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Windows in the Interfaith Center
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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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This past weekend, the second annual Humanist Spark Summit took place. This virtual Summit, co-sponsored by the Humanist Chaplaincy, welcomed participants from around both the U.S. and Europe for two days of conversation and learning, including two of Tufts' Interfaith Ambassadors! The theme this year was Building Better Words Together. In the plenary session, I shared the prescient words of activist and revolutionary Assata Shakur, who recently died in Havana, Cuba. She was known for reiterating the spirit of transgressive knowledge production and praxis. Her body of work incited a question in me: “What becomes possible when we stop building one coherent better world and instead co-design many?”
It was profoundly inspiring to hear two of our Interfaith Ambassadors share their experiences in cultivating interreligious literacy and leadership skills through exploring, wrestling, and accompanying peers on our campus. Our students raised important questions such as: “What is the role of “nones” in interfaith work?” and “What are we losing when we fail to include people who do not fit into traditional religious and interfaith frameworks?"
What moved me most was the community of emerging leaders - including local, regional, and national representatives from grassroots and nonprofit organizations, educators, elected officials, and other young professionals - taking shape together. I saw the future of humanist and secular leaders not waiting for permission, not accepting inherited frameworks without interrogation, but creating new possibilities for what it means to be fully human together.
The philosopher Françoise Vergès reminds us: "We are born helpless, and this helplessness is not a weakness, but the reminder that interdependency is key to our survival." In a world that valorizes individualism and self-sufficiency, this truth feels radical. We need each other—not despite our differences, but because of them. Let’s co-design many worlds, with each other in mind, every day.
In solidarity,
Anthony Cruz Pantojas
Humanist Chaplain and Coordinator of Africana Spirituality
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Multifaith Homecoming Event
Saturday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., register by Thursday, October 9
Welcome to the first annual Multifaith Homecoming event! We look forward to welcoming back all alumni for a service opportunity 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and a conversation with current chaplains and students 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. You are welcome to enjoy lunch together more afterwards together or head out. Please email Nora Bond with any questions. Register through the link below by October 9.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Fall Mindfulness Trip for International Students - register today!
October 4, Saturday, 1:30 p.m - 4:00 p.m, Harvard Arnold Arboretum
The Tufts International Center and Tufts University Chaplaincy invite all international students to participate in a Fall Mindfulness Trip. Come enjoy stunning fall foliage at the famous Boston landmark while participating in a tree practice, silent walking, and light yoga. You will then be free to spend more time at the Arboretum on your own or head back to the Medford campus with accompanying Tufts staff. Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, October 1 through the link below. Departure details will be shared after registration. Please contact International Center Senior Program Administrator Julia Keith or Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye with any questions.
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Dussera & Navaratri Celebration
October 3, Friday, 6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m, Interfaith Center
Join us for a vibrant Dussera & Navaratri Celebration at the Interfaith Center! Enjoy food, garba, and good vibes as we come together to celebrate this special festival. All are welcome—bring your friends and join the fun! Hosted by the University Chaplaincy and the Graduate Student Hindu Association.
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Pride in the PEW!
October 5, Sunday, 7:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Join us for our annual Pride celebration at Protestant Evening Worship. This year we're excited to welcome Tufts alumna and UCC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Candi Ashenden, A92, Senior Pastor of Athol Congregational Church in western Massachusetts. All are welcome!
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Living Wisdom: The Bhagavad Gītā, Vedānta, and Yoga in Daily Life
October 6, Monday, 6:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m, Interfaith Center
This interactive talk explores how teachings from the Bhagavad Gītā, Vedānta, and Yoga traditions offer practical guidance for navigating life’s paradoxes, building resilience, and nurturing mental wellbeing. Through stories and reflection, we will consider how ancient wisdom can illuminate the challenges and opportunities of student life today.
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Chapel Flower Giveaway for Out and Proud Week
Wednesday, October 8, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel patio
As part of the LGBT Center's Out and Proud Week, the University Chaplaincy is hosting a Flower Giveaway on the chapel patio! There will be lavendar-colored cupcakes, a mural, and plenty of good vibes. All are welcome! Email Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell with any questions.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Join the PEW Praise Band!
Do you enjoy singing and/or playing an instrument? We're currently recruiting student volunteers to form a praise band. See details above and find the link to the interest form below to learn more. Please email Music Director Suzie Cartreine with questions.
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Volunteer with Harvard Square Meals Program
Thursdays 4:30 p.m to 7:00 p.m, Main Hall Christ Church
Since 1982, the Harvard Square Churches Meal Program has provided weekly dinners in Cambridge, serving about 120 meals along with Marketplaces offering fresh produce, toiletries, and other essentials. Volunteers are welcome to help support and serve meals. For more information or to volunteer, contact Judy Siemen or Laurie Howell, co-directors at hscmpinc@gmail.com or 617-966-6217.
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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.
Yom Kippur
Wed., Oct. 1 – Thu., Oct. 2, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
The conclusion of the 10 Days of Awe, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is characterized by repentance, fasting, and forgiveness. Yom Kippur begins on the evening of Wednesday, October 1, at sundown.
Dussehra (or Vijaya Dashami)
Thu., Oct. 2, 2025
Tradition: Hinduism
The concluding day of a 10-day festival honoring various goddesses, especially Durga, and Lord Rama, a manifestation of the God Vishnu. The 10-day festival is known as Navaratri (“nine nights”) and Durga Puja (“worship of Durga”). Its pervading theme is the victory of good over evil. Vijaya greetings are sent to friends and relatives.
Sukkot
Mon., Oct. 6 – Mon., Oct. 13, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
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 (Shemini Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a distinct festival.
Ghambar Ayatherm
Sun., Oct. 12 – Thur., Oct. 16, 2025
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
Ghambar Ayatherm is the fourth of six seasonal, five-day festivals in the Zoroastrian religion. The term Ayatherm means "bringing home the herds," and the festival is a time to prepare for winter and appreciate the natural world and celebrate the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop, and the return of herds from pasture.
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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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