Newsletter October 23, 2023 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... |
|
|
Generally, I know how to respond to disasters. Natural disasters come on suddenly, wreak havoc, take lives, and cause agony. We send aid and sit with people in their lives human experience. But over the past 17 days, and really if we’re being honest, for decades and millennia before that, we have been experiencing a devastating unnatural disaster. Human conflict in the Middle East. This conflict has escalated and daily we witness the weaponizing of religion, expanding upon ancient hatreds and tropes, and the politicized unleashing of horrific methods of brutality unlike we have seen on Prime Time News and social media before. It is an unbearable unnatural disaster. And it is the children who lose. They lose parents, grandparents, and siblings. They lose hope. And they lose their innocence. What’s more is they are being saddled with the burden of carrying these ancient divides into their future. This is the cycle. And we know it because we are part of that cycle. We have been raised with love of our people, so much so that we have been taught explicitly or implicitly that sometimes, there is no room for the other. We are taught that they are a threat to our existence. And it is confusing because sometimes, they are. And we have been taught that the response to that is that “they” should be “neutralized.” So we are left striving to create safety and stability by appropriate, effective, ethical means and not give into our primal fears. But we are a people, flesh and blood, with a history of being be targets of hatred. Echos of our family’s and our people’s gruesome past consume us. Our ancestral trauma bubbling up from the past pulsing through our physical and/or spiritual DNA. Turning our stomachs. Sending waves of fear through our nerves. It is an unbearable position. How do we make sense of all of this? How do we find our way through? I, like many of you, turn to my rabbis for direction. I turn to the Sages and I keep thinking about Rabbi Hillel, the elder, the important sage who lived in the first century CE in Babylonia among various the ethnic and religious populations traveling through trade routes in Mesopotamia- in the Middle East. I turn to him in his wisdom for ethical guidance and I am not disappointed to see recorded in our sacred texts, two of his beautiful teachings that I hope leads us through. The first is Pirkei Avot 1:14: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?" He instructs us to love and protect ourselves but also insists that if we take that too far and leave no room for others, we lose a piece of ourselves—essential piece- our humanity. Our tenderheartedness. Our ability to connect with others and thrive together. And, in case we think now is the time to concern ourselves with only ourselves, and later we can worry about others, we are wrong. He ends this statement with the famous line, “If not now, when?” There is no time like the present to do so and advocate for the humanity of others. Another text he famously taught was a recorded reply to someone who approached him wanting to convert to Judaism. The man asked Rabbi Hillel to teach him all of Judaism while he stood on one foot (quickly). So what did the wise sage boil the entire Jewish endeavor down to? The Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 31a tells us he replied: “That which is hateful to you, do not do unto your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Now go and study." In a sentence, Rabbi Hillel tells us to push aside hatred and instead act with love and kindness. To want for others what we want for ourselves. To wreak no havoc. How this all is operationalized is to be sorted and debated in study halls everywhere and recoded as commentary. But at the core, we should do no harm. In these grueling times, I find myself pondering these ideas, to find ways to balance everyone’s needs including those of the communities around, and to keep love and compassion for the other’s experience at the center. And every day we are writing the commentary. How do we do this online? How do we do this among friends and in the land itself? Sorting through these questions is our sacred duty at this time. All the while keeping Hillel’s wisdom front and center: to not demonize or wall ourselves off from others but to, as much as is possible in these harsh times, remain balanced, compassionate, and to try with all our might to eliminate suffering. This is how Hillel kept it sacred. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
|
|
THE SOUL OF INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP |
|
|
This past week, Rabbi Miller participated in an interfaith panel organized by the Interfaith Solidarity Network (a community of organizations centered in the San Fernando Valley). She spoke on a panel with Shaykh Suhail Mulla Director, Khalil Center (LA), Resident Scholar, Islamic Society of West Valley, and the Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith who is Ecumenical and Inter-religious Officer of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We prayed, broke bread together, and shared our common challenges and goals. It was an especially important time to gather together as we held space for one another's grief and lit a ritual memorial candle for the dead. When asked what we do in a time like the, the answer is-- engage. |
|
|
TARA SUBKOFF'S LA FASHION WEEK OPENING |
|
|
Last week, Rabbi Miller participated in fashion designer Tara Subkoff's opening of LA Fashion Week. She is the designer who originated the term "up-cycling" and founded the brand where fashion meets environmental consciousness, called Imitation of Christ. Rabbi Miller writes of her participation, "Honored to help open LA Fashion Week with Tara Subkoff’s vision of holding sacred space - we chanted Torah, offered prayers and rituals uplifting the sanctity of the earth and humanity. As I chanted the first verses of Torah, about creation, while some of my dearest friends and partners in interfaith work offered from their traditions, I imagined re-creating the world where this kind of genuine love, support, and human dignity was centered. Where beauty could be celebrated freely. And all could thrive. Ha’lavai- would that it would be…" The convening was covered on various channels on social media, and by news media in print by the Fashion Network HERE and via the Associated Press' "AP Roundup" via audio HERE. |
|
|
MULTI-FAITH NEIGHBORS NETWORK GATHERING |
|
|
Last week, Rabbi Miller participated in an interfaith gathering of the international organization founded by Rabbi David Saperstein, Pastor Bob Roberts, and Imam Mohamed Magid called the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN). Leaders discussed perceptions each group had of the other, and began to dispel myths while also surfacing points of tension to be discussed. Rabbi Miller's friend and colleague, Rabbi Cassi Kail, wrote of the experience on her instagram page: "I spent the past three days in deep conversation with incredible Imams, Evangelical Pastors, Rabbis, and female faith leaders, for a conference with Multi-Faith Neighbors Network. When war erupted in Israel, Program Director Pastor Micah Fries considered postponing the event. He wondered if now was the best time to build relationships and collaboration. Then he decided to go ahead; meetings like this one were especially important at a time like this, he thought. Some leaders did pull out at the last minute, but for all of us who were there, the conference was a gift-- an opportunity to have honest, thoughtful, nuanced conversations, to build friendships and brainstorm ways to foster connection between our communities in Los Angeles. I'm excited about all we have yet to do. #whatrabbisdo" |
|
|
JOIN THE NEXT INTERFAITH DISCUSSION WITH THE LA LIBRARY |
|
|
Join the LA County Library system, and others online for sessions of this four-part series exploring the ways faith traditions and service organizations encourage soulful wellbeing in our communities. Next Thursday, October 26th at 6pm PT, join the third event in this series is titled “Putting It Into Practice,” and will focus on the techniques and resources used in our organizations to deliver support or inspiration to members of our communities. How do service providers and religious leaders determine what communities and individuals need to thrive, and what methods are used in providing care? Joining the conversation this week are Rev. Jana Milhon-Martin, our own Rabbi Heather Miller, and Nirinjan Singh Khalsa. Register here: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/9271688. Last week's panel titled "Communities of Care" featured our own Rabbi Heather Miller speaking on a panel with Professor Najeeba Syeed and Roy Two-Bears Delarosa. Panelists talked about life, death, misconceptions, managing time, loneliness. Being human. The link from this discussion will soon be available and will be posted in upcoming KITS Newsletters. Stay tuned! |
|
|
NEXT Friday night: 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 generally 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. Our next gathering will be October 27th! PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: November's service will be on the 24th and online only, and December's service will be on the 15th (early in the month!) to include a Hybrid Hanukkah Reprise (online and weather permitting, in person). Please register for these at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming, and email rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com if you would like to attend in person. |
|
|
RE-IMAGINING BIBLICAL TEXTS |
|
|
Have you ever wondered about the parts of the Bible that are not explained? So did the rabbis! And they filled in the gaps in the text with their own writing and understanding of what happened in a literary art form called midrash. Rabbi Miller will explain the concept and provide examples. Then, together, we will do a close read of selected texts to view gaps in the storylines, and write our own expositions based on our own life experience. In the process, we will learn more about the characters in the Bible, each other, and ourselves! Join us Monday, October 30 at noon PT/3pm ET as we explore the relationship of Isaac and Ishmael. And then again Monday, November 11 at noon PT/3pm ET as we explore the relationship of Cain and Abel. Register for one or both HERE. |
|
|
The entire Keeping It Sacred community celebrates the wedding of Ian and Leah which took place in Temecula, CA on October 7. Rabbi Miller officiated in a stunning setting amidst dear family and friends of the bride and groom, many of whom were from Boston. We are thrilled for the adventures both will share in the days and years to come! |
|
|
ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW |
|
|
At the start of every Hebrew calendar month, we take time to focus on our work for racial justice through the Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review. We are currently exploring the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Interim Report linked HERE. Register HERE to join the discussion and make a difference. |
|
|
Interested in exploring a modern Jewish take on spirituality, values, and community? You are invited to three part Our A Taste of Judaism® online course designed for you! We will begin next on November 27, 2023 at 1pm PT | 4pm ET, and will continue the 3 part series on December 4th and December 11th. Come and learn! If you have always wanted to learn more about Judaism but haven't been sure where to start, this is the opportunity for you. Encounter the big ideas and texts that make up Judaism's rich tapestry. A Taste of Judaism® provides an open door to community, connection, and meaning. Everyone is welcome. Whether you are in an interfaith relationship, raising Jewish children, a spiritual seeker, considering conversion, or curious about Judaism, this class is for you! A Taste of Judaism® is designed to be a safe and affirming place for you to explore, regardless of where you are on your journey with Judaism. We affirm individuals and couples from all backgrounds and are LGBTQIA+-friendly. A Taste of Judaism® assumes no previous Jewish knowledge and is taught by Rabbi Heather Miller, known for her open, affirming, and joyful approach. Register for one or all sessions at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming |
|
|
HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY |
|
|
JOIN our healing circle holding space for all looking for prayers for healing. This and EVERY THURSDAY -- usually at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET but this week we will again begin at 10am PT/1pm 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 at at least 38 states and 12 countries across 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 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. |
|
|
SIYYUM TRACTATE KIDDUSHIN |
|
|
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! Join us for a Half-Hour Siyyum Tractate Gittin Event on Thursday, November 9th at 12PM PT | 3PM ET. Register here. |
|
|
Every Other 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. The next gathering will be November 5th. And as always, 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: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/upcoming |
|
|
PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR WORK |
|
|
We need your help. This community runs entirely on contributions by those who love our work. People like you! If you value what we bring into the world, please consider a financial contribution to help us cover our costs and build our community in the future- afterall, nothing is guaranteed. So if you like what we are offering, please consider supporting.
Your generous support helps Keeping It Sacred:
Unlock access to learning the wisdom of ancient texts Create an open, authentic, empowered community Reach out to our interfaith neighbors and friends Create a courageous community that effects positive social change
Visit our web page keepingitsacred.com/our-future to say YES to helping us build this very special community. We are so grateful for your commitment and generosity! |
|
|
IT IS HERE! MOMENTUM: A KITS Family Education offering! Check out our website Family Education page (keepingitsacred.com/family-education) to learn more about the design of this special program that is both personalized and communal, affirms the interests and development of every student, and motivates the work through game theory. We couldn't be more excited about sharing more! MOMENTUM: A KITS Family Education is a Jewish educational offering for the whole family that: Empowers parents Considers who your kid is uniquely Integrates into your family’s life organically Provides content and questions to explore Develops a meaningful relationship with the Jewish textual tradition Instills values and encourages critical thinking Motivates learning through celebration, and Fosters community
We will share more with anyone interested in attending an information session. To attend, please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com several times and dates that work for you and she will send along a zoom link. This signature program is for anyone in the LA region or beyond, anyone with kids or without. |
|
|
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, 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. 10/26 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. 10/26 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. 10/26 COMMUNITY OF CARE INTERFAITH SERIES Thursday, October 26th at 6pm PT, join the third event in this series is titled “Putting It Into Practice,” and will focus on the techniques and resources used in our organizations to deliver support or inspiration to members of our communities. How do service providers and religious leaders determine what communities and individuals need to thrive, and what methods are used in providing care? Joining the conversation this week are Rev. Jana Milhon-Martin, our own Rabbi Heather Miller, and Nirinjan Singh Khalsa. Register here: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/9271688. 10/27 SHABBAT SERVICES Sing, eat, gather in community at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. This is the last hybrid service of the calendar year-- November and December will be ONLINE ONLY due to cold winter temps. Rabbi Miller and Max Winer 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. 10/30 REIMAGINING ISAAC & ISHMAEL Monday at 1PM PT | 4PM ET, this 18-session class is the perfect introduction to Jewish loving, theology, texts, history, holidays and rituals. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 11/02 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. 11/02 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.
11/06 KITS CREATIVITY CLUB
Every Other 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 first session was wonderful with the leadership of Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 11/09 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. 11/09 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. 11/09 SIYYUM TRACTATE KIDDUSHIN 12pm PT/3pm ET; 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 at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 11/14 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW 9am PT/12pm ET: The Rosh Chodesh Racial Justice Book Review group will explore Chapter 9 (Cultural and Intellectual Life) of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans INTERIM REPORT. This is our way of ending each month with a new vision of racial justice. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 11/16 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. 11/16 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.
11/20 KITS CREATIVITY CLUB
Every Other 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 first session was wonderful with the leadership of Sheryl Aronson and Wendy Stiver. Register at: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming. 11/23 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. 11/23 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. 11/24 SHABBAT SERVICES Sing, eat, gather in community at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET, give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate with monthly shabbat services. Rabbi Miller and Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song. THIS gathering will be ONLINE ONLY.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. TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 1 11/27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET, Come and learn! If you have always wanted to learn more about Judaism but haven't been sure where to start, this is the opportunity for you. Encounter the big ideas and texts that make up Judaism's rich tapestry. A Taste of Judaism® provides an open door to community, connection, and meaning. Please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming 11/30 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. 11/30 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. TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 2 12/4 at 1pm PT/4pm ET, Come and learn! If you have always wanted to learn more about Judaism but haven't been sure where to start, this is the opportunity for you. Encounter the big ideas and texts that make up Judaism's rich tapestry. A Taste of Judaism® provides an open door to community, connection, and meaning. Please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming TASTE OF JUDAISM, Part 3 12/11 at 1pm PT/4pm ET, Come and learn! If you have always wanted to learn more about Judaism but haven't been sure where to start, this is the opportunity for you. Encounter the big ideas and texts that make up Judaism's rich tapestry. A Taste of Judaism® provides an open door to community, connection, and meaning. Please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming 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! |
|
|
|
|
