Christmas, Chanukah, and Bodhi Day
Christmas, Chanukah, and Bodhi Day
 
News and Programs 12.01.22
Emory Chanukah
Emory Pre-Chanukah Celebration
Tuesday, December 6, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Kaldi's Coffee at the Emory Student Center
All are welcome for a Pre-Chanukah celebration sponsored by Emory’s Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in conjunction with the Bayit, Chabad, Hillel and Meor. Delicious latkes and kosher donuts as well as hot drinks will be served.
All are welcome.
Come shine light and share joy with the whole Emory community.
For more information, contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
Celebrate Winter Holidays at Emory: Pre-Christmas Festivities this Weekend
The Emory community will celebrate winter holidays in the coming weeks with music, art and special spiritual events. All programs are open to the public. 
For a list of programming, please visit the Emory Report article here
Bodhi Day
Emory Bodhi Day Celebration
Thursday, December 8, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Bodhi Day is celebrated in the Mahayana Tradition of Buddhism to commemorate the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha. Emory Buddhist community and spiritual friends from Atlanta will gather to celebrate this occasion with spiritual reflection, contemplation and gratitude. Vegetarian dinner will follow the spiritual practice. RSVP here
For questions, please contact Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman
Emory Interfaith Center
Emory Interfaith Center Artwork: Listening Sessions
Emory OSRL is working with Dashboard, a nonprofit arts organization that helps connect artists with creative projects, to envision artwork for the new Emory Interfaith Center. 
Recognizing the rich spiritual diversity at Emory, we want to hear from the Emory community about the artwork you would like to see in the new space. Please sign up for a session below:
Student Dinner Session
Monday, December 5, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel

Register for in-person or Zoom here
Faculty, Staff, and Affiliate Breakfast Session
Wednesday, December 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel

Register for in-person or Zoom here
With questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
Register Here
Feature: Dean McGonigle selected to represent USA to the International Association of Chaplains in Higher Education
Emory Dean of Religious Life and University Chaplain Gregory W. McGonigle, who is past president of the National Association of College and University Chaplains, has been selected to serve a four-year term on the executive board of the International Association of Chaplains in Higher Education (IACHE).
Among other activities, this international professional association convenes chaplains from around the world every four years to deepen international relations and to share insights about higher education chaplaincy and spiritual life from around the world. Its last conference took place in June 2022 at the University of Sheffield in England, where Dean McGonigle presented on the topic of multifaith chaplaincy in higher education.
Dr. McGonigle joins chaplain colleagues from Harvard Divinity School and Colgate University in representing research universities and divinity schools from the United States on this international board, and looks forward to promoting Emory in the global context of spiritual life in higher education. To learn more, visit: http://www.iache.org/.
Emory OSRL in the News: Spiritual Life Strategic Plan Report 
Emory Report, November 21, 2022
"What is the relationship between Emory’s Methodist heritage and its diverse religious life today? How much do faculty, staff and student leaders know about the spiritual lives and needs of those they teach and learn with? And how can interfaith engagement become a bridge between the university and the city of Atlanta, where faith communities have played a pivotal role in historic movements for social justice?
These questions and more bubbled up during an 18-month process of discussion and research that engaged over 150 students, faculty, staff and alumni with the goal of developing a five-year interfaith strategic plan for religious life. Emory is among the first U.S. research universities to undertake such a comprehensive interfaith strategic planning process." Read the full Emory Report article here
Midweek Musical Meditation
Mid-week Musical Meditation, Wed. 12-12:15 p.m.
Wednesdays during Term, 12:00-12:15 p.m. EST, Zoom and Facebook Live
All are invited to reflect and decompress in a midweek, midday 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 through the link below or through our website. Like us on Facebook to receive updates on the Livestream.
Below is a recording of last week's musical meditation.
Click Here to Register on Zoom
Mid-Week Musical Meditation 11.30.22
Last Midweek Music Meditation of Fall Semester 2022: 11.30.22
Upcoming Programs
In Via Emory Journal of Christian Thought: Fall Release Party
TONIGHT: Thursday, December 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Callaway C101
In Via, Emory's Christian thought journal, invites you to celebrate the release of their fall edition today. Learn more here
Guided meditation
TONIGHT: Guided Meditation and Discussion with Ven. Priya Sraman
Thursday, December 1, 6:00-7:00 p.m., In-person option: Cannon Chapel Room 106, Zoom option: https://emory.zoom.us/j/515025945
Join us for Buddhist meditation this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. You may also come early starting at 5:30 p.m. for a period of community and snacking while we prepare for the meditation session. Please feel free to enjoy the provided snacks and tea before and/or after the session. For questions, please contact religious@emory.edu
Shabutsu Communal Buddhist Art Workshop: Mindful Creativity and Relaxation
Friday, December 2, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Tate Room, Carlos Museum
Join Dr. Cheryl Crowley and the Buddhist community in this collaborative Buddhist art workshop to explore and engage in a traditional Japanese Buddhist practice called Shabutsu (meditative creation of Buddhist images). In this workshop, participants will each create individual pieces which will finally contribute to a single large piece in the form of a mandala.
Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to come and go as you like, there is no experience or ability necessary. Materials and instruction will be provided. Register here.
For questions, please contact ccrowle@emory.edu. Cosponsored by the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life and Department of Russian and East Asian Languages and Cultures.
Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers
Fridays, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join Emory's Muslim community for Friday Prayers. For questions, please contact Isam Vaid.  
Hindu Aarthi
Fridays, 5 p.m., Cannon Chapel

Join Emory's Hindu community for Friday Aarthi. For questions, please contact Chaplain Shweta Chaitanya.

Hillel at Emory: Fall 2022 Farewell Shabbat
Friday, December 2, 6:00 p.m., Emory Hillel
15 weeks of the 16-week semester have come and gone. The community that was built at Hillel of Emory is supported and will be here with the start of the Spring Semester, but before everyone leaves, join them for one last Shabbat service and one last meal with friends at Hillel. Learn more here


InterVarsity: Christmas Party
Friday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.
You are invited to join our InterVarsity Christmas party with the International Intervarsity Fellowship of Georgia. To register, click HERE.


Qiyam Night: Finals De-Stress Event
Friday, December 2, 7:00 p.m., Candler Room 101
Salaam wa Alaykum everyone! In preparation for finals, this Friday we will be having our first Qiyam Night. There will be space for studying, socializing, and praying. Be sure to come by and enjoy some ramen and pancakes All are welcome and bring a friend. Link here
University Catholic Center
University Catholic Center Events
Christmas Party
Saturday, December 3, 7:00 p.m., University Catholic CenterJoin us for our yearly community Christmas party at the University Catholic Center. Enjoy carols performed by members of our music ministry, get your picture taken with Santa, and fill your belly with a delicious meal.
Sunday Mass
Sundays during Term, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Holy Day Mass on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Thursday, December 8, 6:00 p.m., University Catholic Center
Join us for Mass at the University Catholic Center in celebration of the conception of Mary without original sin. This is a holy day of obligation.
Beloved Community Fall 2022
Beloved Community Christian Worship and Lunch in Cannon Chapel
Sundays during Term, 11:00 a.m. Service, Noon Lunch 
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly progressive ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel and followed by a free lunch. All are welcome.
For more information please contact Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Henderson.
Beloved Community Christmas Party
Sunday, December 4, Noon, Cannon Chapel
Join Beloved Community for our annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 4 at noon in Brooks Commons. We will have our weekly lunch along with hot cocoa, and we will decorate Christmas ornaments as we celebrate the season of Advent together. We hope to see you there. For questions, please contact Christian Chaplain The Rev. Maddie Henderson
Mindfulness and Wellbeing Circle
Mindfulness and Wellbeing Circle
Mondays during Term, 12:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 106
Mindfulness and Wellbeing Circle is a space for cultivating and engaging in mindfulness practices for our individual and collective well-being. It is a place for community, rest, and learning. All are welcome to the circle for group meditations, contemplations, and reflections facilitated by Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman. 
For more information, please contact Venerable Priya Sraman. Light refreshments will be provided. 
Bread Coffeehouse White Elephant Party
Monday, December 5, 7:00 p.m., Bread Coffeehouse
Next Monday is Bread Coffeehouse’s annual White Elephant party. They will have hot chocolate, cider, Christmas cookies, and fun presents. They would love for you to bring a wrapped present ($5 max) and to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. Learn more here


Partner Programs
Night Market
Windows to the World: Global Night Market
Thursday, December 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Emory Student Center Multipurpose Rooms 1 and 2
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) invites the entire Emory community to transport themselves to the energy and fun of night markets around the world. Students, scholars, and staff from diverse countries will have stalls with international food, drinks, games, and activities to offer a break from the end-of-semester stress. 
Please register in advance on the ISSS Hub page.
Mind, Body, and Soul: A Faith and HIV Summit
Thursday, December 1, 2022, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Candler School of Theology Atrium
Join academic, faith, and community leaders standing together in the fight against HIV. 
Learn more and register here

Cooke Noontime Concert
Friday, December 2, 2022, 12:00 p.m., Carlos Museum
The Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta and the Carlos Museum welcome husband and wife pianists Kyung and Michael Kim for a Cooke Noontime Concert.
Space is limited and registration is required by clicking here.
Arts and Social Justice Project Showcase and Community Conversation
Tuesday, December 6, 6:00 p.m., Switchyards Downtown Club
Inspired by faith in the power of art to open spaces for conversation, community-making, and collective action, the ASJ Program brings Atlanta artists into Emory classrooms to help students translate their learning into creative activism in the name of social justice. Each artist is paired with an Emory faculty member to co-teach an existing course and design a relevant creative project for their students to produce throughout the semester.
The event is free and open to the public, registration is preferred, RSVP here

Off-Campus Programs

Book Launch: "The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning: Meditation for Racial Healing," by Dr. Catherine Meeks
Thursday, December 8, 6:30 p.m., Facebook or Zoom
You are invited to the virtual book launch of “The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning: Meditations for Racial Healing,” by Dr. Catherine Meeks. A recipient of the 2022 President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award, Meeks shares highlights and insights from her ongoing journey to dismantle racism and offers a meditative guide for the weary and frustrated. 
Online Thursday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom Webinar Registration - Zoom or view the live stream on Facebook. This event is hosted by the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City.
Opportunities and Resources
Spotlight: Interfaith Friendships Can Heal Campus Divisions
"The answer to quelling the political and social warring among students today might lie in a simple Aristotelian philosophy: Friendship is essential to creating a just and democratic society.
Colleges that actively encourage friendships among students across religious differences can play a crucial role in bridging divisions, ultimately creating more-compassionate campus environments, a recent study says."
Read the full article in the Chronicle of Higher Education here
Interfaith America with Eboo Patel: What Do Evangelical Christians Want for America?
This week on “Interfaith America with Eboo Patel,” Shirley V. Hoogstra discusses why she champions interfaith work and Christian education.
Hoogstra is president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. She talks about the diversity among evangelical Christians and why Christians are called to interfaith work. A visionary leader who is passionate about Christian higher education and the role it plays in the common good, Hoogstra has focused on expanding diversity and inclusion on CCCU campuses and making education available, accessible, and affordable to all students.
Listen now and subscribe to "Interfaith America with Eboo Patel" wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more here
Calling All Emory Voters
Early voting will be available at least Nov. 28-Dec. 2, with some counties starting earlier, including DeKalb County which starts on 11/27. You can vote early at any early-voting location in the county where you’re registered.
If you’re registered in DeKalb County, you can vote early on campus at 1599 Clifton Rd., Sun 11/27-Fri 12/2, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
To vote on Election Day (12/6), you must go to your assigned precinct, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Look up your precinct on My Voter Page under ‘My Voting Location.’
If you have any more questions? See the resource page or email Marjorie Pak or Hannah Joy Gebresilassie.
Grants Available to Emory Projects Supporting Black Communities and Women and Girls
The Black Emory and Women of Emory Impact Circles invite Emory staff and faculty to submit funding proposals now for Emory projects and programs that advance the causes of their respective communities of interest on campus, in Atlanta, and beyond.
Learn more about grant eligibility and submit your applications for the Black Emory Impact Circle here and the Women of Emory Impact Circle here. Applications will be accepted online through January 27, 2023, with funds to be used during the 2023-2024 academic year. Contact Julie Earnhart with any questions.
Jewish Studies Spring 2023 Course Offerings
For Spring 2022, the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies is listing a diverse set of undergraduate courses in the fields of literature, history, Middle Eastern Studies, and religion. Whether you’re interested in the modern Jewish condition, world politics, or matza and tortillas, take a look at all that’s being offered here.  
Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
Weekly 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 add an item to our weekly gatherings page, please email our office here.
Community Weekly Gatherings
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
Advent
Sun., Nov. 27 – Fri., Dec. 23, 2022
Tradition: Christianity-Protestant, Christianity-Roman Catholic
Period of four weeks in which Christians prepare for Christmas and meditate on the end of all time. In Western churches, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. 
Bodhi Day
Thu., Dec. 8, 2022
Tradition: Buddhism
In the northern tradition, this is the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment, ca. 596 BCE. In the southern tradition, the Buddha's Enlightenment is celebrated during Vesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Thu., Dec. 8, 2022
Tradition: Christianity-Roman Catholic
A feast day that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without original sin.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mon., Dec. 12, 2022
Tradition: Christianity-Roman Catholic
Emory OSRL ENews is published weekly during the 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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