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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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Recently, one of my chaplain colleagues described a word I’d never heard of before. “Sonder” is the feeling associated with realizing that each individual we see has a life as full and real as our own. The video “Sonder: The Realization That Everyone Has A Story,” narrated by John Koenig, who coined the term in 2012, captures the notion movingly.
I suspect many of us have had such moments, if only for a few fleeting seconds. Maybe it has happened while roaming the airport waiting for a flight, or in the check-out line at the grocery store. Instead of other people being invisible to me, or an obstacle to whatever I want, I realize that everyone has a story. My story isn’t more true or important than yours, or vice versa. .
Seeing others through “sonder eyes,” rather than as background characters in our own plot, is challenging. We go about our days living like we are the main protagonists, especially when we insulate ourselves behind screens and with headphones. Yet, as Jewish philosopher Martin Buber would say, we only become whole human beings when we see each person as a “Thou” rather than an “It.” When we treat others as “Its”—objects to be used or discarded—then there is great potential for harm and evil. This happens all too often when people dismiss or demonize others because they don’t check the “right” boxes. How easy it is to discredit or even despise people if we don’t practice empathy, valuing and upholding their full humanity, even if we could not be more different or disagree with them more strongly.
No one is one- or two-dimensional, despite what social media feeds and news cycles lead us to think. Everyone is complex, filled with joys and burdens, hopes and fears, even they themselves don’t fully understand. So maybe the best advice I can offer is this, borrowed from Presbyterian minister John Watson: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Start by looking upon yourself with kindness, and then see others with kindness as well, through “sonder eyes.” This is our life’s work, and it’s needed now more than ever.
Peace and light,
Dan
The Reverend Daniel Bell
Protestant Chaplain
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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High Holidays at Tufts Hillel
Hillel offers meaningful, student-centered services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, including Reform and Traditional-Egalitarian options. They also offer learning programs, social events, and festival meals throughout the holidays. Whether you’re looking for prayer, meditation, community, food, or a home away from home, you’ll find it at Hillel. Find the full High Holiday calendar below.
With the High Holidays, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah coming up, a reminder: students are fully entitled to request academic accommodations for religious observance. Professors are expected to honor these requests. If you need any help or run into any challenges, reach out to Hillel and/or the Office of Equal Opportunity. You can call OEO at 6176273298 as well. Take the time you need, you are supported!
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Tea & Community Care: Listening to the World Around Us
Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m, Goddard Chapel
- Begins with a 10-minute Listening meditation.
- Insights on listening practices from Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper & Buddhist Chaplain Mahayaye Vineetha.
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GHSA General Interest Meeting
September 25, 6:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m, Goddard Chapel
We’re excited to announce our very first General Interest Meeting (GIM) for the Graduate Hindu Students Association! Join us this Thursday in Goddard Chapel. This is a great opportunity for graduate students interested in helping plan Hindu festivals and cultural events on campus. Come share your ideas, get involved, and be part of building a vibrant community together! You can email Graduate Programming Intern Prakruthi Ramesh with any questions.
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Fall Mindfulness Trip for International Students
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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Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Celebration Gatherin with Pa'lante Tufts Latinx+ Faculty and Staff Alliance
Wednesday, October 8, 4:00 p.m - 5:30 p.m, Interfaith Center
All staff and faculty are welcome to join us for an afternoon of food, community, and connection. Together, we’ll shape a space for self-discovery and meaningful conversations. Click on the button below to RSVP! For any questions or concerns, email the Humanist Chaplain, Anthony Cruz.
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Tufts Day of Service
Friday, September 26, 1:00 p.m - 3:30 p.m
Breed Hall, 51 Winthrop Street, Medford
Volunteer for Tufts Day of Service and build community, win raffle prizes, and snag a free T-shirt (first 200 volunteers)! Find more information on the event through the link below.
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Women's Center Month of Self-Care
Month of October, Various Locations
The Women's Center is hosting a month of self-care for all Tufts community members. Please follow them on Instagram for more information! Stay tuned for more information about Buddhist Women Scholars and Practioners.
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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.
Navaratri
Monday, September 22 – Thursday, October 2, 2025
Tradition: Hinduism
A nine-night (nav-rat) celebration of nine auspicious forms of Shakti/Devi (feminine divine power/the Goddess).
Rosh Hashanah
Monday, September 22 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of Repentance) that conclude on Yom Kippur. It marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year for Jews.
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.
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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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