Emory Votes, Sukkot, Homecoming and Parents Weekend
Emory Votes, Sukkot, Homecoming and Parents Weekend
 
News and Programs 10.18.24
Interfaith Voting
Interfaith Atlanta: Voting as a Sacred and Civic Act
Emory Votes
From Emory Votes Initiative: Early voting has started in Georgia. You can vote early from October 15-November 1st. Remember to check My Voter Page to see where you can vote. Emory’s campus polling location is 1599 Clifton Rd. Emory Votes is also looking for volunteers to support the DeKalb County Polling Site located on Emory’s Atlanta campus. Sign up today. Learn more about Emory Vote resources here and below. 
From Our Partner, Interfaith Atlanta: As early voting begins today in Georgia, Interfaith Atlanta stands in strong support of a fair democracy, where every voice is heard and valued. We believe in the power of civic engagement and encourage everyone to use this opportunity to make their voices count. Voting is a shared responsibility and a vital act that helps build the inclusive, respectful, and just society we all seek. Let’s take this chance to come together, regardless of background or belief, and participate in shaping a future that reflects our diverse communities. Your vote matters—make it count. Learn more about Interfaith Atlanta, a leading citywide interfaith organization, here
Polling volunteers needed Early Voting Day Emory Votes
Sukkah dinner
Sukkot at Emory
Wednesday, October 16 – Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Wednesday, October 16 at sundown began the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Sukkot is a weeklong holiday in which Jews connect with the natural world and community. Jews all over the world build small structures, called sukkot, and eat in them throughout the holiday. We are instructed to dwell in a sukkah for a week as a way of remembering time wandering in the wilderness. A full moon holiday, the huts are also a reminder of agricultural life and the harvest time. Sukkot are incomplete little houses, often having only three walls, that are meant to be symbols of openness and hospitality. 

Learn more about Jewish Life at Emory here
Hillel at Emory: Sukkot Activities 
Welcome back from fall break. Looking forward to another great week at Emory Hillel. Learn more here
Chabad at Emory: Sukkot
Here are a list of Sukkot services offered by Chabad. Text SUKKOT24 to 404-999-7787 to RSVP. 
Learn more here
Sukkah Decorating at Bayit Sukkah dinner
Emory Bayit: Sukkah Decorating
Sunday, October 20, 10:30 a.m., 764 Peavine Creek
Join the Emory Bayit for Sukkah Decorating. Learn more here
Emory OSRL Homecoming and Family Weekend
Homecoming and Family Weekend
October 25-27, 2024
Join Emory OSRL for many spiritual programs and festive receptions over Homecoming and Family Weekend, including welcome receptions for alumni and families with Chaplain Rahimjon and Chaplain Rajeev. All are welcome. A list of our events and registration info can be found here
Emory OSRL Giving Week 2024
October 28-November 1, 2024
In this season of thanksgiving, please join OSRL in supporting spiritual life at Emory. Donations made anytime now through Friday, November 1 count toward our total and help to support spiritual life and interfaith work.
You can give to many areas including:
  • Emory Interfaith Center
  • Emory Inter-Religious Council
  • Journeys of Reconciliation
  • Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir
  • Hindu Life
  • Buddhist Life
  • Jewish Life
  • Christian Life
  • Muslim Life
  • Sikh Life
  • Jain Life
Learn more about Giving Week here. And you can make a gift at any time here.
Midweek Musical Mediation
Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term, 12:00-12:15 pm, Zoom or Facebook Live 
All are invited to reflect and decompress in a mid-week, mid-day time of sacred music. Join Maury Allums, Director of Music, 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.
Weekly Programs
Buddhist Guided Meditation
Thursdays during term, 6:00-7:15 p.m., Cannon Chapel and Zoom

Join us for Buddhist meditation Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. You may also come early starting at 5:15 p.m. for a period of community and snacking while we prepare for the meditation session at 6:00 p.m. Please feel free to enjoy the provided snacks and tea before and/or after the session. You are welcome to stay after to continue discussion. Zoom option: https://emory.zoom.us/j/515025945
This week's mediation will be led by Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman. Click here to read more about him and Buddhist Chaplaincy at Emory. 
Contact: Emory Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman, psraman@emory.edu
International Community Friday Lunch
Fridays during term, 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 and served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn more here
October 18 Host: Emory University Goizueta Business School, MBA and MSBA Programs
Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers
Fridays during term, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Friday Prayers followed by a hot halal lunch in Brooks Commons. Join the Emory Muslim Life elist here.
For questions, please contact Muslim Chaplain Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov
Hindu Aarti  
Fridays during term, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us on Friday for our last event before Garba - the Navaratri Puja at Cannon Chapel from 5-6 p.m. 
Join Emory's Hindu Chaplaincy and the Hindu Students Association for weekly Aarti prayers and community.
Contact: Emory Hindu Chaplain Pandit Rajeev Persaud at rajeev.persaud@emory.edu.  
Beloved Community
Beloved Community Christian Worship: Pride Service
Sunday, October 20, 11:00 a.m. Service; Noon Lunch, Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel and followed by a free lunch. All are welcome. All Emory students, staff, and faculty welcome. Contact: Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong, mhend25@emory.edu.
October 20 Preacher: The Rev. Duncan Teague
University Catholic Center: Sunday Masses
Sunday, October 20, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Sunday Masses on-campus.
Contact: Catholic Religious Life Affiliate Michael Zauche, michael@emorycatholic.org.
Mindfulness Circle at Interfaith Center
Mondays, 6-7 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. For more information, please contact Venerable Priya at psraman@emory.edu.
Beloved Community Bible Study
Tuesdays starting October 22, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Student Lounge


Beloved Community Bible Study will study the book of Numbers for the remainder of the semester. If you’ve ever thought, “Numbers is too confusing” or “Numbers is boring and doesn’t relate to me today,” this study is for you. Join us weekly for a thematic study of Numbers as we engage with this rich Biblical text. 
To learn more, please email Emory Christian Chaplain, The Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
Muslim Life Weekly Halaqa and Dinner 
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
All Emory students are invited to join us for an Islamic text study on different topics each week. Dinner will be provided.
For more information or to suggest a topic, please contact Emory Muslim Chaplain Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov at rahimjon.abdugafurov@emory.edu.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship: Weekly Events
Join OCF at one of our weekly events. Looking for fellowship? Come meet our community each Wednesday at Faith and Falafel.  We have free falafel sandwiches and an insightful spiritual discussion (RSVP Here)
Looking for worship? We have prayer services every Monday and Tuesday. Looking to learn more? Save the date for our Friday Bible Studies.
For questions, please contact Orthodox Affiliate Jacob Sparks.
Emory Christian Fellowship: Bible Study
Bible Study:
Thursdays starting September 5, 7:30-9 pm., Cannon Chapel Room 105D
Join Emory Christian Fellowship for Bible Study. Learn more here

Reformed University Fellowship: Small Group Bible Study
Starting the week of September 9
We are starting Small Groups. Want to be in one? DM us or check the groupme to know who to contact for more details. Learn more here
International InterVarsity Fellowship
Please check and sign up for our coming activities here. Learn more here
Adventist Bible Study Adventist Movie Night
Emory Adventist Christian Fellowship
Bible Study
1st and 3rd Fridays, 6:00 pm, Emory Interfaith Center Lounge
Join Emory Adventist Christian Fellowship in our biweekly exploration of finding our Identity in Christ. 

Movie Night
Friday, October 25, 7:00 pm, Emory ECS S30
Join Emory Adventist Christian Fellowship during our viewing of DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt. Come on by to enjoy free snacks and a good movie.
For qustions, please contact jess.holness@emory.edu
Buddhist Film Night
Emory Buddhist Club: Buddhist Film Night
Friday, October 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center
We are excited to host a Buddhist Film Night (Everything Everywhere All at Once) next Friday in the Interfaith Center. Dinner, warm spring rolls, and snacks will be provided. If your family is visiting for Homecoming weekend, you are encouraged to bring them as well.
RSVP by next Wednesday is required for attendance. Please use the link below or QR code in the flyer to access the form. We hope to see you there. Register here.  
HSA and SSA: Gurdwara Visit
Sunday, October 27, 2024, 12:00-2:45 p.m., Bus leaves campus from 1531 Dickey Drive at 11:30 a.m.
The Hindu Students Association (HSA) and Sikh Students Association (SSA) are collaborating for a visit to the Guru Nanak Mission Society of Atlanta Gurdwara, offering students an opportunity to explore Sikh spirituality and traditions. The trip will include a tour of the Gurdwara, discussions on interfaith understanding, and a shared langar meal. All Emory students are welcome. Cosponsored by the Emory Hindu Chaplaincy. 

Registration required in the Hub here.
Sound Bath Meditation at the Interfaith Center
Monday, October 28, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 North Decatur Rd.
The Health 1234 Program, the Center for the Study of Human Health, and the Buddhist Chaplaincy invite you to partake in a sound bath meditation hosted by Mrs. Noni Keyton, MSEd, a Certified Sound Practitioner (Kathmandu Center of Healing in Nepal). 

A sound bath is a meditative experience in which participants are "bathed" in sound waves using various tones and frequencies designed to provide relaxtion and stress relief. Attendees may choose to sit upright or lie on a yoga mat. For more information, please email Mrs. Noni Keaton here. Register here
Collegiate Black Christians: Worship Night
Wednesday, October 30, 6:45 p.m., Cannon Chapel

Join us in Cannon Chapel on October 30 at 6:45 PM for a powerful evening led by Melissa Murphy, Black Campus Ministries Coordinator at InterVarsity.
Graduate Christian Fellowship: First Friday Dinner
Friday, November 1, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Brooks Commons at Cannon Chapel
Please mark your calendar for our November First Friday dinner. If you know you’ll be there, you can go ahead and RSVP on our linktree here.
Off Campus Programs
Leap of Faith: Film Screening
Thursday, October 17, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Tara Theater, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road
From the acclaimed team behind Won’t You Be My Neighbor, Nicholas Ma and Morgan Neville present a timely new documentary that explores the profound intersection of faith and democracy. Swimming upstream from the fear, anger, and cynicism that feel so pervasive Leap of Faith is a balm for our time. Join us for an exclusive advance screening of Leap of Faith at the Tara Theater in Atlanta. Be among the first to experience this captivating film before its nationwide release. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special event—secure your tickets now and witness the film ahead of the crowd. RSVP here
Compassion Con 2024
Compassion Con 2024
Sunday, October 27, 1:00-5:00 p.m., Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur
We are excited to host our third CompassionCon, a fun free outdoor Fall festival. This intergenerational celebration will give us the opportunity to connect with each other in a wonderful community setting at Historic Legacy Park in Decatur. This is a time for you to discover organizations that center compassion in their work, and to bond with like-minded people who want more kindness in the world. This gathering is how we build our interconnectedness as a community and amplify the voice of compassionthroughout the city. Learn more here.
Refugee Women's Network Global Feast Under the Stars
Refugee Women's Network: Global Feast Under the Stars
Saturday, November 9, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur
Join us for The Global Feast Under The Stars, an unforgettable evening hosted by the Refugee Women’s Network on November 9, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the beautiful Cochran Building at Legacy Park. Come and taste a world of flavors with dishes from countries around the globe. Enjoy captivating performances, live music, and a silent auction — all while supporting Refugee Women. Don’t miss this magical evening under the stars. RSVP here.

The Carter Center: Finding Peace of Mind
Friday, November 15, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Carter Center
The Peace of Mind event is suited for diverse faith and lay leaders who are interested in creating or enhancing a mental wellness ministry.  Our keynote speakers will detail the research and science on how religious practices have a positive effect on mental wellbeing.  Our panelists, including Drs. Grant and Negi, will field questions about spiritual practices.  Our hopeful outcome will include a new network of faith leaders who can share and exchange ideas for enhancing a more caring community.
RSVP here.
Campus Partner Programs
Glenn Memorial Church: Annual Pumpkin Patch
October 6-31, 2024,1669 N. Decatur Road at the Glenn Memorial Church Youth and Activities Building

Honor system to pay online anytime or volunteers will be staffing the Patch at various hours. Support our annual tradition of the Pumpkin Patch, with the sales supporting Glenn Youth Missions.

For more information, contact Youth Director Ben Ladner.


 

 

Race and Difference Colloquium Series
The Good Religion of Black Churchwomen: Faith, Courage, and Moral Imagination in Freedom Struggles
Monday, October 21, 2024,12:00 p.m., 
Jones Room (3rd Floor, Woodruff Library)

Sponsored by the James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference. 

RSVP here
The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies: Campus Speech About Jews After October 7
Tuesday, October 29, 7:00 p.m., Emory Performing Arts Studio
Since October 7th the rhetoric about Israel, Jews, Zionism and antisemitism has escalated and intensified.  Guest-lecturer Prof. Sigal Ben-Porath of the University of Pennsylvania will consider the continuity of this rhetoric with past claims about Zionism and Judaism, and the shifts represented by recent protests and boycott efforts
RSVP here
Office of LGBT Life: LGBTQ+ History Month Calendar  
October 2024
Save the dates for LGBTQ+ History Month at Emory University.
Learn more here: https://lgbt.emory.edu/.
Resources and Opportunities
Secular Student Alliance Interest Form
The Secular Student Alliance (SSA) is the only national organization dedicated to atheist, humanist, and non-theistic students, and encourages their students to proudly express their identity.

Emory Secular Students (ESS) will be a chapter of this organization, with our main goal being to create a safe space for atheists, agnostics, and religious students who are questioning their faith. Emory University students welcome.

To learn more and receive information about joining, please click here. 
CAPS: Fall 2024 Groups and Workshops
Emory Couseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is offering a wide range of workshops and groups for Emory faculty, students and staff. 
  • APIDA Support Group: This is a gathering place for Asian/Asian-American students looking for connections and support. If interested, please email Dr. Cayla Leung (cjleun2@emory.edu)
  • Finding Your Calm: This is a 6-week Anxiety Skills Group. If interested, please email Dr. Alexandra Scott (ajscot7@emory.edu)
  • Create and Connect: Having trouble feeling connected at Emory? Join us for 1-hr of crafts and connections. For more information, please email Dr. Alexandra Scott (ajscot7@emory.edu)
  • Breaking the Mold: This is a 3 part workshop series to learn evidence-based skills to more harmoniously relate to perfection-seeking parts of yourself. The workshop is on October 8,15, 22 from 12-1 pm on Zoom. For more information contact Dr.RaiNesha Miller (rainesha.miller@emory.edu)
  • ADHD Workshop: This is a monthly workshop for students with ADHD looking for support and skills. For more information, email Dr. Kelch-Oliver (kkelcho@emory.edu)
  • International Student Support Monthly Workshop: This is a monthly workshop that provides a safe space for international students to connect with one another, learn coping skills, and celebrate your
    cultural backgrounds. If interested please email Dr. Shujing Zhang at szhan71@emory.edu
  • The Mindfulness Channel: Learn, discuss and practice mindfulness skills to feel less stressed. If interested, please email Rachel Freeman at rfree27@emory.edu
Eagle Food Pantry: A Free Food Pantry for Emory Students
Open: Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Bread Coffeehouse, 1227 Clifton Rd N E, Atlanta, GA 30307
Bread offers a free food pantry for students at Emory who are in need. If you have any questions or would like to donate any items to the food pantry, please email:  eaglefoodpantry@breadcoffeehouse.org.
Weekly Gatherings
Weekly 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.
Religious Accommodations: Major Holidays List for 2024-25
As planning continues for the 2024-25 academic year, the Emory University Chaplaincy seeks to provide support  regarding upcoming religious holidays that may impact large numbers in our university community. These dates are provided to assist the community with avoiding potential schedule conflicts. Please pay special attention to the bolded holidays, as they often require accommodations in our community. For a list of major religious holidays observed by larger religious demographic groups at Emory, please click here. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
Upcoming Religious Holidays
These events are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by Harvard Divinity School. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here
Sukkot
Wed., Oct. 16 – Wed., Oct. 23, 2024
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.
Installation of Granth Sahib Ji as Guru
Sun., Oct. 20, 2024
Tradition: Sikhism
This day celebrates Gobind Singh Ji's passing on guruship to Scripture, henceforth known as the Guru Granth Sahib.
Shmini Atzret
Wed., Oct. 23, 2024
Tradition: Judaism
Simchat Torah
Thu., Oct. 24, 2024
Tradition: Judaism
(Rejoicing of the Law) 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 marching with Torah scrolls.
Diwali (Dipavali)
Thu., Oct. 31, 2024
Tradition: Hinduism
Emory University Chaplaincy ENews is published weekly during term 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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