Holding It All Together
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- Mar 1
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter March 2nd, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
Purim is here! This weekend we celebrated the fun holiday that colors the whole month of Adar as one filled with joy- it is called z’man simchateinu: The Season of our Joy! We baked hamantaschen and some wore costumes and got silly and sang songs including Max Weiner’s Father's Purim version of Don’t Worry, Be Happy. Some communities observe the custom to get drunk* so that they can’t tell the evil character in the story, Haman, from one of the heroes, Mordecai. During the Purim I spent in Israel, I saw little kids in costumes eating candy by day and young adults dancing in costumes at night. It’s a time of great fun. But this holy day also has a very dark side to it as well. The reason for the rejoicing is to celebrate our survival after a harsh decree to exterminate us, the Jewish people, back in ancient Persia. This past weekend the assassination of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran brought many joy- he was the latest leader of the country that has been a symbol of oppression and repression of its civilian population since 1979. Many in the Persian Jewish community felt relief that someone who had oppressed their families and who threatened their existence shared an understanding that justice was served. But that’s assuming that this swift kill doesn’t spark off other activities. And, it’s also denying the cruel reality that the action also bombed a girls’ school in Iran that killed 175 people including many schoolchildren. We know that every action causes another and another. And already we are seeing the sobering reality that this action coordinated by the U.S. and Israel has now sparked off hundreds of Iranian missiles in Israel, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. And we see the chain reaction of accidental damage as well. Three U.S. F-15 war planes were shot down over Kuwait by friendly fire.Countries and local communities are issuing heightened alerts to civilians, embassies, and schools. I received alerts from within the Jewish community as well. We are all on heightened alert due to actions that took place oceans and continents away. This season has shifted from a season of great joy for many to one of fear, death, destruction, and war involving multiple countries employing the most sophisticated, and destructive, weaponry the word has ever seen. We don’t know what’s next but economic effects including higher global oil and shipping costs, and surely more deaths are likely. And of course, increased hated. There are already thousands of people gathering in Iran and elsewhere chanting “Death to America! Death to Israel!” These reports are chilling.Today, the day before the nightfall start of Purim, is another sobering day in the Jewish Calendar: Ta’anit Esther/ The Fast of Esther. This fast is observed to stand in solidarity with Queen Esther who fasted before she approached the King with hard truths about his henchman Haman’s wicked plan. Today, many of us are holding space for the hard truths that are likely to be revealed in the weeks to come. You may choose to fast* or join me in acknowledging that I stand hungry for peace, understanding and abundance in a world currently filled with destruction, pain and death. Holding the joy and the sobering realities is how we keep it sacred. Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…*note these are customs and do not do them especially if advised by a doctor to not.
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
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.
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!
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
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!
THE PURIM GLAM ROCK SPECTACULAR
From our KITS Member Janice, who is an awesome member of Mostly Kosher, we invite you to Mostly Kosher's Purim Spectacular on March 8th at 3pm at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine, CA!
15% off promo code SUPERFAN and $15 student tix with STUDENT code
Hope to see you there! www.thebarclay.org/Online/Article/mostlykosher
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.
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
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…
