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News and Programs 09.14.23
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Recap: Emory Interfaith Center Opening Dinner for Undergraduate Spiritual Student Organization Leaders
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On Wednesday, September 13, over 40 undergraduate spiritual student organization leaders representing over 20 communities joined the university chaplain, Dean Gregory McGonigle, and other spiritual life staff for a special dinner at the new Emory Interfaith Center at 1707 N Decatur Road. Students networked with each other and helped vision for this new chapter of spiritual life at Emory. Dean McGonigle shared current and upcoming priorities, and students shared goals for spiritual and interfaith community this coming year.
Learn more about the Emory Interfaith Center here.
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August and September Scenes From the Emory Interfaith Center
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Jewish Life Working Group
On Tuesday, September 5, we welcomed the Emory Jewish Life Working Group, which gathers students, faculty, staff, and affiliates to help support flourishing Jewish life on campus. Rabbi Jordan blew the shofar given to us by Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser of Interfaith Atlanta in honor of the reflective month of Elul.
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Beloved Community Bible Study
On Tuesdays at 6 pm starting on August 29, Emory's ecumenical Protestant community (Beloved Community), began a weekly Bible Study studying Jesus’ parables using Amy Jill Levine's "Short Stories by Jesus."
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WISE Pre-O Peer Mentor Thank You
On Friday, September 8, the 2023 WISE Pre-Orientation Peer Mentors and participants dropped by for donuts, iced coffee, and fellowship to reconnect after an amazing WISE 2023 program. Students reconnected with each other and signed thank you notes for the 10 campus and local spiritual communities we visited during the WISE program in August.
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Emory OSRL Outreach to Atlanta
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Atlanta Interfaith Summit Meeting
On Sunday, August 27, the Emory Interfaith Center hosted a summit meeting of interfaith leaders in Atlanta and statewide.
Member organizations include: Interfaith Atlanta, Interfaith Children's Movement, Interfaith Community Initiatives, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center, Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network, Multifaith Initiative to End Mass Incarceration, Zeitgeist, and the Mayor's Office for Faith Based Partnerships.
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Emory OSRL at Interfaith Atlanta Fall Festival
On Sunday, September 10, Emory OSRL hosted a table at the Interfaith Atlanta Fall Festival that was held at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur. This was our third year participating in the Fall Festival, joining many interfaith organizations, chaplaincies, retreat centers, and social justice organizations from across Georgia.
The festival also included speeches, performances, awards, and delicious South Asian food. We were able to increase visibility for the Emory Interfaith Center among many of our neighbors. Thank you to all who participated.
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Candlelit Interfaith Vigil for Morocco and Libya
Wednesday, September 20, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join the prayer vigil and donate to emergency relief efforts. Morocco and Libya have been hit by devastating natural disasters that have taken many lives. Please join us in remembrance and prayer for those affected by these tragedies. A reception will follow.
Sponsored by the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, the Emory Muslim Students Association, and the Graduate Muslim Student Council.
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The Jewish High Holidays begin this month and include Rosh Hashanah (9/15-17) and Yom Kippur (9/24-25). Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world in the Jewish tradition. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe. Yom Kippur is the conclusion of the Ten Days of Awe and is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is observed by fasting, repentance (or "return"), and atonement. There are a number of ways to observe the Jewish High Holidays at Emory.
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High Holidays with OSRL and Ma’alot
The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life is collaborating with the Ma’alot Jewish Community to offer nature-based Jewish High Holidays services. Join Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe, McKenzie Wren, Rabbi Jordan Braunig and a host of soulful guests for a musical, nature-filled journey through the High Holidays. All services are held outdoors - at Arabia Mountain and in the Emory Campus Life Pavillion outdoors - unless there is inclement weather. The Campus Life Pavilion is located at 716 Peavine Creek Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322. The closest visitor parking is Peavine Visitor lot located at 29 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30306. These services especially welcome Emory graduate and professional students, faculty, and staff but are open to all for an alternative experience of the High Holidays.
- Rosh Hashanah Hike at Arabia Mountain - September 15, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm: Embark on a musical and nature-filled hike and mountaintop service to watch the sun set over the year 5783. This gathering will be postponed in case of inclement weather, and includes a 30 minute uphill walk over dirt and rock.
- Rosh Hashanah Morning Service at Emory University - September 16, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (lunch at 12:30 pm): Join us for an inspiring and interactive Rosh Hashanah service for all ages, featuring a breakaway kids program. Followed by a dairy potluck lunch.
- Kol Nidre at Emory University - September 24, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Enter the transformative process of Yom Kippur with a communal chanting of Kol Nidre and evening service to begin our fast. Featuring a breakaway kids program.
- Yom Kippur Morning at Emory University - September 25, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm - Engage in a day of introspection and spiritual growth through music, movement, art, and an investigation into the journey of teshuvah -- returning to self. Featuring a breakaway kids program.
- Neilah at Emory University - September 25, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm: Conclude the High Holidays with the powerful and exuberant Neilah service, marking the end of Yom Kippur with glow stick ecstatic dancing and triumphant snacking and potluck.
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Hillel at Emory
Join Emory Hillel for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Together, we'll bring in the new year with delicious meals, meaningful prayer services, and the opportunity to be together and celebrate the year ahead. Please RSVP here so that we know you are coming.
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Chabad at Emory
All services located at the Chabad at Emory House (1500 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307)
More details will be posted here and here.
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MEOR at Emory
Meor will be hosting four meals over Rosh Hashanah:
Dinners
- Friday, September, 15, 8:20 p.m.
- Saturday September 16- 8:30pm
Lunch
- Saturday, September 16, 1:30 p.m.
- Sunday, September 17, 1:30 p.m.
- All meals will be at 1582 Nantahalla Court, 30329. We have limited spots so please sign up soon.
Services
- Sunday, September 17, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. in Beth Jacob at 1855 Lavista Road, 30329
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Medical Menches: Rosh Hashanah Dinner
Friday, September 15, 7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
We can't wait to ring in the New Year with you. Please note that recommended parking is in the Fishburne Visitor Parking Deck at 15 Fishburne Lane, which is free after 6:00 p.m.
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International Community Friday Lunch
Friday, September 15, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
International Community Friday Lunch (ICFL) is a long-standing collaboration between the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
This gathering extends a warm welcome and builds community for international students and scholars over a free lunch. Attendees will also meet sponsors who will share helpful campus resources.
ICFL occurs on Fridays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm in Cannon Chapel Brooks Commons. Meals are limited in number; therefore, please register in advance for each week you will attend.
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New: Mindfulness Circle
Mondays starting September 11, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Meditation Room, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Facilitated by Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman, the Mindfulness Circle is a space exclusively for Emory students to practice mindfulness as a group. Every Monday during the semester, we will engage in a mindfulness exercise followed by conversations around the practices of mindfulness. Light refreshments will be provided.
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Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term starting Wednesday, September 13, 12:00-12:15 p.m. EST, Zoom and Facebook Live
All are invited to reflect and decompress in a mid-week, mid-day time of sacred music. Join Music Director Maury Allums and the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in taking a moment to breathe and connect with others in our community. Register on Zoom or follow on our Facebook Live.
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Midweek Musical Meditation, 9.13.23
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Beloved Community Retreat
Saturday, September 23, 9:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center
Join us for the Beloved Community Fall Retreat on Saturday September 23 from 9:30 a.m to 9:00 p.m. We’ll gather at the Emory Interfaith Center (1707 North Decatur Road) for breakfast and opening worship, venture to Lullwater Park for a walk and picnic, then return to the Interfaith Center for an afternoon of crafts, games, dinner, and worship.
We look forward to this day of fellowship.
RSVP here. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 18.
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Buddhist Meditation in Cannon Chapel
Thursdays, 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join the Emory Buddhist community in guided meditation and discussion. Come to meditate, to make friends, and to learn about Buddhist life at Emory.
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Beloved Community Protestant Worship in Cannon Chapel: Hispanic Heritage Month
Sundays during the Term, 11:00 a.m. Service, Noon Free Lunch, Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is the weekly progressive ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community held Sunday mornings in Cannon Chapel and followed by a free lunch. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Emory Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong.
Preacher for September 17: Dr. Jonathan Calvillo, Assistant Professor of Latinx Communities, Candler School of Theology
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Cannon Chapel Living Mandala Garden Planting
Friday, September 15, 2:00 p.m., Living Mandala Garden outside Cannon Chapel
All are welcome to join the Emory Buddhist Club to replant and maintain the Living Mandala Garden outside of Cannon Chapel. This space on campus is available to all for reflection, meditation, and engagement with nature.
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Carribean Hinduism
Friday September 15, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join the HSA as we learn about Hinduism in the Carribean followed by a special aarti. All are welcome.
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Shlokas and Snacks
Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m., AMUC 125
Enjoy snacks and discussion about Hindu spirituality with Chaplain Shweta on Tuesdays.
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MSA: Welcome Back Dinner
Friday, September 15, 7:00-9:00 pm., Emory Student Center, MultiPurpose Rooms 4-6
We are so excited to announce that we will be hosting our annual welcome-back dinner NEXT Friday inshAllah. Everyone is welcome to attend - whether you go to Emory or not, so bring your friends, family, and loved ones. We will be fundraising for IMAN Atlanta - an Inner City Muslim Action Network that addresses structural and systemic injustices impeding people in marginalized communities.
Join us for a night of free Cafe Bombay, henna, photo booths, and more fun.
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UKirk Atlanta: September Events
UKirk Atlanta is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) campus ministry serving the students of Agnes Scott College and Emory University. We regularly eat together, engage with the Christian scriptures, and explore the life and work of Jesus. We are *not* a members-only club. We appreciate and welcome curiosity and skepticism. We are open and affirming to all folks, and we are committed to trying and moving forward, hopefully ending up better than when we started.
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University Catholic Center: Catholic Mass
Join the University Catholic Center for Mass. Please see the schedule below.
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel, 515 South Kilgo Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Wednesdays, Noon, University Catholic Center, 1753 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Thursdays, Noon, University Catholic Center, 1753 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
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University Catholic Center: Upcoming Events
Bring your friends and join us this semester starting with a free dinner at the Catholic Center after this Sunday’s 5:00 p.m. mass (note the time change). Excited to see everyone.
Faith Formation: Catholicism 101 - Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at Cannon Chapel in room 105 D. Dive deeper into your understanding of Catholicism with Father John on Sundays after Mass. Click here to sign up or request more information.
Graduate Student Dinner - Thursday, September 14, 7:00 p.m. at the University Catholic Center. Graduate students are invited for dinner, drinks, and conversations about faith.
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Orthodox Christian Fellowship: Wednesday Bible Study
Wednesdays starting September 6, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 314
Welcome back to campus. We’re beyond excited to kick off this school year with Orthodox Christian Fellowship.
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Bread Coffeehouse: Welcome Back Events
DBS of the Semester
September 14, 7:15 p.m., Bread Coffeehouse, 1227 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30307
Free Dinner, Band, and Storytelling
Contact: Bread Affiliate Alicia Marshall, alicia@breadcoffeehouse.org. Learn more here. Sign up for our Espresso Shot Weekly Email to stay in the loop for all things Bread with the below link.
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RUF: Wednesday Large Group
Wednesdays beginning August 30
Love God. Love People. Love Emory.
Join us Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Brooks Commons in Cannon Chapel for weekly Large Group gatherings.
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Vegetarian and Vegan Festival
Sunday, September 17,11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., at the Morrow Event Center
Celebrate Vu Lan by visiting the Vegetarian and Vegan Festival. There will be a Buddhist ceremony at 11:00 a.m. followed by food and celebrations at 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. See website here.
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Compassionate Atlanta: CompassionCon
Saturday, September 30, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
Discover organizations who promote kindness and compassion and enjoy music, art, wellness activities, food trucks, and more. Visit the website here for more information.
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Interfaith Children's Movement: Annual Interfaith Prayer Celebration
Sunday, October 15, 4:00 p.m., at the Loudermilk Conference Center
Interfaith Children's Movement invites you to participate in their annual Interfaith Prayer Celebration. Enjoy workshops, a Children's sabbath service, and other activities. Get tickets here.
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Race and Difference Colloquim Series
Fall 2023
The James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference is sponsoring a colloquium series. The talk on Monday September 18 will focus on invisible weapons and the future of radical liberation with Marcus Board Jr from Howard University.
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BCJ Open Houses
September 11-15, Noon-2:00 p.m., Third Floor, Cox Hall
Mark your calendars for a week of exciting Open Houses that promise connection, community, and fun. Join us for delicious food, giveaways, and activities and meet the incredible staff members who are here to support you every step of the way.
Learn more about BCJ here.
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Carnatic Music Concert: Ramana Balachandran
Friday, September 15, 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 9:30 p.m. at White Hall room 208
Swara Emory is hosting a live concert. Enjoy live Carnatic music and dinner following the concert.
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Morgan Forum 2023: Bible in Translation
Thursday, September 21, 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Pitts Theology Library
Pitts Theology Library invites you to our inaugural Morgan Forum, entitled “re:Wording: A Forum on the Past, Present, and Future of the Bible in Translation.” This event brings together the public and top Biblical scholars to consider where the English Bible came from and where it is headed in the digital age. The two major portions of the day will include a panel discussion of the recently-published NRSVue translation and the Manfred Hoffmann Lecture from Dr. Timothy Beal, entitled “The End of the Word as We Know It: The Story of the Bible, from the Print Revolution to the Digital Revolution and Beyond.”
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TAM Institute for Jewish Studies: Jewish Studies Welcome Dinner
Wednesday, September 27, 5:30 p.m., Jones Room, Woodruff Library
All are welcome. Come experience a catered kosher sushi dinner, meet fellow students interested in Jewish Studies and learn about an exciting, heavily subsidized summer study abroad opportunity in Poland.
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Emory Ethnographic Forum: New Book Series
Thursday, September 28, 2023. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Calloway N204
Emory Law professor Deepa Das Acevedo will be discussing her book, "The battle for Sabarimala: Religion, Law, and Gender in Contemporary India". Join her discussion and learn about gender and religion in India. Register here.
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Catholic-Orthodox Community Gathering: Merton and Dialogue
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Transfiguration Catholic Church, Social Hall
The Aquinas Center at Emory University's Candler School of Theology invites you to a dialogue with their new Executive Director, Gregory K. Hillis, Ph.D. This program will focus on Thomas Merton, a Catholic monk, who is known for his interreligious work. Register here.
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Opportunities and Resources
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Sacred Friends Address Antisemitism
September 12 - November 9 2023 on Zoom
Interfaith Community Initiatives invites you to join their once a week Zoom sessions to discuss antisemitism. Join a small group full of diverse backgrounds for an important discussion and rich learning oppertunity. Register here.
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You Belong Here: Place, People, and Purpose in Latinx Photography
Opens September 9, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Carlos Museum
Explore the new exhibit at the Carlos Museum containing photography by Latinx artists. These pieces will tell stories of Latinx culture, identity, community, and more. Learn more on their website.
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EMORY Mehfil
Apps are now open. Mehfil is an interfaith and intercultural group, specializing in Qawwali. We sing in several languages including Hindi-urdu, Arabic, Persian, etc. though speaking the language is not required.
Check out some of our performances on Instagram.
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Emory Counseling and Psychological Services Resources
Groups will be meeting in person. CAPS is located at 1462 Clifton Road, Suite 235, 404-727-7450.
Fall 2023 Therapy Groups
- Undergraduate All-Gender Interpersonal Process Group, Thursdays 12:30-2:00 p.m.
- Graduate All-Gender Interpersonal Process Group, Tuesdays 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Fall 2023 Support Groups
- Students of Color Support Group, Fridays 1:00-2:00 p.m.
- International Student Support Group, Thursdays 11:00 a.m.-Noon
To learn more, please click here.
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Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
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There are a plethora of weekly religious and philosophical gatherings offered at Emory. Many of them are listed here and at the button below.
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Annual Major Religious Holidays List -- Academic Year 2023-24
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As planning begins for courses, programs, and meetings for the 2023-24 academic year, OSRL seeks to provide guidance for the Emory community regarding upcoming religious holiday observances that may impact large numbers in our community. These dates are provided to assist community members with avoiding potential schedule conflicts, and can be found below. Please give special attention to the bolded holidays, as they often require accommodation. In some cases, it is ideal to avoid assignments and programs on these dates to be most equitable.
Below are lists of major religious holidays observed by sizeable religious demographic groups within the Emory community.
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Upcoming Religious Holidays
These events are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at Harvard Divinity School. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here.
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Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Fri., Sep. 8, 2023
Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox
Paryusana Festival
Mon., Sep. 11 – Tue., Sep. 19, 2023
Tradition: Jainism
Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryusana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word or thought.
Ghambar Paitishem
Tue., Sep. 12 – Sat., Sep. 16, 2023
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
Celebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop and the return of herds from pasture
Rosh Hashanah
Fri., Sep. 15 – Sun., Sep. 17, 2023
Tradition: Judaism
The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of Repentance) that conclude on Yom Kippur. It marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year for Jews.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Mon., Sep. 18, 2023
Tradition: Hinduism
A celebration of Ganesh’s birthday, one of the major Hindu deities. Ganesh, who has the head of an elephant, is the God of Success and is invoked at the beginning of all new undertakings.
Das Laxana Festival
Wed., Sep. 20 – Fri., Sep. 29, 2023
Tradition: Jainism
(the Paryusana Festival of Jain Digumbar Sect): A 10-day festival that is considered to be a holy convocation. During these days, Jains impose some restraints on their daily activities by fasting, meditation and prayer. The last day of Paryusana is the most solemn occasion of forgiveness and the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word or thought.
Yom Kippur
Sun., Sep. 24 – Mon., Sep. 25, 2023
Tradition: Judaism
(Or Day of Atonement.) The conclusion of the Ten Days of Awe, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is characterized by repentance, fasting, and forgiveness. Begins at sundown.
Mawlid an-Nabi
Tue., Sep. 26, 2023
Tradition: Islam
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammed. Begins at sundown.
Sukkot
Fri., Sep. 29 – Fri., Oct. 6, 2023
Tradition: Judaism
Also known as Feast of Booths. An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths (sukkot) used by Israelites during desert wanderings and constructed in the fields during the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving for God's presence in creation and among the Jewish people. The Eighth Day (Shmini 'Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a distinct festival.
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Emory OSRL ENews is published weekly during term by the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life publicizing Atlanta-campus spiritual life programs. It is not a comprehensive listing. For Oxford College spiritual life, please click here. To submit information or to update your preferences, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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