Category Archives: Response Statements

Darkness and Light

There are verses in psalm 139 that I have used (to mix my spiritual metaphors) like a Zen Koan. “If I were to say that darkness will shadow me, then night would be light on my account…Night shines as day.” … Continue reading

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

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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Mourning Places of Worship Victimized By Violence

Christchurch, Sri Lanka, San Diego. In recent years there have been increasingly common attacks on places of worship all over the world. In our diverse international, multi-religious, multicultural community here at Smith anywhere a tragedy happens will likely touch someone. … Continue reading

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Letter in support of Muslim Community

Dear Muslim Community, Interfaith Allies and Friends, As you may have heard from the Al Iman Cabinet, there is an abhorrent anti-Muslim theme which originated in the UK, and may be relevant in the US. We are sorry to bring … Continue reading

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Teach-In on Gun Violence

The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life co-sponsored School Violence Prevention Teaching and Learning Day on Thursday, an initiative led by President Kathleen McCartney. President McCartney opened the central event of the day, a discussion panel, after recognizing that mass … Continue reading

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Vigil for Natural Disasters and Climate Change

On Tuesday, September 26, students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered on Chapin Lawn to stand in solidarity with those affected by recent natural disasters in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominica, Texas, Florida, and many other places. We also wanted … Continue reading

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Statement on Refugee and Muslim Ban

The Smith College Jewish Community (SCJC) stands in strong opposition to Donald Trump’s executive order banning Muslims and refugees from entering the country. This executive order, signed on Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a haunting reminder of our obligation as Jews … Continue reading

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Mourning, Intersectionality, and Hope
Part II: Don’t Be Selective

We have been focusing our  vigils on  shedding light in places where the inquiry and fervor of the media does not go. To vigil means to “pay attention” and to be “watchful.” Members of our diverse community are often directly affected … Continue reading

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Mourning, Intersectionality, and Hope
Part I: #OurThreeBrothers

At the end of February, three young immigrant men, two of whom were Muslim, were tragically killed in Fort Wayne, Indiana under unknown circumstances. They were murdered “execution style” in an abandoned building that was “under surveillance” by police for … Continue reading

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Newtown School Shooting: What I Know is True

The faith tradition(s) that I follow allows me a certain acceptance of uncertainty and “living the questions,” as the famous poem by Rilke puts it. Grappling, wondering, ruminating, and questioning are all part of the journey for me—as is the … Continue reading

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