Reflecting on International Women's Day
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- Mar 8
- 15 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter March 9th, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
Today, I officiated the funeral of an amazing matriarch whose family lovingly called her “M.” She was a beautiful, determined, and affirming human, encouraging her daughter and granddaughters to have gumption (or chutzpah in Yiddish), style, and a healthy dose of mischief. In fact, she made me promise to put in my newsletter a little joke one of her granddaughters made – “Just like men, women also remove chin hairs. But we do it in heels!” I hope you enjoyed the quip as much as she did.
She was a lot like my grandma Kit – for whom Keeping It Sacred (KITS) is named. She was a matriarch who loved shenanigans. Maybe a lot like one of yours? Or at least a lot like the balabusta archetype of a Jewish matriarch that is so often portrayed in Jewish culture. I always loved the celebration of Jewish women in my family.
Yesterday was International Women’s Day, and it fell in the month of Adar, a time when we in the Jewish world are celebrating the matriarch Esther. The one whose courage and determination saved the Jewish people and colored the entire month as z’man simchateinu, the season of our joy. And, we may have been thinking of the great Jewish matriarchs like Sarah, who was the first woman to smash her father’s idols and instead embrace monotheism, and who lit candles in her tent to usher in the sacred day of Shabbat. And we may have been thinking of Miriam who led the people out of Egypt through difficult times, not from the front of the line of people making exodus, but from the back banging her musical timbrel to keep the beat and making sure no one was left behind. And, we may have been thinking of any of the other awesome powerful women in Torah.
Perhaps yesterday you sent around a note to an awesome woman in your life, too, celebrating International Women’s Day?
Why do we need to celebrate women?
Because, in a word, patriarchy. The forces that relegate anyone who is not male, and here I would include those who identify as trans*, genderqueer, or genderfluid as well, to a second-class status. So many societies around the world have denied human beings of rights simply because of their gender. This includes access to healthcare, equal pay for equal work, the ability to hold a job at all, safety, bodily autonomy, the ability to own a credit card, etc. It is important to help lift up those who have been subjected to gender discrimination because they/we have been subjected to gender discrimination. Subjected to exploitation.
And yes, I am included in that. I am not immune either. Unwanted sexual advances. Workplace discrimination and unequal pay. Undercutting leadership and underestimating competence and experience and knowledge. Educational barriers. Stereotypes. The male gaze. I have experienced them all and more. And I bet you or someone you know has as well.
We celebrate those who are targets of prejudice to help raise awareness of continual inequities, and to help re-affirm humanity and dignity. International Women’s Day matters.
This Sunday, Black Lives Matter Grassroots in Los Angeles will host their Black Women are Divine day. A day to celebrate not only women, but Black women. Those who have been subjected to what political activist Frances M. Beal calls, “Double Jeopardy.” Read about it HERE.
So, if you’re in LA and are a Black woman, please enjoy the day. And if you are not, please go to help volunteer to make the day special for Black women. Again, to raise awareness, and help to re-affirm humanity and dignity. Click HERE for more information about that.
This is women’s history month. And so we celebrate women and all who have been subjected to patriarchy, toxic masculinity, and all kinds of misogyny in all of its forms. Working towards a world where everyone, regardless of gender, have the same opportunities is how we’re keeping it sacred.
Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME REMINDER!
Wow we have so much going on! Continue reading below for all the details. And please note that Daylight Saving Time in the United States began yesterday. Clocks were set forward by one hour, which may affect the time of your scheduled classes. Planning ahead will help ensure you arrive to classes on time. We appreciate your attention and look forward to seeing you!
INTRO TO JUDAISM CLASSES ARE STARTING!
MARCH 19TH - APRIL 29TH -- Curious about Judaism or looking to reconnect with Jewish life? Our Introduction to Judaism course offers a welcoming and engaging way to explore Jewish traditions, beliefs, and community.
This 18-session online program provides a strong foundation in Jewish living, theology, sacred texts, history, holidays, and rituals. It is ideal for spiritual seekers, interfaith couples, individuals considering or pursuing conversion, and Jews who want to reconnect with Judaism as adults.
Participants will also have opportunities to deepen their learning through Shabbat gatherings, holiday programs, and experiential activities connected to the course.
Please note: Unlike most of our programming, this course has a registration fee. To inquire about course dates, pricing, or registration, please email Rabbi Miller to get started at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com
KITS SOCIAL ACTION IN LA CLUB
MARCH 18TH 9AM PT/12PM ET – A new KITS Club is forming and you’re invited. Join our KITS Social Action in LA Club— gather with likeminded 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.
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.
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
QUEEN'S SHABBAT
MARCH 20TH 5:30PM 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 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.
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
APRIL 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.
New book voting link coming soon to registrants via email, make sure to sign up to be on our mailing list. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
KITS CREATIVITY CLUB
MARCH 22ND 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.
Our theme will be Getting ready for Passover: the old, the new, and how to deal with dietary restrictions. Come and tell us about your Seder plate: what’s traditional and what’s new? How can we use modern foods to retell our history?For those of us with gluten sensitivity, food allergies, or trouble swallowing, how do we make Passover accessible? What “life hacks” have you learned over the years?
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
IN LOVING MEMORY OF RABBI DR. ANDREA WEISS
Another great leader of the Jewish people, Rabbi Dr. Andrea Weiss, z"l, passed recently. This image above is from her funeral that was held Friday. She was an incredible scholar. You may know her as the one who edited the green-covered The Torah: A Women's Commentary. She was also the first woman rabbi to be given the honor of ordaining rabbis at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion where she served as Provost. Images of her laying her hands on each of the ordainees represented a great paradigm shift for the entire Reform movement, reminding us that our institutions can live the values we so boldly proclaim, including those for gender equity.
She was Rabbi Miller's Biblical Literature professor for four classes including Bible 401, Bible 404, Bible 411, and Late Pre-Exilic and Exilic Prophets. She was precise and affirming and encouraged excellence. Read more about her extraordinary impact HERE. And may her memory be a great blessing.
The entire Keeping It Sacred community extends deepest condolences to all of her loved ones especially her father, her husband, and her two children.
MAKE MARCH MATTER
From our KITS member, Mollie Vandor:
Our family knows firsthand that Children's Hospital Los Angeles is a place where miracles happen. Our daughter Anna was born with a severe heart defect and received a heart transplant at 6 months old. Thanks to the incredible care she received at CHLA, she's now a happy, thriving toddler. CHLA makes miracles like Anna's happen every day, and now they need our support more than ever.
CHLA provides comprehensive care for kids from all walks of life, regardless of immigration or insurance status. This month, their annual Make March Matter campaign aims to raise $1 million to support everything they do.
If you're in LA, you can contribute simply by shopping or dining at participating local businesses, and anyone can donate directly at makemarchmatter.org.
BLACK LIVES MATTER GRASSROOTS LA
MARCH 15TH 11AM-4PM PT -- In Boston, LA, Atlanta, and Florida, Keeping It Sacred around the country celebrates the beginning of March, Women’s History Month, and our BLM Grassroots “Black Women Are Divine” initiative. Black Women Are Divine is a month-long campaign meant to highlight the amazing Black women in our communities who do the often unseen and unrecognized work of making Black lives matter on a day to day basis.
We all have mothers, aunties, grandmas, and other amazing Black women who help us in our lives. Black Women Are Divine honorees are those whose work transforms our communities and our world. BWAD is about giving Black women their flowers while they are still here to receive them. And SAVE THE DATE! Our annual Black Women Are Divine Celebration is set for Sunday, March 15th 11am-4pm in Norman Houston Park. ALL Black women are invited for an absolutely free day of love, arts, and healing. People who are not Black women should bring gifts, donate, and volunteer. Happy Black Women Are Divine Month! More info here: https://blmgrassroots.org/bwad/
HAVE YOU HEARD? MARCH EDITION
Have You Heard? March Edition by Wendy Stiver!
The KITS community is blessed with a diverse group of artists, writers, musicians,composers, photographers, actors, poets, and performers of all kinds. We want to celebrate you and your accomplishments, which is the goal of our “Have You Heard?” column.
This week, we highlight a great blog post co-written by our beloved member, Wendy Stiver, called “When AI Erases Survivor Knowledge: How automated AI systems keep marginalized communities invisible- Part 1 and 2.”
It argues that AI systems are built on incomplete or biased data which exacerbates the marginalization of folks.
It was published in the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars Translational Research Workgroup blog in February 2026. Check it out HERE: https://www.gahts.com/twg-blog-posts-1/2026/2/23/when-ai-erases-survivor-knowledge-how-automated-systems-keep-marginalized-communities-invisible
What have you written, created, performed, or published lately? We want to know! Please send information about who you are, what you did, when and where you did it, and how we can see/read/hear it to Wendy at srwendystiver@gmail.com. Thank you!
CCAR TASK FORCE FOR AI
Rabbi Heather Miller is pleased to share that she helped initiate, and is now serving on, a new AI Task Force of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). This group brings together rabbis from across the country to explore the rapidly developing world of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The AI Task Force will examine both the ethical questions and the positive possibilities these technologies present for Jewish life, learning, and community. Drawing on Jewish values and tradition, the group will consider how these tools might be used responsibly and thoughtfully in our congregations and in society more broadly.
Rabbi Miller looks forward to collaborating with colleagues nationwide as they engage these important questions and help shape a values-based approach to technology in the years ahead.
TGX+ INCLUSION ROUNDTABLE
From our amazing KITS member, Erin-Kate Escobar:
MARCH 25TH 11AM PT/2PM ET – Are you also finding yourself caught between caring for yourself and showing up for the broader community? Wondering how we can be resourced without abandoning our values? I’m find myself asking, “How do we integrate community care into our personal practice?”
Join us for this interactive roundtable. It will be a virtual gathering space for organization leaders to discuss transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive (TGX+) inclusion at work.
Bring your real challenges, and we'll work through them together. No theory-heavy presentations, just practical strategies for staying grounded while staying engaged.
Rabbi Miller will join us, and you can, too!
It’s free to RSVP, and if you can’t make it in real time, you’ll receive a recording: https://www.rexwilde.com/roundtable
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
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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.”
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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.
3/12 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 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...
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Thanks for your interest, and thanks for #keepingitsacred…
