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Qawwali Mehfil performance on November 6th
Photo Credit: Anthony Cruz Pantojas
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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
Dear Jumbo Community,
Last week, alongside the Interfaith Ambassadors, we had the privilege of experiencing the first-ever Sufi Utterances for Peace: Qawwali Mehfil, performed by the talented Ghayoor-Moiz-Mustafa Qawwal & Brothers at Tufts. Reviewing the program and witnessing this beautiful event come to life, I was struck by the many hands and hearts that made it possible: the spark of an idea, the support of peers and colleagues, and the shared commitment to foster a profound experience that transcended words. This performance was cathartic—it called us to open up, tune into the rhythms, and return to a stance of love and listening.
The evening embodied generations of cultural and poetic brilliance, connecting us to stories and wisdom passed down through music and memory. It was especially moving to see a young member of the group—a child—take the stage, reminding us of the importance of intergenerational expression and the spaces we create for others to fully engage in their cultural practices.
Moments like these invite us to reflect: What do we owe to one another and to the generations that came before us? How can we listen to their dreams, their hopes, and their cries for a more expansive, vibrant world?
Together, let us carry forward the stories of our people, continuing to unfold our shared humanity. Through the humanities and the arts, we find ways to become more fully human, embracing lives of depth, beauty, and connection.
En conjunto y aṣe,
Anthony Cruz Pantojas
Humanist Chaplain and Coordinator of Africana Spirituality
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Post-Election Resources at Tufts
If you’re a student and are not sure what resources or supports are available, please reach out to the Student Support team. They can talk you through your options and help you figure out what the next steps may be.
If you want peer support through an anonymous and confidential service, Ears for Peers is available by calling or texting 617-627-3888 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
If you think you might benefit from connecting with a therapist or clinician, or even if you are not sure but want to explore that, you can make an appointment with Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS) by calling 617-627-3360. Appointments with a clinician are available weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, and until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. You also can access the online scheduling system for new appointments, or for Ask a Counselor 15 minute phone consultations, through the Health and Wellness patient portal.
For urgent matters after business hours, the Counselor-on-Call is available by calling the number for CMHS, 617-627-3360, and following the prompts.
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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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First Year Field Trip Series visit to Gurdwara Sahib
Sunday, November 17th from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Join the University Chaplaincy and members of the Interfaith Ambassador Team for an enriching visit to Gurdwara Sahib, governed by the New England Sikh Study Circle. Langar, a community meal, will be offered and we will learn about the Sikh community's traditions and join them during this special weekend as Sikhs around the world celebrate the birth of their founder, Guru Nanak. We will leave the Campus Center at 9:30am and travel to the Gurwara in Westborough via Lyft. Bagels will be provided beginning at 9:15am! Register no later than Friday, November 15th here. Please contact University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger with questions or for more information.
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Engaging Civic Life Post Election: Self, Community, and Care through Dialogue
Tuesday, November 19th at 4:30 PM in the Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop Street
Join us for our concluding event for an opportunity to share, gain insights, and reflect on the significance of civic engagement and our responsibility in the work to come with Massachusetts State Representative Christine Barber.
This event series was made possible partly thanks to a grant from Interfaith America and its Faith in Elections Playbook Program, several Tufts University Identity Centers, and the Generous Listening and Dialogue Initiative.
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Save the Date for Pax et Lux: A Multifaith Winter Celebration
Wednesday, December 4th from 6 PM to 7:30 PM at Goddard Chapel
The University Chaplaincy and Interfaith Ambassadors invite you to Pax et Lux! Translated from Latin, Pax et Lux means peace and light, and is a winter celebration honoring the multicultural and multifaith traditions of the Tufts community. We warmly welcome you for an evening of performances and stories from a variety of Tufts student organizations in the spirit of ushering in peace and light. This will be followed by a catered dinner with a DJ. Contact chaplaincy@tufts.edu with any questions.
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CVS 151-05: Religious Diversity, Interfaith Engagement, and Campus Life
A new course for Spring 2025, Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM
Curious about how religion shapes university and civic life? This Spring 2025 course, offered through Tisch College for Civic Life, delves into the history and complexities of religious diversity on university campuses and its impact on community life. This course also takes you beyond the classroom. Through real-world case studies, site visits around Boston, and insights from guest speakers, you’ll critically assess the role of interfaith activism in tackling issues like climate justice and combating religious bias. There are no pre-requisites for this course. For more information, please contact University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger.
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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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Queerness and Faith Dinner
Thursday, November 14th at 7:00 PM at the Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St., Medford
Hosted by the COFFEE Student Interfaith Coalition, JQUEST, and True Colors, join us for dinner and conversation about queerness and faith on Thursday, November 14 from 7:00 to 8:30pm in the Interfaith Center (58 Winthrop). Folks of all religious, non-religious, spiritual, and philosophical backgrounds are welcome to join. The meal will be catered by Sugar and Spice! Sponsored by the University Chaplaincy and the LGBT Center.
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Death Cafe
Friday, November 15th at 6:00 PM in the Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St
Join the Humanist Community at Tufts for their signature Death Cafe event. Death Cafes are an opportunity to reflect, make new friends, and develop a new understanding of the world and how you fit into it. Cake and Indian food provided. Scan the QR code to RSVP. Contact kate.beveridge@tufts.edu with any questions.
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Catholic Community at Tufts Fall Retreat
Saturday, November 16th from 10 AM to 5 PM
The Catholic Community invites you to our 2024 Fall retreat exploring the topic of pilgrimage and what it means to be on this journey we call Life. Please join us for a day of reflection on Saturday, November 16th from 10 AM to 5 PM starting at the Interfaith Center with a "pilgrimage" to St. Anthony's Shrine in Boston. As Catholics, we celebrate that each of us has our own unique spiritual journey, and we come together to ask how we can walk in the Light of God. Please scan the QR code to sign up or email lynn.cooper@tufts.edu.
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Thanksgiving Dinner
Sunday, November 17 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Remis Sculpture Court, 40 Talbot Ave
Tufts’ Christian communities warmly invite you to dinner in celebration of Thanksgiving as we come together across traditions to give thanks for life’s blessings. We will begin with a brief time of prayer, song, and reflection. Come as you are and stay for as long as you can. Please RSVP here. Contact Daniel.Bell@tufts.edu with any questions.
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American Humanist Association Director Fish Stark on Growing Humanism Today
Sunday, November 24th, 2024 at 1:30 PM in the Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St
We invite you to Meet Fish Stark, the new Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, as he discusses his vision for the AHA, the future of humanism, and how and why our movement will grow. This event is co-sponsored by Greater Boston Humanists, the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard and MIT, and the Tufts Humanist Chaplaincy!
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| Partner and Community Programs
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Pluralism In Place And Practice Lecture
Sunday, November 17th at 7:00 PM at 1555 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
Harvard-Epworth Church's annual Edward L. Mark Lecture on November 17th will feature internationally-known Harvard University religion professor and author Diana Eck in a dialogue with Harvard research scholar Elinor Pierce, about how Americans can navigate the dilemmas and disputes that arise in a multi-faith society.
The lecture will be at the church 7 p.m. next Sunday, and is free to the public. Harvard-Epworth is located at 1555 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge. The lecture will also be live-streamed on their YouTube channel at harvardepworthchurch.org.
Eck is a longtime Harvard-Epworth member. She founded Harvard's Pluralism Project in 1991, to explore the diversity of American religions. Pierce is the Pluralism Projects research director. They will discuss Pierce's documentary film "Abraham's Bridge," which explores an Omaha, Nebraska neighborhood where three Christian, Jewish, and Muslim congregations interact in an intentional relationship.
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Upcoming Religious Celebrations and Observance
To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, including information about seeking religious accommodations at Tufts, please follow the link to the Tufts Mulitfaith Calender.
Guru Nanak's Birthday
Friday, November 15, 2024
Guru Nanak's Birthday. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Day of the Covenant
Sunday, November 24 – Monday, November 25, 2024
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Celebrates the anniversary of the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, as the Center of the Covenant.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Sunday, November 24, 2024
This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith, but also of Hinduism and of religious liberty.
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha
Tuesday, November 26 – Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Commemorates 'Abdu'l-Baha's death.
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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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