Holi, Purim, and Full Moon Celebration
Holi, Purim, and Full Moon Celebration
 
News and Programs 03.17.22
Celebrating Purim, A Message from Rabbi Jordan
The holiday of Purim, which is traditionally a time of increased joy and levity, masquerade and utter silliness, encourages us to do the work of nahafochu/flipping things upside down. Yet, it feels like every year, we are confronted with the problem of celebrating such a holiday in a world that already feels flipped on its head.
I don’t need to run through the litany of existential issues we face as a society and a world. We know this list by heart. It is all enough to leave us overwhelmed, anxious and stone-faced-serious.
Yet, this may be precisely the reason that we need Purim. We need to find joy in our predicament, to know that this is not the first time that we have faced dire circumstances, to recognize the continued role of chance and luck in shaping our lives.
Purim is a reminder to celebrate. We need to let loose, to poke fun at ourselves, to dress up like we did as children. The world is always flipped upside down and, even in the revelry, we recall that we are responsible to our communities and to those who are in need. Happy Purim!
Contact Rabbi Jordan Braunig here
Holi
Emory Holi Celebrations 2022
Celebrations March-April 2022
Holi is a festival celebrated by many Hindus that commemorates the arrival of spring. Many associate the festival with the deity Krishna and his devotee Radha, who are said to have joyfully smeared colored powders on each other marking their non-difference. Others associate the festival with Vishnu, who took a half-lion, half-human form to protect and bless one of his devotees. Today, Holi is widely celebrated as both a religious and cultural festival in which participants joyfully smear colored powder on one another to signify a sense of unity. For questions, and to learn more, please contact Emory OSRL Hindu Chaplain Brahmacharini Shweta Chaitanya
HSA Holi Celebration
Friday, March 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Campus Life Pavilion
The Hindu Students Association will be hosting their annual Holi celebration on Campus Life Pavilion with fun interactive activities. All are welcome. Contact Shweta Chaitanya for any questions. 

ICA Holi Color Throwing Event 
Saturday, March 19, 12-2:00 p.m., First Year Quad
The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) will be celebrating with powdered colors. There will be free t-shirts, and shuttles will run through Emory Point and Clairmont campus. Please refer to the ICA Instagram for more information.  

TICKET DEADLINE TODAY: ICA Bazaars of India
Thursday, March 24, 7-10 p.m., McDonough Field
Emory Indian Cultural Association presents “Holi: Bazaars of India” Come out for food, live performances, and tons of your favorite clubs tabling. The after party will be at Believe Music Hall. Tickets are $5 each, accepted via venmo and card, with ticketing locations being announced on via ICA instagram story ten minutes before each time. Remaining ticket times are Thursday, March 17: 6:00-7:30 p.m. Visit Emory ICA instagram for more information. 
SALSA and SASA Holi Celebration
Sunday, April 3, 12:00-3:00 p.m., Patterson Greens
The final celebration will be hosted by graduate students in the South Asian Law Student Association and the South Asian Student Association. You are invited to smear your friends and classmates with colors, enjoy scrumptious indian snacks and drinks, performances, and lots of guaranteed fun. Get your tickets for $10/each, bring your friends and family along, and celebrate this colorful festival. For questions and ticketing information, contact Binjal or Arun.
Emory Buddhist Chaplaincy: Full Moon Celebration and Lantern Making
Saturday, March 19, 11:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel Room 106
Join the Emory Buddhist community to celebrate March’s full moon day with Buddhist chants and spiritual contemplations, followed by a vegetarian meal and lantern making.
These lanterns will be used as decoration for future celebrations, like Buddha Day.
For questions, please contact Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Sraman at psraman@emory.edu. 
AMUC Grand Opening
Emory OSRL Spring Open House
Thursday, March 31, 1:00-6:00 p.m., Alumni Memorial University Center Room 125
All Emory students, faculty, staff, and affiliates are invited to come celebrate our newly renovated spaces in AMUC 125, including a lounge, prayer room, and staff offices. You are also encouraged to join us as we support OSRL’s communities and programs through the Emory Day of Giving March 30-31.
There will be refreshments provided, and the first 75 people to attend will also receive a personal spring plant in a pot. For more information, contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
OSRL Midweek Music Meditation
Midweek Musical Meditation 
Wednesday, 12:00 p.m., Zoom and 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.
On March 16, we commemorated the 2021 Atlanta Spa Shootings as a part of our meditation. If you missed it, please take a moment to view the recording below. 
Visit OSRL Midweek Music to register for this weekly event via Zoom and to receive updates on our weekly musical reflections. You can also watch live on Facebook by visiting the Emory OSRL Facebook page
Midweek Musical Meditation, March 16, 2022
Midweek Musical Meditation and Commemoration of the Atlanta Spa Shootings, March 16, 2022
International Community Friday Lunch
Friday, March 18, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Brooks Commons
International Community Friday Lunch is back for the spring semester. If you're looking to connect with other International Students and Scholars, please join us. 
March 18 Host: Emory OSRL Hindu Chaplaincy
Registration is required by the Tuesday before the lunch, do so online. Sponsored by Office of Spiritual and Religious Life and International Student and Scholar Services. 
beloved community
Beloved Community Christian Worship
Sunday, March 20, 
11:00 a.m. Service, Cannon Chapel, 12:00 p.m. Lunch, Brooks Commons
Beloved Community gathers each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. during the academic year. Worship is ecumenical and planned especially for the campus setting, providing a variety of worship experiences for the Emory community. Preachers include Emory chaplains and affiliates, Emory faculty, and distinguished guests from the U.S. and abroad. For questions, to get involved, and/or to join the Beloved Community elist, please contact Christian Chaplain Maddie Henderson.
March 20 Preacher: The Reverend Leslie Watkins, Associate Minister, Peachtree Road UMC
Text: Colossians 3:12-17
Title: Wearing God
msa emory msa emory msa
Emory MSA Annual Art Gala
Sunday, March 20, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Emory Student Center Multipurpose Rooms 4-6
The Emory MSA Art Gala is a long-standing tradition and event, organized each year by the leaders of the MSA, that celebrates the community fostered by faith and artistic expression. Reflecting upon the unanticipated turn of events of the past two years, this year’s selected theme is Tawakkul, or “Trust in God’s Plan.” Joining the event will be a panel of distinguished local talents and creators accompanied by an evening of exciting performances and activities, including our customary art gallery and first-annual fashion show, both of which will feature the works of local artists and students. 
Please reserve a seat by purchasing a $5 ticket (Venmo @artgala) and register using the following form: https://forms.gle/U1YvfEZCt3AdcSSLA. Proceeds will be donated to the GiveLight Foundation which provides essential needs and meals for underprivileged Muslim children around the world. Formal/Cultural clothing is highly encouraged. 
Tenenbaum Lecture: "Judaism and Climate Change"
Monday, March 21, 7:30 p.m., Ackerman Hall and Online
The 25th annual Tenenbaum Family Lecture in Judaic Studies will explore how, along with other world religions, Judaism has recognized the challenges posed by climate change and has inspired its own forms of religious environmentalism.  This free public lecture can be viewed in-person at Emory University's Ackerman Hall, located in the Carlos Museum on campus (571 South Kilgo Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30322), or via Zoom. 
Sponsored by the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies and the Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.
Read more about the event here. Registration is required for both online and in-person participation, and can be done here
Upcoming Programs
Emory Hillel
Emory Hillel Upcoming Programs
March 14-20, Various Locations
Check out all the events happening with Hillel this week as we celebrate Purim together. For more information and to RSVP, visit the Hillel Hive
Emory Buddhist Club Guided Meditation
Thursday, March 17, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary or via Zoom
EBC will be hosting weekly socials to build community amongst our members. Feel free to come to Cannon Chapel 30 minutes before the weekly meditation meetings to hang out, get to know your peers, and enjoy some tasty snacks.
This week, EBC is pleased to welcome Emory’s Buddhist Chaplain, Venerable Priya Sraman. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School focused on Buddhist Ministry, a Master of Buddhist Studies degree from the University of Hong Kong, and a Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies from Mahachulalong-kornrajavidyalaya University in Thailand. Venerable Priya is originally from Chattogram, Bangladesh, and currently lives in Atlanta.
If you have any questions, contact Emory OSRL Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya.
Emory MSA: Baba Ross Painting Session
Thursday, March 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Candler 101
Emory MSA is excited to extend an invitation to the first "Baba Ross" event to learn more about the Art Gala and also receive the chance to make art that can be featured at the gallery.
Refreshments and art supplies will be provided. For more information, follow Emory MSA on Instagram
university catholic center
University Catholic Center Upcoming Programs
Fellowship and Adoration Night
Thursday, March 18, 5:30 p.m., University Catholic Center
Bring a friend and enjoy pizza, conversation about the Gospel, and how it applies to our lives today. In addition, there will be an opportunity to pray and adore Christ in the Eucharist. 
Stations of the Cross
Friday, March 18, 5:30 p.m., University Catholic Center
Join in prayer and reflection on the Passion of Christ in the newly installed outdoor Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross is a 14-step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth. All are invited
Meatless Lenten Dinner
Friday, March 18, 6:30 p.m., University Catholic Center
All students are invited to join us on the first Friday of Lent for dinner at the University Catholic Center, hosted by the Graduate Catholic Student Association. Join friends new and old for refreshments, fellowship, and prayer. 
Bowling with the Catholic Student Union
Saturday, March 19, 7:00 p.m., The Comet Pub and Lanes (Sign Up Here)
Join the Emory Catholic Student Union for bowling, food, and fun at The Comet. Sign up so that plans can be arranged accordingly. 
Candler School of Theology Dean's Lecture: The Christian God as the Migrant
Wednesday, March 23, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., In-person Registration: Candler School of Theology Room 252, 1531 Dickey Drive or Online
Candler's World Christianity program, in collaboration with Candler's Catholic Studies program, will welcome distinguished Professor Peter C. Phan for a Dean's Lecture on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Phan is The Ignacio Ellacuria, S.J. Chair of Catholic Social Thought at Georgetown University. He is the author of numerous books and articles, including Being Religious Interreligiously: Asian Perspectives on Interfaith Dialogue and Christianity with an Asian Face: Asian American Theology in the Making. He is general editor of a multi-volume series entitled Theology in Global Perspective for Orbis Books and a multi-volume series entitled Ethnic American Pastoral Spirituality for Paulist Press. His many writings have been translated into Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. 
Recommended Parking:  Peavine Visitor's Lot, 27 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322. Register here.
Swara Emory Raga Fest
Friday, April 1, 6:00-7:30 p.m., White Hall 208
 
Swara aims to bring the rich tradition of the South Asian classical musical art form to the Emory community. Join for Raga Fest, a celebration of indian classical music and dance.
For more information contact Swara.emory@gmail.com or visit their page on the Hub.
The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies and The Laney Graduate School at Emory University: The Brickman-Levin Symposium
Wednesday, April 6, 7:00 p.m., Online
The Brickman-Levin Symposium & the Brickman-Levin Fellowship, which support PhD-level work in Jewish Studies, honor Dr. Perry Brickman and the late Arthur Levin, community leaders who played a crucial role in bringing the story of discrimination at Emory’s Dental School to light.
The program will highlight current Laney Graduate School students whose work is in the area of Jewish Studies:

-Matthew Brittingham
-Keenan Davis
-Anastasiia Strakhova

Consider making a gift to the Brickman-Levin Fund here.
Candler School of Theology: "The Unfinished Search for Common Ground: A Conference on the Life and Work of Howard Thurman"
April 8-9, 2022, In-person or Online
This two-day conference is designed to introduce attendees to Howard Thurman's work and provide an opportunity for scholars, social activists, and religious leaders to consider ways in which Thurman's understanding of community can address diversity and inclusion. Speakers will include Walter Earl Fluker, Barbara Brown Taylor, Peter Eisenstadt, and Luther E. Smith, Jr.
For more information and to register, click here.  
Off Campus Programs
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta: Weekly Church Action Enewsletter
The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta welcomes churches, faith-based and secular nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses, and others to join us for fellowship, to network, and to explore ideas and issues of importance to the community. We work together to promote the common good, magnify the work and witness of the church, and help establish the kingdom of God throughout our region, nation, and all of creation. View their website here and see a few highlighted items from their most recent newsletter below:  
North Georgia Black Methodists for Renewal
Friday-Saturday, March 18-19, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta
Join the Black Church Summit for their conversation on "From this day Forward-- Rooted in God, Grounded in Community." 
Islamic Speakers Bureau Annual Gala
Saturday, March 26, 7:00 p.m., RSVP here.
Come attend the community-wide gathering of leaders in every part of our society, from business to civil rights, from education to the arts coming together to celebrate the ISB's efforts to battle bigotry through education and engagement. This year's Gala will recognize role models who use their influence to make our world a better place. 
Interfaith Community Initiatives Annual Friendship Luncheon
Wednesday, March 30, 11:00 a.m., All Saints Episcopal Church
Find more information at www.interfaithci.org. Purchase tickets here.
American Jewish Committee (AJC) Atlanta's Unity Seder
Thursday, March 31
, 7:30 p.m., Register Here
After two years of COVID "exile," The Temple is thrilled to once again be hosting American Jewish Committee (AJC) Atlanta's Unity Seder. Come be a part of this beautiful, diverse community of people interested in building unity. Using music, interfaith leadership, and traditional Jewish rituals, the Passover seder rituals tell the stories of oppression, freedom, and responsibility. Email Rachel Shiffman at shiffmanr@ajc.org with any questions.
Partner Programs
The Center for Women at Emory: Women's HIstory Month: March 2022
The OSRL is happy to promote the Women's History Month calendar for this year at Emory.
Find out more about the ways in which students can engage with the Center For Women this month here.
Race and Difference: Colloquium Series
Monday, March 21, 12:00 p.m., Zoom
Our next guest, Dr. Rafia Zafar from Washington University St. Louis, will discuss "Recipes for Respect: Black Empowerment through Foodways."
All events are free, but registration is required. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link. Please register here
Opportunities and Resources
Tam Institute for Jewish Studies Summer Grant Application Deadline 
Deadline: Monday, March 28
TIJS provides awards and grants to Emory undergraduates to support activities that enrich the academic experience, such as study abroad, intensive language training, and travel for research or participation in conferences and workshops. Particular funds are available for projects related to modern Antisemitism and the Holocaust. Grants for other purposes related to a student’s course of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Apply by Monday, March 28 for projects or study planned for Summer 2022. Read more here

Student Body Ableism Organization Seeking Members
Student Body is an upcoming student organization aiming to start a conversation about ableism for interested students at Emory. As the club works toward being chartered, it is currently in search of members from the Emory community who are interested in joining, being an ally, or the group in general.
For more information, please reach out to cwegrzy@emory.edu.
CAPS: Virtual Workshop Series
One-time workshops on rotating topics, including:
  • Friday, March 18: Avoiding Burnout  
For more information or to sign up, students can go to https://thehub.emory.edu/organization/caps.
CAPS: Spring 2022 Virtual Groups
This includes our Stress Clinic Classes and our classes on Coping with Difficult Thoughts & Feelings (5 sessions). For more information or to sign up, students can go to https://thehub.emory.edu/organization/caps.
Emory Twin Memorials Honoring Enslaved Individuals Listening Sessions                                   Multiple Sessions through March
As Emory has engaged in ever more rigorous self-reflection about its past, President Fenves has set in motion a series of initiatives, including the Twin Memorials Working Group. According to the president, “By understanding our history and expanding the Emory story to include voices, perspectives, and contributions that were overlooked or silenced, we are creating a deeper understanding of who we are and all we can achieve as a university.” In the case of the Twin Memorials, the working group is charged with “drafting a request-for-proposals for architectural firms to design and construct Twin Memorials to honor the enslaved individuals and their descendants who lived and worked on the original campus of Emory at Oxford College.”
For more information about the project background and for focus group registration, please visit https://twinmemorials.com/engage.
Inaugural Office of Sustainability Postgraduate Fellowships
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until Sunday, April 18; apply today. 
Emory’s Office of Sustainability Initiatives (OSI) is launching our inaugural post-graduate Fellows program. In May 2022, we are hiring for a Climate Solutions Fellow and a Sustainability & Social Justice Programs Fellow. Recent graduates from undergraduate and graduate level programs are eligible to apply, May 2022 graduates as well. Learn more about our team here and about the Fellow positions here.
Faculty and Staff Resources
Midweek Musical Meditation
Every Wednesday in Term, 12:00-12:15 p.m., Zoom and Facebook live
Take a moment to breathe, relax, and connect with others, guided by OSRL Music Director Maury Alums. To register for updates and register for the event via zoom, visit http:bit.ly/OSRLMidWeekMusic. You can also watch the event live on Emory OSRL Facebook. 
Spiritual Life Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
ERGs are employee-led groups established around common interests or identities. ERGs enable employees to create supportive professional communities and provide opportunities for networking, mentoring, advocacy, and professional development. To explore the possibility of joining or creating an ERG related to a religious or philosophical tradition, please email religiouslife@emory.edu
Pastoral Care 
All of the chaplains in OSRL are available for pastoral care, which is a form of confidential care and counseling provided by spiritual and humanistic leaders. As practiced by OSRL, it is offered to Emory students, faculty, and staff members of all faiths and no faith, and it makes no assumptions about a person's faith or practice. It can be as simple as a listening ear for emotional and existential support, or it can involve exploring beliefs, teachings, scriptures, and rituals. For an appointment, please contact the chaplains directly here.
Weekly Spiritual Gatherings Open to All Faculty and Staff
There are a plethora of weekly religious and philosophical gatherings offered at Emory. 
Here are a few that are open to faculty and staff:
  • Compassion Meditation, Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel 106 and via Zoom, contact us for more info here
  • Buddhist Meditation, Thursdays, 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel 106 and via Zoom
  • Jumu’ah Prayer, Fridays, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Hindu Aarti, Fridays, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Hillel Shabbat, Fridays, 6:00 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center, RSVP Here
  • Chabad Shabbat, Fridays, 7:30 p.m., RSVP Here.
  • Catholic Mass
    • Sundays, 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
    • Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m., University Catholic Center
  • Beloved Community Protestant Worship, Sundays, 11:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Emory Employee Christian Prayer Group, Mondays, 8:00 a.m., via Zoom, contact Jacynta Brewton for information.
Other gatherings are listed here.
Spiritual and Religious Life at Emory Offerings
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're 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.
Weekly Gatherings
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
Nineteen Day Fast
Tue., Mar. 1 – Sat., Mar. 19, 2022
Tradition: Baha'i
A designated 19-day period of fasting each year immediately before the Bahá’í New Year. The fasting is seen as a period of spiritual preparation and regeneration for the new year ahead.
Great Lent
Mon., Mar. 7 – Sat., Apr. 23, 2022
Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox
In Orthodox churches, the first day of Lent marks the beginning of the Great Fast, the final six weeks of a 10-week period leading up to Holy Week and Easter (Pascha). In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is a six-week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in preparation for Easter.
Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem
Wed., Mar. 16 – Sun., Mar. 20, 2022
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
Celebrates the creation of human beings and honors the souls of the deceased.
Purim
Wed., Mar. 16, 2022
Tradition: Judaism
Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them as related in the Book of Esther, which is read at this time. Purim is a joyous holiday, celebrated by wearing of costumes, giving gifts to friends, giving to the poor, and socializing. Preceded by the Fast of Esther, Purim is a day of feasting. Begins at sundown.
Feast of Saint Patrick
Thu., Mar. 17, 2022
Tradition: Christianity
A cultural and religious celebration of Saint Patrick (c. 385-c. 461 CE), the foremost patron saint of Ireland, held on his traditional death date. The day celebrates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.
Laylat al-Bara'ah
Thu., Mar. 17, 2022
Tradition: Islam
Begins at sundown.
(Night of Repentance)
On this night, Allah approaches the Earth to call humanity and to grant forgiveness of sins. Observed on the 14th day of the lunar month of Sha'ban.
Holi
Fri., Mar. 18, 2022
Tradition: Hinduism
A joyous spring Hindu festival that is dedicated to Krishna in some parts of India; in other parts of India, it is dedicated to Kama, the God of Pleasure. People throw colored water or colored powder in celebration.
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 OSRL    CANNON CHAPEL    515 KILGO CIRCLE, ATLANTA, GA 30322   
404-727-6226    religiouslife@emory.edu
powered by emma