Author Archives: Kim Alston

Students Celebrate Fasika, Orthodox Easter

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Kim Alston
by

Last month nine Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo students traveled to Boston to celebrate Fasika, Orthodox Easter, at Mekane Hiwote St. Michael Church. We arrived Saturday afternoon, and by the evening we were gathered in the church for Mahlet, the hymns and … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Newsletter Articles, Programs & Events, Reflections, Spirituality, Student Posts, Student Reflections | Leave a comment

Finding Stability Through Meditation

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Kim Alston
by

There is no shortage of things to be angry about these days. I find myself overwhelmed by the violence and instability that characterize our 21st-century life, torn between the desire to be informed about the world and the desire to … Continue reading →

Posted in Programs & Events, Reflections, Spirituality, Student Posts, Student Reflections | Leave a comment

Embodiment

Posted on November 13, 2025 by Kim Alston
by

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 Programs & Events, Reflections, Spirituality, Student Articles, Student Reflections, Wonder | Leave a comment

Identity and Authenticity

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Kim Alston
by

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 Programs & Events, Reflections, Social Justice, Spirituality, Student Articles, Student Posts, Student Reflections | Leave a comment

Wonder and Awe

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Kim Alston
by

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

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in Holidays, Newsletter Articles, Programs & Events, Reflections, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hag Ha Aviv: The Festival of Spring Draws Near

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in History, Holidays, Interfaith Matters, Newsletter Articles, Programs & Events, Reflections, Social Justice, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sacred Month of Ramadan

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in Holidays, Programs & Events, Spirituality, Student Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Co-Curricular Opportunities for Jewish Learning

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Ramadan at Smith

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in Holidays, Newsletter Articles, Programs & Events, Reflections, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment