Dear Friends,

Though the spring semester began with a return to remote-learning, it did not stop Jewish life from growing and flourishing on Emory’s campus. Even in the midst of the social distance, the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) celebrated Tu Bishvat, the Jewish new year for trees. During our wandering seder we stopped to appreciate the urban canopy in Atlanta, snack on dried fruits, and appreciate the wondrous world of fungi. And, after long weeks of Zoom classes, students took advantage of gatherings at Hillel, Chabad, and Meor to celebrate Shabbat, relaxing and rejuvenating in community.

With students back in-person, our office is building on the momentum we gained last semester. During Chanukah we gathered for our first annual, on-campus Emory Chanukah menorah lighting outside the Emory Student Center. In conjunction with our Jewish Life affiliates, we brought together nearly two hundred Emory students to bask in the Chanukah lights. President Fenves even made an appearance, sharing his memories of the holiday and lighting the menorah (And it's not every day you get to see a university president using a blowtorch!). Our lights will continue to shine this semester as we undertake new programs focused on Jewish learning, mindfulness and mental health, and combatting Antisemitism.

The work of OSRL extends beyond our Jewish life work too. Although we are still only in the middle of the spring semester, the "Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration” (WISE) pre-orientation program planning for next August is in full swing. Launched by our office for the first time last fall, this program provides an opportunity for incoming Emory students to not only explore spaces of faith on campus, but also in the greater Atlanta area. Along with the bonds or friendship the students form over the course of the program, they also get a chance to learn about spiritual traditions apart from their own in an enriching and supportive environment. In addition to this, we are also moving forward with our plans to open the first Emory Interfaith Center. With exciting new approvals for the expansion of some of the existing plans, we now look forward to a grand opening in March 2023. With Emory Day of Giving just around the corner on March 30 and 31, we would be so grateful for your support for Jewish life and our interfaith work on campus.

The month of Adar and the lead up to the holiday of Purim is meant to be a time of increased joy. After nearly two years of living with a COVID pandemic, we could all use more happiness. The Book of Esther famously includes the verse, “The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, happiness and honor.” So too may we soon experience all of the light and gladness that we can–on campus, in our homes, and in the world beyond us. 

Bivrachah/With blessing,

Rabbi Jordan
Jewish Chaplain
Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life