Religion: Why interfaith dialogue is important in our communities
Our world has become a global village.
No longer do we need to go to “exotic” lands to encounter the splendor of the faith traditions of humankind. Our cities, villages and neighborhoods are now populated with the peoples of the world. This rich and emerging...
Religion: The pumpkin spice latte: A ridiculous flavor or a fall blessing?
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, one thing has become abundantly clear: it's Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) season once again! Even before fall has arrived, the return of this beloved autumnal beverage brings long lines at Starbucks and various...
Religion: The Islamic New Year: Its meaning and significance
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...
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: The City on the Hill
In a recent article in the New York Times (Dec. 12, 2025), the columnist Thomas L. Friedman said this: “If you ask me what’s the most dangerous statistic in the world today …the Gallup Poll that said fewer people than ever are going to church. Because…...
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: Building our future together—an interfaith perspective
Through my Interfaith work with the Interfaith CommUNITY of Santa Clara (ICSC) and the Interfaith Clergy Association (ICA) I have many opportunities to engage with many aspects of Interfaith life—its celebration of the diversity of culture, faith expressions, food, music, art and more.
Recently in...
Advent Lutheran celebrates 50th anniversary
“I needed a place to be with God again. I watched the services on YouTube for a few weeks and decided I was ready. I loved how the service was so clear to me and helped me understand how the community works together. It...
Religion: Bettering One’s Relationship With The Lord
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And He fasted for forty days and forty nights.” Mathew 4: 1-2
The recent appearance of actor Mark Wahlberg with his “40 Day Challenge” on NBC’s Today morning...











