Delicious Mystery
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- Feb 23
- 13 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter February 24th, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
It takes about a year to wrote a Torah scroll. There are over 600,000 letters to write by hand using a reed or feather, taking great care to make sure each line and curve is formed properly. Of any part of the letter is missing or malformed, the ink from the water-based letter must be gingerly scratched off the oil based klaf (specially treated animal hide), and rewritten. Unless it is a letter forming God’s name. In this case, the section of klaf must be removed entirely and a new column written again. Unless there are fewer than 3 columns on the klaf. If so, then the entire section must be removed, and written again. It’s a huge undertaking, the details of which we have been studying in our weekly Talmud study group for a few weeks now.
Interestingly, the extra rules for writing God’s name means that newly trained scribes, known as sofrim, write first the scroll of Esther. Why? You guessed it- that is the one sacred book in the Jewish canon that never mentions the name of God, making it much easier to write since that means the extra rules of writing God’s name do not apply.
Let’s think about that for a minute. There is actually a book of ten chapters, in the Tanakh, with full narrative and miracles and everything, that doesn’t explicitly say God’s name; not even once. So who drives the momentum of the plot?
Remember, this is the book that details the King’s search for a new wife, Esther’s ascension to the throne, the evil Haman’s (boo!) mission to exterminate the Jewish people, Uncle Mordecai’s hope that Esther will reveal her true identity as a Jew, the King’s change of his mind, and the reversal of the decree- of course ending with a great feast and the delicacies we eat today, hamantaschen.
But all of that without even one mention of God’s name! It seems just as Esther was hiding her Jewish identity from her husband, so, too, did God hide presence in the story. At least we may think so. God might have been working behind the scenes all along, keeping Esther safe and looking out for the Jewish people, ensuring our survival.
Or not. God could have been on vacation and perhaps Esther drove the story in great acts of heroism (or heroine-ism), to bring about the safe outcome for the Jewish people. We will never know.
And isn’t that part of the capital “M” Mystery? God’s presence may be felt or may not be felt or called upon or understood. Yet, God may still be there. I’d like to think that God is there pulling for us. But that still raises the question of why God hides God’s presence at all? Do we need to marvel at the miracle, be wowed by the wonders, or be captivated by the kismet? That’s the beauty of life. We never know.
This Saturday morning at 10am PT, we will gather as a community in person and online, to retell the story, sanctify Shabbat in song, and bake (and eat!) hamantaschen as is customary to do. Join us! Register HERE for online services, and contact me if you'd like to join us in person. Enjoying Purim in community is how we keep it sacred.
Together, we’re keeping it sacred…
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
MORNING SHABBAT
FEBRUARY 28TH 10AM PT/1PM ET – Give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate in community with monthly Shabbat Services. Rabbi Miller and possibly Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song. This month we are mixing it up, and meeting on Shabbat morning instead of our regular Friday night-- we are hoping to do a hamantaschen bake that day-- mmmm! This will precede a kids singalong service.
10am Hamantaschen making and baking
10:30am Shabbat Singalong for Kids of All Ages (online portion of the program)
Eating Hamantaschen immediately to follow.
Enjoy some chill time in community. Join us! No experience necessary.
If you plan to join in person (with 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 (https://www.keepingitsacred.com/event-details/morning-shabbat)
KITS SOCIAL ACTION IN LA CLUB
MARCH 4TH 9AM PT/12PM ET -- A new KITS Club is forming and you’re invited. Join our KITS Social Action in LA Club— gather with like-minded folks looking to create community and support one another’s work for social justice in Los Angeles from a place of Jewish values and uplifting human dignity. Meet via Zoom to get to know one another and begin to identify our areas of work. If you would like to join in future meetings and actions, please contact rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com to indicate your interest in the meetings and/or the email thread.
If you are in an area that is more remote but would like to support LA folks in our efforts, please sign up to participate as well. We can use all the help we can get.
SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
MARCH 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 Rabbi/Cantor Angela Buchdahl, we will be discussing Chapters 19-31.
KITS CREATIVITY CLUB
MARCH 8TH 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.
March 8 is International Women's Day. Let's celebrate turtles! What? NO! WOMEN! Tell us about your favorite woman in history, if she's Jewish, even better! Dress up as her, or bring something to represent her.
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
NISAN ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW
MARCH 19TH 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.
During this session we will continue with chapter 4 of our study text,
In Open Contempt by Irvin Weathersby Jr.
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
INTERFAITH ZOOM PASSOVER SEDER
APRIL 2ND 5PM PT/8PM ET – Join us again this year for Keeping It Sacred’s 6th Annual Interfaith, Intergenerational, International Passover Seder hosted online by Grammy-winning musician Joanie Leeds and our own Rabbi Heather Miller 5pm PT /8pm ET April 2nd (this is a second night seder).
Joanie won a grammy for her amazing album, All the Ladies, inspired by Madeline Albright. And Joanie was nominated for a grammy for her twelfth album, Ageless: 100 years young, about her grandmother.
Co-sponsored by All Saints Church Pasadena, CA and Santa Margarita Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, please contact mflanagan@keepingitsacred.com to cosponsor this event!
And join us online for the program: Register HERE.
Check out our special invitation HERE!
MAZAL TOV, ASHLEIGH!
The entire Keeping It Sacred community wishes Ashleigh a hearty Mazal Tov on her recent official conversion to Judaism. Rabbi Miller called together the Sandra Caplan Beit Din, who met with Ashleigh on the first of the month of Adar, the month of Jewish joy! After a heartfelt conversation and steps (and dunks!) of affirmation, she took on the name Yael bat Avraham V’Sarah. We couldn’t be happier to help Yael (in the photo above third from left with the rabbis of her beit din) affirm her commitment. Mazal tov, Yael!
MELT THE ICE HAT
Some of our members have taken up the cause of weaving these hats. Each time the pattern is purchased, proceeds go to the immigrant aid agencies who will distribute the funds to those impacted by the actions of ICE. Buy the pattern here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melt-the-ice-hat
MAZAL TOV TO ALISON GOLDBERG!
Mazal tov to KITS member Alison Goldberg on her children's book, "The Remembering Candle," winning of a National Jewish Book Award! In the article found HERE, we see Elisa Spungen Bildner, president of Jewish Book Council note,“These winning authors weave together past and future, reminding us that Jewish storytelling remains a vital source of imagination, courage, and connection.” Indeed that is true of Alison's work! Her is a beautiful book, with art by Selina Alko, details the power of the custom of lighting the yahrzeit candle, and remembering a loved one. Check it out here: https://alisongoldberg.com/books/the-remembering-candle/
IMPORTANT SURVEY FOR THOSE LIVING IN LOS ANGELES
On behalf of Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles and the People’s Budget LA Coalition, we want to invite you to partner with us to organize for a just budget–a budget by the people and for the people–in the City of Los Angeles.
Budgets are moral documents as they show values and priorities of communities. Let's help lawmakers understand what the people's values are. Would you please take a moment to complete the People’s Budget LA survey yourself and share it with your family, friends, neighbors, community, coworkers, and networks?
So far, we have collected over 250 surveys! With your active participation, we believe that we can exceed our goal of collecting 2,500 surveys! Let’s take action together and organize for a people’s budget.
HEALING CIRCLE & TALMUD TEXT STUDY EVERY THURSDAY
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.
Read Our 2025 Annual Report!
Our 2025 Annual Report is here, and it tells the story of what we have built together this year: deep learning, bold justice work, sacred celebration, and powerful connection across the globe. We are so grateful that you choose to be part of this beautiful, growing global community connected by purpose, courage, and heart.
Take a few moments to read the report and celebrate what we’ve made possible together here: keepingitsacred.com/our-annual-reports
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.
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 will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song every month. This month we are mixing it up, and meeting on Shabbat morning instead. The service is designed to be tight but meaningful and interactive. Join us! No experience necessary.
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 4 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
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Thanks for your interest, and thanks for #keepingitsacred…
