The Jain Center of Northern California (a SiVIC Affiliate) observed the International Day of Nonviolence (Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday) by serving some 2200 freshly cooked Vegan meals to unhoused population during October 1 to 3 through out Santa Clara County to promote nonviolence in Food (Ahimsa Mels). SiVIC partnered with them to distribute these meal packets by bringing together homeless advocate groups (AGAPE, Hope4theUnhoused, Opening Doors, PitStopOutreach, SV Homeless Union,), shelters, Arham Youth Seva, and Santa Clara University students who all went to encampments and distributed the meal boxes. Number of volunteers involved in this whole effort exceeded 150 expending some 750 person-hours. This was part of the National effort of Jains to promote Ahimsik (Nonviolent) Meals.

We, faith leaders and members of People Acting in Community Together (PACT)’s clergy caucus, are circulating the statement below as a collective response to violence against the AAPI community. We invite you to sign on to our statement, circulate it to community members, and join us in a public action standing up against anti-Asian violence on August 7, Saturday, 10am-12nn.

On the 40th Anniversary of the Juneteenth Festival in Santa Clara County, the Silicon Valley Interreligius Council (SiVIC) Board of Directors and Affiliates congratulate African American Community Service Agency for celebrating 158 years of freedom of African Americans from slavery. This year the festival takes place over seven days from June 13 to June 19 both In-person events and virtual getherings. The festival includes wide variety of food, artwork, retailers, community services and local businesses have been a major draw for event attendees.  Please visit: “https://www.sjaacsa.org/juneteenth/home” for more detials and schedule. You need to register for the events.

The Festival celebrates African American heritage and is an opportunity to educate the community on topics ranging from health to educational and financial literacy. This year, as the community is re-emerging after a long year of struggle, celebrating our resilience together will be especially meaningful. For more infoon each event, please click: “http://sivicouncil.org/events” .

Yet another tragedy struck by the hands of a gunman. This was right here in our city. How do we once again mourn the loss of nine people, along with many wounded? Sending thoughts and prayers is good, but not enough. Not enough to truly assuage the grief of the loved ones. May we find a way for people of all stripes, all beliefs, to come together to help prevent another such tragedy.

The Silicon Valley Interreligious Council (SiVIC) Board and Affiliates, are deeply saddened to learn of the mass shooting at VTA Light-rail yard early this morning. We extend our prayers and our support to the entire VTA family for this horofic loss. We pray for the speedy and full recovery of those injured in the incident. Our prayers are with the families of the deceased.

The Silicon Valley Interreligious Council (SiVIC) wishes to express sorrow and condolences to our Jewish friends for their loss of friends & family while attending a pilgrimage in Israel. We extend our prayers and our support to the Jewish community everywhere. We pray for the speedy and full recovery of those injured in the incident. Our prayers are with the families of the deceased.

A stampede at a religious festival attended by tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews in northern Israel has killed at least 44 people and injured about 150 early Friday. May they rest in peace.

See SiVIC Event page for program details

Dear Rabbi Aron,

On behalf of the Board of the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council, we want to congratulate you on a long and meaningful career and wish you fresh and rewarding experiences in your retirement.  

The strength of the interfaith network in Silicon Valley is in no small part due to your work– foundational in the early years, persistent through time, innovative and thoughtful in moments of change or challenge, and always grounded in deep kindness.

We are all the beneficiaries of your belief in the possibility of common ground and mutual benefit.  You have served as a role model, and we are inspired to carry your legacy forward.  

We want to thank you for your guidance and participation in the formation and early planning efforts for SiVIC. We appreciate your support of our programs and activities.

With deep gratitude and wishes for happiness in the years to come.

Respectfully,

SiVIC Executive Committee: Girish Shah, Rev. Rowan Fairgrove, Rev. Joy-Ellen Lipsky, Garth Pickett, Diane Fisher, Somanjana Chatteerjee, Sulochina Lulla &
& SiVIC Board members