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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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Ladies of Essence and S-Factor singing Lift Every Voice at the MLK Celebration, January 22, 2026
Photo credit: Jodi Hilton Photography
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Dear Tufts Community,
Last week at Distler Hall, the Tufts community gathered with both solemnity and joy to celebrate the prophetic life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We have gathered as a communnity for this reason for over thirteen years, and each year, we explore an aspect of Rev. Dr. King’s legacy. Our 2026 theme, “Lifting Every Voice,” resonated throughout the evening – from the powerful voices of Ladies of Essence and S-Factor, to the thought-provoking spoken word from our keynote Poet Laureate Regie Gibson, to a moving performance by the Tufts Wind Ensemble.
In my invocation for the evening I said, “Now is the time for King’s witness and tonight’s performances and poetry to summon within us the creativity and resolve to lift our beautifully varied voices for the sake of all God’s children, our human family.” Summoning the creativity and resolve for this moment can feel desperately difficult, if not impossible. The violations of human dignity that we are witnessing daily in America taps our hope and strength all too easily.
And still King calls us to not rest, not be satisfied, until “justice rolls down like waters.”[1] It’s a galvanizing message and a tall order. Face the gargantuan tasks of establishing justice for all in this country? After all of this? That feels too daunting when I am alone, scrolling through frightening headlines. But it feels less hard when I am in a room of people making music together and responding to a poet’s call to embrace a patriotism that is about loving all Americans.
Last week, witnessing the talent of Tufts students and staff, hearing from our Student Voices winner, and eating dinner in community was good for my creativity and resolve. It was a small, needed dose of unrest and dissatisfaction delivered alongside beauty and community. What a gift.
We are lucky and proud to host this event each year, and especially grateful to the Department of Music and the Granoff Music Center for their support this year. We will share the recording soon, and hope you can watch or re-watch when you need a dose of goodness too.
Keep singing, keep connecting, keep imagining justice rolling down like waters.
Pax et Lux,
Elyse Nelson Winger
University Chaplain
[1] King, Martin Luther. “I Have a Dream.” March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Aug. 28, 1963, Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC.
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Upcoming Signature Events
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The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Community Action
Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
“And some of us who have already begun to break the silence of the night have found that the calling to speak is often a vocation of agony, but we must speak. We must speak with all the humility that is appropriate to our limited vision, but we must speak.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Beyond Vietnam, A Time to Break Silence,” 1967
Join the Interfaith Ambassador Team for the 2026 MLK Day of Community Action for dinner, workshops led by Tufts faculty, and an open mic. Together, we will explore our own roles in the fight for change through the lenses of language, music, and art. Engage in conversation, collaborate with friends and learn from our histories. Locally sourced dinner will be provided. For questions, please contact Interfaith Ambassador Tyler Kwong.
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Interfaith Week with the Interfaith Student Council
Friday February 6 - Friday February 13
At the University Chaplaincy, like all of Tufts, gatherings are always open to everyone and during Interfaith Week our religious and philosophical student organizations are making a special effort to embrace a spirit of radical hospitality! Each group will be especially expecting newcomers and visitors, explaining rituals, sharing practices, and providing snacks. We aim to build religious literacy, empathy and connection on campus, and share our rich and diverse traditions with each other. For any questions or to learn more, contact Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper and Muslim Chaplain Khan Shairani.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Read and Reflect on Revelation: Pizza Dinner and Bible Study
Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Austin Conference Room, Tisch Library
Join us to learn more about the most mysterious books of the Bible, the Book of Revelation. All students, regardless of background, identity or prior experience are welcome If you have any questions or to learn more, contact Protestant Chaplain, Dan Bell.
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The Monday Reset with the Bhakti Club
Starting Monday, Feb 2, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
Join the Monday Reset, a bi-weekly space to slow down and recharge. Each session includes relaxing music, light movement, guided meditation, thought reflections, and insights from ancient Indian texts. Enjoy a free dinner and start your week with us, feeling calmer and more centered. Everyone is welcome regardless of background or experience. For questions or more information, contact student leader Niam Lakhani.
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Tea & Community Care: Full Moon Celebration with Jonathan Makransky
Wednesday, February 4, 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Join the Buddhist Chaplaincy in celebrating the Full Moon with Jonathan Makransky, a lifelong practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism with deep experience in practice leadership and youth mentorship. He will share his personal journey in Tibetan Buddhist practice and offer reflections on the Heart Sutra. Come for the conversation, stay for the community. Sushi will be served beginning at 6:45 p.m. For any questions, contact Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye.
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Finding Meaning in the Non-Linear: Reflections on Success, Productivity & Career Paths
Wednesday, February 4, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
Drawing on her unconventional career path from U.S. Public Health Official to Certified Professional Organizer, entrepreneur, and award-winning author, Jenny Albertini, MPH (Tufts CH A02) will share how professional ambition, personal values, and lived experience can be integrated into a meaningful life. In this interactive workshop, Jenny will invite us to reflect on the assumptions we hold about success, productivity, and linear career paths. Dinner provided. Co-sponsored by Community Health, Career Services and the University Chaplaincy. Please register below. You can email the University Chaplaincy with any questions.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Small Art, Big Wisdom: Call for Artists
Submission Deadline: Wednesday, February 18
Draw inspiration from your own personal story, Zen Buddhist stories, or Jātaka tales to create a small-scale artwork. The finished piece will be presented in late March at SMFA and in mid-April at the Interfaith Center. Contact Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye with questions. More information and submission guidelines can be found through the link below.
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Chrysalis Retreat
Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. - Sunday, March 8, 7:00 p.m., Providence Zen Center, RI
Sign up by February 12
Chrysalis retreat is designed for participating graduate students to cultivate authenticity and belonging through interdisciplinary approaches, integrating cognitive (counter narratives, strengths based approach, social identity wheel), relational (restorative practices, generous listening and dialogue with compassion, community building), and somatic (yoga, guided meditation, mindfulness nature walk, contact improvisation dance, etc,) approaches. For questions or more information contact Ryoka Teramachi. Open to all Tufts graduate students.
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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.
Sadeh
Thu., Jan. 29, 2026
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
An Iranian mid-winter celebration observed by the kindling of fire. Meaning “one-hundred,” Sadeh marks 50 days (100 days and nights) before Naw Ruz.
Imbolc
Sun., Feb. 1, 2026
Tradition: Wicca/Paganism
The first fertility festival, celebrating the approach of spring and the growth of light in the darkness.
Tu B'Shevat
Sun., Feb. 1 – Mon., Feb. 2, 2026
Tradition: Judaism
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Literally meaning "New Year of the Trees," it is an agricultural new year.
Laylat al-Bara'ah
Mon., Feb. 2 – Tue., Feb. 3, 2026
Tradition: Islam
Night of Repentance; on this night, God approaches the Earth to call humanity and to grant forgiveness of sins. Observed on the 14th day of the lunar month of Sha'ban.
Maha Shivaratri
Sun., Feb. 15 - Mon., Feb 16, 2026
A feast dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The night before the feast, fasting is observed, texts are recited, songs are sung, and stories told in honor of this God whose cosmic dance creates, preserves, destroys, and recreates the world.
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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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