Deep Fried Oreo
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- Jan 11
- 17 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter January 12, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
Have you ever had a deep-fried Oreo cookie? I haven't, but was offered one at the Mississippi State Fair in October of 2005. I was there with a minyan of fellow rabbinical students who had flown down to help with the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort of the Union for Reform Judaism. While there, our hosts summoned the best of Jewish and Southern hospitality as we worked for a week unloading truckloads of goods donated from surrounding congregations to the victims of the tragedy.
We sorted and moved crates (I even learned how to use a pallet truck), unpacked boxes and loaded cars with goods for 8 hours a day for 8 days. Yes, even on Shabbat. But at night, we were able to rest, mostly. Having a hearty meal and then resting before up and at 'em the next day.
Aside from sometimes loading up trucks and delivering goods to relief centers miles away (often in local churches, many displaying a Christian version of the 10 commandments), we took two field trips. We went to the Mississippi State Fair one night, and the second place we visited was Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi. It was about 50 miles north of where we were working, and though we were tired, our ears and hearts opened up as the rabbi shared the unique and very special history of the congregation -- sharing the pivotal role it played during the Civl Rights Movement. Yes, Dr. King spoke there. And, their rabbi, Rabbi Perry Nussbaum, was a vocal critic of segregation and had advocated for Jewish values through his work with the Freedom Riders and later by founding the Committee of Concern, an interracial community of clergy that raised funds to rebuild scores of churches destroyed by racists.
In 1967, the congregation itself was firebombed by the KKK and two months later, the KKK again bombed the rabbi's home while he was there with his wife. No one was injured, but the damage was done and the message received. White supremacists didn't want interracial coalitions building in the area.
This past weekend, that very congregation was again firebombed amidst a backdrop of antisemitism and heightened hostility against acts of solidarity across racial and religious lines (read more HERE). Information is still being revealed about the motive behind what started the fire, and an alleged perpetrator has been identified and the FBI has been investigating. No one was physically hurt from the attack, but with several Torahs burned, all of this certainly causes great emotional and spiritual injury. HERE's a bit of what we know so far.
This synagogue was a symbol of love. A symbol of community. It housed not only the synagogue but also was the headquarters of The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL). The ISJL is a hub of Southern Jewish life, and over the years two dear friends have been committed to this sacred work serving those in 13 states across 110 remote Jewish communities. Rabbi Batsheva Appel and I, both Wellesley alumnae, in fact met in person in Jackson, Mississippi during that important trip. And my chevruta partner from my first year of rabbinical school in Israel, Rabbi Marshal Klaven, served the ISJL for five years (HERE's a story about his sacred work). A symbol of good things for the community, and really the region, since 1860. After the 1967 fire, the congregation rebuilt. And the community will, I am sure, rebuild again. The Jackson synagogue, and the ISJL, together. In fact, the Sunday after the fire, the religious school already met with the sacred purpose of educating the children. It is quite moving to think about.
If you're paying attention, you know that it feels as if synagogue attacks have become more and more frequent. And the numbers don't lie: The estimated total documented synagogue arsons from 1975-1999 was, according to ChatGPT, 9-15. And from 2000-present day, it was 30-60. It's been very chilling to feel like we are feeling less safe as Jews year after year. And, so, we need to be more vigilant now than ever. And more "all in" on the institutions that continue to promote the highest and best of our Jewish values. So many of you are doing just that and for that, we are grateful.
We are in this together. Together, we're #keepingitsacred....
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
FROM OUR COMMUNITY!
One of our dear members in England wrote us:
“ Thank you Keeping It Sacred for sending my new favourite mug all the way from California. And I'm obsessed with the little world stress ball! What a perfect gift to start the year with.
I love being a part of this international community, and I love everything it stands for. I'll drop a link in the first comment for anyone who'd like more info on what KITS is about. Special thanks to Rabbi Heather Miller for doing such a brilliant job of creating a safe, welcoming space to learn and commune with others.
Your leadership and love is a mitzvah.”
We are grateful for Erin and all who help us build our sacred community by their presence, financial support, or both.
WELCOME BODE!
A huge congratulations to Matt and Kathleen who were wed by Rabbi Miller last year and who just welcomed their son, Bode, into the world! Rabbi Miller visited the family of three at hospital for a very special welcome to the world. Bode, we are so glad you’re here and look forward to getting to know your amazing spirit over the years ahead as you reveal who you are in the world!
CONGRATS TO 6 YEARS OF DAF YOMI!
This last Monday, January 5, 2026 marked the completion of SIX YEARS of our daily communal study of the Daf Yomi - that’s a page of Talmud each day since January 5, 2020, that’s 2,192 pages and counting and only a little over 500 pages left!Mazal tov to our KITS Community members who have traveled this journey with us for any amount of time, as collectively, we have kept the pace and interest in the text and one another!And if you’d like to join us on this final stretch of learning, please sign up for our Thursday zoom sessions reviewing the past week of texts at keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
SIYYUM TRACTATE ZEVACHIM
JAN 15TH 12PM PT/3PM ET – This is a special celebration of the completion of a tractate/ section of Talmud. Join us whether you have studied it or not as we will review our favorite parts of the text; some people write poetry, some ask questions, others share their favorite pages, all celebrate having gotten to know this special text, and express hope to get to celebrate it another year in the future. At this gathering, we will joyfully celebrate the completion of Tractate Zevachim-- so bring a silly hat to celebrate in community!
SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
FEBRUARY 9TH 4PM PT/7PM ET – Are you interested in holding spiritual space for healing through reading and community? Then please consider joining our KITS Spiritual Gentleness Book Club (SGBC) led by members Ashleigh and Tracy.
The SGBC explores books in 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.
We are now reading Heart of a Stranger by Angela Buchdahl. We will review Chapters 7-19 on February 9th. Please join us.
SH'VAT ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK CLUB
JANUARY 15TH 9:30AM PT/12:30PM ET – Rosh Chodesh means “head of the month” and celebrates the new moon ushering the new Hebrew calendar month. So, at Keeping It Sacred, we are committed to beginning each month with a compassionate, principled vision of racial justice.
This month, we will be reviewing our NEW study text, In Open Contempt: Confronting White Supremacy in Art and Public Space by Irvin Weathersby Jr.
During this session we will continue with Chapter 2. Please join us!
TU BISHVAT SHABBAT
JANUARY 23RD 5:30 PM PT/8:30PM ET – 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. The service is designed to be tight but meaningful and interactive. This Shabbat will feature an ancient Jewish celebration of the trees known as Tu Bishvat. Join us! No experience necessary.
If you plan to join in person (with dinner and schmoozing afterwards), please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com.
And if you plan to join us online, please know the service is interactive so plan to participate via the text chat and by keeping your camera on if possible-- to do that, register here:keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
KITS CREATIVITY CLUB
JANUARY 25TH 9AM PT/12PM ET – Calling all creative people and people who want to create! Enjoy a chance to hang out with other Keeping It Sacred community members, get to know each other better.
For our KITS Creativity Club on January 25th, we will celebrate Tu B'Shvat, the New Year for the Trees, which is February 2 this year. Everyone bring a favorite poem, reading, or song about trees or fruit, and some fruit and nuts to munch."
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY
**We usually meet EVERY THURSDAY --
1/22 and 1/29 as planned but please mark your calendar that Healing Circle and Talmud for All scheduled for February 5 will be postponed.
JOIN our healing circle EVERY THURSDAY at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET holding space for all looking for prayers for healing.
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. And look for us on Instagram HERE.
ALSO we have been studying the construction of the Second Temple-- check out this awesome link to a tour through a virtual representation of the Second Temple to help visualize what we're studying HERE.
WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT KEEPING IT SACRED?
The best part of our community are our people. So, for our Keeping It Sacred 5 year anniversary, Rabbi Miller asked these members to share their thoughts on our community. These videos were shared at our celebration, and now you have the chance to see what people are saying in full HERE!
Or, you can click on the links below to hear from each of the participants. MAZAL TOV to everyone in the KITS global community for building this community by, with, and for one another!
Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
ADD THE KITS CALENDARS TO YOURS AND NEVER MISS AN EVENT!
Keep up with KITS programming! KITS offers events at least twice a week, make sure you’re in the know by adding the Google Calendar here or
To subscribe on iCal, copy and paste the following link into your calendar app's 'Add Calendar by URL' option: webcal://p164-caldav.icloud.com/published/2/MTAwNTkyMDg4MjcxMDA1OQR0fuSCoir8-IUKE7Pl_mtLL6wCWL8UsFQl0SOGOutaVvSGypiGpw8QpGzN3GB97CHqafkuA4hx2U97b43we1c
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!
HELP US KEEP IT SACRED
Love the Newsletter? Help Keep It Sacred!
If you’re reading this, you’re part of the Keeping It Sacred community—no dues, no gatekeeping, just connection, learning, and inspiration.
Many of you tell us how much the newsletter means to you—like this note from a reader:“Rabbi, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of emails that flood my inbox daily. The majority are deleted without hesitation. Then there are those that are work related or personal. Then there are yours. When I read your emails, they fill a void I didn't even know was there. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.”
We’re so grateful to everyone who makes this possible through generous contributions.
If this newsletter brings you insight, comfort, or a sense of belonging, please consider making a donation today to help us keep it going strong.
Give here: keepingitsacred.com/our-future
Thank you for being part of our sacred community.
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, 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.
1/12 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! Gatherings held on the second Monday of the month at 4pm PT/7pm ET.
1/15 SH'VAT ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK CLUB
We will be reviewing our study text, “In Open Contempt" by Irvin Weathersby Jr. Rosh Chodesh means “head of the month” and celebrates the new moon ushering the new Hebrew calendar month. So, at Keeping It Sacred, we are committed to beginning each month with a compassionate, principled vision of racial justice. During this session we will continue with chapter 2 at 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET.Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
1/15 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
1/15 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
1/15 SIYYUM TRACTATE ZEVACHIM
At 12pm PT/3pm ET. Join us as we celebrate the completion of our study of Tractate Shavuot. We will enjoy a traditional siyyum (culmination) ceremony— please bring your favorite gleanings, and a fun hat to celebrate!
1/22 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
1/22 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
1/23 TU BISHVAT SHABBAT
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.
1/25 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.
1/29 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
1/29 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
2/05 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
2/05 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
2/08 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.
2/09 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! Gatherings held on the second Monday of the month at 4pm PT/7pm ET.
2/12 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
2/12 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
2/19 ADAR ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK CLUB
We will be reviewing our study text, “In Open Contempt" by Irvin Weathersby Jr. Rosh Chodesh means “head of the month” and celebrates the new moon ushering the new Hebrew calendar month. So, at Keeping It Sacred, we are committed to beginning each month with a compassionate, principled vision of racial justice. During this session we will continue with chapter 2 at 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET.Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
2/19 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
2/19 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
2/22 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. Some weeks will include someone teaching how to do a project/technique, other weeks will be purely socializing while we do our own things.
2/26 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
2/26 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
2/28 MORNING SHABBAT
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.
3/05 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
3/05 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
3/08 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.
3/09 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! Gatherings held on the second Monday of the month at 4pm PT/7pm ET.
3/12 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
3/12 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
3/19 NISAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK CLUB
We will be reviewing our study text, “In Open Contempt" by Irvin Weathersby Jr. Rosh Chodesh means “head of the month” and celebrates the new moon ushering the new Hebrew calendar month. So, at Keeping It Sacred, we are committed to beginning each month with a compassionate, principled vision of racial justice. During this session we will continue with chapter 2 at 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET.Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
3/19 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
3/19 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
3/20 QUEEN'S SHABBAT
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.
3/26 HEALING CIRCLE
Thursdays at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. 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.
3/26 PAGE-A-DAY OF TALMUD DAF YOMI GROUP MEET-UP
Thursdays at 11am PT/2pm ET. 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.
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...
For more information, please see the full newsletter and our full newsletter archive at keepingitsacred.com/news
And to sign up for the newsletter every week, please sign up at the bottom of the page in the purple boxes-- we just need your name and email address.
Thanks for your interest, and thanks for #keepingitsacred…
