay soon died from the lack of timely treatment. Laila joined the Parents Circle in 2016. Following her son’s death, she never thought of revenge, but rather has devoted her time and energy to ensuring a better, more peaceful future for her children
The Parents Circle - Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of more than 700 bereaved families. Their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. But instead of choosing revenge, they have chosen a path of reconciliation.Through their educational activities, these bereaved members have joined together to take tens of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis on journeys of reconciliation. It is often raw and always emotional. But out of these interactions, comes change. Not the kind of change that makes headlines, but a more personal and profound shift in perspective.As a joint Israeli-Palestinian peace organization, the PCFF models constructive dialogue around shared values. Even since October 7th, 2023, its staff, members, and thousands of participants are still committed to peace and a way forward that centers around empathy and humanization.The PCFF focuses on the shared value of the sanctity of human life. This conversation brings our attention to the values that Palestinians and Israelis can agree upon even in the darkest of times. |
|
|
Recently, Alex and Dean wed on the beautiful island of Catalina, off the California coast. Rabbi Miller officiated the ceremony with Aunt Myrna offering a beautiful blessing incorporating Alice Walker’s stunning poem, Desire. The amazing dog, Arthur, walked the groom down the aisle before the bride arrived. The pair circled one another, and exchanged heartfelt vows, both emphasizing the sense of sanctuary they appreciate with one another. A jubilant hora followed the breaking of the glass, and much celebrating ensued. The entire Keeping It Sacred community wishes them a hearty Mazal Tov! |
|
|
Give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate in community with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song the last Friday of every month. These services take place the LAST Friday night of the month both online and in person (in Sherman Oaks, CA) at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET. Please RSVP for both at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming and if you’d like to join in person, please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com for details. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: May’s Shabbat is Fire Pit Shabbat in honor of Lag B’Omer (5/31) June’s service is Summertime Shabbat (6/28) |
|
|
LOVING CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF RABBI GUY GREENE, Z"L |
|
|
Yesterday, father of Keeping It Sacred member Maayan Greene, Rabbi Guy Howard Greene, z”l, was laid to rest and memorialized in Los Angeles, California. It was fitting that the service took place on Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day. Rabbi Green was predeceased by his wife Dahlia, with whom he raised three amazing daughters who would go on have husbands and children of their own. Rabbi Greene grew up in Los Angeles, and had a magnetic personality. In his heart was a deep seated devotion to the Jewish people and community building, becoming a rabbi later in life. His final years were spent serving a congregation in Sioux City, Iowa for 18 years, becoming their devoted leader and spiritual guide. The entire Keeping It Sacred community extends heartfelt condolences to the extended Greene family, his congregational community in Iowa, his colleagues, and friends. His memory is a blessing. |
|
|
ONE HEART: INTERFAITH SOLIDARITY NETWORK |
|
|
One Heart is a family-friendly festival of creativity hosted by the Los Angeles San Fernando Valley's Interfaith Solidarity Network, which Keeping It Sacred is proud to be part of. The goal of the festival is to encourage participants to become channels of peace, to re-route hatred with love, bring hope amidst despair, and strengthen our relationships.We'll all break bread together as well. The event will be held this coming Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 4:00pm at First Presbyterian Church
4963 Balboa Blvd., Encino, CA. Register to participate HERE.
|
|
|
NISAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW |
|
|
This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. Sivan Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review: June 6th 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET. Register here! We are reading Grieving While Black by Breeshia Wade. And mark your calendar for upcoming dates: Sivan Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review: June 6, Chapter 7 Tammuz Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review: July 5, Chapter 8 Av Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review: August 8, a special session on the intersection of antisemitism with racism, links will be provided. Elul Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review: September 5, we begin a new book: We Refuse, by Kellie Carter Jackson
|
|
|
JOIN THE BRAID AND THE LUNAR COLLECTIVE IN:
WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL THIS HERITAGE? |
|
|
Check out upcoming events with the LUNAR: Have you ever seen an Asian Jewish theatre show? (Probably not, because we're pretty sure ours is the first!)
We've teamed up with @thebraidstories to create What Do I Do With All This Heritage?, an original theatre show featuring true stories by Asian American Jews. Written by our community and performed by an entirely Asian American cast, this one-of-a-kind show is one you won't want to miss.
The show opens on May 15 and continues through June 9! Whether you're joining us in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, or live on Zoom, there is a show for you. Plus, we're offering special pay-what-you-can tix for LUNAR community members!
Get your tickets at the-braid.org/heritage ✨ |
|
|
Join our social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook, to follow along with counting the Omer, started Tuesday, April 23rd. The counting of the omer was once a harvest season ritual that was adopted by the Kabbalists who infused a spirituality and intentionality into the practice. Check out our social media daily for seven weeks of seven days of readings, and meditative prompts to spark introspection and spiritual strength. This custom traditionally links the second night of Passover with Shavuot (day 50!). Join us in this spiritual exercise as we climb up from oppression to the celebration of the giving of the Torah. |
|
|
SHARE YOUR INTERFAITH WEDDING STORY WITH 18 DOORS |
|
|
18Doors (formerly interfaithfamily.com) is looking to learn about the contours of interfaith weddings. Who officiated? In what ways were the elements of your traditions incorporated? What were special or memorable moments? Share your story with 18Doors here! “We want to see your Jewish Interfaith Wedding!” And, if you're looking to have an interfaith wedding, please check out our weddings webpage HERE-- Rabbi Miller joyfully officiates! |
|
|
Our Introduction to Judaism® online course gives participants a strong foundation for authentic and empowered engagement in the Jewish community. This 18-session program is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays, and rituals. This course is designed for spiritual seekers, interfaith couples, individuals pursuing or considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful chance to reconnect with their Judaism as an adult. Classes will be held Mondays at 1pm PT/4pm ET from January 22 through June 3, with breaks March 25 (Spring Break) and May 27 (Memorial Day). The program is led by Rabbi Heather Miller and her teaching style is interactive, and encouraging of questions. She is queer and a member of an interracial, international, interfaith family, and joyfully engages with folks of all backgrounds. Rabbi Heather Miller is known for her open, affirming, and joyful approach. Come for the program, stay for the community! Weekly classes are augmented by Shabbat and holiday programs and additional experiential components all found on the calendar (HERE). Our course of 18 classes is $360 for individuals, and $500 for couples. No experience necessary. All are welcome! View the course outline HERE. Full course materials are provided upon registration. REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED. |
|
|
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! |
|
|
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.
5/16 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. 5/16 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.
5/19 CREATIVITY CLUB Every other Sunday at 9am PT | noon ET! 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. REGISTER HERE. 5/20 GRIEF IN THE MIDDLE EAST 9am PT/ noon ET on 5/20 join us for Grief in the Middle East. A program hosted by Keeping It Sacred, Muslims for Progressive Values, and Nefesh: Hear from those living with Grief in the Middle East as we invite members of the Parents' Circle to share reflections on their experiences as parents who have lost children in violence. Explore human suffering and a new vision for the future. Register here!
5/20 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®
This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE.
5/23 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. 5/23 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.
5/30 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. 5/30 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. 5/31 FIREPIT SHABBAT: SHABBAT SERVICES Give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate in community with monthly shabbat services. 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. These services take place the LAST Friday night of the month both online and in person (in Sherman Oaks, CA) at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET. Register here!
6/02 CREATIVITY CLUB Every other Sunday at 9am PT | noon ET! 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. REGISTER HERE.
6/03 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM®
This 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals on Mondays at 1pm PT | 4pm ET. Come for the class, stay for the community! REGISTER HERE.
6/06 SIVAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW
This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET. Register for this program HERE. 6/06 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. 6/06 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. 6/13 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. 6/13 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. 6/16 CREATIVITY CLUB Every other Sunday at 9am PT | noon ET! 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. REGISTER HERE. 6/20 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. 6/20 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. 6/27 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. 6/27 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. 6/27 SIYYUM TRACTATE BAVA METZIA Grab your place at the table as we sit down with the sages of old and wrestle with their thinking, enjoy their stories, and glean their wisdom! Register for this program here! 6/28 SUMMERTIME SHABBAT: SHABBAT SERVICES Give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate in community with monthly shabbat services. 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. These services take place the LAST Friday night of the month both online and in person (in Sherman Oaks, CA) at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm 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... |
|
|
Be sure to connect on Social Media: | |
|
|
We'd love for you to forward this to a friend to invite them to join us, too! |
|
|
|
|
