Unity in CommUNITY
- Rabbi Heather Miller
- May 4
- 14 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Newsletter May 4th, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...
In my household, some people prefer fencing and equestrian activities like jumping. These are individual sports where one person usually tries to beat their personal best or institutional records. The rewards can feel personal.
But then there are those of us who like baseball, basketball, and rugby. These are team sports where groups of people have to execute plays where everyone’s part is crucial. The rewards are magnified by the magical synergy of the team’s coordination.
Individual sports are more controlled as there are fewer moving parts. But success all comes down to one person.
While team sports are more chaotic with more chances at errors, if a team’s players all maximize their potential, they can sustain various players’ injuries and still win.
Living in Jewish community is like a team sport in that we each rise up and fill in the gaps when one of our teammates is down. We are able to sustain great setbacks and personal losses because the community rushes in to fill in the gaps.
Today, for instance, I attended a funeral for the brother of one of my dear New York colleagues who I have known for 20 years. Another friend of mine made last minute reservations to fly to LA to attend, and I offered up my home. We take care of each other.
Then, both spoke at his funeral shared beautifully the idea he championed-- about how the members of the community hold each other up, and what true care looks like. (I'll share more about her remarks in this week's healing circle.)
In Jewish tradition, in fact, the sages impress upon the people the importance of taking care of each other. Among the many answers, for instance, about why we should help those in need, they answer (Midrash Tanchuma Mishpatim 15:6):
“…if you do not give to him, I will reverse the wheel of fortune and make you poor and him rich.”
In other words, those in positions of comfort are to help others because if they don’t, the wheel of fortune will turn in their disfavor.
Or, as I see it, today we may be on top but the wheel always turns and we may find ourselves on bottom another day. Fortune rises and falls. But communal security is maintained when all in the community are committed to ensuring that everyone has what they need.
This is how we made it through wandering through the wilderness for 40 years. This is how we make it through the wilderness of the challenges we have faced in every generation. Compassion, generosity, and the spirit of unity. Putting the UNITY in commUNITY is how we’re keeping it sacred.
Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…
Rabbi Heather Miller
Founder, Keeping It Sacred
KITS SOCIAL ACTION IN LA CLUB
KITS SAIL CLUB UPDATE This week’s regular meeting is postponed as we shift focus to upcoming programs and partnerships. We hope you’ll join us at one or more of the following;
April 29 (Zoom) 12:30pm PT: Meet & greet with the Executive Director of the Commission on Voluntary Service and Action*
May 5 (In Person) 9am PT: Day of Action in Downtown LA
May 13 (Zoom) 9am PT: KITS SAIL Community meeting
June 3 (Zoom) 9am PT: KITS SAIL Community meeting
June 6: Walk & Play fundraiser for Los Angeles Children’s Hospital (details HERE)
June 7 (In Person) 10:30am PT: Interfaith Pride Celebration at San Vicente & Santa Monica Blvd→ Volunteers needed to read a memorial prayer by Rabbi Miller
(email rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com to indicate interest)
GOOD NEWS Thanks to our collective efforts raising money for bail bonds for detained immigrants, CLUE was able to obtain the release of a 48-year-old Nicaraguan mother of 3 who has been at Adelanto detention for almost 7 months! She was illegally detained at her scheduled immigration hearing back in October and hasn't seen her children since. Thanks to you and this effort, she is home today!
COUNT THE OMER WITH US!
This is the last week to join our social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook, to follow along with counting the Omer, a tradition that continues for 49 days. The counting of the omer was once a harvest season ritual that was adopted by the Kabbalists who infused a spirituality and intentionality into the practice. Check out our social media daily for seven weeks of seven days of readings, and meditative prompts to spark introspection and spiritual strength. This custom traditionally links the second night of Passover with Shavuot (day 50!). Join us in this spiritual exercise as we climb up from oppression to the celebration of the giving of the Torah.
SIYYUM TRACTATE MENACHOT
MAY 7TH - 12PM PT/3PM ET – Join us as we celebrate the completion of our study of Tractate Menachot. We will enjoy a traditional siyyum (culmination) ceremony— please bring your favorite gleanings, and a fun hat to celebrate!
Please join us. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
MAY 11TH, 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 start reading Yentl's Revenge (link here: https://www.amazon.com/Yentls-Revenge-Next-Jewish-Feminism/dp/1580050573).
Thanks in large part to the struggles of their activist foremothers, today’s young Jewish women have a dizzying array of spiritual options. Yentl’s Revenge chronicles a range of experiences lived by an entire generation of women, from Judeo-pagan witches to young Orthodox mothers, from rabbis to sex educators. Contributors ponder Jewish transgenderdom, Jewish body image, Jewish punk, the stereotype of the Jewish American Princess, intermarriage, circumcision, faith, and intolerance. Essays include "Bubbe Got Back: Tales of a Jewish Caboose” by Ophira Edut, and "On Being a Jewish Feminist Valley Girl” by Tobin Belzer.
Please register here for our full schedule of chapters to cover: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
REFLECTION SHABBAT
MAY 15TH, 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
SPECIAL SHAVUOT SERVICE
MAY 22ND, 5AM PT/8AM ET – Enjoy a service live from Boston in our Special Shavuot Service on May 22nd at 8am ET. Text Study with a chance to recite the mourner's kaddish in community.
If you'd like to attend in person, please email rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com
To attend via zoom, please register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
NEW INTRO TO JUDAISM FORMING!
Congrats to those that just concluded our latest Intro to Judaism class cycle today! Mazel Tov to those who completed it, it was such a joy to study the history, culture, identity, and calendar of the Jewish people together.
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? Classes are forming now! Email Rabbi Miller your interest at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com.
COMMUNITY BY MIKE KINMAN
From Mike Kinman's most recent substack:
Last Friday night, I went with a friend to a Shabbat at the home of Rabbi Heather Ellen Miller of Keeping It Sacred … a wonderful, Jewish “global community dedicated to the intrepid exploration of sacred texts, the practice of meaningful rituals and the unwavering pursuit of social justice” that meets primarily online but monthly has a hybrid in-person/online shabbat at her family home.
Heather and I have been friends for almost a decade … so it was a safe place to go. I have learned it makes a huge difference to know just one person when you walk into a community.
That night, Heather spoke about exile … and about how it was part of the identity of the Jewish people. The conversation stuck with me … both the beauty of a community for whom a central tenet was “welcome the stranger because you were/are a stranger” … and the nagging thought that identifying as exile can also be a self-fulfilling prophecy
…that times in my life where I have too identified myself as different has led me to act in ways that push others away reinforcing my feeling of difference.
Still need to think more about that.
Read the rest here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-19493185
TOOLS FOR COMMUNITY, CARE, & RESISTANCE
From our wonderful KITS member, Erin-Kate Escobar:
If you’ve been feeling like it’s harder and harder to be a human at work right now, you’re not imagining it. Between rising fascism, dehumanizing capitalist norms, and the pressure to “perform professionalism,” many of us are stretched beyond what’s sustainable. We need spaces that honor the truth of what we’re living through and help us remember we’re not alone.
Whether you're leading an organization through funding uncertainty, managing diverse teams in fast-paced environments, or working in tech while trying to create positive change, this series gives you concrete tools to build power with—not over—your communities.
The sessions will take place on April 16, April 23, April 30, and May 7 at 10-11:30am PST/1-2:30pm EST, online only.
If you are a leader seeking grounded strategies for navigating complex times while staying connected to your values, this series may be for you.
Learn more and register here: https://www.rexwilde.com/cultivating-our-collective-power
YORBA LINDA CALIFORNIA TEMPLE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
This is coming to us from our interfaith friends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We have shared our passover seder with them, and now they welcome us to come learn about their newest temple. All are welcome: members of their church, members of the community, and anyone who just wants to see what a temple is about.Once the temple is dedicated, the entrance is reserved for members of the Church. This open house is a unique opportunity for everyone to tour this sacred space and enjoy the beautiful grounds.
Thursday April 30–Saturday, May 23, 2026
Monday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
(excluding Sundays and May 2, 2026 before 2:00 p.m.)
Register here for free: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/yorbalindacaliforniatempleopenhouse/1831490
RECORD WITH ATRA & THE STARFISH INSTITUTE
A think tank centering on rabbis called Atra is partnering with the Starfish Institute, a systems change organization that helps fields map excellence and coordinate lasting change. Together, we are working to identify what enables rabbis to have meaningful, lasting impact, and how those conditions can be strengthened. Alongside continued data analysis and conversations, we are focusing on something more qualitative: real moments of leadership as they are experienced.
Could you share a specific moment when a rabbi’s leadership made a meaningful difference to you or your community?
Community members/community leaders: record a story here (https://atrarabbis.acemlna.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDEUqSc6XKvz_DKhOag~3-pvNPuvM4xZ8U2VXWb650tzUy7welyPbKRikAnAuYxX6HEInPs563AyNx) or write one here (https://atrarabbis.acemlna.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDEUqSc6XKvz_DKhOag~3-pvNPuvM4xZ8U2VXWb650tzUy7welyPbKRikAnAuYxX6HEInPs563AyN1)
If you have any technical difficulties or questions, please email mailto:ilana@starfishinstitute.org
HOW DO WE CONTINUE TO WORK IN COALITION, EVEN WHEN WE ARE IN DISAGREEMENT?
In 2024 & 2025, a Black/Jewish/Black & Jewish cohort called "Bridging Histories" gathered monthly at the Skirball Center to break bread together and grapple with the state of our coalition.
One of the richest discoveries that was made during our time together was the importance of The Bradley Coalition in our local history - the strong Black/Jewish alliance that voted Bradley in as mayor, and how that coalition ultimately dissolved. In a time where the Middle East continues to drive a wedge through vital alliance spaces, we see the study of this coalition as a way for us to identify and alchemize the learnings of the solidarity spaces that came before us. Our goal is to find new ways into the question: How do we continue to work in coalition, even when we are in disagreement?
Save the date: Sunday May 17th 2pm-4pm PT in-person for the first of four community gatherings to hear from those who were on the ground during that time.
There are many of us here in Los Angeles who have been leaning into one another, engaging in courageous conversations centered in curiosity and hope. Let’s all gather for this offering, so we can see and feel our numbers while we learn together.
You do not have to be Black or Jewish (or both) to engage with this conversation. This is open to the public and is relevant to anyone curious about coalition building, so please feel free to forward to anyone in your life who is craving community around this subject (though no posting on socials please). Let Rabbi Miller if you're interested in joining at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com.
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.
4/27 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
10:30-11:30am PT/1:30-2:30pm 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. Register here: keepingitsacred.com/upcoming
4/30 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.
4/30 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.
5/7 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.
5/7 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.
5/7 SIYYUM TRACTATE MENACHOT
12-1pm PT/3-4pm ET. Join us as we celebrate the completion of our study of Tractate Shavuot. We will enjoy a traditional siyyum (culmination) ceremony— please bring your favorite gleanings, and a fun hat to celebrate!
5/11 SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS BOOK CLUB
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!
5/14 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.
5/14 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.
5/21 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.
5/21 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.
5/28 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.
5/28 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…
