Disability PRIDE!
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- Jul 5
- 13 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter July 6th, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
What's Jewish about Disability PRIDE month? A seemingly secular celebration, actually holds great Jewish significance. Let’s learn about this holiday from our cherished KITS member, Wendy Stiver:
--July is Disability Pride Month! Although not as widely known or celebrated as LGBTQIA Pride , Disability Pride is an important, hard-won recognition of the contributions made by, and challenges faced by people with disabilities.We are people of all ages, ethnicities, gender identifications, religions, socioeconomic classes, countries, and levels of disability.Many of us are born with our disabilities, others develop them later in life.Wherever we are and whatever our diagnoses, we have experienced exclusion and marginalization even as we have fought for our civil rights, fought to be able to work and participate in the public square, and worked collectively to make our voice heard.The first Disability Pride Month was celebrated in July 2015, the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. To quote Kyra Coates, “…while the ADA changed laws, it did not eliminate ableism….Barriers, both physical and attitudinal remain” (2025).Disability Pride Month helps to shine a light on the progress made, and the work we still need to do to achieve full inclusion.The Disability Pride flag was designed in 2019 by Ann Magill, a woman with disabilities. The colors of the flag are richly symbolic:- The black background symbolizes mourning for the disabled victims of ableism, abuse, and violence.- The blue strip represents psychosocial disability.- Yellow represents cognitive and intellectual disabilities.- White symbolizes invisible and undiagnosed disabilities.- Red is for physical disabilities, and-Green represents sensory disabilities.As we move through July, explore what parades and celebrations are happening in your area. Many countries around the world also recognize Disability Pride. We’d love to hear how KITS community members are showing their “disability pride!”
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Thanks, Wendy! I forget how affirming it is to have a recognized day, (or month!), honoring a unique experience. It takes those of us with that identity (disabilities in this case) out of isolation, and into the spotlight and into a community of people who share identity and those who celebrate the community. As someone with multiple ADA-recognized diagnoses, lifting up this month feels like a big hug. It’s also helpful to remember that some of our greatest Jewish forebears are noted for having disabilities.
Jacob walked with a limp after that fateful night when he wrestled with the angel. Isaac was blind in his old age. And most notable among them were Moses who was known to stutter. And what’s even more remarkable about him is that he cowered when he was called to serve the Jewish people noting his stutter. But, God insisted he still lead the people! To God, a disability is not a limiting factor.
So to all of those who identify as being disabled, who have an ailment that is classified as a disability, or to those who are just learning of their status, this community (and God!) values us and our participation in Jewish life here!That’s how we’re keeping it sacred. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred….
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
SINGALONG SHABBAT
SATURDAY, JULY 25TH, 10AM PT IN PERSON AND ONLINE 10:30AM PT/1:30PM ET – Participate in accessible, relevant, and empowering Shabbat Services with Rabbi Miller and Max Winer. Live zoom online or in-person in Los Angeles!Please note that this shorter Saturday Singalong Service geared especially for the very young and young at heart will begin online at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET, and in person at 10am PT.
To attend in-person, please contact rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com
SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
JULY 13TH, 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 explore 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. Gatherings held on Mondays at 4pm PT/7pm ET.
During our next meeting, we will continue reading Yentl's Revenge (link here: https://www.amazon.com/Yentls-Revenge-Next-Jewish-Feminism/dp/1580050573).
Please register here for our full schedule of chapters to cover: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
KITS CREATIVITY CLUB
JULY 12TH - 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.
Shalom! Our next KCC gathering will be Sunday, July 12 at 9 am PST. In response to a moment of group inspiration last time, we will go around the zoom room circle and talk about how each of us got started in the arts! Visual arts, writing, musical, textile arts— all are ways to express our creativity. Bring an example of your art to share, and we look forward to learning from each other.
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
AV ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW
JULY 16TH - 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. We will continue with Ch. 6 of our book "In Open Contempt" by Irvin Weathersby Jr.
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
HAVE YOU HEARD? JULY EDITION
Our KITS community member Wendy Stiver has been busy!! In her work as a Research Scholar in Human Trafficking, she co-wrote an article on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanica. Read Stiver’s analysis of the encyclical where the Pope raises ethical, moral, and social justice concerns surrounding the intersectionalities of slavery, racism, human trafficking, and AI. Please find the link to the article HERE: https://www.gahts.com/twg-blog-posts-1/2026/6/29/new-forms-of-slavery-in-the-world-of-ai
In the fall, she will be part of the 2026 cohort for the Disability Wisdom as Soul Care (DWASC) program (kirva.org).
We'd love to know what exciting things KITS folks are doing! Writers, researchers, composers, artists--we want to hear from you!! Please contact Wendy at srwendystiver@gmail.com and let's share about all the great things we are publishing, accomplishing, and celebrating.
NEW INTRO TO JUDAISM CLASSES!
CLASSES BEGAN IN JUNE! If you are looking for an Intro to Judaism class taught by a Rabbi committed to the values of making Judaism accessible, relevant and empowering, let us know you'd like to join in the next offering.
Email Molly Flanagan of your interest at mflanagan@keepingitsacred.com.
Read more about it here: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/intro-to-judaism
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.
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.
7/6 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
10AM PT/1PM ET: Our Introduction to Judaism online course will give participants a strong foundation for authentic and empowered engagement in the Jewish community. This 18-session program is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays, and rituals.
7/9 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.
7/9 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.
7/12 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.
7/13 SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
4PM PT/7PM ET: Are you interested in holding spiritual space for healing through reading and community? Then please consider joining the KITS Spiritual Gentleness Book Club (SGBC) led by members Ashleigh and Tracy!
7/16 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW
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.
7/16 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.
7/16 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.
7/23 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.
7/23 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.
7/25 SINGALONG 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 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.
7/26 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.
7/27 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
10AM PT/1PM ET: Our Introduction to Judaism online course will give participants a strong foundation for authentic and empowered engagement in the Jewish community. This 18-session program is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays, and rituals.
7/30 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.
7/30 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.
8/3 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
10AM PT/1PM ET: Our Introduction to Judaism online course will give participants a strong foundation for authentic and empowered engagement in the Jewish community. This 18-session program is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays, and rituals.
8/6 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.
8/6 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.
8/9 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.
8/10 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
10AM PT/1PM ET: Our Introduction to Judaism online course will give participants a strong foundation for authentic and empowered engagement in the Jewish community. This 18-session program is the perfect introduction to Jewish living, theology, texts, history, holidays, and rituals.
8/10 SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
4PM PT/7PM ET: Are you interested in holding spiritual space for healing through reading and community? Then please consider joining the KITS Spiritual Gentleness Book Club (SGBC) led by members Ashleigh and Tracy!
8/13 ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW
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.
8/13 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.
8/13 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.
8/20 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.
8/20 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.
8/21 BACK TO SCHOOL 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 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.
8/23 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.
8/27 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.
8/27 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...
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