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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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Chanukah: The Triumph of Conviction over Conformity
Next week is Chanukah. For eight nights, Jewish communities around the world will kindle lights on a menorah, adding one each evening until all eight burn brightly. The festival commemorates an ancient struggle for religious freedom and cultural integrity, when a small band of Jewish rebels, the Maccabees, stood firm against the vast Greek empire that sought to erase their traditions.
In the Chanukah liturgy, we thank God “for the miracles, the redemption, the mighty deeds… when You delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few.” That line captures the essence of Chanukah: not only the military victory of the few against the many, but the moral and spiritual triumph of conviction over conformity. The Maccabees faced not only swords but social pressure, the allure of fitting in, of blending into the sophisticated, dominant culture of their time.
That struggle is not confined to history. We, too, live in an age where the pull toward conformity is powerful. Algorithms shape our perceptions. Echo chambers reward agreement. Opinions that align with the majority are amplified; those that question them are often ignored, dismissed or maligned. Who wants to stand out? Who wants to risk the discomfort of being in the minority, or worse, being misunderstood? The temptation to follow the crowd is deeply human; it offers safety, belonging, and ease.
But Chanukah challenges that instinct. It reminds us that truth is not established by popularity, and moral clarity is not measured in likes and shares. To think independently, to question received wisdom, to refuse the seduction of groupthink, these are acts of courage. They require the patience to wrestle with complexity and the confidence to hold one’s ground when conviction demands it.
History honors those who have done so: thinkers and visionaries like Galileo, Marie Curie, and Einstein, people who refused to let consensus define reality. Their courage illuminated the world far more brightly than the approval they forfeited.
Chanukah’s enduring light invites us into that same work, to think critically, to live with integrity, and to keep the flame of independent thought burning even when the winds of conformity blow strong. The true miracle is not that the few once triumphed over the many, but that in every generation, there are still those brave enough to do so.
Rabbi Naftali Brawer
Neubauer Executive Director, Tufts Hillel
Jewish Chaplain, Tufts University
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Upcoming Signature Events
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Martin Luther King Celebration 2026
Thursday, January 22, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Distler Hall, 20 Talbot Ave, Medford, MA | Dinner to follow at Alumnae Hall
Join us for this Annual celebration, recommitting Tufts to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. King. The event will feature Ladies Essence and S-Factor, the 2026 Student Voices Winner, the Tufts Wind Ensemble, and the first Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson, who will also speak on our theme. Find more information on our MLK Celebration page and register below.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Blessing of the Laptops for Finals
Wednesday, December 10, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Tisch Library
Take a moment to receive some goodness. Get your laptops blessed and get a candy at the Blessing of the Laptops! Chaplains will provide a non-denominational (i.e. not from a particular tradition) blessing and send you on your way with candy!
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Decompression Space
Wednesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Come one and all for rest, renewal and a regroup! We will have tasty ice cream, Legos, games, crafts, letter writing, good music, and good company…including Pepper the Comfort Dog! Shout out to our fabulous Interfaith Student Council who have planned this evening and are looking forward to hosting you and your friends.
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Campus photography submission!
Submit your best pictures of the campus this semester to be featured on the University Chaplaincy's semester round-up on Instagram! DM us your submissions on Instagram (@tuftschaplaincy) or email the University Chaplaincy.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Apply to be a GradConnect Peer Facilitator
Apply by Monday, December 15
GradConnect is a 6-week, peer led program that helps students build connection with each other. Small groups of students meet for an hour each week to discuss a series of intentional and thought-provoking questions, complete a mini connection project, and receive money for an off-campus outing. Peer Facilitators receive a $230 stipend. GradConnect groups will start in mid-January and run through mid-to-late February. Peer Facilitators can select the weekday and 1-hour time block that they want to lead Project Connect for maximum flexibility. The time commitment involves a one-time 2-hour virtual training and then about 2 hours/week for 6 weeks (1 hour to facilitate, up to 1 hour of prep/communicating with your group). The total expected time commitment is about 12-14 hours). Applications to be a facilitator are due by December 15 at 10 a.m. Reach out to Counseling and Mental Health Promotion Specialist Erica Schonman before the deadline with any questions.
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STEM+M CONNECT: Undergraduate Summer Internship & Mentorship Experience
Applications open Friday, December 12, Deadline: February 1, 11:59 p.m. ET
The Center for Science Education (CSE) and The Office for Multicultural Affairs (OMA) at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) present an opportunity for Tufts sophomores and juniors to participate in the STEM+M CONNECT Program (CONNECT for short). Participants will work in a STEM research lab of their choice or participate in a clinical observership at Tufts Medical Center while they provide near-peer mentorship to Boston-area high school students enrolled in the CONNECT High School Program. All eligible students are welcome to apply. First-generation college students and students from low-income backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. Compensation of $5,000, which can be used for housing, food, and transportation, is provided. Contact SciEd@tufts.edu with any questions.
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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.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Fri., Dec. 12, 2025
Tradition: Christianity-Roman Catholic
Commemorates the day on which the Guadalupana (the Virgin of Guadalupe) appeared to San Juan Diego and her image appeared on his tilma (apron). The miraculous roses Juan Diego found and carried to the Bishop took the form of the image of Mary exactly as she had appeared to him at the hill of Tepeyac.
Hanukkah
Sun., Dec. 14 – Mon., Dec. 22, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
Celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews’ victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which reestablished for a time their religious and political freedom.
Yule
Sun., Dec. 21, 2025
Tradition: Wicca/Paganism
Winter Solstice, celebrating the longest night and the blessings of darkness as well as the rebirth of the sun god.
Christmas
Thu., Dec. 25, 2025
Tradition: Christianity-Protestant, Christianity-Roman Catholic
Celebrates the anniversary of the birth (nativity) of Jesus. Dec. 25 is the date of this observance for Roman Catholic, Protestant, and many Orthodox Christian churches. In some Orthodox churches, Christmas falls on January 7.
Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ
Thu., Dec. 25, 2025
Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox
Celebrates the anniversary of the birth (nativity) of Jesus. December 25 is the date of this observance for Roman Catholic, Protestant, and many Orthodox Christian churches.
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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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