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News and Programs 01.20.22
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Responding to the Texas Synagogue Hostage Situation at Congregation Beth Israel
To members of the Jewish community and our interfaith allies and siblings, I reach out to you today with a sense of both dismay and deep gratitude; dismay, that once again a synagogue has become the scene of violence and gratitude that, in this case, those who were held hostage escaped without bodily injury.
It should go without saying that our sanctuaries should be places of gathering, of prayer and of peace. Our Jewish communities, here at Emory and beyond, long to open our doors widely, to welcome the stranger and, yet, we are confronted with the painful truth that there are those who seek to hurt us. In the face of this ongoing reality, I have been inspired by Jewish students who have recommitted themselves to Jewish life and practice. Students at Emory have worn their star of David necklaces, their t-shirts with Emory written in Hebrew, their kippot, all with a sense of pride in their people. They have celebrated Shabbat and festivals, in our centers for Jewish life and in the middle of campus. They have learned from inspiring professors in the classroom and from the rabbis and teachers who dutifully and lovingly serve our campus community.
The rise in Antisemitism that we are encountering is a broad, societal issue. It relates to the bitterness and ugliness of our political discourse and to the spread of hateful speech and disinformation. Even as we acknowledge that this story is much bigger than our campus, we are steadfast in our commitment to have Emory be a place where Jews of all backgrounds feel welcomed, included, and at home. There is no place at Emory for any form of Antisemitism, from the blatant expression of bigotry to the casual microaggression.
With administrators, students, faculty, alumni, and our religious life affiliates, the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life will continue to work on both the vibrancy of Jewish life and on our ongoing work of examining and uprooting Antisemitism. This work may be led by those of us in the Jewish community, but it will require the commitment and the solidarity of others. In this way, Rabbi Cytron-Walker, with his deep belief in dialogue and cross-faith social justice work is the perfect example of where we go from here. May we follow his lead.
Bivracha/With Blessing,
Rabbi Jordan
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"For Jews, Going to Services is an Act of Courage"
Dr. Lipstadt is a professor of modern Jewish history and Holocaust studies at Emory University. She has been nominated by President Biden to be the State Department special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism abroad.
Recently, Dr. Lipstadt wrote about the courage it takes to even attend Jewish services in today's climate, in response to the tragic events of Colleyville, Texas this past saturday. Read the article here.
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Transcending Boundaries: International Holocaust Remembrance Day Online Event
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Wednesday, January 26, 8:15 p.m., Online
The goal of this important program is to demonstrate that the lessons of the Holocaust are international, interfaith, inter-professional, and intergenerational. In this online video, featured speakers will explore the importance of incorporating the lessons of the Holocaust into the future of education to promote ethical practice in all aspects of society.
Emory's Center for the Study of Law and Religion, in cooperation with the Maimonides Institute for Medicine, Ethics and the Holocaust, the Emory Center for Ethics, Emory School of Medicine, and the International Chair in Bioethics (a WMA Cooperating Center) is hosting.
The video, which will premiere on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. ET will be accessible via the CSLR webpage here.
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Faith in the Vaccine -- Spring 2022 Children's Clinics
This spring, Emory OSRL Faith in the Vaccine (FIVP) leaders are organizing pediatric vaccine clinics for elementary students and educational webinars for their parents in Dekalb County. We’re partnering with Refugee Women’s Network and the International Rescue Committee/CORE. View a list of clinic times and locations below:
International Community School (ICS)
- January 26 Vaccine Event 2:00-6:00 p.m.
- February 23 Vaccine Event 2:00-6:00 p.m.
- Ages 12 and up register here. Ages 5-11 register here.
Indian Creek Elementary (ICE)
- January 19 Webinar for Child Vaccine Awareness
- February 5 Vaccine Event 8:30-12:30 p.m.
- March 5 Vaccine Event 8:30-12:30 p.m.
- Ages 12 and up register here. Ages 5-11 Register here
Please register for the clinics at the specific links above. You can sign up to volunteer here. For questions, please contact Linh Le. To read more about Emory FIVP, please click here. Sponsored by Emory OSRL with Interfaith Youth Core.
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Text: Luke 4:14-21
Title: Adding Seats to the Table
January 23 Preacher: The Rev. Kyle Marshall, Campus Minister, Bread Coffeehouse
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 at madelyn.mary.henderson@emory.edu.
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MLK Sunday Service Video Recording: Dr. Walter Fluker
Sunday, January 16
As a part of Emory King Week, there was a special Beloved Community Protestant Worship Service on MLK Sunday, with Dr. Walter Fluker speaking. His sermon title is "Run to the Mountain: A Call to Dreamers at the Crossing(s) in a Post-King Era", and we invite you to join via Zoom or in person.
Dr. Walter Fluker is the Dean’s Professor for Spirituality, Ethics and Leadership at the Emory University Candler School of Theology. He previously served as Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Ethical Leadership, the editor of the Howard Thurman Papers Project and the Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Initiative for the Development of Ethical Leadership at Boston University School of Theology.
Special music was provided by Maury Allums, OSRL Music Director, and the Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir. The service can be viewed through the video above or on the OSRL Youtube page here.
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Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term, 12:00-12:15 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.
Visit http://bit.ly/OSRLMidWeekMusic 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. This week's meditation can be watched on the video below, or on our Facebook and Youtube pages. Sponsored by the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.
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Midweek Musical Meditation, January 19, 2022:
Marking Emory King Week and the Texas Synagogue Hostage Situation
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Apply to Be WISE Pre-Orientation Student Coordinator
Apply by Monday, January 24
Help select and lead the Peer Mentor team that serves as guides during the Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration (WISE) Pre-Orientation Program. This program is designed to ease the transition to college, while providing an opportunity to explore Atlanta, build religious and philosophical literacy and interfaith leadership skills, and connect with new friends.
The Student Coordinator will help recruit and select peer mentors, provide integral student input on the planning process, and be a strong leader for peer mentors and first-years alike.
A more robust job description can be found on the application here. Position is not full time. For questions, email OSRL Program Coordinator Katie Rappold.
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OSRL Contextual Education II Internships for Candler Students
Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life 2022-23
Application deadline: Monday, February 7, 2022, 11:59 p.m. EST
The Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) welcomes applications for our CST Contextual Education II internship program for 2022-2023. OSRL is the multifaith office that supports all religious and philosophical life at Emory University for students, faculty, and staff of all Emory Schools. We support religious and philosophical communities, educate about spirituality and ethics in society and the world, provide pastoral care and opportunities to engage in service and social justice work, and support interfaith engagement. We offer a number of signature programs (e.g., Inter-religious Council, Beloved Community Protestant Worship) and also encourage students to bring their own backgrounds and interests to our work.
OSRL is accepting applications for two positions.
- Beloved Community Focus: This position will work closely with Emory’s Christian Chaplain Maddie Henderson to serve the vast and diverse Christian Community at Emory University, with special attention to the progressive Protestant community. Primary responsibilities will include planning, supporting, and preaching at Beloved Community Sunday Worship, planning and supporting programs for the Emory Christian community and OSRL at large, doing outreach, and working with student leaders. We are looking for applicants who are interested in discerning a future in chaplaincy or higher education ministry, are interested in applying what they are learning in the classroom to this context, and want to grow personally and professionally.
- Inter-Religious Council Focus: This position will work closely with Emory’s Dean of Religious Life, The Rev. Dr. Gregory McGonigle to support initiatives to enhance interfaith engagement across Emory University. Primary responsibilities will include planning, supporting, and presenting at the Inter-Religious Council, planning and leading interfaith retreats and educational initiatives, and organizing vigils and social justice related events. The intern can also learn about the best practices of leading of a multifaith university religious life office. Prior study or engagement with interfaith work and/or teaching is helpful.
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Emory Buddhist Club Guided Meditation
Thursday, January 20, 6:00 p.m., Zoom through January 2022
We will kick off the semester with online only meditation, all are welcome. Join here. Join us for a guided Buddhist meditation this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. This week, EBC is pleased to welcome back Sensei Michael Elliston Roshi from the Atlanta Soto Zen Center.
He is the spiritual leader of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center, as well as a member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association (SZBA). Sensei Elliston’s book The Original Frontier: A Serious Seeker’s Guide to Zen (2020) is now available on Kindle for easy digital access.
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Jumu'ah Prayers
Fridays in January 2022, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
For January 2022, Jumu'ah Prayers at Cannon Chapel will be limited to 25 people due to updated Emory COVID policies. To sign up, and for questions, please email Emory OSRL Muslim Religious Life Scholar Isam Vaid.
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Hillel Shabat Dinner
Friday, January 21, 7:00 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center
Hillel is excited for those to join for Shabbat Dinner. Masking and social distancing to be observed. All meals will be prepackaged to minimize contact, but there will be an option to take your food to-go, or to eat your to-go meal on the Hillel patio (with heaters).
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OSRL Hindu Life: Aarti Online
January 21 and January 28, 5:00 p.m., Zoom
Join OSRL Hindu Chaplain Brahmacharini Shweta Chaitanya for aarti online on Friday January 21 and 29 at 5:00 p.m. via zoom. All are welcome. Click here for the Zoom link.
For more information, please contact Brahmacharini Shweta Chaitanya. More about the Emory HSA and their activities can be found on their Facebook page.
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Graduate Christian Fellowship: Daily Morning Devo
Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Zoom
Join the Graduate Christion Fellowship in starting your days with reading chapters from gospel books and having individual praying time.
Click here for the Zoom link.
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Emory Hindu Life Shlokas and Snacks
Tuesday, January 25, 7:00 p.m., Online
Join us for a laid-back discussion where we will share shlokas (verses), poems, readings, questions and ideas associated with Hindu traditions. Feel free to bring your own shlokas and poems to discuss. Join online here.
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St. Thomas Aquinas Day Worship and Lecture
Thursday, January 27, 11:30 p.m., Online
The Aquinas Center of Theology at Candler will host its annual Aquinas Day lecture on Thursday, January 27. Held around the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, the event is intended to feature the research of younger theologians and expand the future of theological thinking. This year’s lecture will be presented by author and scholar Jessica Coblentz, assistant professor of religious studies and theology at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana.
Coblentz will speak on “Depression as a Wilderness Experience: Exploring One Theological Paradigm for Life with Depression.” Her new book, Dust in the Blood: A Theology of Life with Depression(Liturgical Press), will be published on January 15.
Learn more information and register here.
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Interfaith Atlanta Programs
Interfaith Atlanta, formerly known as Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta (FAMA), has a mission to promote understanding, respect, prayer, interaction and unity among the diverse faiths in the greater Atlanta region, and to advance the influence of voices of the faith communities for the common good. View their website here and see a list of programs they've highlighted recenly below.
2nd Annual Interfaith Blessing For Beloved Community
Thursday, January 20, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Join the Interfaith Children's Movement, Rev. William Flippin Jr. and a diverse group of faith speakers, including youth speakers, as we once again come “together” during the Georgia legislative session to pray for our legislators and for all our children affected by the laws they pass. Pre-Register here.
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Monday Night Meditation – Compassion Diffused: How Buddha Transforms Angulimala the Murderer
Monday, January 24, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Register Here
This discussion will explore Buddha’s interactions that transform Angulimala, the serial killer, into an enlightened person. We will try to understand the transformative nature of compassion that is demonstrated by Buddha. What does radical compassion look like
Guided meditation, a Dharma talk, and time for discussion offered by Natural Dharma Fellowship and Wonderwell Mountain Refuge, and led by our own Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Sraman. Open to everyone—please join us for inspiration, practice, and community.
Due to security issues, we are asking everyone to register through Zoom to access Monday night meditation. When you click the registration link below, it will take you to a registration page where you will need to enter your name and email address. Once you have registered, you will be sent the actual link to the Zoom meeting. It will not be necessary to register each week. You can save the meeting link, since it will be the same moving forward, and use it every week. This can be done by saving the meeting link to your calendar. Please email wonderwell.tech@gmail.com if you have any difficulties. Closed Captioning will be available for all online retreats. Register here.
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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.
Tu B'Shvat Tree Planting
Sunday, January 23, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Hammond Park
Trees provide clean air for us to breathe, allowing all of the earth to flourish. Georgia Interfaith Power & Light is partnering with JCAN-GA, Repair the World, the Rothschild Social Justice Institute at The Temple, and Trees Atlanta to offer an opportunity to celebrate Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees. Register here.
Faith and Fortitude
Sunday, January 23, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Online
In Commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Am Yisrael Chai presents a powerful and unforgettable event, “Faith and Fortiutude,” with keynote speaker Holocaust survivor Ella Blumenthal - joining from Cape-Town, South Africa. Information and registration at Faith and Fortitude 2022.
Building the Beloved Community: The Struggle for Justice in Our Time
Thurday, January 27, 6:00 p.m., Online
Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture and Conversation with remarks by Eric Holder, 82nd U.S. Attorney General, and a panel of Dr. Carol Anderson, Charles Howard, the Rev. James Woodall, and Dr. Adrienne Jones; with moderator Dr. David Wall Rice.
If you have questions contact: Dr. Vicki Crawford at (470) 639-0569 or kingcollection@morehouse.edu. Watch on the Morehouse College YouTube channel.
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Race and Difference: Colloquium Series
Monday, January 24, 12:00 p.m., Zoom
Our first speaker for the spring colloquium series is Dr. Michael Mendez for the University of California, Irvine. His talk is entitled Climate Change from the Streets.
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Migration and Masculinities: A Book Launch with Professor Nicole Guidotti-Hernández
Wednesday, January 26, 6:00 p.m., Zoom
Please join Dr. Guidotti-Hernández as she discusses her latest book: Archiving Mexican Masculinities in Diaspora with two leading Latinx Studies scholars, George Sanchez, Professor of American Studies & Ethnicity and History at University of Southern California-USC and Maria Salaña-Portillo, Professor with the Social & Cultural Analysis Department & the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at NYU.
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Opportunities and Resources
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University Ombuds Newsletter: Winter 2022
This edition of the Ombuds Newsletter includes sections on Negotiating with Powerful People, Reasons to Speak with an Ombuds, and an Ombuds Office Book Corner. Visit the newsletter to learn more about the Emory Ombuds here.
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Beloved Community Protestant Worship: Spring 2022 Feedback Survey
Deadline: Thursday, January 20
Christian Chaplain Maddie Henderson is seeking feedback for those who are involved or wanting to be involved with Beloved Community Protestant Worship Sunday services. Those who fill out the survey by Thursday, January 20 will be entered to win a $25 Starbucks gift card. Fill out the survey here.
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GCF Seeking Student Interest in Bible Study - Following Jesus in the Academy
Deadline: Wednesday, January 26
A 6-week group bringing together students pursuing PhDs and academic careers, who are also following Jesus and want to explore how those two pursuits intersect.
The group will meet six times this semester—twice each in February, March, and April. We will share our journeys so far and hopes for the future; use InterVarsity’s Scholars Compass devotionals to explore topics like Finding God in Our Fields and Thriving in Difficulty; and connect with some current Christian Emory faculty in relevant fields.
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GCF Seeking Student Interest in Bible Study - Following Jesus in the Professional World
Deadline: Wednesday, January 26
A 6-week group bringing together students getting professional degrees (law, business, healthcare, public health, theology) who are also following Jesus and want to explore how those two pursuits intersect.
The group will meet six times this semester—twice each in February, March, and April. We will share our journeys so far and hopes for the future; focus on scripture and contemporary authors looking at what it means to make a profession and set apart our work to God ; and connect with current practitioners in relevant fields
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Bread Coffeehouse: Spring 2022 Small Group Sign-Up
Small Groups and Classes are a great way to get more involved at Bread, meet new people, and grow.
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Bread Coffeehouse Spring Break Service Trip
Due January 31
Have spring break plans yet? How about a service trip with all your favorite friends from Bread? Join us from March 6-11 as we head to Eastern Kentucky to do construction projects for the elderly and the disabled. A $100 deposit is due by January 31st and the total cost will be $300 due by February 28, which will cover food, lodging, and building materials. Talk to a staff member for more details if you're interested. Learn more about Bread Coffeehouse here.
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Hillel Springboard Fellowship Applications Open
Due February 14
Applications are now open for Hillel International's Springboard Fellowship, a prestigious, paid, two-year fellowship that brings together the best and brightest Jewish talent to be outstanding changemakers in their communities. College seniors or recent college graduates looking for a competitive starting salary, career-shaping professional development, and the chance to make a difference in the world are invited to apply.
Fellows have the unique opportunity to bring their passions and creativity to a college campus, all while transforming the lives of Jewish college students. The Springboard Fellowship offers four professional tracks:
- Jewish Education
- Social Justice
- Innovation
- Intrapreneurship — a new track this year
Learn more and apply here.
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Ripple Interfaith Conference with Elon University
Thursday through Saturday, February 18-20, 2021, Online
The Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life at Elon University invites you to register for our annual Ripple Interfaith Conference this coming February 18-20 2022. Due to the continued pandemic, we are offering an online conference. This is a great opportunity to introduce your campuses to interfaith work. There are also opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to present a breakout session based on our theme below. For more information about our speakers and the conference, you can visit rippleconference.org.
Registration is now open and tickets are at early-bird prices until January 31. You can also register via a group rate if your campus registers six or more participants. Please let me know if you’d like a poster to distribute to your campus. If you have any questions, email apelyhes@elon.edu.
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Reimagining Religious Diversity in the Academy
Febuary 7 - March 9
Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) and Heterodox Academy (HxA) has invited scholars to discuss "How might we effectively and meaningfully center religious diversity in higher education — academically, programmatically, and operationally?" Over a series of collaborative sessions called "charrettes", the question will attempt to be answered. Each charrette will focus on one approach to this complex question and will be facilitated by a set of scholars with particular insight into the topic. However, these are not panels nor presentations. Rather, the goal is that all of the charrettes will be dynamic and interactive. Facilitators will prompt conversation, but participants should come ready to engage and discuss.
For more information click here.
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Faculty and Staff Resources
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Vasant Panchami (Sri Pancami)
Sat., Feb. 5, 2022
Tradition: Hinduism
One of many festivals to honor the advent of spring, this day is celebrated particularly in North India, where it is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of learning; however, it also retains connection with the goddess Lakshmi.
Nirvana Day (for some, February 8)
Tue., Feb. 15, 2022
Tradition: Buddhism
In the northern tradition, it commemorates the parinirvana of the Buddha. In cultures of Southeast Asia, the buddha's parinirvana is remembered during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities.
Laylat al-Isra'wa al-Mi'raj (Mi'raj al-Nabiy)
Sun., Feb. 27, 2022
Tradition: Islam
Commemorates the ascension (al-Mi'raj) of the Prophet to heaven following his night journey (al Isra') from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent to heaven and return the same night. Begins at sundown.
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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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