Three billboards in Berkeley and Oakland defining anti-Zionism as antisemitism were defaced by a group of Jewish activists who say Zionism is racist against Palestinians.
Religion
Posted inCommunity
Church uses psychedelics to experience divine presence
Sacred Garden Community Church is not alone in using psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelic substances in its religious practice.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Dr. Norman K. Gottwald, preeminent scholar of the Old Testament
A longtime Berkeley resident, Gottwald was on the faculty of American Baptist Seminary of the West and Graduate Theological Union.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Fred Harvey, founder of Camp Elmwood, active in Berkeley’s parks, schools, neighborhoods
The son of vaudeville actors, Harvey was co-president of the Emerson PTA during integration and helped preserve the Elmwood Theatre.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Rev. Elizabeth V. Coleman, pastor at McGee Avenue Baptist Church
The Rev. Elizabeth V. Coleman had a passion for serving children and youth and brought restorative justice to the Berkeley Technology Academy.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Suspected arson at Black church in Berkeley prompts fear and anger
The fire was an act of terror, said Pastor Michael McBride, who leads the 48-year-old Way Christian Church. He questioned the “timid” response to the incident from Berkeley’s leaders.
Posted inCity
Indoor religious services once again prohibited in Berkeley because of rise in COVID-19 cases
New state rules go into effect today prohibiting indoor worship services.
Posted inCommunity
A virtual palm parade? Passover via Zoom? Religious groups get creative
With Ramadan, Passover and Easter all happening in April, Berkeley religious communities are adapting to spiritual life during a global pandemic.
Posted inCommunity
This beauty salon is a safe space for the East Bay’s Muslim women
At Nefertiti Beauty, modest women can access salon hair services and imported clothes and goods all in one, woman-owned, women-only space.
Posted inCommunity
Oakland Mormon temple to offer rare public viewing after renovation
For the first time in 55 years, the public will have a chance, starting Saturday, to tour the Oakland Mormon temple, which is perched atop an 18-acre complex in the Oakland hills.
Posted inCommunity
Bahá’ís of Berkeley celebrate Naw Ruz
In a North Berkeley home, members of the Bahá’í faith, whose roots are in Iran, gathered on the eve of the spring equinox to break their 19-day fast and usher in a new year.
Posted inSchools
Pacific School of Religion startled by anti-Semitic incidents
Someone entered the campus chapel and drew a swastika inside a bible on display. A piece of paper with the words ‘Adolph Hitler’ scribbled on it was tacked onto a nearby bulletin board.