Savoring Gameplay
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- Jun 14
- 14 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter June 15th, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
"Are you glad you missed it?" I asked my kid after he missed playing in a baseball tournament this weekend where his team lost three games, each by a wide margin.
"No, mama! I am not there to win. I am there to play with my friends," he quickly replied.
I am so glad my son loves the experience of joining a team, becoming friends, building a gameplan, and giving it their all-- regardless of if his team wins. Of course, I have seen them win, and they definitely LOVE that, too. Like that time when they gathered in a circle and jumped up and down in front of the dugout before showering each other with water bottle water. That was pretty cute.
But independent of those moments, is the leadup. The joining together to build a play and execute it. Of trying.
With the recent NBA championship game, or all of the FIFA World Cup games, does it matter who wins? Well, yes, if you are judging success based upon hefty salary bonuses. But no if you are a judging success based upon great gameplay and the thrill of the match.
On Passover, we are taught to be happy with just what we have. That if God had simply took us out of Egypt, dayenu, it would have been enough. But then God gave us the Torah. And if God had simply done that, dayenu, it would have been enough. But then God also gave us the Sabbath, the day of rest. And if God had simply done that, dayenu, it would have been enough. Dayenu is a word that means, "it would have been enough" and singing the dayenu song around the seder table reminds us to take in the blessings right in front of us no matter what we're up against or how badly we might lose.
Similarly, the Mishnah teaches (Pirkei Avot 4:1), "Who is happy? The one who rejoices in what they have." Truly happy people see the blessings that abound around. And while they may feel hidden, we might uncover blessings with just a little creative squinting.
So, what joy do you have yet to discover today despite the surface level setback? And what motivation can you draw from that?
Looking for the good is how we're keeping it sacred.
Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
NEW INTRO TO JUDAISM CLASSES!
CLASSES BEGAN MONDAY! 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, join us! Classes are forming now:
Email Molly Flanagan of your interest at mflanagan@keepingitsacred.com.
Read more about it here: https://www.keepingitsacred.com/intro-to-judaism
There is still time to join! We'd love to have you.
KITS SAIL CLUB INFORMATION
Please join us in a Weekly Prayer Vigil for Those Who have been Disappeared by I.C.E. on Tuesday, June 16th and every Tuesday at 12pm-1pm at the Los Angeles Federal Building at 300 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
This one is a special PRIDE Month edition with members of the LA Queer Interfaith Clergy council leading.
AND save the date for July 7th for our LAPD Police Commission meeting, then head to the Godmothers of the Disappeared. It will be a day of learning, community, bearing sacred witness, solidarity and advocacy. Join us!
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
FREEDOM SHABBAT
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 19TH, 5:30PM PT/8:30PM ET – Participate in accessible, relevant, and empowering Friday Night Shabbat Services with Rabbi Miller and Max Winer. Live zoom online or in-person in Los Angeles!
To attend in-person, please contact rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com
SACRED GROUNDS BACKYARD HABITAT
Our wonderful KITS member, Marilyn, recently shared about a simple opportunity we can each take to address the climate crisis and the rapid loss of biodiversity due to human action. What most people do not realize is that they can take steps to support biodiversity in their own yard or even on a balcony.
One just needs to provide wildlife with food, water, and shelter. Lawns are ecological deserts, status symbols that use resources without providing any ecosystem benefits.
The National Wildlife Federation has long had a process for certification of backyard habitats. Sacred Grounds™ is a NWF program that recognizes congregations, houses of worship, and faith communities who both create wildlife habitat and actively link faith practices and caring for the environment. https://www.nwf.org/SacredGrounds
Less complex, some places of worship have just created and certified gardens on their grounds. We are looking into these opportunities at Keeping It Sacred. See:
And please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com if you'd like to be involved.
SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
JULY 13, 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
JUNE 28th - 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.
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
ZOLA FOR VENDORS
This past week, Rabbi Miller participated in the Zola for Vendors night out event at Red Bird LA in downtown LA. Rabbi Miller shares,
"We talked AI, authenticity, and algorithms, and more! Great to connect with wedding planners, astrologers, makeup artists, poets, photographers, and content creators. Proud to represent officiants in the mix! It's a joyful group that gets to elevate sacred moments. It's a high trust biz and these are the folks doing it well."
LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK FREEDOM NOW 2026
Los Angeles Community Action Network presents Freedom Now 2026 — Stand Up. Show Up. Contribute. Here’s what we know: • Democracy is not self-sustaining • Freedom must be defended generation after generation • Culture has always been part of the struggle • Community is still our greatest protection against fear and division This will not be an ordinary night. It will be a gathering of artists, organizers, workers, elders, and everyday people committed to building a future where nobody is disposable.Join us. Join the fight. Donate directly at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/freedomnow2026
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
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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.
6/25 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.
6/29 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.
7/2 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.
7/2 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.
7/6 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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