What is the purpose of Torah study? Why do we engage in 1500 year old debates over what is the most ethical thing to do in any given situation? It is not for the purpose of mere practice of logical argumentation.

We do it so that we can encourage ourselves to uphold the values we espouse. Mishnah Pirkei Avot 3:17 teaches: 

אִם אֵין קֶמַח, אֵין תּוֹרָה. אִם אֵין תּוֹרָה, אֵין קֶמַח.

Im Ein Torah, Ein Kemach. Ein Kemach, Ein Torah. 

If there is no Torah, there is no substance. If there is no substance, there is no Torah. The idea here is that Torah cannot be mere words. Mere breath. It has to be backed up by ethical action. And ethical action cannot be sustained without a system like Torah to support it. There is a beautiful symbiotic relationship there.

Yesterday, beloved KITS community members Erin, Matthew, and Alex came before a beit din to reflect on their life's journey and affirm their Jewish identity. During our time together, each discussed Torah as that framework for understanding their ethical actions in the world. The way that they relate to individuals and the world around them is already deeply informed by sacred Jewish teachings. And, the way they read Torah is informed by their experiences in the world. In this way, their Torah is activated in the world and it is a delight to see it lived so meaningfully.  

Unsurprisingly, the beit din, comprised of me and my colleagues Rabbi Lisa Edwards and Cantor Juval Porat, wholeheartedly welcomed their commitment. The ritual of tevilah/ritual immersion will soon follow. Stay tuned for details. Mazal Tov to them and the the whole Jewish people! And may we each be inspired by and supported by Torah guiding our every action.

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred...

Rabbi Heather Miller, 

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

FINAL ACCESS JUDAISM CLASS FOR THIS SEASON

Please join Rabbi Miller and a beautiful collection of people who are exploring Jewish learning through the inaugural experience of the Keeping It Sacred Signature Program: Access Judaism.

This coming SUNDAY, we will enjoy our final class in the series: Before You Die, Consider these Rabbinic Thoughts. What are the most important things to think about in life? What will we be held accountable for later? How can we live the best life possible? Learn from the wisdom that was shaped over millenia in the Jewish tradition. No experience necessary. All are welcome.

Participants have shared:

"It was such a great group. It was an amazing start to my day. Looking forward to next week."

"It was a pleasure to study with you today. Reading and listening to others' views and understanding of God brings into light my perception of God."

"It was a wonderful class and it seems like it can only get better as we share and learn more about each other." 

"It’s exhilarating."

To register, please click on the image above, or the button below.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF JEWISH AMERICAN HISTORY

In honor of May which is Jewish Heritage month & Asian-American Heritage month, Wednesday, May 19, the National Museum of Jewish American History hosted a scholarly discussion about Jewish Asian American identities with two incredible scholars and community builders.

"Asian American Jewish Voices: A Conversation with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl and Professor Helen Kim," raised questions of identity, legitimacy, authenticity, and making a home in the Jewish community.

This is a must watch for any member of the Jewish community anywhere, and Professor Kim also reveals a tidbit about what Rabbi Miller shared with her during her conversion years ago. Please take the time to watch HERE.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW

Keeping It Sacred's Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression, and what we can and should do about it-- from a Jewish lens.

Understanding the way racial injustice works is the first step in remedying the problems, taking us one step closer toward a world affirming of all. Let’s make 2021 a year of actively remedying racial injustice, a year of Tikkun Olam/repair of the world.

Schedule:

13th movie by DuVernay (IYYAR) Monday, 4/12, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET

Caste by Wilkerson (TAMMUZ) Thursday, 6/10, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET

How to be an Antiracist by Kendi (ELUL) Sunday, 8/8, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET

The Color of Love by Gad (CHESHVAN) Thursday, 10/7, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET

N**** Theory by Armour (TEVET) Sunday, 12/5, 3pm PT/ 6pm ET

If you have further questions, or to introduce yourself, please don't hesitate to reach out 

to Rabbi Miller: rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com To sign up, click HERE. 

SAVE THE DATES FOR PRIDE MONTH!

June 1 at 5pm, Rabbi Miller will kickoff PRIDE Month by being featured on the Raising the Vibration of the LGBTQIP2SAA Community Radio Show. Stay tuned for information on how to TUNE IN!

June 4 at 5:30pm, Rabbi Miller will participate on a panel for the non-profit organization called The Lavender Effect on Faith and the Queer Community. Stay tuned for information to register for this zoom experience! 

GIANTS OF JUSTICE

Thursday, June 3, at 5:30pm PT, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) will honor the 2021 Giants of Justice. The advocates who are honored for lighting the way for justice in the Greater LA area this year are truly phenomenal movers and shakers and include Rev. Najuma Smith-Pollard, who organizes with Clergy 4 Black Lives, of which our own Rabbi Heather Miller is a proud member. Rabbi Miller also was named a Giant of Justice by CLUE back in 2018-- hear her inspiring acceptance speech HERE. And be sure to register for the 2021 CLUE Giants of Justice Awards HERE.

HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY 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 89 members strong from 21 different states and 4 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. 

To join and of these gatherings, please send Rabbi Miller an email or DM on Facebook to be added to the closed, secret Facebook group and/or the weekly text study group. And look for us on Instagram daily HERE.

Why is the democratization of Talmud Study so important? View Rabbi Miller's lecture (delivered to Temple Israel of South Africa) HERE.

WOMEN'S RABBINIC NETWORK CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

CHAGALL AND THE BIBLE

Tuesday, June 8 at 12pm PT/ 3pm ET, Enjoy this Guest Lecture by Jean Bloch Rosensaft, Director, Dr. Bernard Heller Museum, HUC-JIR/New York. Marc Chagall was profoundly inspired by the Bible throughout his career, producing biblical works in a broad array of mediums, including paintings, etchings, sculptures, mosaics, tapestries, stained-glass windows, ceramics, and stage set designs. Discover how memories of his youth in Bitebsk, his 1931 visit to Palestine, the Russian Revolution, the Holocaust, his personal religiosity, and his admiration for the old masters informed his imagination to create uniquely modern visual interpretations of the core text of the Jewish people. Special discussion to follow. No experience necessary. All are welcome! Register at: huc.edu/HUCConnect and to get the link to the discussion afterwards, be sure to cite Keeping It Sacred as the Synagogue/Organization.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

iCal USER? 

If you use iCal and would like the complete Keeping It Sacred calendar added to your calendar, click the link at the bottom of the page HERE. This way you won't miss an opportunity to connect via our LIVE activities. 

EVERY DAY

Please enjoy our 7-episode web series and podcast: People Keeping It Sacred on YouTube HERE or on your favorite podcast player (like: Spotify  Google Podcasts, Apple + Podcasts, RadioPublic, Breaker, and PocketCasts). To learn more about Jewish holidays, check out our "A bit about... the holidays" 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 WEDNESDAY: BLACK POWER

One of the bright lights of the Black Lives Matter movement, Dr. Melina Abdullah, Professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State Los Angeles, will offer an in-depth 8-week course dedicated to shifting power, privilege, and influence to support freedom for Black people. This course is run by SVP, but Rabbi Miller and others from Keeping It Sacred are enrolled, so please join us! Register 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.  

2021: ACCESS JUDAISM: ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES SESSION 2!

Please save the dates for accessible, relevant, and empowering Jewish learning! Classes will be held at 10am PT/1pm ET via zoom. No experience necessary. All are welcome! Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

4/11 The Intelligent Design of the Prayerbook

COMPLETED

4/18 Reform Renovations of the Prayerbook

COMPLETED

4/25 Rituals as Markers of Transition

COMPLETED

5/2 The Characteristics of a Good Jew

COMPLETED 

5/9 Slam Poetry in the Golden Age

COMPLETED

5/16 Bad Theology: Terrible Explanations of Why the Righteous Suffer

COMPLETED

5/23 Siblings or Cousins?: Jews and Christians in the First Century

COMPLETED

5/30 Before You Die Consider these Rabbinic Thoughts

What are the most important things to think about in life? What will we be held accountable for later? How can we live the best life possible? Learn from the wisdom that was shaped over millenia in the Jewish tradition. 

Please see keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1 and register for, one class, one session, or the whole program HERE. These classes are free with suggested donation of $25/class, $180/session, $300 for the entire program; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All are welcome!

6/1 RAISING THE VIBRATION RADIO SHOW

June 1 at 5pm, Rabbi Miller will kickoff PRIDE Month by being featured on the Raising the Vibration of the LGBTQIP2SAA Community Radio Show. Stay tuned for information on how to TUNE IN!

6/3 CLUE GIANTS OF JUSTICE

Thursday, June 3, at 5:30pm PT, join Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) for the 2021 Giants of Justice awards. The advocates who are honored for lighting the way for justice in the Greater LA area this year are truly phenomenal movers and shakers Register for the 2021 CLUE Giants of Justice Awards HERE.

6/4 THE LAVENDER EFFECT PANEL ON FAITH

June 4 at 5:30pm, Rabbi Miller will participate on a panel for the non-profit organization called The Lavender Effect on Faith and the Queer Community. Stay tuned for information to register for this zoom experience! 

6/6 WRN JUBILEE CELEBRATION

Sunday, June 6 at 2:30pm PT/ 5:30pm ET, Join the Women's Rabbinic Network and Rabbi Miller, who proudly serves on the Executive Board, to celebrate 50 years of women in the rabbinate! This part of the biannual convention, usually reserved for the 700+ Reform women rabbis around the world in the WRN membership, will be open to the public to enjoy. It will be held Sunday, June 6 at 2:30pm PT/ 5:30pm ET. If you'd like to attend, you may register here. 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HEBREW UNION COLLEGE: CONNECT

6/8 Chagall and the Bible

Tuesday, June 8 at 3pm PT/ 6pm ET, Enjoy this Guest Lecture by Jean Bloch Rosensaft, Director, Dr. Bernard Heller Museum, HUC-JIR/New York. Marc Chagall was profoundly inspired by the Bible throughout his career, producing biblical works in a broad array of mediums, including paintings, etchings, sculptures, mosaics, tapestries, stained-glass windows, ceramics, and stage set designs. Discover how memories of his youth in Bitebsk, his 1931 visit to Palestine, the Russian Revolution, the Holocaust, his personal religiosity, and his admiration for the old masters informed his imagination to create uniquely modern visual interpretations of the core text of the Jewish people. Special discussion to follow. No experience necessary. All are welcome! Register at: huc.edu/HUCConnect and to get the link to the discussion afterwards, be sure to cite Keeping It Sacred as the Synagogue/Organization.

ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE REVIEW SERIES:

6/10 Caste

Thursday, 6/10 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, join us as we discuss Isabel Wilkerson's powerful book, Caste. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression. Please read Caste on your own, and come ready to discuss. Register for the discussion, facilitated by Rabbi Miller, at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

8/8 How to Be An Antiracist

Sunday, 8/8 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, join us as we discuss Ibram X. Kendi's powerful book, How to Be An Antiracist. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression. Please read How to Be An Antiracist on your own, and come ready to discuss. Register for the discussion, facilitated by Rabbi Miller, at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

10/7 The Color of Love

Thursday, 10/7 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, join us as we discuss Marra Gad's powerful book, The Color of Love. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression. Please read The Color of Love on your own, and come ready to discuss. Register for the discussion, facilitated by Rabbi Miller, at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming-1

12/5 N**** Theory

Sunday, 12/5 at 3pm PT/6pm ET, join us as we discuss Jody Armour's powerful book, N**** Theory. The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Review will provide structured space to explore the nature of systemic racism from top thinkers, and help us to reflect upon the ways we participate in, and are impacted by systems of oppression. Please read N**** Theory on your own, and come ready to discuss. Register for the discussion, facilitated by Rabbi Miller, at 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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Thank you for #keepingitsacred...