Sometimes It Doesn't Rain
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- Feb 1
- 17 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter February 2nd, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
Yesterday was my birthday, and it didn’t rain! It felt like a little miracle considering this has only happened a handful of times in my 47 years. Usually, like clockwork, the calendar page turns to February 1, and the skies open up and pour.But not yesterday. And I almost didn’t know what to do with myself. I was able to enjoy a delicious breakfast by the sea with my family, sitting outside as the high tide ocean lapped shore below. I was able to take an enjoyable stroll in the warm sun. And, we guests were able to mingle outside before going inside for a luncheon program I attended. It was…. weird! It always rains on my birthday but this year it didn’t!There are some things in life that have happened a million times and you expect them to keep going that way. They occur as if clockwork, immutable in their reliability. Time and experience tells you the patterns established will continue the way they usually do. But then, something happens. In these moments, it stops us in our tracks and causes us to question everything. What if the things we think are and will always be this way…. aren’t?Today is the holy day called Tu B’Shvat— the 15th of the month of Shvat— also known as the Birthday of the Trees. It is a day to marvel at the cycle of the life of plants. It is observed in the northern hemisphere at a time right when nearly every living creature has gotten used to the cold harsh winter. The frozen tundra, the snow on the ground. Even in places where it doesn’t snow, the season is markedly different with trees whose leaves are bare, and no blooms or growth is apparent. But, then, something happens, and suddenly, there is life again. A long thought dead branch buds. A tender shoot breaks through the earth’s hardened crust. Tu B’Shvat reminds us to celebrate that the things we thought were stuck, deadened, or forsaken… actually aren’t. It is like the verse in the Torah that tells us that Aaron’s staff, once seen as a dead stick, miraculously budded, blossomed, and bore almonds (Numbers 17:26). Things thought of as a lost cause can bear fruit once again. The luncheon I went to yesterday was a celebration of the important work of NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change. There, a couple hundred people showed to affirm and love one another’s humanity across difference. During the moderated discussion, though, a discussion so fraught with pain ensued, and some wondered if it would be stopped in its tracks. Would the Rabbi who tried to express his love for Israel and it’s ideals (specifically in the thirteenth paragraph of the Declaration of Independence) by affirming his identity as a Zionist, and a Palestinian man who experiences the word "Zionism" with such pain due to the decades-long occupation, the killing of his brother, other family members, and himself being shot in the leg, be able to stay sitting on the same dais and simply coexist? Having seen what has been happening for decades, and especially since October 7, you might have thought this was a lost cause. But then, the miracle. Not one person walked out of the room. Not the attendees, not the speakers. Each saw the perspective of the other, and remained committed to the conversation, and even more to building a future where each and one another’s communities would thrive. Sometimes a lost cause…. isn’t. Sometimes it “always” rains on my birthday and sometimes… it doesn’t. That is the miracle of this holy day today. That is the miracle of living. We have to leave a little room to be surprised. To have open hearts. To be vulnerable. That’s the only way through. Keeping open to the possibilities and leading with the humility that maybe a new outcome will occur is how we are keeping it sacred. Together, we’re keeping it sacred…
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
FEBRUARY 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 Angela Buchdahl. We will review Chapters 7-19 on February 9th. Please join us.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROSLYN "NANE" LANGE
The entire Keeping It Sacred extends deepest condolences to our member Sue Riesz on the recent death of her beloved mother, Roslyn “Nane” Lange, who passed at the age of 102. Nane loved her family fiercely including her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. And she loved to speak her mind and exercise her independence. She always taught her family self respect by example, always being done up with hair coiffed, lipstick on, and dressed to the nines. She is missed tremendously and her memory is a blessing.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANNE BERLINER
The entire Keeping It Sacred community extends comfort to the Berliner family of the KITS Community: Emma and Ivy, who were married by Rabbi Miller, as well as Alice, Amanda, Judy, and Richard. They all knew and loved Anne Berliner, may her memory be a blessing. Anne was a beautiful matriarch to the family, and someone who showed them how to move through life’s greatest challenges, and also still find time to save her sweet moments. Two of her most cherished things were, “take your vitamins, “and “eat dessert.” The whole family will miss Sunday dinners in her company, speaking with her, especially her Yiddish expressions, and making her laugh. Please view a touching tribute that Emma put together here (HERE). May Anne’s memory forever be a blessing.
MORNING SHABBAT
FEBRUARY 28TH 10AM PT/1PM ET – Give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate in community with monthly Shabbat Services. Rabbi Miller and possibly Max Winer will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song. This month we are mixing it up, and meeting on Shabbat morning instead of our regular Friday night-- we are hoping to do a hamantaschen bake that day-- mmmm! This will precede a kids singalong service.
10am Hamantaschen making and baking
10:30am Shabbat Singalong for Kids of All Ages (online portion of the program)
Eating Hamantaschen immediately to follow.
Enjoy some chill time in community. Join us! No experience necessary.
If you plan to join in person (with schmoozing afterwards), please email Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com.
And if you plan to join us online, please know the service is interactive so plan to participate via the text chat and by keeping your camera on if possible-- to do that, register here:keepingitsacred.com/upcoming (https://www.keepingitsacred.com/event-details/morning-shabbat)
KITS SOCIAL ACTION IN LA CLUB
FEBRUARY 17TH 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. JOIN US 2/17 at 9am via Zoom to get to know one another and begin to identify our areas of work. If you’re not able to join, please contact rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com to indicate your interest in future gatherings.
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.
KITS CREATIVITY CLUB
FEBRUARY 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.
On February 8, we are going to experiment with shapes. Bring paper, pencil, and either colored pencils, paints, markers, or something to add color with. While we create, we can do what we love most, chat.
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
REPRO RIGHTS STUDY SESSION
FEBRUARY 13TH 10AM PT/1PM ET – Save the Date! Keeping It Sacred joins dozens of communities around the US for a discussion on the intersection between Jewish values and Reproductive rights. Come explore what the sages had to say about the start of life, protecting the health of the pregnant person, and more.
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
ADAR ROSH CHODESH RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK REVIEW
FEBRUARY 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 3 of our study text,
In Open Contempt by Irvin Weathersby Jr.
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
2026 CONFERENCE ON THE JEWISH LEFT
We wanted to bring you news of this conference. If you are able to attend please contact Rabbi Miller at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com so that she can connect you with others going.
Founded in 2024, Boston University’s annual “Conference on the Jewish Left” gathers together scholars, students, and global partners of the Jewish left. At a time when foundational principles of justice and democracy are under attack, the conference provides an educational space to bridge the academic-community divide, and to explore the Jewish left’s values, institutions, and impact.
The conference aims to tackle pressing public questions and to empower the next generation of leaders to make a real-world difference in the critical challenges facing humanity and the earth today. Register here: bu.edu/cura/recent-news-and-happenings/the-jewish-left-2026/
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Location (unless otherwise noted): George Sherman Union • Boston University • 775 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston.
Attendees can register to attend the conference in-person or via livestream.
BLACK LIVES MATTER LA DEMANDS
On Tuesday, January 27th, Black Lives Matter Grassroots, along with Rabbi Miller and dozens of organizations, attempted to deliver a petition to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell with 18,000 signatures to demand some semblance of justice in the name of #KeithPorter. The demands were: 1. end to the character assassination of Keith Porter, 2. arrest the killer, Brian Palacios, 3. Arrest Keith’s killer and present the case to the District Attorney for prosecution. We held a press conference outside of police commission with the family. Following powerful statements outside we went in to give public comment. The board refused to listen to everyone and would not take our petition. Stay tuned for next steps. Keith Porter, a father of two, was killed by an off-duty ICE agent on New Years Eve.
MAZAL TOV TO ALISON GOLDBERG!
A HUGE Mazal Tov to KITS Member, Alison Goldberg-- her latest children's book, THE REMEMBERING CANDLE, was selected as a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable title, and has been shortlisted for the National Jewish Book Awards! See it on her website: https://alisongoldberg.com/books/the-remembering-candle/ This is a wonderful book to help talk with children about death in the Jewish tradition, with love and ritual support. We are thrilled that it will get broader recognition soon!
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.
WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT KEEPING IT SACRED?
The best part of our community are our people. So, for our Keeping It Sacred 5 year anniversary, Rabbi Miller asked these members to share their thoughts on our community. These videos were shared at our celebration, and now you have the chance to see what people are saying in full HERE!
Or, you can click on the links below to hear from each of the participants. MAZAL TOV to everyone in the KITS global community for building this community by, with, and for one another!
Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
NOW CASTING RURAL JEWISH INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES!
From a KITS connection (passing on this information for your review): We are seeking Jewish individuals and families living in rural or small-town America to participate in a social media series exploring what Jewish life looks like outside major cities. We're especially interested in people with unique, personal backstories - those living Jewish lives that may be unconventional, unexpected, or shaped by their surroundings. This includes (but is not limited to) individuals and families who are:
In interfaith or inter-cultural relationships
Practicing Judaism alongside other religious traditions
Navigating Jewish identity in places with little or no Jewish infrastructure
Creating community in creative or nontraditional ways
To apply, please submit:
A brief written description of yourself (or your family)
A 3-5 minute self-tape (a video filmed on your phone is perfectly fine!) introducing yourself, sharing your backstory, and walking us through a day in your small-town Jewish life
We're looking for honesty, specificity, and heart - not polish. Just be yourself! Email submissions to: SWCasting1@gmail.com
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.
2/06 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.
2/08 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.
2/09 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.
2/12 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.
2/12 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.
2/13 REPRO RIGHTS STUDY SESSION – 10AM PT -- Save the Date! Keeping It Sacred joins dozens of communities around the US for a discussion on the intersection between Jewish values and Reproductive rights. Come explore what the sages had to say about the start of life, protecting the health of the pregnant person, and more.
2/19 ADAR 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 3 at 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET.Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
2/19 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.
2/19 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.
2/22 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.
2/26 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.
2/26 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.
2/28 MORNING SHABBAT
Give yourself the gift of space to reflect and rejuvenate in community with monthly Shabbat Services. Rabbi Miller will lead the community with Jewish thought and sacred song every month. This month we are mixing it up, and meeting on Shabbat morning instead. The service is designed to be tight but meaningful and interactive. Join us! No experience necessary.
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…
