Singing for Our Lives
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- Jun 21
- 14 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter June 22nd, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
“No homosexuals will go to Heaven.” You know I didn’t say this. Not only because I’m queer, or because I’m Jewish and the Heaven/Hell binary isn’t our theology. But also because we at Keeping It Sacred don’t use religious scriptures to exclude or condemn. Especially not to shame people who express love across the spectrum.
These words were scrawled across the wall of a local United Methodist Church that has a Queer Collective. These words, along with misquotes of the Bible and other hate speech, were graffitied across the beautiful colors of the PRIDE flag they had painted on a wall of their building. In Santa Monica. During PRIDE month. Awful.
My colleague, The Rev. Janet McKeithen, shared how the beautiful response of the community, led by the Queer Collective, has already had an acute response of removing the hate speech. As a community, they will now also meet as a community to discuss the impact of offense with the support of friends and surrounding communities.
Part of the impact Rev. McKeithen has reported was how her members have felt that this hate speech echoes messages they received in other contexts in their lives. And the hatred that still exists in the community. Yes even in Santa Monica, there are some parents who want to send their kids to special camps to "pray the gay" of their kid "away." Some who even kick their kids out of the house. And if this is happening in Los Angeles County, imagine what happens elsewhere.
Having served the world’s first LGBT-founded Jewish congregation for six years, and elsewhere in the time since, I have sat with people in deep spiritual pain inflicted by homophobes. It hurts extra when these barbs come from inside the family and inside of communities meant to be literal sanctuaries, twisting scripture and sharing those violent messages. It feels personal and demoralizing.
The strength that members of the queer community have had to develop is a testament to the resilience, beauty, and creativity of the community. Our existence proves that love wins. Not some bigoted homophobe holding a sign that says “God hates fags,” picketing our interfaith PRIDE service every year before we step out for the annual PRIDE parade. Love wins with every time we come out and find acceptance, with every year that we build family and chosen family that love us for who we are. Love wins.
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism which is the activist arm of the Reform movement recently expressed support of LGBTQ community on instagram. I make a cameo appearance. (See it HERE).
There ARE religious institutions that care and stand up for love. Of course we at Keeping It Sacred is one of these. And because of that, I know that in the wake of this awful attack on my friend’s church, love will again win.
Just as lesbian artist Holly Near sings,
We are a land of many colorsAnd we are singing, singing for our livesWe are gay and straight togetherAnd we are singing, singing for our lives
Together, we are holding sacred space for scripture that affirms human expression and a community that celebrates love.
Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
NEW INTRO TO JUDAISM CLASSES!
CLASSES BEGAN LAST 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!
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.
WELCOME, VITA!
The entire global Keeping It Sacred community welcomes our new summer intern, Vita Kirschtein, who is a Wellesley College graduate to be of the class of 2029! Vita is an International Relations major with a passion for community across the world.
For those who missed meeting her at this past Friday night's online and in person Shabbat service, here are some words from her:
"My name is Vita, I’m from New York City, and I’m a rising sophomore studying International Relations with a concentration in History at Wellesley College. My focus at Keeping It Sacred will be on optimizing the functionality of the website and improving traffic to grow and nourish the existing community. Overall, I’m excited to be working with Rabbi Miller and KITS this summer!"
Welcome, Vita!
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
ORANGE COUNTY TOUR OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH
Join the First Church of Christ, Scientist, for an open house of sorts as part of the Orange County 2026 interfaith understanding program. The 4th Sunday Church Service on June 28th, 4-5pm PT will feature music and fellowship at the Laguna Niguel, First Church of Christ, Scientist at 29012 Aloma Ave, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.
The church will be offering a second church service at 4pm, so as to make it possible for those of other worship services on Sunday morning to come as an introduction to our worship service. This service is on the topic of Christian Science. We at KITS are part of an interfaith council that works to provide education and understanding about our respective communities. Please join in this experiential learning about our friends if you are able.
SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
Please register here for our full schedule of chapters to cover: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
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
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.
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...
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…
