Rabbi Mendel Liberow: Why I’m thankful for my Israel trip that wasn’t
I was supposed to be in Israel today.
To be precise, this morning, I was going to wake up in a quaint hotel near the Old City of Safed, enjoy a delicious breakfast al fresco while taking in the mountaintop views, tour the Artists' Quarter,...
Religion: Ritual bordering upon worship
Before the Fourth of July celebrations are in the rear-view mirror, I offer a religious perspective. The United States of America's Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 (declared in 1776, achieved in 1783, after an eight-year war), is a date we celebrate with enthusiasm...
Religion: A Muslim’s most important journey
In the last week of June, millions of pilgrims are preparing for Hajj, the most important journey in a Muslim’s life. Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Mekka, is an epic journey. It’s the 5th and final pillar of Islam.
Hajj takes Muslims on a journey back...
Local Scene: Interfaith Thanksgiving service is Nov. 24
Gilroy Life goes online only for rest of year
Local news publication Gilroy Life has ceased printing its paper edition until the end of this year following the September death of publisher Marty Cheek, according to Gilroy Life editor Robert Airoldi. The publication will continue...
From My Perspective: Fear not and stay strong
“Fear not, says the Lord” (Isaiah 41:10, 43:1) is a well-known Bible verse offering comfort and strength to believing Christians who are assured that God is with them in presence, protection and power to help overcome fear, distress and difficult situations.
The phrase “Fear not”...
Rabbi Mendel Liberow: Have you noticed those curious-looking structures?
A few of you may have noticed the curious-looking structure that popped up outside my home recently. No, we did not embark on an overnight house expansion project. What you saw is our sukkah—a temporary structure that is the highlight of the weeklong holiday...
Religion, Rabbi Mendel Liberow: From foreigner to family
The word “foreigner” gets bandied around a lot in the news. Often, it’s a term reserved for people from another country, but it’s frequently used to describe anyone who looks or acts differently.
I want to share my own experience with a foreigner in Morgan...
Religion: God and the stranger
On Oct. 7, 1885 a 16-year-old German barber named Friedrich boarded a ship for New York. Fleeing the military service then required in Germany, he became one of over a million German immigrants who flooded these shores between 1880 and 1885.
Once he had accumulated...
From My Perspective: Victory Over Death
Did you celebrate Easter last week with the hope that you have victory over the grave? Easter commemorates the most important event in human history! The foundation of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Do you believe Jesus lived...
Religion: A Thanksgiving invitation
All of South County is invited to the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, held Nov. 20 at Congregation Emeth, 17835 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill, beginning at 3pm. Clergy and lay leaders in the interfaith community who live in both Morgan Hill and Gilroy will participate....





















