Author Archives: Kim Alston

Identity and Authenticity

Soup, Salad, and Soul is a student-led group that meets every Friday from 12:15-1:00 p.m. in the Bodman Lounge of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel. We always have an amazing home cooked meal by three student chefs. In this series, Fallon … Continue reading

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Wonder and Awe

Soup, Salad, and Soul is a student-led group that meets every Friday from 12:15-1:00 p.m. in the Bodman Lounge of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel. We always have an amazing home cooked meal by three student chefs. In this series, Fallon … Continue reading

Posted in Exhibitions, Programs & Events, Reflections, Social Justice, Spirituality, Student Articles, Student Posts, Student Reflections, Uncategorized, Wonder | Leave a comment

Blessed Ramadan Ends; Fast of Shawwal Begins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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