Nowruz Spring Festival, Ramadan, Purim, Holy Week
Nowruz Spring Festival, Ramadan, Purim, Holy Week
 
News and Programs 3.8.24
Nowruz Spring Festival
Nowruz Spring Music and Cultural Festival
Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m., Michael C. Carlos Museum
Nowruz, translated literally as "new day," has its roots in the ancient religious traditions of Persia, and while still a holy day for many, it is also celebrated by many cultures throughout Central, West, and South Asia in connection with the arrival of spring. Celebrate Emory Nowruz through a variety of cultural activities and musical performances, free and open to Emory community and the public. Followed by iftar at Cannon Chapel.
Due to space limitations registration is required. RSVP here.
Emory Ramadan 2024
March 11 - April 10, 2024
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, in which observing Muslims fast from all food and drink from dawn to sunset for a lunar month. Fasting is regarded as an essential spiritual practice for body, mind, and soul that is valued across Muslim communities.
The observance of fasting during the month of Ramadan is noted in the Qur'an and has come to represent the values of reflection, unity, celebration, and personal and communal growth. This year, the sacred month of Ramadan is expected to be observed from sundown March 11 through April 10, 2024. (These days could potentially shift one day based on the sighting of the moon.)
Spring Break
If you will be staying on campus during spring break, please fill out this form by Sunday, March 10 at 11:59 pm. By doing so, you will be guaranteed free iftar from the DCT. If you miss this deadline, please email Dr. Vaid at isam.vaid@emory.edu
Weekday Iftar Prayers and Dinner
Starting after spring break on March 18, Emory’s Muslim community will be observing with daily fasting from dawn through the sunlight hours and nightly iftar communal prayers and dinner. On Atlanta campus, weeknight prayer and dinner will occur at Cannon Chapel with gathering at about 7:45 p.m., followed by prayer and then dinner under the tent next to Cannon Chapel on most nights. Saturday and Sunday prayers and dinner will occur at the Emory Student Center. Weeknight iftars are hosted by the Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life with the MSA, GMSC, Emory Muslim Alumni Association, and several other student organizations and units. Muslim students do not need to RSVP, but guests should register by emailing religiouslife@emory.edu.
Suhoor Bags
Suhoor bags will be provided weeknights at the iftar tent this year. There will also be bags available at DCT and SAAC on the Clairmont campus. They are first-come first-served and can be picked up at any time. On weekends, the suhoor bags will only be at the DCT and SAAC. 
Weekend Iftar Prayers and Dinner
On weekends, OSRL and MSA will not be providing iftars however, by filling out this second form here by Sunday, March 10 at 11:59 pm, you will be guaranteed free iftar meal from the DCT. If you miss this deadline, please email Dr. Vaid at isam.vaid@emory.edu.  
Religious Accommodations
For course and program planning and support with any requests for religious accommodation, the Emory community is encouraged to consult the list of major religious holidays and the Religious Accommodation Policy available at: https://www.religiouslife.emory.edu/about_us/holidays.html
Chaplaincy in Higher Education
Wednesday, March 20, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N Decatur Road
Join the Candler School MTS program for coffee and conversation with Emory’s University Chaplain The Rev. Dr. Gregory McGonigle and members of the OSRL team to learn about chaplaincy in higher education, other forms of chaplaincy (e.g., secondary school, public health, healthcare, and legal), as well as other ways MTS and MDiv students can apply their degrees to careers in higher education. For more information or to RSVP, please email religiouslife@emory.edu. 
Purim Packages at the Interfaith Center
Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
The festival of Purim is a celebration of merriment and masquerades, reversals of fortune and the sheer luck of being in the right place at the right time. One of the highlights of the holiday is the giving (and receiving!) of mishloach manot/Purim gift bags. Join Rabbi Jordan for an evening of preparing your own care packages and discussing the themes of the holiday. Sponsored by Emory Jewish Chaplaincy. For questions, please contact Emory OSRL Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Jordan Braunig
Holy Week
Emory Beloved Community: Holy Week 2024
March 24-31, Cannon Chapel
Join Emory's Office of Spiritual and Religious Life for Holy Week March 24 - 31, 2024. Palm Sunday's worship will be led by Jay Horton at 11:00 a.m. Good Friday's worship will be led by Allison Arsenault at 12:00 p.m. Easter Sunday's service will be lead by Rev. Dr. Avis WIlliams at 11:00 a.m. Please click here to learn more. Sponsored by the Emory Christian Chaplaincy.
With questions, please contact Emory OSRL Christian Chaplain, The Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu
Beloved Community: Holy Saturday Retreat
Holy Saturday, March 30, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Join Beloved Community for their Spring 2024 Retreat on the vigil of Easter. It will include events such as worship, a picnic, Easter crafts, and an egg hunt. 
RSVP here
For questions, please contact Rev. Maddie at mhend25@emory.edu.
Mahashivratri Temple Visit
Emory OSRL Recap: Mahashivratri Temple Visit
Last Saturday, March 2, OSRL and the Hindu Students Association hosted a visit to the Shiva Mandir of Atlanta to mark the upcoming festival of Mahashivratri. Mahashivratri, or “The great night of Shiva” is a Hindu holiday that celebrates the deity Shiva through a day and night of sacred chants and meditation. Our wonderful group of 16 Emory community members had a chance to spend some time on the temple grounds and participate in a prayer and reflection.  
Learn more about Emory's Hindu Chaplaincy here.
Emory OSRL Recap: Sound Bath Meditation
On Monday, March 4, Emory Buddhist Club and Emory Buddhist Chaplaincy partnered with the Center for the Study of Human Health to sponsor a Sound Bath Meditation at the Emory Interfaith Center as a part of Emory’s Living Health Week. The meditation was led by Certified Sound Practitioner Mrs. Noni Keyton, M.Ed.
Learn more about Living Health Week here
Midweek Meditation
Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term starting January 31, 12:00-12:15 p.m. EST, Zoom and Facebook Live 
All are invited to reflect and decompress in a mid-week, mid-day time of sacred music. Join Music Director Maury Allums and the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in taking a moment to breathe and connect with others in our community. Register on Zoom or follow on our Facebook Live. 
Midweek Musical Meditation - 3.6.24
Midweek Musical Meditaton - 3.6.24
International Community Friday Lunch
Friday, March 8, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
International Community Friday Lunch (ICFL) is a long-standing collaboration between the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
This gathering extends a warm welcome and builds community for international students and scholars over a free lunch. Attendees will also meet sponsors who will share helpful campus resources.
ICFL occurs on Fridays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm in Cannon Chapel Brooks Commons. Meals are limited in number and served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn more here
Friday, March 8 Host: Emory Hindu Chaplaincy
Weekly Programs 
Buddhist Meditation
Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 p.m., Cannon Chapel and via Zoom: https://emory.zoom.us/j/515025945
(No Meditation 3/14)
Join us for Buddhist meditation this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. You may come early at around 5:15 pm for a period of community and snacking and to help set up. We will be starting meditation at 6 pm sharp. We encourage you to please come to the sanctuary for meditation before 6 p.m.
Please feel free to enjoy the provided snacks and tea before and/or after the session. Contact: Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman, priya.rakkhit.sraman@emory.edu
Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers
Fridays, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join Emory's Muslim community for weekly Friday Prayers and community. Contact: Muslim Religious Life Scholar Dr. Isam Vaid, isam.vaid@emory.edu.  

Hindu Aarti
Fridays, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
(No Aarthi 3/15)
Join Emory's Hindu Chaplaincy and the Hindu Students Association for weekly Aarti prayers and community.
Contact: Hindu Chaplain Shweta Chaitanya, shweta.chaitanya@emory.edu.

Hillel at Emory: Shabbat Services and Dinner
Fridays, Shabbat Service 6:30 p.m., Dinner 7:00 p.m,  Marcus Hillel Center
(No Shabbat Service and Dinner 3/8)
Join us for Shabbat dinner every Friday night at the Marcus Hillel Center. Optional student-led Shabbat services begin at 6:30, and dinner begins at 7. Please contact Abbie Frankl with any dietary needs abbie@emoryhillel.org.  
Learn more here
Chabad at Emory: Shabbat Services and Dinner
Fridays, Shabbat Service 6:30 p.m., Dinner 7:00 p.m., Chabad at Emory, 1500 N Decatur Road
Come join Chabad for Shabbat on Fridays. Read more here.
University Catholic Center: Mass Times
Saturdays at 5:00 PM - Mass at Oxford College Chapel
Sundays at 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM - Mass at Cannon Chapel
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM - Mass at the University Catholic Center
Thursdays at 12:00 PM - Mass at the University Catholic Center
Reconciliation is available 30 minutes before all Masses, and can also be scheduled at other times by contacting the chaplain.
Learn more here
Beloved Community Protestant Worship in Cannon Chapel
Sundays, 11 a.m., Cannon Chapel followed by a free lunch
(No Beloved Community Worship 3/10 or 3/17)
Beloved Community is the weekly progressive ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community held Sunday mornings at 11 am in Cannon Chapel and followed by a free lunch. 
All are welcome. For more information, please contact Emory Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong.
Monday Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness Circle
Mondays, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Meditation Room, 1707 N. Decatur Road
(No Circle 3/11)
Facilitated by Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman, the Mindfulness Circle is a space for Emory students to practice mindfulness as a group. Every Monday during the semester, we will engage in a mindfulness exercise followed by conversations around the practices of mindfulness. Light refreshments will be provided. 
For more information, please contact Venerable Priya at psraman@emory.edu.
University Catholic Center: Weekly Events
Community Coffee Hour
Sundays at 10:00 AM - Cannon Chapel Brooks Commons
Join us on Sunday mornings after the 9:00 AM Mass for coffee, breakfast goodies, and conversation with friends.
Faith Formation: Catholicism 101
Sundays at 10:30 AM - Cannon Chapel Room 105D
Discover the beauty, spirituality, and truth of the Catholic Church - join Fr. John on Sundays if you are interested in learning about Catholicism and deepening your understanding of the faith. All are welcome. Interested in receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and/or First Eucharist? Sign up or request more info here.
Community Rosary
Mondays at 12:00 PM - Cannon Chapel
Join us as we pray for peace in our world and petition Mary for her intercession.
Eucharistic Adoration
Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM - University Catholic Center
We can show our adoration to God in many ways, but in Eucharistic Adoration, we spend time adoring the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. We invite you to join us in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament every week.
Stations of the Cross
Fridays during Lent at 6:30 PM - University Catholic Center
Join us in prayer and reflection on the Passion of Christ with our outdoor Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross is a 14-step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth. All are invited.
Meatless Lenten Dinner
Fridays during Lent at 7:00 PM - University Catholic Center 
All students are invited to join us for a Lenten dinner at the University Catholic Center, hosted by the Catholic Student Union. Join friends new and old for refreshments, fellowship, and prayer.
InterVarsity Bi-Weekly Worship and Prayer
Every other Thursday from 7:30-8:30 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Join InterVarsity in their bi-weekly worship and prayer service every other Thursday. Enjoy worship music, prayer, and fellowship. Learn more here.
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Free Organ Recital
Sunday, March 17, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Glenn Memorial UMC
Join Glenn Memorial UMC in two weeks for their Associate Director of Music and Worship Arts’ recital. Käthe is ready to rock the house with music from America, England, and France. Bring a friend.
Watch Käthe's recital promo video here.
InterVarsity at Emory: Good Neighbor or Good Citizen? Wrestling with Religious Tolerance in a Divided Nation
Tuesday, March 26, 7:00 p.m., Emory Student Center
What is the role of religion in American politics today? Should religious tolerance still be a guiding ideal, or does our age of extreme polarization demonstrate the flaws of publicly invoking religious ideals in our politics?
Come join us at the Fall 2024 Veritas Forum at Emory, "Good Citizen or Good Neighbor?” to hear Justin Giboney and Emory Law professor Michael Broyde share their thoughts on these questions and more. Co-sponsored by InterVarsity, In Via, and Bread Coffeehouse. 
All are welcome, and free dinner will be provided. To register, click here.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Somsen at elizabeth.somsen@emory.edu
Emory Beloved Community: Bible Study
Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Student Lounge
Join Beloved Community as we discuss some of the perplexing ideas and passages in the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures. 
For questions, contact Rev. Maddie at mhend25@emory.edu.
Emory Latino Fellowship: Bible Study
Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 106
Join Emory Latino Fellowship for Bible Study. 
Emory Orthodox Christian Fellowship: Bible Study
Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel 314
Join Emory Orthodox Christian Fellowship for their weekly Bible Studies starting this week.
Learn more here.
Off Campus Programs 
Interfaith America: Mending What is Broken: Spiritual Caregiving and the Health Crisis
Tuesday, March 19, 2:30 p.m. CST on Zoom
Interfaith America is working to promote our nation’s religious and spiritual diversity as an asset in quality healthcare and lever for building health equity. Join Interfaith America and the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab for conversation about the importance of equipping all providers to work in partnership with spiritual care experts to strengthen care for people of all faiths and none. A chaplain, a health professional, and a patient will share stories of impact as they invite others to build interfaith competency across health settings. Speakers are Anu Gorukanti, MD, Hadia Mubarak, and Mary Martha Thiel. Register for free here. For questions, email info@chaplaincyinnovation.org
Partner Programs 
Same Light, Different Lanterns
March 15-16, 8:00 p.m., Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
Join with Atlanta Master Chorale in a timely concert Same Light, Different Lanterns on March 15 and 16 at 8:00 p.m. at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts (Emory University,) drawing on themes of loving-kindness, and peace across religious traditions and nations. The concert will feature two significant musical works, Indian American composer, Reena Esmail's This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity and Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. This Love Between Us, written for choir, chamber orchestra, sitar, and tabla, is a piece about unity. Its seven movements juxtapose the words of seven major religious traditions of India (Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Islam). Learn more here.
Emory University Office of Respect Brown Bag Lunches
Tuesday, March 19; Wednesday, April 3; Wednesday, April 17; 12 p.m - 1 p.m; Survivor Lounge in AMUC Suite 110
Join the Office of Respect with your lunch for their biweekly brown bag lunch consent series. The event is focused on fostering discussions and raising awareness about important topics, such as consent, advocacy, and eradicating sexual assault, harassment, and intimate partner violence. Each session features expert speakers from various fields who lead conversations and Q and A sessions, providing attendees with valuable insights. The series aims to create a supportive community committed to ending sexual violence and promoting a safer, more respectful world for all. 
For more information, email respect@emory.edu.
Sustainability Vision Community Input Session Kick-Off
Tuesday, March 26, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Zoom
We would like to thank the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who joined us at yesterday’s Sustainability Vision Community Input Session Kick-Off. The OSI team and Ed Lee, Senior Director of Inclusivity for Emory College, enjoyed sharing space, food, and conversation with those who attended! Their wisdom is crucial to Emory’s upcoming Sustainability Vision and Strategic Plan—as is yours.
If you would like an opportunity to share your input, we encourage you to register for one of the upcoming input sessions which will be held over Zoom on March 26 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. and April 18 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Please register for a session through this form to receive a link. 
Opportunities 
Emory Sikh Students Association (SSA) 
Are you Sikh or interested in learning more about Sikhi? Join SSA today. We are here to build a Sikh community and to connect with the larger Atlanta Sikh community. We will host weekly Gurdwara trips, opportunities for service, Rehras, and many more activities.
If you would like to join the GroupMe please email: Prabh Kaur (pkaur7@emory.edu) or Hargunn Sandhu (hargunn.sandhu@emory.edu .Follow us on Instagram @SSA.Emory to keep up to date on our events. 
Emory Muslim Student Association: Sister Sports
Muslim Student Association sisters will be starting a weekly and bimonthly session of sports together. All women are welcome. Sign up here
Southern Dharma Scholarship 2024
How does participating in activities at a Buddhist temple or meditation center help you grow? You can describe your activities - for example, attending chanting and prayers, doing community service and cleaning up, donating food to monastics, teaching younger children, joining group meditation, connecting with your grandparents, etc, and what they mean to you.
If you do not attend a Buddhist temple, monastery, or meditation group, you can describe your learning or practices at home or elsewhere and how you use them in your life. Learn more and apply here.
Weekly Gatherings
Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
There are a plethora of weekly religious and philosophical gatherings offered at Emory. Many of them are listed here and at the button below. Can't find what you are looking for? Contact many of our undergraduate and graduate communities directly or contact our religious life affiliates and OSRL staff. For questions, or to request adding an item to our weekly gatherings page, please email religiouslife@emory.edu.
Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
Emory Interfaith Center Open Hours
(The IFC will be closed for spring break week 3/9-3/17)
The Emory Intefaith Center is a place for worship, prayer, meditation, and retreat on campus for Emory's diverse spiritual communities that also fosters interfaith engagement, education, dialogue, service, and social justice work. It is a home away from home for Emory's diverse spiritual communities, as well as a gateway between the campus and the Atlanta community and world beyond.
The center encompasses spacious and flexible sacred spaces, community and meeting rooms for hospitality, gatherings, studying, and retreats, as well as nearby offices for Emory's multifaith chaplaincy staff, interns, and student workers.
Hours of operation: 
  • Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m-8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday-Sunday: By reservation for programs
To request a reservation, please visit interfaithcenter.emory.edu
For more information, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
Upcoming Religious Holidays
These events are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by the Harvard Divinity School Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here
Nineteen Day Fast
Thu., Feb. 29 – Tue., Mar. 19, 2024
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.
Maha Shivaratri
Fri., Mar. 8, 2024
Tradition: Hinduism
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.
Ramadan
Mon., Mar. 11 – Wed., Apr. 10, 2024
Tradition: Islam
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.
Emory OSRL ENews is published weekly during term by the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life publicizing Atlanta-campus spiritual life programs. It is not a comprehensive listing. For Oxford College spiritual life, please click here. To submit information or to update your preferences, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu. 
 
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