Religion: Staying in the conversation
Deep in the faith of most Americans is the belief that there is a “Just God,” regardless of which religious faith one follows.
Even those who approach this universe primarily from a scientific view, note that “how things work” points to an order that must...
From My Perspective: Names and numbers matter
The meaning of a name is more important in some cultures than others. In Scripture, the meaning of a name can tell you a lot about a person’s character over their story.
Yahweh (or Jehovah) is the personal name of God in Judaism, derived from...
Religion: Perhaps it was for this you were created
Members of the faith community of South County were disturbed, saddened and angered when we were made aware of a hate incident against our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community.
For Muslims, this is the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting and...
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...
Religion: Becoming the best version of ourselves
If you were told to repent the day before you die, when should you start repenting? Right now!
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (10 days apart) are the Jewish High Holy Days. Observance includes communal prayer, food (such as apples dipped in honey for a...
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...
Religion: ‘Perhaps you were created for such a time as this’
Think about a time in your life where you displayed courage. What gave you the strength to engage in this action?
The Latin root of the word courage is “cor” which means heart. In Judaism, the name for courage is Ometz Lev—Heart Strength.
In a few...
Religion: Beloved community: Can we create it?
2026 is trying to be a New Year, but two weeks in, are you feeling hopeful? Where do you find places of solace that bring you hope in the midst of a dark geo-political world? How can all who are here on United States’...
Religion: Banish the Darkness, Spread the Light
As we approach the darkest time of the year, Jews prepare to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. The ancient story took place in the 2nd century BCE during the reign of Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV. He imposed harsh decrees upon the Jews forbidding...
Religion: Stand in holy places
I enjoy standing in holy places. In a world filled with chaos, contention and calamity, it’s important to take time to pause and stand in holy places to find peace. One of my favorite scriptures comes from our Doctrine and Covenants, Section 87, verse...
