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Photo Credit: Elyse Nelson Winger. Psalms Frontispiece, Donald Jackson, Copyright 2004, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, USA.
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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
Dear Tufts community,
Ever since I encountered The Saint John’s Bible in the early 2010s, I have been inspired by its vision. Produced by the Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey in Minnesota, a diverse group of calligraphers and artists from around the world collaborated with theologians, scholars, and scientists from various religious and cultural traditions. Together, they created an illuminated Bible that reflects the prophetic spirit of our time, embodying the values of hospitality, transformation, and justice for all people. One particular illumination from the Psalms volume, pictured above, calls me to reflect on their vision in a drastically changed world over two decades after its creation.
The Psalms Frontispiece features thick, emotive brush strokes that evoke the colors of the rising sun and fading twilight, of impending storm and restful calm. Atop this collage of color rests a frame of scrolls, numbered in gold, representing the five books of the Psalms. But what I love most about this illumination is its digitally embedded details. Golden waves, which are actually voiceprints of Saint John's monks singing the Psalms, flow across the page alongside gold squares that resemble the square notes of medieval chant. These voice prints are not the only ones embedded in the illumination. Running vertically through the page and meeting the waves of monks’ singing are the voiceprints of other praying and singing people. Sound recordings of Taoist monks, a Jewish choir, a Native American song, a Greek Orthodox chant, a Hindu bhajan, a Sufi chant, the Muslim call to prayer, and Buddhist harmonics are rendered in blue, red, and purple. All were recorded and made into voiceprints to celebrate the sacred music and spirituality of people spanning religions and cultures, rooted in their irreducible uniqueness and connected by their common experiences of hope, grief, lament, wonder, and joy. This is the kind of vision that keeps me inspired to engage in interfaith learning and friendship and to trust that the beauty of our traditions will sustain us as we wrestle amidst deep differences, too.
As the November election approaches, I am also looking at this work as a visual metaphor for the possibilities and urgencies of a truly multireligious and multiracial democracy. Infused with technological and spiritual creativity, this illumination invites me to imagine a present and future where every voice has a place, where every song may be sung. Our communities, and this country, are beautiful and powerful when we meet at the intersections of our many identities and practices, when we share hospitality with the stranger and neighbor alike, and when we lift our voices for the human rights of all. These voices are speaking. We hear them on campus, at voter registration drives, in conversations in friend’s living rooms, and at the doors of elected officials. When our shared voices of hope meet, our work toward our still not-fully realized but ever-possible multiracial and multireligious democracy resounds. I am grateful to all in our Tufts communities who are raising their voices – and amplifying the voices of others – in this intense time.
Pax et Lux,
Elyse Nelson Winger
University Chaplain
Professor of the Practice, Tisch College for Civic Life
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First-Year Experience Field Trip to the Museum of African American History
Saturday, October 19th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The University Chaplaincy, thanks to an Advancing Religious Pluralism grant from Interfaith America, is offering field trips throughout this academic year for first-year students, visiting the Boston Museum of African American History and The Embrace next. All of these trips will allow students to explore Boston's diverse religious and cultural history through free monthly site visits, dinners, and reflections alongside fellow first-years, student leaders, and chaplains. For more information about the Museum, see the Museum’s website. RSVP for the MAAH and The Embrace site visit below and email elyse.nelson_winger@tufts.edu with any questions.
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Parents and Family Weekend Open House
Friday, October 18th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at Goddard Chapel
Join the University Chaplaincy for our open house during Parents and Family Weekend on Friday, October 18th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Meet the chaplaincy team and explore our multifaith opportunities for spiritual reflection and care. Scan the QR code to find all of the events we are offering during Parents and Family Weekend. All are welcome.
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Engaging the Election: Self, Community, and Care Through Dialogue
Tuesday, October 22nd from 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM at the Interfaith Center
All students are welcome to engage in two opportunities to reflect on the stakes of this election season for ourselves and our communities. On October 22, we will engage in the practice of listening to one another as a way of building bridges across identities and perspectives. Please join us! Good food will be provided.
Join us for our second opportunity to share, gain insights, and reflect on the significance of civic engagement and the critical stakes involved in the upcoming election. Food will be provided. This event series was made possible in part thanks to a grant from Interfaith America and its Faith in Elections Playbook Program. To learn more RSVP by scanning the QR code. For questions, email the Humanist Chaplain at Anthony.Cruz_Pantojas@Tufts.Edu.
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Harvard Square Homeless Shelter Volunteering
Thursdays, starting October 24th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Harvard Square Homeless Shelter
All are welcome to join us in volunteering at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter. Starting October 24th, we will send 4-5 students to help serve dinner at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, located in University Lutheran Church 66 Winthrop St Cambridge, MA (in the middle of Harvard Square). The University Chaplaincy will provide a T Pass for transportation on the 96 bus into Harvard Square, which stops at 6:10 in front of the LGBT Center. Volunteers travel together and we will send new folks with returners to offer support and guidance. As a volunteer, you decide which weeks you are able to serve. We will have this shift throughout the semester. Please contact Univeristy Chaplaincy Associate Director Lynn.Cooper@tufts.edu if you are interested in signing up or learning more.
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Ponder & Pause
Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Goddard Chapel
Join us each Wednesday for an opportunity to engage in spiritual practices that help us recenter, express gratitude, reflect on our lives, and care for others. Whether it's lighting a candle, walking the labyrinth, meditation, creating a prayer bead bracelet, or writing a card, all are welcome to engage in one or all of the practices.
A chaplain will be available from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM to guide participants through stations, foster deeper reflection, and provide support. Take this time to pause, practice gratitude, and share this space in hope and healing for yourself and the community.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Our events and weekly gatherings are open to everyone in the Tufts community. You can find a calendar and descriptions of our regular events on our website. If you have an idea for a gathering or event, please contact the University Chaplaincy.
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Challenging White Christian Nationalism: A Dinner and Discussion Series
Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 PM., September 18th through November 6th, Austin Conference Room, Tisch Library
Join Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell as we reflect on Bible passages that challenge white Christian nationalism, guided by excerpts from Jim Wallis’ book The False White Gospel. Free book copies are available. A pizza dinner will be provided. All are welcome. Feel free to join anytime. Contact: Daniel.Bell@tufts.edu
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Humanist Chaplaincy Fall Book Club
Wednesdays, from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM at the Interfaith Center
Join the Humanist Chaplaincy's Fall Book Club! This semester, we will delve into We of Little Faith: Why I Stopped Pretending To Believe (and Maybe You Should Too) by Kate Cohen. To join, e-mail Anthony (anthony.cruz_pantojas@tufts.edu).
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Sacraments Class
Starting on Sunday, October 20th, every other Sunday at 3:00 PM in Goddard Chapel
There is always room in our Sacraments Class! Designed for both students who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation) and all who have already received but wish to go deep and re-encounter this central element of Catholic tradition. Class time will be spent in small group discussions, spiritual practice, and engaging with art and music from different cultural contexts. The fall semester focuses on expanding our sacramental consciousness, inviting us to stay awake to the divine around us and reflect on our already holy lives. The second semester will be devoted to exploring individual Sacraments of Initiation, culminating in Easter Vigil and Confirmation liturgies. All are welcome and as always, come as you are! Contact Lynn.Cooper@tufts.edu to learn more.
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High Holidays at Tufts Hillel 2024
October 2nd - October 24th
Join us for all or part of High Holidays, meals, and events. This year Hillel will cover 100% of the cost of all High Holiday meals for students! Please visit the Hillel website for all the information you need to know. We cannot wait to celebrate the new year with you.
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Tunes & Treasures
Saturday, October 19th from 7:00 - 10:00 PM at 162 Mystic Ave, Medford
Join Arts Collaborative Medford for an electrifying Concert and Live Auction
in support of ACM’s New music program with performances by: Mike Quinn, The Clippertones, Tenille Ja'Nae, and Miranda Rae. Admission is free. Find more information here.
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Tufts Inclusive Education Series: "Tools and Strategies for Addressing Racial Inequality"
Workshop: Friday, October 25th from 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM
Post Dialogue: Monday, October 28th from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
The Tufts Inclusive Education Series is a workshop series designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate various forms of bias. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of discrimination while learning practical steps to advocate for positive change. Register for the event here.
Following each workshop, a dialogue opportunity will be offered to process what you learned in the workshop and build an understanding of your peers’ lived experiences related to the session. In this time, you will be in dialogue with peers who may hold different perspectives.
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Upcoming Religious Celebrations and Observances
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.
Ghambar Ayatherm
Saturday, October 12 – Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Celebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop, and the return of herds from pasture.
Sukkot
Wednesday, October 16 – Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. 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. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Installation of Granth Sahib Ji as Guru
Sunday, October 20, 2024
This day celebrates Gobind Singh Ji's passing on guruship to Scripture, henceforth known as the Guru Granth Sahib.
Shemini Atzeret
Wednesday, October 23 – Friday, October 25, 2024
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Translates as "Eighth Day of the Assembly;" unclear purpose in the bible and has had many forms of celebration. Comes at the end of Sukkot and almost coincides with Simchat Torah. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Simchat Torah
Thursday, October 24 – Friday, October 25, 2024
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Translates as "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. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
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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.
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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.
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