Religion

Each year, Muslims around the world mark the beginning of a new year on the Islamic, or Hijri, calendar. This year the new year will begin on June 17.  While many people are familiar with New Year celebrations on Jan. 1, the Islamic New Year...

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we reflect on its enduring claim that all people are endowed by their Creator with the rights to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Today, we might summarize these ideals as a...

Faith-based organizations here in South Santa Clara County thrive due to a shared sense of justice. For 250 years, all expressions of religion have grown due to support guaranteed by our First Amendment constitutional right: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of...

One of the blessings of being a rabbi is officiating at weddings. I’m currently working with my first second-generation couple. One of the bride’s parents was among the first couples I married, making this a particularly meaningful and full-circle moment. In addition to a marriage...

Spirited debates arise every time the United States has engaged in war during the 21st century. Given the reflexive positions Americans often take during those times of high emotion, one might ask: Is there a rigorous way to consider the question whether to engage...

One of the greatest blessings of our day, particularly in the United States, is our freedom. I will forever be grateful for all who have worked for, defended and sacrificed much to win and preserve our freedom of speech, freedom of religion and our...

At the Bible Museum in Washington DC recently, several high-profile political types spent time reading their favorite Bible passages as a celebration of America’s 250th birthday and its spiritual beginnings. President Trump read 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my...

At a time when the name of God is too often used to inflame fear, sanctify division, bless political resentment or lend sacred over to violence, people of faith are called to offer something better to public life: humility, deeper understanding and a renewed...

Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill will host Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger, a professor at California State University, Long Beach, to give a presentation on the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The presentation will take place 2:30-4:30pm. Congregation Emeth is located at 17835 Monterey Road.  The presentation...

On May 6, 1947, my grandfather, Clarence Boyer, walked into the Princeton, New Jersey office of Albert Einstein. He approached the woman behind the desk and asked to speak to the man who changed the way we think of time and space. “Do you have...