Sukkot, Diversity Week, Hindu Graduate Students Meet and Greet
Sukkot, Diversity Week, Hindu Graduate Students Meet and Greet
 
News and Programs 09.28.23
Sukkot
Sukkot Pickling Worship
Wednesday, October 4, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Sukkah on the grass between ESC and AMUC
Join Rabbi Jordan, Emory’s Jewish Chaplain, for a fermentation workshop. September 29 at sundown begins the festival of Sukkot, a time connected to agricultural cycles and to the harvest season. In the ancient world (and today) the abundance of produce is preserved through pickling. Stop by for a quick tutorial on making pickles through lactofermentation and leave with your own small jar of kosher dills. No prior pickling experience required.
Register here.
Sponsored by the Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life and the TAM Institute for Jewish Studies. This event is part of Diversity Week at Emory
Sukkot
Welcome to the Sukkah
Friday, September 29 at sundown begins the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Sukkot is a weeklong holiday in which Jews connect with the natural world, community, and the joy of simple living. Jews all over the world build small structures, called sukkot, and eat and socialize in them throughout the holiday.
We are instructed to dwell in a sukkah for a week as a way of remembering our time wandering in the wilderness. A full moon holiday, the huts are also a reminder of agricultural life and the abundance of the harvest time. Sukkot are incomplete little houses, often having only three walls, that are meant to be symbols of openness and hospitality.
We welcome everyone to visit the new Emory OSRL Sukkah, which is located on the grass between the Emory Student Center (ESC) and the Alumni Memorial University Center (AMUC) from Friday, September 29-Friday, October 6.
Special thanks to Emory Campus Life and the TAM Institute for Jewish Life for their support. 
National Diversity Week 2023
The first week of October, which is National Diversity Week, will find the university celebrating that strength with a host of activities to deepen our ties to one another and to highlight the range of identities — including ability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation — we bring with us each day to carrying out Emory’s mission.
The theme for this year’s Diversity Week is “A Commitment to One Emory: Accountability in the Face of Change.” See here for a calendar of events, including a number of events sponsored by Emory's diverse spiritual and religious communities. 
Emory Interfaith Center Open House Celebration
Emory Interfaith Center Opening Celebration
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 3:00-4:30 p.m., 1707 North Decatur Road
For nearly 25 years, members of the Emory University have been hoping for an interfaith center to be a home for our increasing religious diversity as well as a space to encourage dialogue, understanding, peacemaking and service across faiths and with all people of goodwill.
Join President Fenves, Dean McGonigle, and Emory OSRL as we celebrate the opening of this new center. Enjoy music, prayers, brief remarks, tours, activities, giveaways, and refreshments. 
The center is already in use, and this is one of several openings, but it is part of Homecoming and Family Weekend 2023. For more information, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
Register Here
Emory OSRL: Homecoming and Family Weekend Events 2023
October 18-22, 2023
Join the Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life for a multitude of religious and philosophical services, programs, meals and meetups over the course of Homecoming and Family Weekend. All are welcome.
A complete list of our weekend events and registration information can be found here.
Hindu Graduate Students Meet and Greet Dinner
Wednesday, October 4, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road

Come meet your fellow Hindu graduate students and graduate professionals over a delicious dinner. We hope you’ll join us for this opportunity to build community, foster connections across schools, and learn about Hindu Life at Emory.
Sponsored by the Emory Hindu Chaplaincy. 
Please RSVP here.
Recap: Emory Inter-Religious Council Begins Year 32
On Monday, September 18, the Emory Inter-Religious Council (IRC) kicked off its 32nd year with our first meeting at the DCT. This group of undergraduate student leaders comes together each week during the school year to network the religious and philosophical student organizations on campus, engage in interfaith dialogue and action, and serve the wider community through initiatives and programs designed to create a positive climate for religious pluralism. To learn more about the Emory IRC, please click here
Ganesh Puja Ganesh Puja
Recap: Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at Cannon Chapel
On Friday, September 22, the Emory Hindu Chaplaincy and Hindu Students Association hosted a special Ganesh Puja for the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival commemorates the deity Ganesha who is worshipped as the lord of beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Emory festivities included a student presentation and discussion followed by interactive worship and dinner. 
Recap: Caring for Emory’s Living Mandala Garden
On Friday, September 22, Tibetan monastics from Emory Tibet Science Initiative joined Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman and students from Emory Buddhist Club to maintain Emory’s Living Mandala Garden.
It was a great opportunity for connection, Dharma learning, and contemplation on nature. To learn more about the Living Mandala Garden, please click here
Emory Beloved Community Emory Beloved Community Emory Beloved Community
Recap: Emory Beloved Community Retreat 
On Saturday, September 23, members of Beloved Community gathered for a daylong retreat at the Emory Interfaith Center. Student leaders Celi Byer, Joshua Bai, and Jessanya Holness worked with Emory Christain Chaplain, Rev. Maddie and Chaplaincy Intern Jaeun Koo, to organize a day of fellowship, worship, crafts, games, and time outside with the goal of “growing closer to God, each other, and ourselves.” Students unplugged from school work and deepened bonds with each other.
Learn more about Beloved Community, which worships Sundays at 11 am in Cannon Chapel, here
Buddhist Retreat Buddhist Retreat
Recap: Emory Buddhist Club Leadership Retreat
On Sunday, September 24, the Emory Buddhist Club held a Leadership Retreat. Students engaged in Buddhist practices and principles, reflected on their goals, responsibilities, and resolutions around Buddhist life and community at Emory. They ended the short retreat with a group kindness exercise and a vegetarian dinner donated by EBC alum Dr. Emory Hsu.
Midweek Musical Meditation
Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term, 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
Midweek Musical Meditation, September 28, 2023
Midweek Musical Meditation 9.27.23
Upcoming Programs
Guided Meditation and Discussion
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.
Contact: Emory Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman, psraman@emory.edu
International Community Friday Lunch
Friday, September 29, 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.  
Muslim Service Award Info Session and Hot Halal Lunch
Friday, September 29, 2:30 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Learn about the Emory Muslim Service Award and enjoy a halal meal after Jummah prayer. 
Learn more about the Muslim Service Award here
Emory Buddhist Club: Drepung Loseling Monastery Field Trip
Friday, September 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Drepung Loseling Monestary
Join us for Buddhist meditation on September 29. If you are interested in visiting and learning at one of the few Tibetan monasteries in Atlanta area, check out the sign up link below. Please click here
EMORY HSA
Emory HSA Aarti
Friday, September 29, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join the HSA this Friday at 5:00 p.m. in Cannon Chapel for weekly aarti and a general body meeting. All are welcome.
Emory HSA: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple Trip
Saturday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join HSA for a trip to the BAPS Mandir. Meet at the Raoul Circle at 9:45 a.m. Register here.
Hillel at Emory: Sushi in the Sukkah
Saturday, September 30, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Hillel Center
Join Hillel in as they finish decorating their Sukkah on Saturday and enjoy some sushi while you are there.
Register here.
MEOR Sukkot 
September 22 - 30
Excited for Sukkoth? Make sure to register for Meor programming using the link in our bio. 
Emory MSA: Deen Over Dunya
Saturday, September 30, 1:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center
Salaam Everyone, We are so excited to invite you all to our first halaqa of the semester. We’ve invited Sheikh Ibrahim Khader back to talk about balancing deen and dunya, and forming a connection with Allah during busy times. There will be a Q&A after so come with questions. Lunch will also be provided. 
For more information, please click here.  

Beloved Community Protestant Worship
Beloved Community Christian Worship in Cannon Chapel
Sundays during the Term, 11:00 a.m. Service, Noon Free Lunch, Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is the weekly progressive ecumenical Christian worship service for the campus community held Sunday mornings in Cannon Chapel and followed by a free lunch. All are welcome. For more information, contact Emory Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong.
Preacher for October 1: The Rev. Michael McCord, Executive Director, UMCommission on Higher Ed
Holistic Hub: Vision Board Making
Sunday, October 1, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Cox Computing Lounge Classroom B
Envision your best self and join Emory Holistic Hub this Sunday to make empowering vision boards while sipping soothing tea. Looking forward to seeing you at our first event of the year. Click to see our instagram here.

Emory HSA and MSA: Movie
Monday, October 2, 7:30 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center
Join us for a screening of Ms. Marvel on Monday. Learn more here

Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Upcoming Events
Atlanta Pride Parade Participation
Sunday, October 15 
Celebrate Pride and join Glenn Memorial members and other Georgia United Methodists as they walk the Pride Parade together. Register here.
Shlokas and Snacks
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. 
For questions, please email Shweta.Chaitanya@emory.edu
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
Contact: Catholic Religious Life Affiliate Michael Zauche, michael@emorycatholic.org.
University Catholic Center: Upcoming Events
Quaero Series: Church Fathers
Thursday, September 28, 7:00 p.m., University Catholic Center
Ever been curious about who the Church Fathers were and why we talk about them a lot in Catholic circles? We’re starting our next event series this Thursday at 7:00 p.m., focusing on several of these key figures. Join us in person for free Chick-fil-A. If you’re unable to join us in person, we invite you to join us and many alumni online via Google Meet. Hope to see y’all there.
Student Dinner and Bible Study
Sunday, October 1, 6:00 p.m., DCT
After the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass each week, join your fellow Catholic students for dinner! This week, join us at the DCT.
Contact: Catholic Religious Life Affiliate Michael Zauche, michael@emorycatholic.org.
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.
For questions, please contact ocfemory@gmail.com
Emory Graduate Christian Fellowship: October First Friday Dinner
Friday, October 6, 7:00 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Friday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. will be our next First Friday Dinner. Speaker and activity info is coming soon, but you can register now by clicking the link here.
And finally, don’t forget about our weekly Bible study happening every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in R. Randall Rollins Room 773.



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.
Contact: RUF Affiliate Rev. George Hamm, rufdooley@gmail.com
Off Campus Programs
Join Emory OSRL! 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 that promote kindness and compassion and enjoy music, art, wellness activities, food trucks, and more. Visit the website here for more information.

Interfaith Children's Movement: Annual Interfaith Prayer Celebration
Sunday, October 15, 4:00 p.m., 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.
Partner Programs
LatinX month
Latinx Heritage Month
September 15-October 15, 2023
Join Emory for Latinx Heritage month programs. For more information, please click here.
Sponsored by Centro Latinx and the Office for Racial and Cultural Engagement. 
Sustainable Food Fair and Farmers Market
Tuesday, October 3, 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Asbury Circle
Check out the Sustainable Food Fair on October 3 next to the Farmers Market. In the Spring of 2007, Professor Peggy Barlett created a new anthropology course called “Fast Food/Slow Food” that introduced undergraduates to the issues of sustainable food systems and was the incubator for the Sustainable Food Fair. In 2016, Dr. Simona Muratore, a specialist in Italian culture and diet, took over leadership of the Fall Food Fair class.
Learn more here
Bad Bunny, Pray for Us: A Dialogue on Reggaetón and Catholic Theology
Tuesday, October 3, 6:00 p.m. at Candler School of Theology room 102.
Come hear Dr. Ish Ruiz (Provost-Candler Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow in Catholic Studies) speak on the theological and spiritual themes present in reggaetón music. It promises to be a fascinating and illuminating discussion. Free dinner to follow. Register here.

Emory Office of LGBT Life: Pre-Pride Parade Breakfast
Sunday, October 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jenkins Courtyard (Goizueta)
All are welcome. Make sure to RSVP to receive a t-shirt, food, fans, and more! RSVP at tinyurl.com/atlpride23RSVP here
Opportunities and Resources
Did You Study Abroad? A Call for Student Help to Review Religious DIversity Workshop
Emory’s Office of Global Safety and Security is working with people across campus to create Identity Toolkits that will provide pre-departure information for Emory’s diverse international travelers. This effort is in response to a rise in bias crimes, mental health crises, and other identity-based incidents abroad. Key focus areas include: Race/Ethnicity, Religion, Gender, Sexuality, and Mental Wellness. 
Global Safety is looking to identify students (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) who would be willing to review the material for the Engaging with Religions Abroad Toolkit before it launches in Spring 2024. They are also hoping to identify students who would participate in a video interview about their experiences traveling abroad, as it relates to their identity. If interested, please complete the following short application by next Friday, 9/29: Identity Toolkit Student Participation Survey. 
For more information, please contact: Franzene Minott fminott@emory.edu
MSA
MSA: General Board Freshman Representative
Assalamu’alaikum everyone, we would like to announce that freshman representative applications are open for the ’23-’24 school year. We cherish our first years and would love to bring some on-board the team. 
If you’re a passionate, dedicated freshman and want to help facilitate a strong link between your fellow freshman and MSA members as well as the greater Muslim community, please consider applying here
Weekly Gatherings
Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
There are a plethora of weekly religious and philosophical gatherings offered at Emory. Many of them are listed here and at the button below.
Can't find what you are looking for? Contact many of our undergraduate and graduate communities directly or contact our religious life affiliates and OSRL staff.
For questions, or to add an item to our weekly gatherings page, please email religiouslife@emory.edu.
Community Weekly Gatherings
Annual Major Religious Holidays List -- Academic Year 2023-24
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.
For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
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
Sukkot
Fri., Sep. 29 – Fri., Oct. 6, 2023
Tradition: Judaism
Also known as Feast of Booths. An eight-day Jewish festival of booths 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.
Shemini Atzeret
Fri., Oct. 6 – Sun., Oct. 8, 2023
Tradition: Judaism
Simchat Torah
Sat., Oct. 7, 2023
Tradition: Judaism
(Rejoicing in the Law) A joyous festival in which the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue is completed and its first book begun again. The celebration typically includes singing, dancing, and parading with Torah scrolls.
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. 
 
EMORY UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE

CANNON CHAPEL
515 KILGO CIRCLE

INTERFAITH CENTER
1707 N DECATUR ROAD
 
404-727-6226
 religiouslifE@emory.edu
@EMORYOSRL
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