Taking the Dare

Newsletter June 12, 2023 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

I was dared to do it. Okay, really it was more like a challenge. A rabbinic colleague of mine who I have met several times now online, and have gotten to know and respect greatly, challenged me to write a blessing for when we actually meet LIVE in person in 3D. This is what a rabbinic dare looks like!

BLESSING FOR MEETING IN PERSON:

Baruch Ata Adonai, Blessed are You Creator of All, who gave humanity the ability to think and learn and create new technologies to aid in connecting humans across the miles via fiber optic cables and wifi. You are the Source of all knowledge who has fashioned the human brain to learn and progress. We thank you for this ability. And we also express deep gratitude for the opportunity to sync up calendars and fly, drive, or ride to meet one another in person. As we have already borne witness to the other's soul with our words online, we thank you for this opportunity to meet in 3D in real time to behold your creation in person, one of the sweetest gifts of being alive! We express thanks to You, Great Creator, for each human being you have fashioned in Your Glory. Amen.

This past week, I participated in the Women's Rabbinic Network's Biennial Convention. 100 Reform Rabbis identifying as women, non-binary, or genderqueer met in Massachusetts, and another 40 participated online. As a board member, I helped lead a couple programs and as a member benefitted from the leadership of others.

It has been important to identify the shared challenges of sexism that need to be addressed. Indeed, this has been the source of our strength and progress. Also important is to be able to play and laugh and enjoy the strengths of one another fully realized for the rabbinate we represent. To dare to create space to enjoy who we are exactly as we are. This fuels our tank for the road ahead...until the next biennial.

Similarly, as a member of the the queer community, this past week there were not one but TWO PRIDE celebrations to enjoy. One in West Hollywood and one in the city of Los Angeles. While we were facing homophobic bigotry and standing up for inclusion, we also made time to celebrate. I had the honor of opening PRIDE LA's festivities with other queer clergy (and my child!) to exhibit our bold spirituality. Days followed of bright, colorful costumes, loud expressive music, ballroom shows and carnival games that reminded us that there is a place for us-- when we and our allies create it. Daring to express ourselves as we are in all that we are is a great joy of life.

I am filled with PRIDE! to know that we have dared to create the Keeping It Sacred space for all to flourish in the fullness of who we each are. This is how together, we’re #keepingitsacred…. 

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

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Thanks for your interest, and thanks for #keepingitsacred...