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News and Programs 9.25.26
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Sukkot at Emory
September 25-October 2, 2026
Friday, September 25 at sundown begins the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Sukkot is a weeklong holiday in which Jews connect with the natural world and community. Jews all over the world build small structures, called sukkot, and eat in them throughout the holiday. We are instructed to dwell in a sukkah for a week as a way of remembering time wandering in the wilderness. A full moon holiday, the huts are also a reminder of agricultural life and the harvest time. Sukkot are incomplete little houses, often having only three walls, that are meant to be symbols of openness and hospitality.
We welcome everyone to visit the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life Sukkah, which is located on the grass between the Emory Student Center (ESC) and the Alumni Memorial University Center (AMUC). To reserve the Sukkah for a Sukkot observance, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
Learn more about Jewish Life at Emory here.
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OSRL Jewish Life: Sukkot Pickling Workshop
Wednesday, September 30, 12:00-2:00 p.m., Sukkah on the grass between ESC and AMUC
Join Rabbi Jordan, Emory’s Jewish Chaplain, for a fermentation workshop. Wednesday, September 25 at sundown begins the festival of Sukkot, a time connected to agricultural cycles and to the harvest season. In the ancient world (and today) the abundance of produce is preserved through pickling. Stop by for a quick tutorial on making pickles through lactofermentation and leave with your own small jar of kosher dills. No prior pickling experience required. RSVP (appreciated, but not required) here.
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WISE Interfaith Pre-Orientation Reunion
Thursday, October 1, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sukkah between the ESC and AMUC
All alums (peer mentors and first year participants) of our WISE (Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration) Pre-Orientation are invited to our annual reunion. Enjoy doughnuts and coffee with your WISE friends in the Sukkah, located on the plaza between the ESC and the AMUC building. 2026 participants will also receive a photo keepsake. Stop by anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Coffee temperature will depend on the weather, and in case of storms we will move to the AMUC 125 suite. For questions, please contact Liz Martin at elizabeth.ann.martin@emory.edu.
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Chabad at Emory: Sukkot Events
1500 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30306
Join Chabad at Emory for Sukkot events. Text key words to 404-999-7787 to save your seat.
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Hillel at Emory: Sushi Making in the Sukkah
Wednesday, September 30, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Hillel Sukkah
RSVP required so we havbe enough supplies. Use the link in our bio to save your sport. Link here.
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Sacred Conversations: Spirituality and Mental Health Discussion Group
Fridays, 11:00 am-Noon, AMUC 125 starting Friday September 25
Facilitators:
- Dr. RaiNesha Miller, Staff Psychologist, Emory Counseling and Psychological Services
- Rabbi Jordan Braunig, Jewish Chaplain, Office of Spiritual and Religious Life
Join us for 4, 1-hour discussions of how spirituality and mental health relate to each other. Limited to 10 Emory undergraduate students. Students of all religious, spiritual, and philosophical identities are welcome. Register here. For more information, email religiouslife@emory.edu. Sponsored by Emory Counseling and Psychological Services and Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.
Note: This is an educational and community-building discussion series, not a therapy or treatment group. We will ask for your anonymous feedback about this program as part of your participation, to learn its value for students and others. This program is co-sponsored by The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab.
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Emory OSRL Flourishing Fellows: Breathe and Brew
Saturday, September 26, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Join the Flourishing Fellows and Office of Spiritual and Religious Life for Breathe and Brew. Wind down with a coffee-shop style study session. Drop in and say hi. Open to all.
Sponsored by the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.
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Emory OSRL: Chaplain Office Hours in AMUC 125
Monday-Friday starting Monday, August 31, Noon-2:00 pm, AMUC 125
The Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life chaplains are available Monday through Friday from approximately Noon-2 pm during term in AMUC Suite 125 to offer pastoral care and have meetings with students, faculty, and staff.
To schedule a time with a chaplain outside of these hours, please contact them directly here. You can also contact our religious life affiliates here.
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Register Today: Emory OSRL Homecoming and Family Weekend Events
October 22-25, 2026
Join the Emory OSRL for many spiritual programs and festive receptions over Homecoming and Family Weekend. Find our table at the Food and Music Festival on Saturday, October 25 from Noon-4:30 pm on the Quad and be sure to attend one of the spiritual gatherings hosted by our Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim chaplains throughout the weekend
A list of the events and registration info can be found here.
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Upcoming Spiritual Life Programs
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Beloved Community Christian Worship and Free Lunch
Sundays, 11:00 a.m Services, Noon Free Lunch, Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel. All are welcome. See above for a full preacher schedule for this upcoming semester.
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Beloved Community Weekly Bible Study
Tuesdays, Starting September 1, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Join us for Bible Study over drinks and snacks every Tuesday at 6 pm at the Emory Interfaith Center. The theme this Fall 2026 semster is Call Stories.
For questions, please contact Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
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Buddhist Meditation
Thursday, 6:00 p.m. Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join the Emory Buddhist community in guided meditation and discussion. Come to meditate, to make friends, and to learn about Buddhist life at Emory. Come to Cannon Chapel 106 for snacks and discussion beforehand at 5:30 pm.
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Mindfulness Circle
Mondays starting September 14, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Meditation Room
Facilitated by Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman, the Mindfulness Circle is a space exclusively 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.
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Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers and Halal Lunch
Friday prayers, 1:55 p.m., Lunch 2:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join us for Friday prayers, which will be followed by a hot halal lunch in Brooks Commons.
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Emory Muslim Life and MSA: Weekly Halaqa
Wednesdays starting September 9, 6:00-7:00 pm, Cannon Chapel 314
All Emory students are invited to join us for an Islamic text study on different topics each week. Dinner will be provided. RSVP here.
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MSA: Quran Circle
Beginning September 11, 12:30 and 1:15 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Meet members of the Emory Muslim community to study, discuss, and learn from the Quran every Friday.
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MSA: Emory Impact Day
Saturday, September 26, 12:30-1:30 pm, ESC
Assalamu alaykum everyone! Join Emory MSA in volunteering for Emory Impact Day on September 26th! We will be volunteering from 12:30-1:20 pm (shift 3) with the Emory Sandwich Project. This opportunity is a great way to dip your toes in volunteering and service, while simultaneously allowing you to engage with the Muslim community on campus! It will be held on campus at the Emory Student Center (ESC). Please fill out the Google Form via the QR code here or our bio if you plan to attend.
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Weekly Hindu Aarthi
Friday, September 25, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join Emory's Hindu community and HSA for a weekly aarthi service. All are welcome for an evening of prayer, discussion, and community. Join us after aarti for samosas in Room 106.
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Torah Study with Rabbi Jordan
Fridays starting September 4, 2:00 p.m., AMUC 125 (*No meeting on 9/11 for Rosh Hashanah)
Join Rabbi Jordan, Emory’s Jewish Chaplain, for a weekly exploration of Jewish wisdom. Meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Friday’s in the Alumni Memorial University Center (AMUC) Suite 125, students will encounter classical and modern Jewish texts that speak to the moment that we are living through. Light snacks and weighty wisdom will be served.
For questions or more information, please contact Rabbi Jordan Braunig here.
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Hillel: Upcoming Events
We’ve got sushi making in the sukkah, First Year Poker Night, a pre-Shabbat challah bake, and lots more coming up. Check out the calendar and start making your plans.
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Chabad at Emory: Shabbat
Fridays during Term, Services 7:30 p.m., Dinner 8:00 p.m., 1500 N Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30306
Join fellow Emoryites and experience Shabbat at Chabad. A perfect blend of gourmet food, spirited singing, friendly schmoozing, and inspired ideas. RVSP is a must. Text “Shabbat Dinner” to 404.999.7787 to register. Sponsored by Chabad at Emory. Learn more here.
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University Catholic Center: Sunday Mass
Sundays 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Weekly Schedule:
- Sunday: Confessions 8:00-8:50 am Mass at 9:00 am (Cannon Chapel)
- Sunday (starting 8/30): Confessions 4:00-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Cannon Chapel)
- Monday: Confessions 4-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Catholic Center)
- Tuesday: Mass at 9:00 am (Catholic Center)
- Wednesday: Confessions 4-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Catholic Center)
- Thursday: Confessions at 8:00-8:50 am Mass at 9:00 am (Catholic Center)
Learn more at the University Catholic Center website here.
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Emory Wesley Fellowship: Upcoming Events
Monday Night Dinner and Worship
Mondays, 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, 1660 N Decatur Road
Monday night worship at Wesley Fellowship is underway, and we'd love for you to join us! Come enjoy a free dinner at 6 in the Fellowship Hall at Glenn Memorial UMC, then worship with us in Glenn's Little Chapel at 6:30. In worship, you can expect a blend of traditional and contemporary music, a message, prayer, scripture, and Communion. Stick around after for fellowship and a treat. Contact Sutton at ssmith@glennumc.org with questions.
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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Young Adult Gatherings
Young adults and college students are invited to gather for Sunday School each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Wesley Room in Glenn's Church School Building, room 211. This fall, we're reading the book of Acts. All are welcome — no preparation needed. Let me know if you need help finding our room, and I'll share directions. Donuts provided.
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Bread Coffeehouse: Small Groups
The Bread Coffee House offers weekly small groups featuring crafting, cooking, bible studies, baking, board games, and mocktail nights. Students can connect, relax, and explore new skills or faith throughout the week with hosted student- and leader-led sessions. For more information, please reach out directly to the host listed for each specific event.
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RUF: Upcoming Programs
Connect with RUF at these upcoming programs.
For more information, please contact Rev. George Hamm here at or click here for more information.
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RUF: Fall Conference
October 9-11, Sharptop Cove in Jasper, GA
A weekend to make new friends, play games, go to seminars on the Bible, hike, and rest! It costs $165, but if you need financial assistance, we have scholarships! Don’t let the cost be a reason you don’t come!
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Emory Christian Fellowship: Bible Study
Thursdays, 7:15 p.m., Few Hall Room 131
We are a non-denominational Christian student organization apart of Intervarsity on campus. We host weekly bible studies on Thursdays from 7:15-9pm in Few Hall rm 131. Learn more here.
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Emory InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: Welcome Dinner
Saturday, September 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m., First Alliance Church
Join us for a time of fellowship to welcome back returning members and meet new faces. All students are welcome, regardless of program or religious background. This is a perfect time to invite someone new. You can register for the dinner here. To learn more, please email intl.intervarsity.iif@gmail.com.
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Emory Journey Church: Upperclassmen Bible Study
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Callaway S102
Join Journey Church for upperclassmen Bible study group to talk about your faith. Click here to learn more about the Bible study and Journey Church of Atlanta.
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Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF): Weekly Bible Study
Wednesdays, Noon-1:00 p.m., AMUC 125C
Join us for Bible Study on the theme "Abiding in Christ" and that we will have starting September 30. Contact elizabeth.somsen@emory.edu for questions.
GCF: First Friday
Friday, October 2, 7:00 pm, Cannon Chapel
Join GCF for dinner, dessert, and a message from David Roth from Memorial Drive Ministries? Contact elizabeth.somsen@emory.edu for questions.
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Georgia Buddhist Vihara: One Day Retreat Program Mindfulness & Vipassana Meditation
Sunday, September 27, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Georgia Buddhist Vihara, 3153 Miller Road, Lithonia, GA
Join Georgia Buddhist Vihara for a day of meditation, reflection, and Dhamma. This is a one-day retreat is an opportunity to deepen spiritual practice, explore meditation techniques, and experience the benefits of mindfulness. Please register here if you are interested.
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Interfaith Atlanta: World Rivers
Sunday, September 27, 2:00-4:00 pm.
Celebrate World Rivers Day and Global Ismaili CIVIC Day with Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Ismaili CIVIC, and Interfaith Atlanta on Sunday, September 27 (2:00–4:00 p.m.). Communities of all faiths are invited to put shared environmental ethics into practice during an interfaith creek cleanup across five Metro Atlanta sites.
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Interfaith Atlanta: Faith Exchange Program
Various times and locations.
Discover Atlanta’s rich religious diversity through Interfaith Atlanta’s Faith Exchange Program, which invites community members to visit local congregations and experience diverse weekly rituals firsthand. The first Faith Exchange Day takes place at the Atlanta Friends Meeting on Sunday, October 18 (9:30–11:30 a.m.), featuring an unprogrammed Quaker service followed by guided discussion and reflection.
For more information, click here.
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The Carter Center: Disagreeing in Good Faith Service of Prayer
Thursday, October 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m., The Carter Center's Cecil B. Day Chapel
As we prepare for the upcoming midterm General Election, please save the date for the fourth Service of Prayer event on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at The Carter Center. Join faith and youth leaders from Georgia for this unique multi-faith convening to help us all reflect on the values that connect us ahead of the election. Please RSVP here.
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Volunteer Emory: Impact Day
Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., ESC Multipurpose Rooms
We are only one month away from the BIGGEST service day of the semester. Reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code or by clicking the link below, and bring your friends for an amazing day dedicated to helping the community around us. RSVP here.
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Aquinas Center: Upcoming Programs
Catholic Social Teaching and the Meaning of Work
Tuesday, September 29, 6:30–9:00 p.m., Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Atlanta)
Dr. Kate Ward will explore how Catholic social teaching can help us reconsider the purpose of work, confront workplace injustice, and make space for rest, leisure, and human flourishing. This free program includes dinner for registered guests. Register Here Today.
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Emory University’S TAM Institute for Jewish Studies: God Bless the Pill
Wednesday, September 30, 4:00 p.m., Callaway Memorial Center, room N204
Join TAM for a seminar with Samira K. Mehta, a professor of Women and Gender Studies and Jewish Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. A graduate of the Emory University's Graduate Division of Religion, she is the author, of God Bless the Pill: The Surprising History of Contraception and Sexuality in American Religion.
Please RSVP here. If you have any questions about the event, you can email Eric Goldstein at egoldst@emory.edu.
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Emory Office of Sustainability Initatives: Sustainable Food Fair
Tuesday, October 6, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Asbury Circle
Come to the 2026 Emory Sustainable Food Fair at Asbury Circle. Explore local business vendors, educational stands, food samples, live performances, prizes, and more.
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Center for the Study of Law and Religion: 2026 Sheth Lecture in India Studies
Thursday, October 15, 4:30 p.m., Tull Auditorium
The Center for the Study of Law and Religion is hosting the 2026 Sheth Lecture in India Studies, titled "Dynamic Equilibrium in the Indian Constitution." Dr. Deepa Das Acevedo, an Associate Professor of Law at Emory University, will deliver the lecture.
Parking is available to visitors free of charge after 4:00 p.m. in the Gambrell Parking Deck behind the School of Law. Learn more here.
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Emory Advance
January 3-7, 2027, North Georgia
The Emory ADVANCE is a five-day experiential program for Emory undergraduate and graduate students focused on purpose, values, leadership, reflection, and connection. It will take place January 3–7, 2027, in North Georgia, and participation is free.
This event will be a transformative five-day experience for students who want to pause, reflect, and prepare for what comes next — in college and beyond. Students will step away from campus, engage in conversations about purpose, values, and leadership, connect with peers and faculty across disciplines, and recharge in a reflective retreat setting.
To apply or for more information, click here.
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FUSD: Poll Chaplain/Peacemaker Training
Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD) invites interfaith and multicultural leaders to serve as Poll Chaplains/Peacekeepers for the 2026 Midterm elections. To help protect vulnerable voters and ensure safe polling locations, participants must complete de-escalation and rights training. Register today to join a session and prepare for this crucial nonpartisan role.
For more information, click here
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Chaplaincy Innovation Lab: Self-paced Courses
The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab offers self-paced courses on trauma, mental health, and AI in spiritual care, led by expert educators, so chaplains can navigate emerging modalities on their own schedule. Each course includes one year of unlimited access and completion verification.
For more information, click here
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Eagle Food Pantry
Open Fridays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., September 4-December 4, 2026, Bread Coffeehouse, 1227 Clifton Road
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Emory Office of Spiritual and Religous Life Sacred Spaces
The Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life maintains many prayer and meditation spaces across campus, including the Emory Interfaith Center at 1707 N. Decatur Road. Please feel free to stop by for a free coffee or snack, reserve space for your spiritual gatherings, talk with a chaplain, or just relax.
Learn more about the Emory Interfaith Center here. Learn about our other sacred spaces here.
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Religious Accommodations: List of Major Religious Holidays 2026-27
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The Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life seeks to provide guidance for the Emory community regarding upcoming religious holiday observances that may impact the community by providing a list of major religious holidays observed by sizeable religious demographic groups within the Emory community.
These are provided in order to assist community members with avoiding potential schedule conflicts. For more information, please click here.
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Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
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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.
Check back for more weekly gatherings as the semester gets started.
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Upcoming Religious Holidays
These events are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at Harvard Divinity School. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here.
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Sukkot
Fri., Sep. 25 – Fri., Oct. 2, 2026
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 Gods presence in creation and among the Jewish people. The Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a distinct festival. The holiday begins at or around sundown on the calendar date listed.
Shmini Atzeret
Fri., Oct. 2 – Sat., Oct. 3, 2026
Tradition: Judaism
The Eighth Day of Sukkot (Shemini Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a distinct festival. The holiday begins at or around sundown on the calendar date listed.
Simchat Torah
Sat., Oct. 3 – Sun., Oct. 4, 2026
Tradition: Judaism
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.
The holiday begins at or around sundown on the calendar date listed.
Navratri
Sun., Oct. 11 – Tue., Oct. 20, 2026
Tradition: Hinduism
A nine-night (nav-rat) celebration of nine auspicious forms of Shakti/Devi (feminine divine power/the Goddess). Navratri occurs four times each year. Of these, Sharad/Shardiya Navratri in September/October is the most widely observed.
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Emory University Chaplaincy ENews is published weekly during term by the Emory University Chaplaincy, 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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