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This is the blog of the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (CRSL) at Smith College. To learn more, visit our website.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in these posts are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily shared by CRSL or by Smith College.
Category Archives: Newsletter Articles
Thankfulness as a Remedy for Change
by Kim Alston
There is a popular saying in Islam that Muslims use in their everyday interactions to give thanks, praise and glory to God. Alhamdulillah is an Arabic phrase translated as All praises are due to Allah. Muslims use it to show … Continue reading
Understanding the Effects of Racial Trauma
by Kim Alston
Racial Trauma for Blacks is a prevalent phenomenon that cannot be disputed yet it is so commonplace that it has been normalized. Every day the U.S. global majority (an alternative term for people of color) face the damaging effects of … Continue reading
Why Now, and What Now? A Theological Reflection on the Fire of the Current Moment
Why Now, and What Now? A Theological Reflection on the Fire of the Current Moment “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” –John Lewis God gave Noah the rainbow sign ‘No more water but fire next time. – … Continue reading
People of the Mask
My son is now a project manager for a large hospital system. Two weeks ago, he took on the task of getting remote communications and monitoring programs into ICUs so nurses could monitor Covid-19 patients without having to always enter … Continue reading
Posted in Interfaith Matters, Newsletter Articles, Reflections, Social Justice, Spirituality
Tagged campus news, community, CRSL news, Jewish, spirituality
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A Revolution of Rest: A Case For ‘Radical Renewal’
by Kim Alston
While I was brainstorming for this piece I found myself struggling to formulate something that hasn’t already been said about this moment of absolute turmoil. At first, I aimed to express something profound, original… politically galvanizing even. But quite quickly, … Continue reading
A Note About The Use of Sacred Texts
Dear Friends, On behalf of the Smith College Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, I write to condemn the recent use of a sacred text to illustrate a political point. Christian scripture in particular has been manipulated to oppress black … Continue reading
Fear and Freedom: Hand in Hand
“The caged bird sings with a fearful trill, of things unknown, but longed for still, and his tune is heard on the distant hill, for the caged bird sings of freedom.” ― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Here … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays, Interfaith Matters, Newsletter Articles, Reflections, Social Justice, Spirituality
Tagged Christianity, CRSL news, Easter, Jewish, Passover, worship
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Times of Captivity, a Time of Liberation
For the next two issues, our newsletter will focus on the theme of liberation. Passover, the holiday which began last night, April 8, commemorates the successful exodus of the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt. The COVID-19 crisis kept … Continue reading
Uncertainty
There is a Jewish holiday dedicated to uncertainty. Its very name, Purim, means “dice.” During the holiday, the community reads the Book of Esther, a biblical book in which God is never mentioned. In the Book of Esther, God works … Continue reading
Posted in History, Holidays, Newsletter Articles, Response Statements
Tagged community, Jewish, Smith College Jewish Community
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Our Year on Climate Change: Overcoming the Stagnation of Fear
by Kim Alston
The climate crisis is a crisis for all of us. The massiveness of its scope can be frightening, even paralyzing. The completeness of it – that is has touched, or will touch, us all – also presents an incredible opportunity. … Continue reading