Religion: Doubting God? Don’t panic
Doubting God? That question carries far more weight than the advertising slogans we’ve heard over the years—“Got Milk?,” “Where’s the Beef?,” or “Wanna Get Away?” For people of faith, it can spark deep concern, even panic.
But the truth is, doubt is something all of...
Religion: Covenantal relationship
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...
Religion: The Shofar’s call awakens the season
While on vacation this summer, one morning my husband and I awoke to a loud alarm. Within seconds we realized the sound was coming from outside and was a fire alarm. We quickly left our room and went to the hotel front desk. We...
Religion: Difficult conversations
I imagine that whoever you are, whatever faith tradition you practice (or don’t), whatever your race or ethnicity, whatever your socioeconomic background, whatever gender(s) (or none)—you probably agree that there are plenty of things that divide us as a country. I would also like...
Religion: Celebrating Thanksgiving in difficult times
Every year the Interfaith Clergy Alliance (ICA) and Interfaith CommUNITY of South County (ICSC) host a Thanksgiving service on the Sunday before the Thanksgiving holiday. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for those who live in the southern parts of Santa Clara County...
Religion: Acknowledging our independence and interdependence
The United States recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The authors and signers announced that they were no longer subject to the king of England. They declared they were independent.
I want to mention another word; interdependence. We...
Religion: Ending hate and religious bias
This week, Jews around the world observed Tisha B’Av, a commemoration known only by its date, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av. This year Tisha B’Av falls on the Gregorian calendar on Thursday, July 27.
Tisha B’Av is the saddest day on...
Religion: A time of discipline, sacrifice and reflection
A special time of the year for millions of Muslims worldwide began in the first week of March 2024, the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month and holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a time of festivity, community, charity and...
Religion: Religious freedom and ‘love of liberty’
I’m grateful to be celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary and for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy. I’m grateful for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and the subsequent Bill of Rights and later amendments that outline the freedoms preserved for us.
I’m grateful...
Religion: Quality of life and pursuit of happiness
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...












