 |
|
|
|
|
| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
| |
|  |
Ramadan begins on a new moon; the full moon this week indicates we are halfway through the month. Public domain photo by Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
| |
| | |
Peace to you all,
These last few weeks have taken place during the blessed month of Ramadan, where many Muslims fast, not partaking of food or water, from sunrise to sunset. One of our community members spoke recently on the purpose of emptying ourselves of the routines that we build to structure our lives. Suddenly shifting those habits opens a whole new life to live that lies slumbering beneath worn routines.
It reminded me that sometimes it is as though we see our lives through a keyhole. But when one creates space for some perspective, you realize all that you may have missed or taken for granted. The first thing one notices when fasting is the dryness of the mouth. Slowly one recognizes hunger, the appetites of the body. With further mindfulness and attentiveness to the body, you come to realize the value of the water that we casually guzzle by the liters, that we leave to run in the sink until it reaches a comfortable temperature, that we pour out onto our plants or lawns.
Each day of fasting has drawn me further into an attentive mindfulness of the present moment and the way I take material comforts in this world for granted. Perhaps the gray winter skies have contributed as well to my realization of the stark difference of this winter from the colorful, cozy autumn of last semester. Last semester shimmers with memories of students arriving in my office to request varieties of loose-leaf tea to quaff in the ambiance of a gentle transition from green leaves to oranges, reds, and yellows.
These warm memories tinge the current days of fasting with an awareness of small delights, minute joys, experienced second to second. They reaffirm to me the comfort of reaching for the familiar. Especially when it comes to our daily breaking of the fast, in sharing food and tea together. The bliss of a sip of black tea hinting of cardamom transforms a drab, wintry, evening into a bright, colorful affair with warmth and companionship.
As we enter into warmer days after a long and harsh winter, I hope we are able to be thankful for small moments that we delight in, and share those moments with those we love.
In thanks and eternally over a warm cup of tea,
Khan Shairani
Muslim Chaplain
| |
|
Upcoming Signature Events
| |
International Peace Building Across Faiths
TODAY - Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Interfaith Center
All are welcome for “God, State and Power,” an in-depth panel and dinner examining the role of faith and religious actors in mediating and transforming international conflict. Drawing on scholarship and field experience, our speakers will explore how religious institutions, interfaith initiatives, and civic engagement shape diplomatic processes and peacebuilding efforts across diverse global contexts. The panel features Dr. Ray Kim, Director of U.S. Programs & Partnerships at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy; Dr. Liliya Khasanova, postdoctoral fellow at the Fletcher School and Executive Director of A Common Word Among the Youth; and Dr. Peter Levine, Professor of Political Science at Tufts University whose research focuses on civic and political engagement. Please RSVP below.
| |
Wendell Phillips Speaker Audition
Monday, March 9, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Each year seniors apply to be the Wendell Phillips Speaker at the Baccalaureate Ceremony on Commencement Weekend. The Committee on Student Life selects four finalists, who audition in early March; a winner is then chosen to speak to their class at the ceremony. Join this coming Monday to hear four outstanding seniors - Aria Ma, Dhruv Sampat, Jasmine Zoha, and Mishaal Hussain - speak on behalf of their class and to the legacy of 19th century abolitionist Wendell Phillips. No RSVP necessary, light refreshments served afterward the audition. Please email the University Chaplaincy with any questions.
| |
Food, Faith & Friendship: Graduate Student Dinner
Monday, March 9, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., The Rabb Room (Barnum 100)
Join the Graduate Student Interfaith Council for an evening of meaningful conversation, reflection, and community connection with Lynn Cooper, University Chaplaincy Associate Director, author of Embracing Our Time: The Sacrament of Interfaith Friendship. This gathering invites graduate students from all backgrounds to come together in a welcoming space to pause, share, and build friendships across traditions. Contact Graduate Student Intern Prakruthi Ramesh with any questions and please RSVP below.
| |
Interfaith Ambassador Program Information Session
Wednesday, March 11, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Eaton 260
Learn how you can help foster meaningful dialogue, plan engaging programs, and connect with a thoughtful community. Join us for the Interfaith Ambassador Info Session (and dinner!). For any questions, email the University Chaplaincy.
| |
|
Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
| |
Interfatih Iftar
Sunday, March 8, 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Breed Memorial Hall
Join the Tufts Muslim Student Association (MSA) for our annual Interfaith Iftar! Enjoy free food catered by Tarboosh! Bring your all your friends and learn about Ramadan and the Islamic cultural practices of this holy month. This is open to everyone, so we can’t wait to see you all there! For questions, please contact Muslim Chaplain Khan Shairani.
| |
Living Hindu Dharma in GenZ with Dr. Asha Shipman
Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
The spring Hindu Life Series invites you to Living Hindu Dharma in Gen Z with Dr. Asha Shipman, Director of Hindu Life at Yale University. Explore identity, spirituality, leadership, and belonging through conversation and reflection, plus enjoy a free shared dinner. All students are welcome. Come, connect, and be in community! RVSP using the link below!
| |
Two Day Retreat at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in New Hampshire
Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 5 - Apply by March 25
A retreat collaboration between Tufts Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha, Graduate Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha, and Tufts Buddhist Chaplaincy! Activities will include mindful walks, yoga in the morning, Noble Silence, time for reflection, sitting meditation, mindful Incense making, mindful art, and chanting. Transportation and delicious vegetarian meals provided. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye. RSVP using the link below!
| |
|
|
Resources and Opportunities
| |
From Bonnie Raitt to Billie Eilish: Making Live Music Greener
Monday, March 9, 5:30 p.m., Distler Performance Hall, Granoff Music Center
Join a special conversation with the 2026 recipients of the Lyon & Bendheim Citizenship Award, Lauren Sullivan, J96 and Adam Gardner, A95, on the green music movement and the powerful role music can play in driving positive change. After seeing firsthand how musicians’ can have a unique impact on environmental campaigns and recognizing the environmental footprint of concerts and festivals, Lauren Sullivan and her musician husband, Adam Gardner (guitarist/vocalist for popular indie band Guster, which formed at Tufts and played its first show in Lewis Hall), founded REVERB in 2004 to create a more sustainable, action-oriented music industry. Event is free and open to the public. To register and learn more click on the button below.
| |
Bracelets, Bag Charms and Brownies
Wednesday, March 4, 7 p.m., Tisch Library
Join the Mental Health Reps for Bracelets, Bag Charms, and Brownies in the DSDI Hub (Tisch Library Room 224)! Come de-stress at this expressive arts inspired night focused on creativity and connection. There will be bracelet making, keychain and bag charm crafting, and brownies.
| |
Day of Service - Leonard Carmichael Society
Friday, March 27, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00p.m., Curtis Hall
As we move closer towards Spring, we wanted to reach out to you about The Leonard Carmichael Society's 4th Annual Day of Service, on Friday, March 27th, from 11am-2pm!
This event brings students together to volunteer at various on-campus and off-campus sites, supporting our community partners in Medford and Somerville. Projects will focus on themes such as environmental sustainability, education, health, and social justice. Not only will you have the chance to make a meaningful impact, but you’ll also get to meet other students, engage in hands-on service, and reflect on your experience. Snacks, lunch, and an LCS Day of Service T-shirt will be included as well! This is a wonderful way to finish off your 2025-2026 academic year by helping our neighboring communities and proudly representing Tufts! If you're interested in participating, please sign up using the link below. Share the form with friends and sign up together! We would love to see you there, whether it’s your first time joining or you’re a returning volunteer! Feel free to reach out with any questions.
| |
To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, including information about seeking religious accommodations at Tufts, please follow the link to the Tufts Multifaith Calendar.
Ramadan
Tue., Feb. 17 – Thur., Mar. 19, 2026
Tradition: Islam
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Approximate date (moon dependent). The Holy Month of Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims who are physically able do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. The evening meal is celebrated with family.
Lent
Wed., Feb. 18 - Sat. Apr. 4
Tradition: Christian-Catholic and Protestant
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. Observance(s) during this time may include fasting.
Great Lent
Mon., Feb. 16 – Sat., Apr. 11, 2026
Tradition: Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox 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.
Great Lent
Mon., Feb. 23 – Sat., Apr. 11, 2026
Tradition: Eastern 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.
Nineteen Day Fast
Mon., Mar. 2 – Fri., Mar. 20, 2026
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.
Laylat al-Qadr
Sun., Mar. 15, 2026
Tradition: Islam
The Night of Power or Destiny commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an (the Islamic scriptures) to Prophet Muhammad in 610 C.E.
| |
Support the University Chaplaincy
Supporting programs at Tufts University in religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life is easy and vital to our work. To donate, please click on the button below. Thank you for your generosity.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
The University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community. We provide spiritual care, support religious and philosophical communities, educate about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promote multifaith engagement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
