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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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Dear Tufts friends,
Welcome back to campus after our all-too-brief time away, a sojourn meant to refresh us and offer spiritual sustenance among family and friends. Our lives unfold in rhythms and seasons: semesters and holidays, work and travel, effort and rest. As we return to campus this winter, hopeful for the promise of spring, I find myself reflecting on the breaks that mark the in-between times of university life. These are moments when we pause the pursuit of knowledge, step away from our centers of learning, and allow ourselves time to rest, recover, and replenish our reserves.
A line of the Qur’an speaks of the Qurayshi Arabs traveling in caravans from oasis to oasis, saying: “For the Quraysh became accustomed, secure in their winter and summer journeys” (106:1–2).
These journeys were caravans of trade, undertaken to bring sustenance and prosperity back to their homes. Today, these lines call to mind our own winter and summer journeys. We, too, travel while carrying with us what we have learned, exchanging our stores of knowledge for care, renewal, and a new perspective based on that knowledge. When we return, we begin once more the work of learning. These journeys, like caravans from oasis to oasis, sustain the life of the university. I hope you return refreshed from sharing your knowledge and presence through conversations and connections with your loved ones over the winter break.
May these weeks of rest have renewed you for the essential work of community building and knowledge-making that is the special calling of universities. I hope we all find opportunities to draw closer to one another, and to experience joy and delight in our shared presence during this brief season, before we once again set out from this oasis on our summer journeys.
Peace and blessings to you all,
Khan Shairani
Muslim Chaplain
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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 for this annual celebration, recommitting Tufts to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. King. This year’s theme Lift Every Voice is inspired by King’s 1963 speech “I Have a Dream.” The event will feature the Tufts Wind Ensemble, Ladies of Essence and S-Factor, the 2026 winner of the MLK Student Voices Award, and the first Massachusetts Poet Laureate, Regie Gibson, who will perform an original piece. The event will be recorded and livestreamed. ASL interpretation will be available. Please register below to attend virtually or in-person. Free dinner reception to follow in Alumnae Lounge. Thank you to our co-hosts, the Africana Center, the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Inclusive Excellence, Tisch College of Civic Life, and the Office of Student Life.
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The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Community Action
Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
“And some of us who have already begun to break the silence of the night have found that the calling to speak is often a vocation of agony, but we must speak. We must speak with all the humility that is appropriate to our limited vision, but we must speak.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Beyond Vietnam, A Time to Break Silence,” 1967
Join the Interfaith Ambassador Team for the 2026 MLK Day of Community Action for dinner, workshops led by Tufts faculty, and an open mic. Together, we will explore our own roles in the fight for change through the lenses of language, music, and art. Engage in conversation, collaborate with friends and learn from our histories. Locally sourced dinner will be provided. Registration is required and closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, January 26. Spots are limited. For questions, please contact Interfaith Ambassador Tyler Kwong.
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Did you know? We have newsletters you might be looking for!If you are looking for more community-specific newsletters, you can subscribe for the newsletters from our Buddhist, Catholic, Humanist, Muslim, and Protestant chaplains as well. Most newsletters are weekly, and contain information about upcoming events and gatherings, and feature reflections from each chaplain. The Hillel communications information can be found on their website. You can opt out any time from any of the communications you receive from the University Chaplaincy and associated chaplaincies.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Join the Voices for Peace and Light Choir
Rehearsals Thursdays, 12:10 p.m. - 1:10 p.m., Goddard Chapel starting Thursday, January 15
Voices for Peace and Light is an unauditioned choir open to all members of the Tufts community – graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff, alumni/ae, and neighbors. We welcome experienced choral singers and people who are brand new to choral music. Supported by four strong choral scholars, we will rehearse weekly and perform a few pieces for some spring semester events. If you can talk, you can sing! You can email Music Director Suzie Cartreine with any questions.
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Spring Book Club
Mondays, starting January 26, 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m., Interfaith Center
Join the Humanist community for lively discussions and snacks as we read What I Believe: Humanist Ideas and Philosophies to Live By by Andrew Copson. All are welcome to explore humanist thought and reflect together in community. RSVP for the Spring Book Club by clicking the link below. For any questions, please reach out to the Humanist chaplain, Anthony Cruz Pantojas.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Songs of Peace - A Benefit for STEP
Sunday, January 25, 3:00 p.m.
Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA
Join Songs of Peace for an afternoon of music and community in support of Israeli and Palestinian science scholars through STEP (Science Training Encouraging Peace). Featuring guest speakers and musical performances by Abigale Reisman, Akram Haddad, and Scott Moore, with the choirs of Temple Ahavat Achim and the Annisquam Village Church. Click on the link below for more information on tickets, sponsorship options and more.
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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.
Laylat al-Isra'wa al-Mi'raj
Fri., Jan. 16, 2026
Tradition: Islam
Commemorates the ascension (al-Mi’raj) of the Prophet to heaven following his night journey (al-Isra’) from Mecca to Jerusalem and his return the same night.
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Tue., Jan. 20, 2026
Tradition: Sikhism
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708). The 10th and final Sikhmaster, he created the Khalsa, the “Brotherhood of the Pure,” and declared the Scriptures, the Adi ’Granth, to be the Sikh’s Guru from that time on.
Vasant Panchami
Fri., Jan. 23, 2026
Tradition: Hinduism
One of many festivals to honor the advent of spring, this day is celebrated particularly in North India, where it is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of learning; however, it also retains connection with the goddess Lakshmi.
Sadeh
Thu., Jan. 29, 2026
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
An Iranian mid-winter celebration observed by the kindling of fire. Meaning “one-hundred,” Sadeh marks 50 days (100 days and nights) before Naw Ruz.
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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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