Category Archives: History

Best Day Ever! Building Interfaith Community One Party at a Time!

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Kim Alston
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This article represents reflections from Maeve Orlowski-Scherer ‘21, a student intern and leader in the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. By 5:30 p.m., everything was ready. The chairs had been pushed back to the sides of the Helen Hills … Continue reading →

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Our Year on Climate Change: Expanding the Golden Rule

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Kim Alston
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CRSL is part of Smith’s college-wide initiative on climate change. Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and College Chaplain Matilda Cantwell discusses the impact of climate change and its connection to the work of the CRSL. My friend and colleague … Continue reading →

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In Memoriam:
The Inauguration of Jill Ker Conway

Posted on June 21, 2018 by Emmett Wald
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Jill Ker Conway, the seventh president of Smith College, died a few weeks ago on 1 June 2018. She has been fondly remembered by many others, and I will not attempt to offer an additional obituary or recollection of her … Continue reading →

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DACA Discourse and Action Panel highlights student voices

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Jenna Haines '19
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Many students, some Smithies included, have found themselves in the midst of political upheaval since President Trump’s move to rescind DACA. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program protects eligible youth from deportation. The administrative program implemented in 2012 by … Continue reading →

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The Baby Torah

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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“Do you want a Torah?  It belonged to my great-grandfather. My family is either going to donate it to our synagogue or give it to you.” The year was 2011, and the question came from a student, Emma Cooke, as … Continue reading →

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Restore and Revive:
Great Awakening History in Northampton

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Lizzie Stephani '18J
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A few Smithies, along with church leaders from all across New England, attended the Restore and Revive convocation, September 29 – October 2, which was the tail end event to a larger 10-day prayer conference. Restore and Revive was held … Continue reading →

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The Glowing Influence of the Spring Equinox

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Emmett Wald
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The spring equinox, which fell on March 20 this year, is considered the first day of spring, and is recognized as a holiday across many religions and cultures. The spring and fall equinoxes mark important moments in our orbit of … Continue reading →

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A Smith Haggadah

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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On the evening of Monday, April 10, the Sanctuary in Helen Hills Chapel was filled with 72 singing, laughing, and reflecting students. The Smith College Jewish Community (SCJC) hosted a Passover Seder. It was the largest, happiest, most energetic ever. … Continue reading →

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Sacred Space and Beloved Community

Posted on March 6, 2017 by Matilda Cantwell
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The Yoga aphorisms of Patanjali from the third century state “what we truly worship we make sacred.” This philosophy rings very true for me. I believe it applies to “worship” in the broadest sense: quiet, alert walks in the woods; … Continue reading →

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The Sanctuary Movement: A Brief History

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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As a religious concept, “sanctuary” is connected to a sense of holiness and means to be “set apart.” The word sanctuary, when used in the context of political movements, has come to also mean places of physical safety, as in … Continue reading →

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