Author Archives: Kim Alston

Blessed Ramadan Ends; Fast of Shawwal Begins

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Kim Alston
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Community! That’s a good word to describe Ramadan 2025, the mandatory sacred fast performed by Muslims annually during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Many know that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) starting in the month … Continue reading →

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Hag Ha Aviv: The Festival of Spring Draws Near

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Kim Alston
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Spring is officially here as evidenced by the appearance of the first flowers breaking through the ground and buds on trees. Passover, celebrated from the evening of April 12 until April 20, is one of the three Jewish festivals (Shavuot … Continue reading →

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The Sacred Month of Ramadan

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Kim Alston
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Muslims worldwide look forward to the start of the Ramadan season, a beautiful time of year for reflection, spiritual renewal, and devotion to Allah. Some of our students and community members at Smith will engage in Ramadan. You will hear many … Continue reading →

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Co-Curricular Opportunities for Jewish Learning

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Kim Alston
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The Talmud in Kiddushin asks an important question: “Which is greater: learning or action?”  The Talmud’s question makes it clear that both have spiritual importance (or it would have been worded differently) but the question is examining the relative importance … Continue reading →

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Ramadan at Smith

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Kim Alston
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Ramadan Mubarak! Muslims worldwide look forward to the start of the Ramadan season, a beautiful time of year for reflection, spiritual renewal, and devotion to Allah. Some of our students and community members at Smith will engage in Ramadan. You … Continue reading →

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CRSL Shepherds a Re-energized Ramadan at Smith

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Kim Alston
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Whenever we guide others on a path or journey, whether spiritual or physical, it is a great responsibility for the appointed leader. The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life holds this sacred role dear to its heart. Students know when … Continue reading →

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Invocation for Generating Justice and Joy Nov. 30, 2021

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Kim Alston
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We are grateful that our earth has the capacity to take care of all living creatures. We affirm the importance of the humanity of all people. We are gathered to reconfirm our commitment to the seeking of this great concept … Continue reading →

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Reparations in Higher Education

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Kim Alston
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This post is the first of a few to explore the theme of reparations. The term has come to refer to a broad movement advocating for payments and structural repair to those harmed by slavery in the U.S. and to … Continue reading →

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The War in Afghanistan, 9-11, and our Interconnectedness

Posted on October 16, 2021 by Kim Alston
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I thought it was a good idea to bring attention to the handling of the events in Afghanistan by the U.S. military last month through Generating Justice and Joy because it demonstrates the confusion, complexity, complicity, and connection that so … Continue reading →

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Racial Justice in Islam Series Connects Leaders to Students

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Kim Alston
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The Racial Justice in Islam: Opening Our Hearts series was created as a space for students to learn about Islam’s approach towards justice, its historical foundation, and modern-day implications. Through asynchronous dialogue with noted Islamic leaders students were encouraged to … Continue reading →

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